Florida's Latest News

Gov. DeSantis approves Medicaid extension for new moms

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill extending Medicaid coverage to pregnant women until one year after they deliver their babies.

The measure (SB 2518) was a priority of House Speaker Chris Sprowls that received early bipartisan praise across both chambers during the recent Legislative Session. DeSantis signed the measure Wednesday, the same day he signed a series of budget bills, including the $101.5 billion budget for the coming fiscal year.

DeSantis credited the Legislature with taking the lead on the postpartum health care effort. Without the extension, federal rules only guarantee mothers two months of insurance.

Lori Hershey launches campaign in HD 16

The race to succeed Rep. Jason Fischer in Jacksonville’s House District 16 is officially on, with a second Republican entering the Primary Wednesday.

Lori Hershey, who represents much of the district on the Duval County School Board, is in the race officially, having filed paperwork with the state to open a campaign account, reliable sources tell Florida Politics.

“I want to take my record of common sense conservative leadership to Tallahassee to help Governor Ron DeSantis keep moving Florida forward,” Hershey said in a media release Wednesday.

Florida COVID Hospitalizations at Lowest Point in a Year

Hospitalizations from COVID-19 are at their lowest level in the state in over a year, the Florida Hospital Association said Wednesday.

There were roughly 1,842 COVID hospitalizations in Florida Wednesday. According to their data, the state’s hospitalizations have declined 19% in the last two weeks and stand 38% lower than one month ago.

Current hospitalizations stand at only 20% of the peak reached in July 2020 with approximately 33% of existing hospital capacity available, according to a statement.

Study to define hazardous walking conditions for Florida kids to get funding after all

The research arm of the Florida Legislature will study what exactly creates hazardous walking conditions for children across the state after a bill requiring a similar study failed to pass in the latest session.

State Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, advocated for the study to be funded after the bill she sponsored, House Bill 229, passed two House subcommittees but failed to be heard by the whole House and Senate.

Salzman told the News Journal on Tuesday that the speaker's office has agreed to fund the study, which is scheduled to be complete by September 2022.