DeSantis Sworn Into Office To Begin 2nd Term
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' second term is officially underway.DeSantis took the oath of office yesterday on the steps of the Historic Capitol in Tallahassee. DeSantis beat former Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist by nearly 20 points in November to win reelection. During his inauguration speech, the potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate spoke on the theme of freedom.
DeSantis Says Florida Is Preserving Sacred Fire Of Liberty
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Florida is free and preserving the sacred fire of liberty. That's what Governor Ron DeSantis said yesterday in his inaugural address at the Old Capitol in Tallahassee. DeSantis says that sacred fire of liberty burned in Independence Hall in 1776; at Gettysburg when President Lincoln pledged a new birth of freedom; in France when boys stormed the beaches of Normandy to preserve freedom for the world; at the Lincoln Memorial when Dr. King said all men are created equal and when President Reagan called on the Soviet Union to tear down the Berlin Wall. DeSantis closed his speech by saying it's our responsibility here in Florida to carry this torch, and we will do so with faith, courage and strength.
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Reports 50% Increase In Policies Last Year
(Tallahassee, FL)-- What's supposed to be the insurer of last resort is becoming a more popular choice for Florida home owners. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation announced yesterday its number of policy holders increased by 50 percent in 2022. Citizens was supposed to be for those who could not find coverage in the private market, but more companies are fleeing Florida and those that remain are raising their rates to levels many can't afford. Citizens now has over one-point-one million policies.
Scott Wants Answers After Report On Pandemic Relief Fraud
(Washington, DC)-- Rick Scott wants answers after what he calls an alarming report on COVID relief funds. The Department of Labor says over 45 billion dollars in pandemic unemployment benefits may have been distributed fraudulently. Senator Scott says millions went to dead Americans and federal prisoners. He sent a letter yesterday to the Labor Department asking for their plan to mitigate waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Influx Of Migrants Rescued Off South Florida Coast
(Miami, FL) -- Authorities are reporting a major influx of migrant ships off the South Florida coast this week. A group of more than one-hundred migrants is the latest to arrive in the Florida Keys earlier today. 24-hours earlier, crew members on the Carnival Celebration and Celebrity Cruises rescued more than 20 people stranded at sea near Miami-Dade and Broward counties.Since last Friday, more than five-hundred migrants have arrived in South Florida.
Florida Librarians Must Undergo Special Training Under New Law
(Tallahassee, FL) -- School librarians throughout Florida are required to undergo special training under a new state law. The requirement took effect in the new year and will explain what kind of literature is allowed inside media centers. It will also give the public a role throughout the review process. The state will monitor the training each year. The new rules come after legislation was passed to better control how schools instruct and discuss race, gender identity and sexual orientation in younger grade levels.
Daughters Searching For Father's Body
(Miami, FL)-- Months after he died, a Miami-Dade County man's body remains unaccounted for. Edner Monosiet [[mo-no-SEE-ay]] died five months ago at Miami's Larkin Community Hospital, but the following month, when his two daughters went to the funeral home, the body in the casket was not his. State officials are investigating where the 71-year-old's body may be.Edner's daughter, Vanessa, tells Local 10 News Christmas was terrible, and you can imagine the pain we're all feeling.
Number Of Children Accidentally Eating Cannabis Edibles Increases Dramatically
(Sacramento, CA)-- The number of young children who accidentally ate cannabis edibles has dramatically increased in the last five years. According to an analysis of the National Poison Data System, the number jumped over a thousand percent. There were more than seven-thousand kids under six between 2017 and 2021 exposed to edibles. Researchers say increased legalization across the US means edibles are more widely available. Edibles also come in the form of cookies, brownies, and candies. Edibles packaging can also look like Cheetos, Nerds, and Gushers candy. Children who ingest edibles can become incredibly sick, and even have trouble standing, walking, sitting and breathing.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2004, NASA’s Mars Rover, Spirit landed on Mars.
1995, Newt Gingrich was formally elected Speaker of the House. He became the first Republican to hold the post in 40 years.
1980, President Carter announced the U.S. would boycott the Moscow Olympics.
1896, Utah became the 45th state of the United States.