Florida News & Current Events | Public News Service

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved $1.25 billion in the state budget for teacher pay. The average teacher salary in Florida, according to the National Education Association, is $53,098, more than $16,000 below the national average of $69,544. (Yan Krukau/Pexels)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Florida educators rally at convention to address 'critical challenges'

Florida took center stage at the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston this week, as educators rallied to support and …

In 2022, Florida's Republican state legislators passed the Stop WOKE Act but a federal judge later ruled it violates the First Amendment as it applies to businesses and is impermissibly vague. A similar case is ongoing regarding lessons on race in higher education. (Pixabay)

Fighting for academic freedom, profs challenge FL's ‘Stop WOKE’ Act

Advocates for academic freedom are battling in court against Florida's claim a professor's speech is government speech, allowing them to prevent …

Red areas on the map show regions more likely to have wildfires. (Wildfire Risk to Communities)

New map reveals high wildfire risks for Florida amid heat wave

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabo…

When it comes to managing the summer heat, health experts suggest for every 15 minutes of outdoor activity, people should drink about four ounces of water, which is about four sizable gulps. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Essential summer safety tips for staying healthy in Florida heat

As the summer sun blazes, especially in the Sunshine State, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the season. But according to …

Immokalee is an unincorporated area in Collier County, Florida, one of the major centers of tomato production in the United States. (Immokalee Foundation)

Free summer camps boost career goals for underserved youth

A series of free summer camps focused on STEM and other career paths seeks to boost the career goals of youth in the agricultural community of Immokal…

Florida offers a 211 phone line for people to call for information and referrals regarding health and social services resources, including Mobile Response Teams. (Liza Summer/Pexels)

Florida aims to build a comprehensive crisis response system

Florida is getting attention for its efforts to create a comprehensive crisis response system for mental health needs. A new report by the mental …

Reenactors recreate a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at the Knott House Museum in Tallahassee in 2015. (Florida Memory)

In Florida, Juneteenth highlights an ongoing fight for freedom

Florida's official day to commemorate the end of slavery is May 20, known as "Mayteenth." However, as communities across the nation celebrate …

The number of Florida eighth graders not proficient in math increased in the most recent Kids Count Data Book ranking from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Pixabay)

Kids Count report: Florida maintains in education, ranks 30th in child well-being

Florida is ranked 30th in the 2024 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report ranks states on the overall condition …

Salt marshes are composed of a variety of rushes, sedges and grasses. Florida's dominant salt marsh species include black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus). (Florida DEP)

Conservation groups tout natural defenses against hurricanes

With the start of hurricane season, salt marshes are among the natural features playing a critical role in protecting coastal communities by …

The Gulf Coast Resilience Network spans Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. (preschoolinhsrlayout/Pixabay)

FL child care centers brace for above average hurricane season

The nonprofit organization Save the Children is collaborating with child care providers in Florida ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The group …

In Sept. 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Fla., as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph. (NOAA)

FL expert stresses vigilance, compassion this hurricane season

As experts predict one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, they also recommended Florida residents and visitors prepare, so they …

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 8.5 million job openings in the United States but only 6.5 million unemployed workers. (Pixabay)

FGCU launches free workshops to foster equity, retain workers

Amid nationwide labor shortages and high turnover, employment experts say fostering an equitable workplace is key to finding and retaining workers…

Local oyster harvesters help deploy limestone rock, a restoration material, for the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative oyster reef restoration experiments. (Courtesy FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory)

Community effort aims to restore Apalachicola Bay oyster harvests, livelihoods

Since the 2020 collapse of the famed Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery, people who made their livelihoods on the bay have been counting on local …

By May 10, around 1.8 million Floridians lost Medicaid access, per KFF Health's Medicaid unwinding tracker. (Pexels)

Delay in Florida Medicaid trial raises stakes for hundreds of thousands

Florida's trial on Medicaid eligibility, resulting in 1.8 million people losing coverage, has been indefinitely postponed because the judge …

