The DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University announced on Mar. 30 the launch of a redesigned digital transparency platform, FloridaOpenGov.com, which aims to give the public improved access to state and local government data in Florida. The updated website features interactive visuals and searchable datasets covering topics such as K–12 education, payroll, and public spending.
The new version of Florida Open Gov was developed by the institute’s Data Analytics Group, a team led by students with faculty mentorship within FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. The redesign is intended to make complex information more accessible for policymakers, journalists, educators, and citizens by modernizing both layout and functionality. All data presented on the site are sourced directly from state agencies like the Florida Department of Education to ensure accuracy.
Crystal Taylor, director of research for the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University, said: “One of our goals moving forward with the revamp of the website is to build capacity for Florida teachers, parents and students to be able to tell compelling stories with the data in order to inform policy decisions within and across districts and schools.”
According to Alexis Staveski, Data Analytics Group Manager: “New visualizations include District Grades Over Time, Free Lunch Rates vs. Grades, District Grades vs. Salary, District Enrollment Map, Graduation Rate By Special Category Map, and more.” Key features highlighted include searchable datasets on education spending categories; interactive charts and maps; as well as featured blogs showing how data can inform policy.
Taylor also said: “As part of our research internship, we believe that data and storytelling go hand in hand… Our data analytics interns not only pick up data cleaning and visualization skills; we also set expectations from the start that they have to be able to explain ‘What does this data mean for Floridians?’”
The DeVoe L. Moore Institute is based in FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy where it studies how government policies affect individuals and works through its Data Analytics Group toward improving transparency by making public information more accessible.
