Florida's Latest News

Nursing homes ponder staffing mandates as direct care costs increase

Nursing home staffing requirements could be on the table in the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session, according to the state’s leading nursing home association.

Florida Health Care Association CEO Emmett Reed said Monday a workforce shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has increased direct care costs at Florida nursing homes by $300 million over the last year.

That’s not to say, though, that the association will be asking for a $300 million increase in funding from the Legislature, Reed said. The FHCA will be meeting with its members next week to finalize its legislative budget proposal and upcoming Medicaid funding requests. Reed said the group may not ask for the full $300 million, which would result in a $19 increase in Medicaid reimbursement per day per patient.

Reed said the $300 million increase in direct care costs could be offset if the Legislature would agree to modify the current staffing requirements.

Lawmaker pitches measure to broaden Florida KidCare access

A South Florida lawmaker is proposing legislation that would increase a child’s access to health care.

The measure (HB 419) would expand access to Florida KidCare by doubling the current income cutoff limit to 400% of the federal poverty line. Florida KidCare is the state-provided health and dental insurance program.

Republican Rep. Chip LaMarca of Lighthouse Point is the bill sponsor. A former member of the Florida Health Kids Boards of Directors, LaMarca noted one in 13 children  in Florida is uninsured.

“Florida leads the nation in job creation and economic opportunity, and we must also lead on access to affordable health care for our kids,” LaMarca said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to protect some of our most vulnerable families from being punished for advancing their career and doing their part to create a better life for their families.”

Seminoles Quietly Kick Off Sports Betting in Florida

The Seminole Tribe on Monday quietly launched online sports betting in Florida, amid continuing legal challenges to a gambling deal approved by state lawmakers in May.

The tribe’s highly anticipated rollout of sports betting in the state came with no fanfare, and a spokesman declined to comment when asked about the launch.

But social media erupted Monday afternoon after the Seminoles’ Hard Rock Sportsbook allowed players in Florida to download an app enabling them to make deposits and place wagers on professional football, hockey and soccer games and make bets on other sports. The launch was first reported by radio talk-show host Andy Slater.

Gov. Ron DeSantis this spring opened the door to sports betting in Florida — viewed as one of the nation’s most-fertile grounds for digital wagering — through a deal signed with tribe Chairman Marcelus Osceola Jr. The Legislature signed off on the agreement, known as a compact, in a May special session, but the deal is being challenged in federal court.

Slain Florida police officer remembered as a 'true hero'

They came from across the state and beyond, law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics, proving again there are times when the uniform knows no boundaries.

They joined family and friends at the FLA Live Arena in paying final respects to slain Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino, whose body lay in a coffin draped with an American flag.

“Yandy was more than an officer,” said Hollywood Police Chief Chris O’Brien, addressing a crowd that included Chirino’s parents, family and girlfriend. “He was a true hero. He sacrificed his life protecting our community.” He described Chirino as easy to befriend, dedicated to his duty, and passionate about protecting his community.

Officials estimated at least 3,000 mourners attended, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, along with Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy and other city officials.