Florida News & Current Events | Public News Service

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

According to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO, plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution, and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. (Flockine/Pixabay)

Community activists engage in hands-on beach cleanup initiative

Olympic swimmer turned environmental activist Merle Liivand has seen a rise in plastic waste while navigating the Intracoastal canals of South Florida…

The number of living Medal of Honor recipients has been steadily declining. (sranson/Pixabay)

National Medal of Honor Museum: Veterans' year-round salute of service

On Veterans Day, many Floridians will pay tribute to those who have served in the nation's military, and for football fans, more than a dozen Medal …

The Biden administration unveiled the U.S. Labor Department's proposed Retirement Security Rule, which aims to restrict

Proposed rule aims to protect retirement savers from unscrupulous advisers

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to help people save more in retirement and avoid "junk" fees from unscrupulous financial advisers…

Climate change with rising seas is making it more dangerous, and much more expensive, to live on the subtropical islands at the southern tip of Florida. (Stingrea1/Pixabay)

In face of rising seas, Monroe County adapts, innovates

By Steve MacLaughlin for NBC Miami.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

Florida Power & Light, a subsidiary of NextEra, continues to receive a high grade when it comes to its plans to transition to clean energy, according to the Sierra Club's 2023 Dirty Truth Report. (Ulleo/Pixabay)

Report: Florida Power & Light scores high in transition to clean energy

In its latest report rating the progress of utility companies transitioning from fossil fuels such as coal into clean energy like wind and solar…

A mural project celebrates the Endangered Species Act and the smalltooth sawfish. (Kelly Quinn)

Mural raises awareness for FL's smalltooth sawfish

A vibrant installation at today's SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act …

Floridians for Dental Access is collecting firsthand stories from Floridians about their challenges getting access to dental services that can be shared with policymakers. (Pixabay)

Floridians share stories of struggles in 'dental health crisis'

Listing dental care as the top unmet health-care need in Florida, one group is helping Floridians share their stories and challenges in getting that …

A Lumina Foundation/Gallup poll found Hispanic students struggled more than those of any other race or ethnicity to stay enrolled in post-high school education and training programs in 2022. (Pixabay)

Poll: Hispanic students most likely to consider 'stopping out' of college

The latest poll of Hispanic community college students finds more than half have considered quitting school in the last year. In the Lumina …

Alt New College is offering courses in partnership with the New College community and with support from Bard the Open Society University Network, OSUN. (Pixabay)

Educators preserve, shape future with 'ALT NEW COLLEGE'

The so-called conservative "hostile takeover" of a small, progressive liberal arts college in Florida is seeing some resistance from former students …

Nov. 1 is the first day you can enroll, re-enroll or change health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The dates for changes are mid-Sept through early December for employer-sponsored coverage, and from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare. (Edar/Pixabay)

Avoid last-minute crush of choosing a health plan

When it comes to open enrollment and navigating the many health care options, experts say starting your research sooner rather than later is the best …

The Florida Board of Governors' statement on the Supreme Court's landmark affirmative action decision:

A Challenge to Help Redesign Higher-Ed Admissions Process

If applying for college was not so difficult, maybe more people would enroll, which is the premise of a new challenge to states and universities…

More than 150 people showed up at a Fort Pierce, Fla., community gathering in June to raise awareness and demand the end of attacks on immigrant communities. (FLIC)

Political Climate Drains Vital Donations for FL Immigrant Rights Advocacy

Groups aiding immigrants in building economic independence and pursuing citizenship are grappling with funding challenges exacerbated by anti-immigran…

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office released a photo of a firearm used in the Saturday shooting, which shows several swastikas drawn on it. (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

Jacksonville Mourns After Racist Shooting Leaves Three Dead

People in Jacksonville are mourning the deaths of three Black residents, gunned down by a white man who left behind "manifestos," leading …

Maternal mortality rates in the United States showed an alarming increase from 2018 to 2021, which highlights the preventable nature of over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths, according to the CDC. (Pixabay)

CDC Reports Mistreatment of Patients by Maternity Care Providers

People from some racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have negative experiences during pregnancy and delivery affecting the quality of…

According to data from AHCA, as of October 2022, there are approximately 5.5 million Floridians enrolled in Medicaid. (Pixabay)

Florida's Medicaid Redetermination Issues, Coverage Losses in Spotlight

Health policy experts are highlighting a multitude of concerns regarding Florida's Medicaid Redetermination process, claiming it results in a lack of …

Even as they celebrate National Health Centers Week, advocates warned community health centers are navigating financial uncertainty. (Pixabay)

Community Health Centers See Record Number of Patients Seeking Care

This has been National Health Center Week, to showcase the impact of community health centers serving a growing number of patients in Florida and …

As founders and leaders of the Tallahassee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Florida A&M University (FAMU) students Patricia and Priscilla Stephens led a series of nonviolent protests in Tallahassee in the early 1960s in front of a segregated theatre in Tallahassee. (State Archives of Florida)

