Finch Walker
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Finch Walker
@finchwalker.bsky.social
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Award-winning education reporter at Florida Today/USA Today • ✉️: fwalker@floridatoday.com • Basically always writing • Find my live coverage of Brevard's school board meetings on X (@_finchwalker)
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finchwalker.bsky.social
Post-government shutdown and heading into the holidays, agencies providing food and other necessities around Brevard are struggling to meet the communities needs.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Those assisting Brevard residents in need are exhausted but determined
Even with the government shutdown's end, the community's needs are at an all-time high and continue to increase, said Scott Billue of Matthew's Hope.
www.floridatoday.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:32 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
A Brevard school board meeting disappeared from YouTube, then later was made public again with an edit to remove a board member's profane comment against transparency.
The edit is likely in violation of Florida law, according to a First Amendment expert.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Brevard Schools edits profane comment from livestream. Is that legal?
Brevard Public Schools edited a livestream to remove an explicit comment about transparency from board member Gene Trent.
www.floridatoday.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:24 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
A former Eastern Florida State College employee filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was terminated from her position because of posts made to her personal Facebook page about the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Former Eastern Florida employee files lawsuit after termination over Charlie Kirk posts
An Eastern Florida State College graduate and employee was fired after discussing Charlie Kirk on her Facebook page.
www.floridatoday.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
With November SNAP payments still up in the air, organizations providing food assistance to Brevard residents are struggling to keep up with the community's needs.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/s...
Second Harvest will 'fall well short' of needs with only partial SNAP funding, CEO says
Every week, Second Harvest of Central Florida gets around 3,000 inquiries from people in search of food. That number more than tripled recently.
www.floridatoday.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
At a Nov. 4 meeting, Cape Canaveral's city council approved a resolution urging Brevard's school board to keep Cape View Elementary School open and work with the city to improve enrollment.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Cape Canaveral city council approves resolution urging school board to keep Cape View open
Cape Canaveral's city council on Nov. 4 approved a resolution urging Brevard's school board to keep Cape View Elementary School open.
www.floridatoday.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Because of the government shutdown, November SNAP benefits won't go out to nearly 3 million Floridians. Here's how Brevard residents could be impacted — and who's working to help them.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2...
'It's mission impossible': Brevard families grapple with impending halt of SNAP benefits
With November SNAP benefits on hold due to the federal government shutdown, Brevard food banks expect an increase in need that was already high.
www.floridatoday.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:11 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Another Brevard teacher is under investigation for not stopping a student from writing their chosen name on homework assignments. Anastasios Kamoutsas will seek to have her license suspended.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Second Brevard teacher under investigation for allowing student to use preferred name
A second teacher at Satellite High is under investigation by the state over the use of a then-17-year-old student's use of a chosen name.
www.floridatoday.com
September 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Crosswalks and street art around Florida disappeared at the end of August -- including student art in Brevard.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Crosswalk crosshairs: Street art removed at 4 Brevard schools following state, federal mandate
Artwork designed by students was removed at four elementary schools in Brevard following a state mandate.
www.floridatoday.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:54 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
ICYMI: It's unclear how Brevard Public Schools will proceed as Florida moves to end mandatory vaccines. Here's what local healthcare providers said:
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Florida moves to end mandatory vaccinations. Will Brevard Schools still require shots?
It's unclear how Brevard Public Schools will proceed in the wake of Florida's move to end mandatory vaccinations.
www.floridatoday.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:54 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said he believed Brevard teacher Melissa Calhoun — who was cleared by a state committee to return to teaching after using a student's chosen name without parental permission — deserved to be suspended.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Education Commissioner: Brevard teacher who lost job over name issue deserves suspension
The Florida Board of Education discussed the possibility of overruling the Education Practices Commission to give Melissa Calhoun a harsher punishment.
www.floridatoday.com
August 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Still looking for input!
finchwalker.bsky.social Finch Walker @finchwalker.bsky.social · Aug 18
BREVARD STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS: I'm working on a story about BPS' updated wireless communication devices policy and want to hear how it's impacting you. If you want to share your thoughts for an article, reach me at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com by 12pm 8/21.
August 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
BREVARD STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS: I'm working on a story about BPS' updated wireless communication devices policy and want to hear how it's impacting you. If you want to share your thoughts for an article, reach me at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com by 12pm 8/21.
August 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Calhoun: "Nobody is intentionally trying to subvert parent rights. That's not our goal as educators. ... The reality is we're just trying to help develop successful, independent critical thinkers for the future of America."
ICYMI: You can read/watch the full interview here ⬇️
finchwalker.bsky.social Finch Walker @finchwalker.bsky.social · Aug 15
Melissa Calhoun was the first Florida educator to lose her job as a result of a 2023 Board of Education rule on student names.

