Florida News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Thursday, June 8, 2023

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 …

In partnership with the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, New College of Florida offers free writing worships to high school students preparing for college. (Pixabay)

Free Essay Workshops Aim to Support Students on Path to Higher Ed

The college admissions process can be both expensive and stressful for students, but a free program at New College of Florida aims to demystify the …

Eye-care professionals say limiting screen time before bedtime, using blue light-blocking filters on your devices, and wearing blue light-blocking glasses can all help protect from potential health risks. (Pixabay)

Blue Light Exposure: Understanding the Risks

With the increasing use of digital devices and computers in daily life, we're all exposed to more and more blue light. They may be convenient and …

Studies show a variety of dental conditions such as untreated decay and tooth loss can cause a profound impact on self-esteem in adolescents. (pixabay)

Oral Hygienist Highlights Dangers of Dental Disorders in Children

Dental hygienists are trying to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, noting dental pain is one of the most common reasons for school …

Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation dubbed the

AP African American Studies Course Blocked in FL Schools

The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected plans to expand an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high schools…

Tallahassee U.S. District Judge Mark Walker has blocked the so-called

Higher Ed Braces for DeSantis Attacks on Unions, 'Trendy Ideology'

If it's "woke," "trendy," or has anything to do with race and diversity, it appears Gov. Ron DeSantis wants no part of it in Florida. From signing …

A study on the impacts of hurricanes by the nonprofit research institute Resources for the Future found no significant change to the sociodemographic characteristics of neighborhoods after a hurricane other than income. (Wikimedia Commons)

Study: Gentrification & Increased Property Values Follow Hurricanes

After a hurricane, according to a new study, wealthier people tend to sweep into impacted communities, purchasing homes even at the increased …

With only 529,000 workers belonging to unions, Florida has among the lowest percentages of organized workers in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Labor Unions Push for More NLRB Funding

Labor groups are calling on the new Congress to build on last year's $25 million funding increase for the National Labor Relations Board, an agency …

In 2019, Florida hospitals billed more than $630 million for preventable emergency-room visits and hospital admissions stemming from preventable oral health issues, according to Floridians for Dental Health. (Pixabay)

'Untreated Crisis' as Concern Mounts Over Florida's Poor Oral Health

Florida leads the nation in the number of individuals, nearly 6 million, who are living in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Sixty-six of …

A public health analyst says Florida's high uninsured rate can be linked to it being one of 11 states that have yet to expand Medicaid coverage. (Pixabay)

Florida's Lack of Public Funding Shines in New State Health Rankings

Florida is 27th in the country when measuring health data, but the annual ranking shows the Sunshine State is behind most other states in funding …

A group of 40 Florida-based organizations has sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, urging the state to publish its plan for keeping people insured when the federal public health emergency expires. (Pixabay)

FL Child Uninsured Rate Stabilizes; Advocates Raise Future Concerns

While the Sunshine State ranks among the top 10 states with the highest rates of uninsured children, it did see more kids with health coverage during …

The pandemic-era American Rescue Plan temporarily increased the Child Tax Credit for most families from an annual total of $2,000 per child to $3,000 or $3,600 per child, depending on their age. (Pixabay)

Florida Groups Add Momentum to Extending Child Tax Credit

Florida advocates are hopeful, as Congress negotiates an omnibus bill which would continue corporate tax breaks, it will also extend and make …

Dental therapists master about one-quarter of the specific competencies of dentists. (Adobe Stock)

Dental Therapists Work to Gain Support in Florida, Congress

Inside a massive appropriations bill now in Congress is a provision which would allow federal funding for dental therapists. Dental therapists …

On June 10, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) renounced jurisdiction over faculty employees at most religious educational institutions, which has resulted in faculty unions being disbanded at some of those schools. (Pixabay)

Florida University Uses Religious Exemption to Disband Faculty Union

Citing a religious exemption, Edward Waters University - a private, historically Black school in Jacksonville - has shut down its faculty union…

Orange County Convention Center food-service workers have been in negotiations with Sodexo since August. (Adobe Stock)

Orlando Food Service Workers Poised to Strike Beginning Today

Orange County Convention Center food-service workers have authorized a strike, and the window for that action opens today. Members of Unite Here …

