Florida News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the Sentencing Project, the number of people serving life without parole is highest in Florida. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Report: Florida leads nation in life sentences as advocates push for reforms

Florida holds the highest number of people serving life sentences in the country, with nearly 11,000 individuals behind bars indefinitely. Advocates …

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up more than 22% of Florida's population, with undocumented residents comprising nearly 4%, contributing significantly to the state's economy and workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

FL lawmakers, advocates push back on DeSantis’ immigration special session

Florida has been a key battleground in the national immigration debate, with past legislation banning sanctuary cities and requiring companies to use …

Florida's 2018 Amendment 4 restored voting rights to individuals with felony convictions once they complete their sentence, except for those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

FL League of Women Voters helps returning citizens restore voting rights

The League of Women Voters of Florida is taking a personal approach to restoring voting rights for returning citizens. The group is sending …

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates more than one billion birds fly into glass each year in the United States, with most fatal crashes occurring at homes and buildings less than four stories tall. Applying patterns to window exteriors can help avoid these incidents. (Florida Gulf Coast University)

Art, science unite in FL to prevent birds hitting windows

With a thud, the tranquil sounds of nature are shattered as a bird crashes into a glass window. It's an all-too-common, deadly occurrence that …

Florida received a D on the National Center for Science Education's 2020 report card for its limited inclusion of climate change content in state science standards. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Emotions Wheel aims to address mental health in climate education

By Rebecca R. Randall for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

Congress recently extended the Farm Bill for one year, providing $20 billion for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic aid to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Small FL farmers face rising costs, call for infrastructure support

Small farmers are calling for more government support as they navigate rising costs and industry challenges. Pedro Velez and Maria Ramirez co-own …

A critically endangered Florida bonneted bat. (Bat Conservation International)

Rare Florida bat’s survival hinges on urban conservation efforts

Beneath the glow of Miami's streetlights and the towering skyline, a rare species of bat clings to survival. The Florida bonneted bat, one of the …

On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Two weeks later, on Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton struck as a dangerous Category 3 storm. (Adobe Stock)

This year, FL community health centers took on more than medicine

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers are proving indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing …

Critics argue Florida's book removals limit access to important information. At the same time, state officials insist they ensure only age-appropriate materials remain in schools, rejecting claims of outright bans as a

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Recent changes to Florida's education laws have removed information on consent, contraceptives and prenatal development from many health lessons at …

More than 40 million people have signed up for the United States Postal Service's

FL residents warned about 'smishing' scams targeting package deliveries

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for "smishing" scams…

A new University of Miami study has found buildings in Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside have been sinking by 2-8 centimeters between 2016 and 2023. (Adobe Stock)

FL coastline sinking: New study questions safety, future of construction

When the Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside in 2021 taking 98 lives, it sent shock waves across South Florida. The tragedy has left …

In July, Florida removed certain employment restrictions for minors 16 and 17 years of age. (Adobe Stock)

Child labor in agriculture: A growing concern in Florida

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

Five years ago, a video shocked the nation of 6-year-old Kaia Rolle being arrested at her Orlando, Fla., school because she had thrown a tantrum earlier in the morning. (Adobe Stock)

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

When a 6-year-old girl in Florida had a temper tantrum in class, it seemed like a typical childhood moment. But instead of calming the situation…

As of October, Florida's Medicaid enrollment stands at 4,307,965, according to the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed federal cuts to health programs could impact millions of Floridians

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, federal health programs affecting 85 million low-income Americans, including millions in Florida…

Florida Gulf Coast University student Zoe Horowitz meets the recipient of her stem cells, Kevin Mitchell, for the first time at an women's basketball game. (Sarah Passey)

University student’s stem cell donation becomes lifeline for cancer survivor

At Florida Gulf Coast University, a simple cheek swab led one student to make a life-changing difference. Zoe Horowitz, a senior at the school…

Florida manatees are found throughout coastal Florida and prefer waters above 70 degrees F. in temperature. (NOAA)

New push for protection for manatees, Florida’s 'gentle giants'

With manatee season in full swing, Florida's gentle marine mammals gather in warm waters to escape winter's chill. But these iconic creatures face …

Florida has numerous permitted oil and gas wells, but conservation groups, local leaders and public members oppose a proposed oil drilling project near the Apalachicola River for potential risks to the Apalachicola Bay ecosystem. (Pixabay)