Despite receiving international scrutiny for months, on her 35th birthday, she opened up about the incident.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
'Always my goal to make it back': Satellite teacher who lost job over student name speaks out
Former Satellite High teacher Melissa Calhoun spoke with FLORIDA TODAY about the investigation triggered by a parent's complaint to Brevard schools.
www.floridatoday.com
August 18, 2025 at 4:47 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Melissa Calhoun was the first Florida educator to lose her job as a result of a 2023 Board of Education rule on student names.

Despite receiving international scrutiny for months, on her 35th birthday, she opened up about the incident.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
'Always my goal to make it back': Satellite teacher who lost job over student name speaks out
Former Satellite High teacher Melissa Calhoun spoke with FLORIDA TODAY about the investigation triggered by a parent's complaint to Brevard schools.
www.floridatoday.com
August 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Tuesday: Brevard's school board denied a motion by John Thomas to reconsider hiring Melissa Calhoun, a former Satellite High teacher ousted for using a student’s chosen name without parental OK. She was cleared by the state in July to return to teaching.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
'We have gone above and beyond': Motion to consider rehiring ousted Brevard teacher fails
Brevard school board member John Thomas made a motion to reconsider hiring Melissa Calhoun. The motion failed.
www.floridatoday.com
August 13, 2025 at 5:26 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Yesterday was the first day of school in Brevard County! Here's what you may have missed (short thread):
August 12, 2025 at 5:17 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
In April, a Brevard teacher was ousted after using a teen's chosen name. She could reapply if the state didn't revoke her certification, the district said.
Last week, a FLDOE committee cleared her. But Brevard Schools says they won't consider hiring her.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
'No political intent': Brevard teacher ousted over use of student's chosen name won't return to class
Melissa Calhoun, who was cleared to return to the classroom after she was ousted for the use of a student's chosen name, won't be rehired in Brevard.
www.floridatoday.com
August 6, 2025 at 3:22 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Story has been repubbed with additional info and comments from Calhoun.
finchwalker.bsky.social Finch Walker @finchwalker.bsky.social · Aug 5
BREAKING: Despite a Florida Department of Education committee clearing her to return to the classroom, Brevard has opted not to rehire Melissa Calhoun, a teacher ousted for using a student's chosen name without parental permission.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Brevard Public Schools won't rehire teacher ousted over use of student's chosen name
Melissa Calhoun, who was cleared to return to the classroom after she was ousted for the use of a student's chosen name, won't be rehired in Brevard.
www.floridatoday.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:04 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
BREAKING: Despite a Florida Department of Education committee clearing her to return to the classroom, Brevard has opted not to rehire Melissa Calhoun, a teacher ousted for using a student's chosen name without parental permission.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Brevard Public Schools won't rehire teacher ousted over use of student's chosen name
Melissa Calhoun, who was cleared to return to the classroom after she was ousted for the use of a student's chosen name, won't be rehired in Brevard.
www.floridatoday.com
August 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
How do Brevard government bodies handle public comments? It's an issue that's been up for debate over recent months.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/l...
Government bodies grapple with changes to public comment policies around Brevard
There is renewed focus on how government meetings are conducted, including getting access to speak and how social media is changing public perception.
www.floridatoday.com
August 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Florida Department of Education's Education Practices Committee reached a settlement with Melissa Calhoun, a veteran Brevard teacher who was ousted after using a student's chosen name without parental permission.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2...
State approves settlement with Brevard teacher ousted over calling student by chosen name
The state reached a settlement with Melissa Calhoun, a Brevard teacher who was ousted after using a student's chosen name without parental permission.
www.floridatoday.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:55 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Tonight: Brevard Public Schools is set to discuss a tentative budget for 2026 and will vote on the 2025-2026 student code of conduct. I'll have live coverage starting after 5:30 p.m.:
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
www.floridatoday.com
July 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Melissa Calhoun, a former Brevard teacher who was ousted from Brevard Public Schools after using a then-high school senior’s chosen name without parental permission, is scheduled to appear before a Florida Department of Education committee on July 30.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
State education board to hear from Brevard teacher ousted over use of student's chosen name
A Florida Department of Education committee will determine the status of an ousted Brevard educator's teaching certification.
www.floridatoday.com
July 29, 2025 at 5:15 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
This summer, the Powell Community Youth Read and Feed program is making sure South Brevard kids are not only getting home-cooked meals, but also learning to love reading.
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
'The kids love it': South Brevard volunteers serve up free meals, books in summer program
This summer, kids can get free meals and books at the Powell Community Youth Read and Feed.
www.floridatoday.com
July 21, 2025 at 5:32 PM
finchwalker.bsky.social
Looking for back-to-school supplies? There are numerous places you can pick them up for free around Brevard (or donate them):
www.floridatoday.com/story/news/e...
Free backpacks and more: Here's where to pick up or donate back-to-school needs in Brevard
There are numerous back-to-school supply drives around Brevard in July and August.
www.floridatoday.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM