The University of North Florida in Jacksonville and the University of West Florida, located in Pensacola, both cancelled all classes, events and activities Wednesday in anticipation of the winter storm. Normal activities at both campuses are expected to return to normal by Thursday morning.

The bioard elected leadership that cements a conservative majority, raising questions about the influence of Gov. Ron DeSantis' higher education agenda and the board's ties to the local community.

Florida higher-education leaders want to quickly hear how universities need to address a pending national legal settlement that is expected to lead to schools facing at least $22.5 million a year in new athletic-department costs.

The Florida university system’s Board of Governors acknowledged the need to provide help so universities can compete against other schools, but money directed toward academics should not be used.