State

One million Floridians have been disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023

(The Center Square) — Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows over one million Floridians were disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023, primarily for administrative reasons.

As of July 12, over 24 million U.S residents. have been disenrolled from Medicaid.

The federal government asked states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage to those enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if their circumstances changed, making them ineligible for coverage.

New name, same fish: Largemouth bass now Florida bass

Genetics studies confirmed what many anglers and biologists have believed for a long time – Florida bass are special! Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish has a new name.

Special Wed, 07/17/2024 - 10:49
Jacksonville to pay $775M in public funds toward $1.4B Jaguars renovation

(The Center Square) – The Jacksonville Jaguars became the second NFL team this week to get a large sum of public money for a stadium renovation when the City Council voted 14-1 to approve $775 million toward a $1.4 billion renovation of EverBank Stadium.

The Jaguars and NFL are expected to pay $625 million toward the project, using NFL G-4 loans along with funds from items such as naming rights through the new 30-year lease and non-relocation agreement.

Project cost overruns must be paid by the Jaguars.

Special Sun, 06/30/2024 - 09:32
New Florida law would address 'benefits cliff' to promote self-sufficiency

(The Center Square) — A bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis this week will help needy families receive additional help toward what the bill sponsor says will be self-sufficiency.

DeSantis signed House Bill 1267, which would revise the tenants of several commonly used public assistance programs in Florida. These programs include Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Temporary Cash Assistance.

Special Sat, 06/22/2024 - 09:46

DeSantis announces $1.25B teacher pay hike

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Hialeah on Monday to announce $1.25 billion for teacher salary increases.

DeSantis said the funds for teacher salary hikes are earmarked in the budget over the next five years and pointed out that Florida has ranked tops overall in education by U.S. News and World Report for the past two years.

Since 2019, Florida lawmakers have appropriated $4 billion in teacher pay raises, which has increased starting teacher pay by nearly $10,000.

Share the shore with sea turtles and shorebirds

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that as we enjoy our beaches this Memorial Day weekend and beyond, nesting season is underway for our state’s imperiled sea turtles and shorebirds along our coasts.

Beachgoers can help ensure nesting success for both sea turtles and beach-nesting birds by giving them space, removing beach furniture and trash before leaving for the day, keeping beaches clean and dark, and never disturbing their nests.

Special Mon, 05/20/2024 - 12:58

OIR updates on Florida’s strengthening property insurance market

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued an update on the continued strengthening of Florida’s property and casualty insurance market, including that property insurance rate filings for 2024 show a downward trend for the first time in years, indicating the continued stabilization of the property insurance market.

Record funding level aids developmentally disabled

(The Center Square) — Floridians with developmental disabilities will benefit from a record level of funding for direct services after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a multi-billion dollar investment from the state.

DeSantis spoke at the Els Center in Jupiter on Monday and announced that as part of the Live Healthy legislation spearheaded by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and his Focus on Florida's Bright Future Budget that $2.2 billion will be going to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for services through the iBudget waiver.

Special Tue, 04/30/2024 - 09:47

DeSantis signs two bills designed to bolster Florida homes against hurricanes

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two new bills Wednesday intended to strengthen Florida homes against hurricanes and other severe weather events.

DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7028, which will add another $200 million in funding for the My Safe Florida Home Program which allows homes to be assessed after major storm events and assists in improving resilience in structures.