Florida's Latest News

Proposal calls for Miami-Dade health trust to pay $5M for rendering boy quadriplegic

Florida lawmakers next year are expected to consider a proposal that would clear a $5 million settlement payment to the family of a young boy who was severely disabled through negligence at a Miami-Dade County public health care facility.

Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez of Doral filed a bill this week that, if approved next year, would authorize the group that oversees Jackson Health System, the county’s public health care provider, to pay the family of Harry Augustin Shumow.

Rodriguez did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.

Rodriguez’s bill is classified as a “claims” bill or “relief act,” as it is intended to compensate a person or entity for injuries or losses caused by the negligence or error of a public officer or agency.

Feds sign-off on Florida’s Gaming Compact with Seminole Tribe; sports betting begins Oct. 15

Florida’s new Gaming Compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida has been approved by the federal government — ushering in what should become the broadest gambling expansion in Florida in decades.

Notice of the approval, offered in letters from Bryan Newland, principal deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for Indian Affairs, authorizes the massive new deal between the Seminoles and Florida, negotiated by Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ administration and approved in a Special Session of the Legislature in May.

“The final approval of this historic gaming compact is a big deal for the State of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “This mutually-beneficial agreement will grow our economy, expand tourism and recreation and provide billions in new revenue to benefit Floridians. I again want to thank Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr., Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for their part in getting this done for our great state.”

With First Day Of School Approaching, Miami-Dade Superintendent Still Looking For Right Balance Of COVID Protocols

The mask debate continues as students prepare to enter the classroom. “What the public schools are doing is ensuring that our kids are safe,” said State Rep. Christopher Benjamin.

Benjamin is among those who support following the CDC recommendation requiring students in school to social distance and wear a mask. Many school districts have attempted to implement mask mandates, but an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis threatened to withhold funding to districts that did.

With the first day of school approaching, Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said they’re working to find that balance. “We hope to be able to negotiate a reopening of schools with protocols that, number one, provide protection for our students with mask, while simultaneously avoiding financial consequences,” Carvalho said.

United in grief, paying respects, Florida politicos remember Bobby Bowden

In death, as in life, Bobby Bowden cut across divides of Florida to reveal what matters to Floridians regardless of partisan stripe: faith, family, football, sportsmanship, humanity, success. The legendary coach’s death Sunday morning drew a quick outpouring of grief and payments of respect from Florida leaders across the spectrum, many through Twitter.

Among them: Gov. Ron DeSantis:

“Coach Bobby Bowden lived a remarkable life and leaves an incomparable legacy. He created a dominating football program that produced championships and many great players. Coach Bowden also prepared his players to be leaders in their communities, and many have made a great impact across Florida and beyond. Most importantly, he lived his life guided by a strong faith in God, dedication to his family and service to his community. RIP to a truly great man and legendary Floridian, Coach Bobby Bowden.”