TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Department of Education released Monday its numerical ranking of the state's 67 school districts, one of the first in the country.

The numerical ranking is based on each school's total points derived from FCAT scores. The total is the sum of scores for reading, math, science and writing; learning gains in reading and math; and scores for learning gains in reading and math among the lowest 25 percent of students in each school.

Bartow, Florida -- In Bartow, that deep booming sound may not be coming from someone's car stereo. It could be coming from one of the city's own police cruisers. 

The department has started making some noise of its own, so to speak, to improve safety and response time.

When Bartow police officer Bryan Dorman is running code, cars just seem to get out of his way faster these days, he says, and the department believes the reason is a new siren system called "the Howler."

"I don't know if I could go back to a regular siren and feel safe with it," said Dorman.

Bartow, FL -- Organizers of the Alafia River Rendezvous say if you're interested in seeing what this country looked like over 160 years ago, visit the 41st Annual Alafia River Rendezvous in Homeland, about four miles south of Bartow this Friday and Saturday.

"To the fur trapper, the rendezvous was like our present day state fair. It was a great time to socialize with other trappers. He would bring his furs and trade them for what he needed for the coming year. When the trading was over, it was time for fun."