Apalachicola River oil drilling proposal roils the water

A controversial oil drilling proposal near Florida's Apalachicola River is drawing sharp criticism ahead of a key administrative hearing next week…

For many Native youths, their culture is at the core of their identity, according to the Center for Native American Youth. (Adobe Stock)

Florida's Native youth: Overlooked voices call for change, inclusion

Native youths in Florida are calling for change as a new report from the Center for Native American Youth highlighted persistent challenges they face…

Florida's registered apprenticeship programs has more than 22,444 participants across 397 programs. While thriving in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, nontraditional sectors such as information technology, law enforcement, education, health care, hospitality and logistics are also expanding. (Adobe Stock)

Florida apprenticeship programs transform lives, build futures

For some, apprenticeships provide more than just a job, they offer a career path. Industry leaders are working around the clock, not only on their …

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified monarch butterflies as

Monarchs may join endangered list, highlighting FL's conservation needs

Monarch butterflies could soon be added to the federal Endangered Species list, with a decision expected by year's end. Eastern monarchs migrating …

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida ranks 15th among states in the number of farms, and 29th for the amount of land farmed in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Farmers, aquaculturists unite to protect Florida's land, water

For decades, Florida's upstream farmers and downstream aquaculturists have been at odds over water quality and environmental impacts. Now, the new …

Research shows in the United States and globally, alcohol consumption is a major cause of preventable death and disability and increases liver disease, mental health disorders and accidents. (Adobe Stock)

Florida researchers highlight alarming rise in alcohol-related deaths

A recent study from Florida Atlantic University highlights a concerning rise in alcohol-related deaths across the United States, with mortality rates …

The Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida serves 175,000 students across 200 sites statewide, while the Association of Private Colleges and Universities of Puerto Rico represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) with a combined enrollment of more than 80,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

New Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape

In an unprecedented collaboration, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida have partnered with the Association of Private Colleges and …

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is expected to be the first Hispanic to hold the high-ranking post of Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock)

Rubio pick sparks interest in foreign policy shift toward Latin America

President-elect Donald Trump has named Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as his nominee for Secretary of State, prompting experts to assess Rubio's …

Nearly half of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency budget goes into grants to state environmental programs, nonprofits, educational institutions and others. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental concerns rise in Florida after Trump picks Zeldin to lead EPA

Florida environmental advocates are concerned about the future after President-elect Donald Trump named former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead…

Florida used to be a hotly contested battleground state, but now is seen as a 'red' state, at least for the presidential race. (Pexels)

Election reveals new generational, racial dynamics in Florida voting

Although Florida was not considered a swing state this year's election, its diverse demographics reflect national trends, and political observers are …

Some organizations point to low pay, racial bias in school systems and retention challenges as the biggest obstacles to recruiting more Black men into teaching. (RDNE/Pexels)

Jacksonville program aims to boost Black male teachers

In a country where Black men make up less than 2% of the teaching workforce, a program in Jacksonville is working to shift the balance by recruiting 1…

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates children ages 0-4 were undercounted in the 2020 census in every state. (Pexels)

Florida's census undercount poses risks to funding for vital services

According to some experts, a significant undercount in Florida's 2020 census may have lasting consequences for the state, jeopardizing vital funding …

In Florida, there is a photo and signature identification requirement for voters who vote at early voting sites and their polling place on Election Day. (Pexels)

Florida preps for big voter turnout, despite hurricane cleanup

Florida is expecting a high voter turnout for next week's election and election officials are working urgently to make it happen, addressing the …

According to Hispanic Access, an urban canopy provides enormous benefits, from reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering energy bills to absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

'Nuestros Bosques' to boost urban green spaces in disadvantaged communities

A national nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latino communities and improving access to public resources has launched a $10 million initiative to incr…

An image of Hurricane Milton approaching Florida, as seen from NOAA's GOES-16 satellite on Oct. 8. (NOAA)

Florida insurance claim denials rise after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Since Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Florida, more than 49,000 insurance claims have been denied, leaving thousands of residents in …

The Royal Community is a historic rural district established in 1865 by formerly enslaved people who received land through the Homestead Act of 1862. (SaveRoyal)