About 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and the American Diabetes Association found one in four rations insulin treatments. (Pixabay)

FL Nonprofit Helps Offset High Cost of Insulin

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease affecting more than 37 million Americans, as well as the hefty …

According to the Department of Labor, there is a specific test to determine the economic independence of an independent contractor. The factors are the opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill, investments by the worker and the employer, degree of permanence of the work relationship, nature and degree of control, extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the employer's business, and skill and initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Dept. of Labor Clarifying Definition of Independent Contractors

A new proposal from the U-S Department of Labor would clearly define what it means to be an independent contractor. Currently, the Department of …

This year, a bill in the Florida Senate to reform the 340B process with respect to insurance company pharmacy benefit managers died in committee. (Pixabay)

Health Centers Continue Fight Against 'Big Pharma' Over Drug Savings Program

A case that pits Big Pharma against Community Health Centers that serve low-income and uninsured patients advanced this week with opening arguments on…

A survey by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption found dealing with behavioral issues and paying for the adoption remain prospective parents' most common concerns, both for adoptions out of foster care and internationally. (Pixabay)

Survey Shows More Families Consider "Building" through Adoption

November is National Adoption Month, a chance to raise awareness about Florida kids waiting to be adopted into a "forever" home and family. A survey …

American children spend a total of 3 billion hours on school buses each year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: State Must Do More on School Bus Electrification

With the Inflation Reduction Act supporting the beginning of a transition to clean school buses, elected officials in Florida are calling for quicker …

The U.S. Postal Service claims 60 million packages are processed each day in its system. (lPixabay)

Postal Workers Share Tips for Delivering Packages, Letters During Holiday Rush

The U-S Postal Service is hiring 28,000 seasonal employees ahead of the surge in end-of-year holiday letters and packages for facilities in Florida an…

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, enrollment continues to vary significantly by state. However, consistent with prior years, the highest enrollment was seen in Florida, with about 2.7 million consumers, followed by California with nearly 1.8 million consumers. (Pixabay)

Florida's Open Enrollment for ACA Insurance Begins Nov. 1

Florida has seen record high enrollment for health insurance in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue as open enrollment through the …

Karla Hern�ndez-Mats, 42, has been president of the United Teachers of Dade since 2016, but has never held public office. She is now part of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist's ticket. (Karla Hern�ndez-Mats/Twitter)

Teachers Rally to Boost Profile of Hernández-Mats for Lt. Gov.

In the race for governor, Democratic nominee Charlie Crist picked the top teacher's union representative in Florida's largest public school district …

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, encouraging people to protect their traditions and consider the role that clean water plays in Americans' lives. (revilo82/Pixabay)

Uncertainty Hovers on Clean Water Act's 50th Anniversary

The Clean Water Act turns 50 this week, but parts of it are being challenged in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, Sackett v. EPA…

According to the Social Security Administration, Florida had the fourth highest number of people collecting Social Security in 2020. The top three were California, Texas and New York.(Adobe Stock)

Medicare, Social Security Called Essential to FL Seniors

As the midterm elections approach, Medicare and Social Security are top-of-mind issues for Florida seniors. A recent AARP poll found just 12% of …

The Florida AFL-CIO has been sending trucks into southwest Florida packed with relief supplies for victims of Hurricane Ian. (Florida AFL-CIO/Teamsters)

Relief Effort Continues in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

For some in hurricane-ravaged southwest Florida, recovery has been relatively quick. However, as of the weekend, there were still some 69,000 …

More than 65 million people, or more than one in every six U.S. residents, collected Social Security benefits in January, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Nick Youngson/Pix4free)

Social Security Benefits Expected to Increase, But Challenges Remain

Social Security benefits could see their highest increase in several decades, but those advocating for beneficiaries say there is still plenty of …

The State of Florida encourages the public, especially citizens with disabilities and other special needs, to plan ahead for an emergency situation and know what to do in the event of an emergency. (Pixabay)

Remembering Those with Disabilities Before, During and After the Hurricane

In an appeal to the public as Hurricane Ian barreled toward Florida, an advocate for persons with disabilities urged everyone to consider checking in …

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