Florida's Latest News

DeSantis touts $188 million from federal grant to help expand healthcare in Florida's rural areas

Gov. Ron DeSantis is touting $188 million in funding to help expand healthcare access throughout Florida's rural communities.

In a Tuesday announcement, DeSantis said the funds will be spent across 31 rural counties.

"These investments in rural Florida will strengthen hospitals and clinics, expand the rural healthcare workforce, and help ensure Floridians can access high-quality care in their own communities," DeSantis said in a statement.

The awards are a part of Florida's share from the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion federal initiative administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The program began this year and runs five fiscal years, with $10 billion available annually,

Florida received $209 million through the initiative. The funds, administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration, will grow workforce education, expand access to care through mobile health units and telehealth services, and support rural hospitals and clinics.

Leon County Schools may sell, consolidate administrative buildings

The wheels are turning on plans for Leon County Schools to sell off its administrative buildings – with an ultimate goal of consolidating divisions and facilities under one roof.

During an Aug. 11 board meeting, members unanimously voted for LCS Superintendent Rocky Hanna to prepare a financial analysis by the end of December for the potential sale of four school district building properties. The report will also outline the consolidation of all personnel currently housed in the facilities either through a purchase or long-term lease agreement of an existing property. 

The buildings that may hit the market include the school district's Administration East and West complexes on West Pensacola Street, the Aquilina Howell Center – where board meetings are held every two weeks – which is also located on West Pensacola Street, and the historic Bloxham building, which was originally built on Calhoun Street in 1923 as the Caroline M. Brevard Elementary School.

Growth chart: Florida’s doctors stick with J.J. Grow in HD 23

For a week now, the FMA PAC has been endorsing people who want to get to Tallahassee. J.J. Grow is already there, and the doctors would like him to stay.

The Florida Medical Association PAC, or FMA PAC, is endorsing the Inverness Republican’s reelection bid in House District 23, which covers Citrus County and part of Marion. Grow is the first incumbent House member in the PAC’s recent endorsement run.

“The FMA PAC is proud to endorse State Rep. J.J. Grow for the Florida House. Rep. Grow has worked together with the FMA as a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee, and we thank him for his service to the Florida House,” said FMA PAC President Andrew Borom.

Grow pointed to his first-term record on drug prices.

“I am truly grateful for the support of Florida’s doctors who are on the frontlines of treating patients and advocating for more affordable and accessible care for all. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to help fight for lower prescription drug prices and bring costs down,” Grow said. “I know the FMA shares that same mission, and I am grateful for their support.”

General Mike Flynn Endorses Casey Askar for Florida's 22nd Congressional District Race

General Mike Flynn (Ret.), a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has officially endorsed Casey Askar in the 22nd Congressional District Republican primary.

In a statement announcing his endorsement, Gen. Flynn lauded Askar as a man who "embodies the American Dream," describing Askar's flight from Iraq as a child to escape religious persecution and serving in the Marine Corps.

"He understands firsthand that freedom is never guaranteed; it is earned, protected, and defended," Gen. Flynn continued, further describing how Askar "represents the values that have made America the greatest nation on Earth: faith, family, freedom, personal responsibility, and service before self."

Moreover, the former General said that "the people of Florida's newly drawn 22nd Congressional District deserve a representative who understands both South Florida's values and the concerns of families and businesses across the district. America faces enormous challenges. Casey Askar has shown throughout his life that he is willing to serve something greater than himself."