Royal fights to preserve legacy as one of FL's oldest Black communities

Known as one of the oldest African American communities in the state, Royal, Fla. was founded in 1865 by freed slaves who received land through the "4…

Rising sea levels are causing erosion and flooding in coastal areas in Florida and are threatening to inundate low-lying areas. (Ma_Frank/Pixabay)

Survey: Majority of Floridians support candidates who back climate action

According to a Florida Atlantic University survey, most Floridians prefer political candidates who support action on climate change. The poll…

A new rooftop solar array at Nuestra Se�ora del Carmen Parish in Cata�o, a town on the shores of San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico, is poised to strengthen the community's resilience against future climate disasters. (Courtesy of Lissette A. Avil�s-R�os)

Puerto Rican parish leverages solar power to build climate resilience hub

By Rebecca Randall for Earthbeat.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Servi…

The Florida Association of Community Health Centers has a Disaster Relief Fund, which raises money to assist health center staff and their families in recovering from the devastation of hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Pixabay)

FL Community Health Centers plead for operational funding post-hurricane

Following Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton left a trail of destruction across the Sunshine State and the combination has pushed some Community …

Their distinctive fins make oceanic whitetip Sharks especially desirable in the international shark fin trade. Fishermen often cut off the fins and sell them. (ThomasEhrensperger/WikiCommons)

Debunking the horror: To oceans, sharks are vital, not villains

As Halloween approaches, a spooky campaign aims to clear up the common misunderstandings about some of nature's most feared creatures. In …

In Florida, the deadline to register to vote was Monday, and a Florida driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card was necessary to complete the registration. (Vilkasss/Pixabay)

Groups file emergency lawsuit to reopen FL voter registration amid hurricanes

As Hurricane Milton makes landfall and Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene's devastation, voting rights groups have filed a legal challenge to …

Hurricane Milton grew to become a major hurricane on the morning of Oct. 7, 2024. (AWS S3 Explorer/Wikimedia Commons)

Tampa Bay tackles hurricane prep, cleanup efforts in tandem

As powerhouse Hurricane Milton nears the Florida coastline, communities in the Tampa Bay area are extending relief efforts initially launched for …

The Palms Medical Group team delivered supplies to the community of Horseshoe Beach after Hurricane Helene. (Jim Miller/Palms Medical Group)

FL Community Health Centers mostly rebound after Helene

As Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene, the state's network of Community Health Centers continues to provide crucial care statewide. Community …

Banks, credit unions and nonprofits offer free financial counseling and connect people with credit-building and first-time homebuyer programs. (Karolina Kaboompics/Pixabay)<br />

FL Latino families urged to build credit, secure financial futures

As part of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, financial experts are urging Latino families in Florida to take steps toward building wealth …

The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a blood test. (AS Photography/Pixabay)

Floridians urged to monitor cholesterol levels for better heart health

Heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death in Florida, and managing cholesterol levels is key to reducing these risks. The …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Black workers in the United States was 6.1% in August, while Florida's rate was 3.3%. (Pixabay)

Florida’s Black employment rate still trails whites, despite gains

Despite recent improvements in Black unemployment rates, a new report showed Black Americans continue to face significant disparities in the labor …

Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than

Addressing postpartum depression with new resources for mothers

As more babies are born during September than almost any other month, experts are calling attention to the critical need for postpartum depression …

Florida's new law, House Bill 433, preempts

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, up to $31 trillion in U.S. economic activity hinges on helping young people complete learning delayed by the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Palm Beach County schools are working to curb chronic absenteeism, which has surged since the pandemic. Nearly 39% of Palm Beach County students …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical and emotional health. (PNW Production/Pexels)

FL advocates highlight philanthropy's role in supporting Black maternal health

While the United States has made strides in improving maternal care, disparities in access to quality health care persist, particularly for Black …

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, fewer than 5% of youths arrested have any gang alert on their record. However, those with gang alerts are more likely to have been first arrested at age 12 or younger, and more likely to be serious, violent and chronic offenders. (athree23/Pixabay)

Report highlights decline in youth incarceration but challenges remain

A new report revealed while the United States has made significant progress in reducing youth incarceration rates, troubling disparities still exist…

School-based mental and behavioral health services help prevent issues and enhance educational achievement and future employment opportunities. (Coyot/Pixabay)

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, school-based services have become a critical component in addressing the issues. A new …

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