Florida's New Teachings on Slavery 'Offensive,' Distort Brutal Reality

As Gov. Ron DeSantis promotes claims that enslaved people developed skills for their personal benefit, and is requiring those teachings to middle …

Researchers at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that nationally, children who visit emergency departments for non-traumatic dental conditions are more likely to be uninsured or covered by Medicaid and live in lower-income households. (jennyfriedrichs/Pixabay)

Report: High Rates of Emergency Rooms for Nontraumatic Dental Conditions

A new report showed children aged 14 and younger are seeking dental care through emergency departments at alarming rates for preventable conditions su…

Along with boosting reading comprehension, other elements of the American Federation of Teachers' campaign include garnering more support staff and necessary teacher resources, and making strides to improve youth mental health. (Adobe Stock)

New Campaign Works to Aid FL, US Public Education

A new campaign is working to invigorate public schools across Florida and the U.S. The American Federation of Teachers - Real Solutions for Kids …

Funds from the Prevention and Stabilization Fund are often used to support a wide range of conflict mediation and resolution activities, strengthening governance and rule of law, promoting human rights and justice. (Ralphs_fotos/Pixabay)

Concerns Mount Over Funding Cuts to International Aid for Peace

U.S. officials are being asked to invest more in programs that could help end or prevent conflicts, whether in Ukraine or any region dealing with …

Florida lawmakers changed language in a higher ed bill which would have banned course topics on gender and women's studies. (Pixabay)

The Fight to Preserve the Future of Gender and Women's Studies

By Aviva Dove-Viebahn for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

According to Floridians for Dental Access, dental care is the top unmet healthcare need in Florida. (Pixabay)

Dental-Medical Tourism: Bridging the Affordability Gap in FL

With the rising costs of dental procedures in the United States, many patients are turning to neighboring countries like Mexico to get care at …

Under Florida's Medicaid redetermination plan, the state Department of Children and Families is reviewing the eligibility of approximately 4.9 million Floridians currently on the Medicaid program for 12 months. The process began in March. (Pixabay)

FL Medicaid Changes Leave Some Scrambling for Coverage

Of its 4.9 million Medicaid enrollees, Florida purged about 300,000 from its Medicaid rolls when the federal government removed protections put in …

An aerial view shows the salt marsh adjacent to the runway at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. (Mark Bias)

How Salt Marshes Are Preserving Life Along FL Coast

Florida's nearly 500,000 acres of salt marshes are under threat from rising seas, polluted runoff, and an abundance of urban development that's been …

In March 2023, thousands lined the streets of Adjuntas for Casa Pueblo's second annual rally for solar energy. (Photo courtesy od Katherine Rapin)

Puerto Rico's Solar Microgrids Illuminate Path to Energy Security

By Katherine Rapin for Next City.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Florida's average cost of center-based child care for a toddler in 2021 amounts to 26% of a single mother's income in the state. (Pixabay)

Report: Child Care Costs Push FL Parents to Breaking Point

New data ranks Florida 31st in the country for overall child well-being, however, it showed parents are tapped out on child care costs. The Annie E…

Barry Walton, a Ph.D. student at Florida State University, is studying how two popular recreational fish species, red drum and spotted seatrout, share resources in the Apalachicola Bay System. (Barry Walton)

FL Research Highlights Importance of Fish Communities, Environment

Two Florida graduate students are part of a Forage Fish Research Program. They are looking at how altering water flows in coastal estuaries affect …

Florida's newest elections law requires that third-party voter registration groups provide mandatory formal signature-matching training to specified persons by the Florida Secretary of State. (Pixabay)

Florida Faces Lawsuits Over Sweeping New Elections Law

The moment Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping elections bill into law last week, several voter-advocacy groups filed lawsuits against it…

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows challenges in Florida, including too few home healthcare workers to meet the needs of older Floridians. (Pixabay)

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Sunshine State is investing heavily in providing community support to help its older …

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has used New College of Florida, a tiny, public liberal arts college on the shores of Sarasota Bay, as an example for his war on

Some New College of Florida Students Feel 'Trapped' in 'Hostile Takeover'

Following what's described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective …

Florida's new six-week abortion limit is contingent on the outcome of a Florida Supreme Court case about the privacy clause in the Constitution. Until then, the state's current 15-week abortion ban remains in place. (Pixabay)

New Campaign for Florida Voters to Decide on Abortion Protections

Arguing politicians should never be able to force a person to carry a pregnancy against their will, a coalition of abortion rights groups is now …

As the number of full-time statehouse reporters decline so do the number of newspapers. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than a fourth of its newspapers (2,500) and is on track to lose a third by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

University-Led Reporting Lets Students Cover the Statehouse

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

According to State of Florida Oral Health data, about 25.1% of third-grade children had untreated decay and 40.5% had dental sealants during 2016-2017. (Pixabay)