In 2019, Walmart launched Walmart Health Centers. After five years, the company is now closing its venture. (Pixabay/jarmoluk)

Florida Health Centers step up as Walmart closes rural health-care services

Last week, Walmart became the latest major retailer to retreat from providing direct health-care service by announcing closures of all its health …

Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP reached a record high of nearly 94.5 million in April 2023. The federal government prohibited states from removing people from their rolls during the COVID-19 public health emergency. (Pixabay/192635)

Report: Florida among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

After Texas, a new report shows Florida has seen the second-largest decline in the number of children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health …

A report by the National Women's Law Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center found when Black girls were sexualized or harassed, they were often blamed for the event or had their experience minimized. (Pexels)

Black girls' safety in schools: Miami-Dade study makes urgent call for change

A new report shows Black girls are enduring disproportionate discipline, sexual harassment and public humiliation from school-based police and …

The number of people over 65 with Alzheimer's disease has risen slightly in 2024 to 6.9 million, from 6.7 million in 2023. The number of younger-onset AD cases remained roughly the same. (Pixabay)

Rising Alzheimer's rates prompt renewed focus on end-of-life planning

The 2024 Alzheimer's Association annual report forecasts a doubling of Americans age 65 and older living with dementia - from 7 million to 14 million …

From Alabama to the Everglades, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a superhighway of interconnected acres of wildlands, working lands and waters. (FAU/FWC aerial view)

FL Wildlife Corridor study reveals role in climate resilience, population growth

As the Sunshine State grapples with rising temperatures and escalating weather events such as hurricanes, a new study sheds light on the pivotal role …

IRS Direct File is a new tax tool to file federal income tax returns for free, directly with the IRS. It comes with access to live customer service representatives who can answer tax questions. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Get ahead of Tax Day: IRS introduces free tax-filing program

Florida residents can now file their simple income-tax forms for free and save time through the Internal Revenue Service's Direct File pilot program…

In November, Florida voters will get to decide on ballot initiatives that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution, and authorize recreational marijuana use for people ages 21 and older. (cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Reproductive-rights advocates see a silver lining in the Florida Supreme Court's recent decision. The court upheld a 15-week ban, and a six-week …

The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation plans to expand the visibility of the 3,517 awarded Medal of Honor recipients. (Screenshot of collage of medal recipients/NMOHMF website)

Building tributes: Honoring medal recipients on National Medal of Honor Day

As the nation observes National Medal of Honor Day, facilities in Florida and Texas are under construction to serve as perpetual memorials …

A survey of Jewish college students found 37% say they've had to

Silencing dissent: Where can students debate Israel-Palestinian conflict?

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, students find it hard to freely express opinions as universities shut down groups due to political tensions …

Dalton (left) and Dawson, together after being adopted in 2017. (Dave Thomas Foundation)

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

As siblings in foster care, the fear of being separated is daunting. But thanks to a loving family in Jacksonville, Fla., for two brothers in Ohio…

The Florida panther is the only mountain lion subspecies remaining in the eastern United States. (Everglades NPS)

Groups push for less pesticide use to save Florida's endangered species

Last month, an environmental group sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accusing it of failing to protect endangered species from dangerous …

From book bans to teacher qualifications, a new national report from the Network of Public Education examines the laws and policies that support or undermine each state's public schools and the students who attend them. (Pixabay)

Report: Florida last in public education

A new Network for Public Education report grades Florida an "F" for its public school funding. As Florida lawmakers negotiate the state budget in …

The Florida Senate unanimously approved a comprehensive plan championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and other advocates to broaden health care accessibility to accommodate the state's growing population. (TotalShape/Pixabay)

FL lawmakers propel mental health in historic health care package

The Florida House is expected to follow the Senate's lead by signing off on an initiative to pour millions into the state's health care industry…

Oral-health experts note the fact that everyone's mouth is full of bacteria. They recommend a daily routine of brushing and flossing as the best defense against bad bacteria known as plaque. (renatalferro/Pixabay)

