The Florida Board of Education will meet this month to decide whether to adopt a new rule prohibiting undocumented immigrants from attending the state's public colleges.

Why it matters: Tuition at state-level colleges is much more affordable than at universities, and with undocumented immigrants no longer eligible for in-state tuition, these colleges may be their only chance at higher education.

• An estimated 8,000 undocumented students graduate from the state's high schools each year, per the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

Driving the news: The new rule aims to ensure that all students admitted to the Florida College System are citizens or lawfully present in the U.S.

• It would require applicants to attest to their legal status and provide supporting documentation before they are admitted.
• The rule would also saddle colleges with new operational demands, requiring them to develop procedures to verify applicants' legal status.

Between the lines: The State Board of Education is using administrative rulemaking to advance a policy goal that Republican lawmakers tried, but failed, to enact through legislation in 2025 and 2026.

• It would not be the first time state officials have used rulemaking to move major pieces of Gov. Ron DeSantis' agenda.
• The state Board of Medicine did the same in 2022, using rulemaking to ban gender-affirming care for minors after lawmakers twice declined to take up a bill to do so. Lawmakers later codified the restrictions in 2023.

The big picture: DeSantis signed a bill last year eliminating in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, closing off a key path to higher education for students who cannot receive federal financial aid or legally work.

• Since then, the University of South Florida has raised out-of-state tuition twice, meaning undocumented students would now have to pay at least $8,000 per semester, a 317% increase from what they had been paying.
• Even at out-of-state tuition rates, Hillsborough College and St. Petersburg College remain cheaper alternatives, costing about $5,000 per semester. If the rule passes, that option would no longer be available.

Zoom out: The rule wouldn't only cost undocumented students; a report by the Florida Policy Institute shows that the state college system could lose about $15 million each year in tuition and fees.

• St. Petersburg College alone could lose more than half a million dollars annually, according to the report.

What's next: The state Board of Education is expected to consider the new rule on June 30.

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If you've spent time outside this week, you've surely felt it: It is hot.

Why it matters: The heat index, or the "feels like" temperature, which accounts for humidity and air temperature, will hit the triple digits today and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

• But with higher rain chances going into the weekend, it could cool off a bit on Saturday and Sunday, NWS Tampa Bay meteorologist Keily Delerme told Axios.

Threat level: The conditions pose a "major" heat risk for much of Central Florida, including Tampa Bay, on Thursday and Friday, per the weather service's heat risk map.

• In some parts of Manatee County, the risk is considered "extreme," the highest risk level.
• Saturday will see some relief, particularly in coastal Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, before temperatures creep back up early next week.

What to do: Limit strenuous outdoor activity if possible. If not, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.

• Don't leave kids or pets in cars unattended.
• Check up on family, friends and neighbors who are heat-sensitive or older adults.

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💡 The City of Clearwater completed an appraisal of the Duke Energy property it would need to buy if it launched a municipal utility, with assets valued at about $265 million. (Tampa Bay Times)

⛈️ The first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Arthur, formed near Texas yesterday. It could bring rain across Gulf Coast states, but it won't threaten Tampa Bay, forecasters said. (Times)

🍖 Tampa's Southern Luv BBQ plans to open in the EDGE District of Downtown St. Pete later this year. (St. Pete Rising)

It's almost the weekend! You know the drill.

🍻 Gulfport Brewfest, Gulfport: Local breweries including Tampa Bay Brewing Co., de Bine Brewing Co., and Grand Central Brew House are teaming up for a celebration of good beer and Gulfport Brewery's sixth anniversary.

• Saturday, 1-5pm, Gulfport Brewery + Eatery. Tickets start at $53.33 and get you unlimited pours.

🏖️ Beach Blonde Block Party Summer Kickoff, St. Pete: Say it with us: more! beer! This party will feature a dozen varieties of 3 Daughters Brewing's fave Beach Blonde Ale, plus a market, food trucks, live music and more.

• Sunday, noon-6pm, 3 Daughters Brewing. Free.

🏳️‍🌈 Queerlastic Book Fair, St. Pete: Like the Scholastic Book Fair of yesteryear, but gayer. Shop LGBTQ+ literature from independent booksellers plus art, zines, prints and more.

• Sunday, noon-3pm, St. Petersburg City Theatre. Organizers suggest a $5 donation at the door to benefit the nonprofit theater.

Shout-out to readers who sent us their favorite nature photos for Nature Photography Day!

• We loved this black-crowned night heron silhouetted by a sunset in New Port Richey, courtesy of Mitch Dormont, and these yellow-bellied sliders catching some rays in Palm Harbor, courtesy of Cathie Koch.