FL Lawmakers Add $2 Million to Budget for Oral Health, Education

The Florida Legislature votes today on the state budget, the only bill the Florida Constitution requires that it pass. The record $117 billion …

Robbin and Steve Brydges adopted their two boys, Dawson and Dalton, to keep them together. They encourage others to explore the benefits of adoption. (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

'Have an Open Mind' Among Tips for Successful Adoption

Over the past decade, 1,000 Florida children in foster care now have permanent homes, thanks to a program focused on placing older kids who typically …

Florida panthers are the larger of Florida's two native cat species, the other being bobcats. Panthers are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Wikimedia Commons)

Bipartisan Bill Could Help Save 600+ FL Wildlife Species

Conservation groups in Florida and around the country want Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to help states with wildlife conservation…

William Toney is a fourth-generation fishing guide and Homosassa native who lobbied local and state elected officials to protect the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. (Charlie Shoemaker/The Pew Charitable Trusts)

Grassroots Effort Protects Gulf of Mexico’s Largest Seagrass Bed

Florida's newest aquatic preserve is officially set to move forward, with a management plan aimed at protecting some 350,000 acres of sea grass…

According to Floridians for Dental Access, nearly 120,000 Floridians visited the emergency room in 2021 for non-traumatic dental conditions, and 3,200 were admitted. (Pixabay)

Lawmakers Consider Plan to Expand Mobile Dental Units

Similar to food trucks, where the food kind of comes to you, mobile dental units are used to expand access to care in hard-to-reach, low-income and …

Parents, students and teachers are raising concerns over proposed education policies in the Sunshine State. (Pixabay)

Parents Fight FL Education Policies with #NotFoolingUs Rally

Some students, parents and educators plan to rally to send a message to Gov. Ron DeSantis on April Fools' Day. The group of unions, parents and …

In 2021, Congress unanimously approved - and President Joe Biden signed into law - legislation authorizing the creation of the National Medal of Honor Monument. (National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Staff)

Survivors Call for Monument in Honor of Fallen Heroes

Robert Patterson received his Medal of Honor in 1969 for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War. He's among the 65 …

A new report shows how at least 75 cities and towns have successfully blocked new dollar store projects, claiming the stores engage in predatory practices. (Pixabay)

Report: Chain 'Dollar Stores' Harmful Communities

Dollar-store chains are rapidly growing across the country, with more locations than McDonald's, Starbucks, Target and Walmart combined, according to …

In the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 federal legislation provided states with significant funding to ensure continuous Medicaid coverage of individuals enrolled in the program. But that is ending. (Pixabay)

FL Group Works to Keep Eligible People on Medicaid

As Florida "unwinds" from the COVID-19 public health emergency and returns its Medicaid program to pre-pandemic rules, there's a possibility that …

The Employee Organizations Representing Public Employees Bill would change how union dues and fees are collected for some public employees in Florida. (Pixabay)

Could Legislation Targeting Public-Sector Unions Threaten Academic Freedom?

Union leaders and public-sector workers say bills advancing in the Florida Legislature, if passed, will strip them of their representation and could …

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he would sign a proposed six-week abortion ban into law if it gets to his desk. (Pixabay)

'Scary Times,' as FL Republicans Propose 6-Week Abortion Ban

On the opening day of Florida's legislative session, Republican lawmakers filed bills in the House and Senate to ban abortions after six weeks…

The 2023 regular session of the Florida Legislature begins Tues., March 7. There are Republican supermajorities in both the Florida House and Senate. (Matt Johnson/Wikimedia Commons)

Floridians Want Lawmakers to End Culture Wars, Focus On 'People's Budget'

Florida's legislative session - which begins Tuesday - has already made headlines as a conservative majority pitches bills to expand gun rights…

Wasted food represents roughly 10% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, nearly four times larger than global airline industry emissions, according to the World Wildlife Fund. (Pixabay)

Turning K-12 'Cafeterias into Classrooms' to Address Food Waste

Students in the Orlando area could soon get more classroom time during their lunchtime, to learn more about ways to fight hunger and food waste…

Florida legislators are advancing bills to remove some concealed-carry requirements, despite opposition from Democrats, gun-safety advocates, some law-enforcement officers and university students who say they're concerned it would lead to more gun violence. (Pixabay)

FL Looks to Expand Concealed-Carry Rights, Regardless of Concerns

In a Republican supermajority, Florida lawmakers are advancing bills that would remove mandatory training and fees to carry concealed weapons…

A pandemic-era law that helped keep children and families continuously with health-insurance coverage will lift gradually starting on April 1. (Pixabay)

FL Could See Spike in Child Uninsured Rate if Health Emergency Ends

As federal pandemic health emergency protections are set to expire starting in April, child advocates are concerned the program that kept Florida's …

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