Expert tips to prevent cavities for Children's Dental Health Month

Beyond celebrating Valentine's Day, February is Children's Dental Health Month - which serves as a reminder to prioritize oral health habits that can …

The Agency for Health Care Administration is responsible for Medicaid in Florida. (fernandozhiminaicela/Pixabay)

FL health centers face financial strain without Medicaid reimbursement increase

Florida's Community Health Centers are raising concerns about their own financial health due to what they've said are inadequate Medicaid reimbursemen…

The National PTA and ConnectSafely are hosting a free virtual event to help parents safely navigate digital screen times with children and teens. (Pixabay/twinquinn84)

'Safer Internet Day' offers free resources to parents, children

As Florida lawmakers advance bills to restrict children's access to social media, today's Safer internet Day is a global campaign to raise awareness …

The Secretary of State has determined Floridians Protecting Freedom has received the requisite number and distribution of valid signatures to obtain a spot on the ballot for a proposed amendment in the 2024 General Election. (Lerone Pieters/Pexels)

FL abortion rights measure to be on Nov. ballot

Florida voters will soon have the opportunity to express their views on abortion rights at the ballot box. After Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a law …

A new report reveals over the last 15 years, the majority of states have raised performance standards for public schools, while simultaneously decreasing funding. (ebpilgrim/Pixabay)

FL schools grapple with insufficient funding, persistent state budget cuts

A new report that examines school funding formulas finds 80% of states, including Florida, are grappling with ongoing state budget reductions and a …

Florida Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on the Republican-controlled Legislature to focus on what they describe as

FL GOP bill could ban rainbow flags in schools, government buildings

Another GOP proposal is sparking controversy in Florida over freedom of expression, as it aims to ban rainbow flags from being displayed. House Bill …

If the new defamation bill becomes law, it is unlikely to survive a legal challenge due to what critics say are its clear violations of free speech and anti-discrimination laws. (Pixabay)

FL lawmakers back in Tallahassee to debate limits on abortion, free speech

Within hours of the start of Florida's legislative session, newly filed bills are set to test the limits on hot-button topics such as abortion and …

If approved, Florida's Senate Bill 190 would direct all ballot boxes, including ballot transfer containers, to be supervised by law enforcement personnel at all times. (cocoparisienne/Pixabay)

Should law enforcement transport ballot boxes in FL?

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story implied the new regulations were in effect. Implementation is in the planning stages. (11:14AM MST…

In 2021, scientists determined Rice's whale was a unique species, genetically and morphologically distinct from Bryde's whales. (NOAA Fisheries)

Protecting Rice's whale, others, on 50th anniversary of Endangered Species Act

Wildlife experts are spotlighting the Rice's whale, which was classified as its own species in 2021, as one of many reasons to preserve the …

According to the United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report, Florida is 46th in the nation when it comes to people being uninsured. (Pixabay)

FL sees drop in national health rankings among states

Florida has dropped to the 31st position among states in national health rankings. It's a decline from last year's 27th spot. Local public health …

In March, House Republicans in Florida passed a wide-ranging education bill targeting how teachers and students can use pronouns in schools, adding to the state's parental rights law, which critics called

FL teachers sue state over restriction on pronoun use

Three Florida teachers filed suit Wednesday over a Florida statute they claim targets transgender and nonbinary teachers for being themselves at work…

Some worry the push to drop sociology from general education requirements comes after a new law, part of Senate Bill 266, Florida's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law, which forbids institutions of higher education from spending state funds on DEI programs or initiatives. (Pixabay)

Why is sociology on the chopping block in Florida?

Another controversial move in Florida's education system is a proposal to drop sociology, the study of social life and the causes and consequences of …

The ongoing Israel and Hamas conflict is affecting student organizations in Florida and across the country. (hosnysalah/Pixabay)

FL student groups defend Palestinian rights with lawsuits against state officials

The Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida are filing lawsuits against the deacti…

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 …

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