After dodging dog questions, Republican communications director returns to private sector – Brian Burgess, the combative communications director for the Republican Party of Florida, left the state GOP after he failed to answer questions about a Labrador retriever that was adopted by Gov. Rick Scott. Burgess will be going to Meteoric Media Strategies, a private public relations company. The Miami Herald

Gov. Rick Scott seeks $1.2 billion more for schools – Gov. Rick Scott wants to increase school spending by $1.2 billion this year. Scott says he wants to use a portion of the budget to increase teachers’ salaries by $2,500. Scott will announce more details about the budget plan on Thursday. The Miami Herald

City of Gainesville has a $55 million plan for parks – The city of Gainesville wants to use $55 million over the course of 20 years to improve existing parks and community centers. The city would also like to create a large indoor/outdoor performing arts center and develop eight new neighborhood parks. The Gainesville Sun

Man shoots bus driver, holds 6-year-old hostage – A man shot a bus driver four times Tuesday in Midland City, Ala., when the driver refused to let the 6-year-old boy off the bus. The driver later died from his injuries. The New York Times