Community

FWC seeks public comment on proposed springs protection zone for Weeki Wachee Spring

At its May Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed boating and waterways staff to reevaluate the proposal and evidence for the establishment of a Springs Protection Zone at Weeki Wachee Spring and a portion of the spring’s associated spring run in Hernando County. 

Gov. DeSantis signs Digital Bill of Rights into law

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a bill that creates a Digital Bill of Rights for Floridians.

Senate Bill 262 sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, creates the Digital Bill of Rights, which includes the right to control personal data and the right to delete, confirm, and access personal data on social media platforms.

FWC proposes rule to modify fishing regulations at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a rule to modify fishing regulations at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park but also directed staff to consider other options and refine the proposal before the final hearing.

Key Training Center: Choice, Independence

As the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased by 20% over the last five years, an increase for non-wage operational costs for iBudget providers has not been addressed in even longer.

For the 2023 Legislative Session, we are seeking $44.6 million in General Revenue ($67.7 million in Federal Match) equating to $112,286,417 critical dollars to address this funding gap.

CF Health Sciences ribbon cutting set for March 3

OCALA, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2023) — The College of Central Florida invites the community to a ribbon cutting for the newly remodeled Allied Health Sciences building at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. On Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m., the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to cut the ribbon for Building 6, which has been transformed into a hub for Health Sciences programs.

Special Wed, 02/08/2023 - 09:46

Report: Children under 14 dying from fentanyl poisoning at faster rate than any other age group

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) – Children under age 14 are dying from fentanyl poisoning at a faster rate than any other age group in the U.S., according to a new analysis from Families Against Fentanyl.

In the past two years, synthetic opioid (fentanyl) deaths among children surged.

CF receives $17 million to expand nursing

OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2023) — The College of Central Florida has received $17 million to expand its nursing program, including a $6.7 million Linking Industry to Nursing Education grant funded by the Florida Legislature and a $10.3 million commitment from the Citrus County Hospital Board.

The LINE Fund was created in 2022 by the Florida Legislature to alleviate the statewide nursing shortage by providing matching funds for nursing education programs that partner with health care providers. 

Amtrak has big increase in ridership but still not back to pre-pandemic levels

By Tom Gantert | The Center Square

(The Center Square) - Amtrak saw a big increase in ridership in fiscal year 2022 but is still at 72% of its peak pre-pandemic levels, according to data the transit company released.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation – Amtrak's official name – is still not close to full recovery in ticket sales and food and beverage revenue.

Special Mon, 01/02/2023 - 14:26