A proposal to merge New College of Florida in the University of Florida is dead.

The bill was temporarilly postponed from being heard on the House floor, and lawmakers later confirmed it won't come back this Legislative Session, which ends next week.

"Give 100% credit to Senate President Bill Galvano," said Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota. "It pays to have a presiding officer from your hometown."

The bill was moving through the House, but never found a champion in the Senate. While Sen. Galvano, R-Bradenton, at one point said he was open to discussions, the issue was disposed of early as budget talks between the chambers moved ahead.

The bill had Republican supporters statewide but was opposed vocally by the entire legislative delegations for Sarasota and Manatee counties.

"So proud of all the advocacy work that was done on this issue!," tweeted state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota.