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Florida’s K-12 schools shift to online education, but students, families and teachers may not be prepared
As the coronavirus pandemic expands in Florida with more than 1,400 infections and several deaths, K-12 schools are resuming education through distance learning technology until at least April 15. All school districts are prepared to launch their distance learning plans by March 30, According to the Florida Department of Education. But transitioning to online instruction […]
FL college students have begun learning through video conferencing. Will it work?
Florida’s college students, professors and instructors have begun remote learning through video conferencing, and time will tell on how it will play out and how much kids will learn during the coronavirus pandemic. Some professors are not familiar with distance learning technology, making the transition even more difficult. One adjunct professor at the University of […]
With COVID-19 spreading, FL social workers face limitations trying to help vulnerable families
In high-poverty rural areas of Florida, the state’s most vulnerable families struggle to get by and often need assistance from social workers. But now that the coronavirus pandemic has caused a public health emergency in Florida, both public and private social workers are limited in what they can do to help. Candiace Williams is a […]
Civil rights organizations go back to court to extend vote-by-mail deadline
With the coronavirus pandemic dissuading some voters from going to the polls, a coalition of civil rights organizations is pushing for an extended deadline for those unable to vote in Tuesday’s presidential primary. “Tuesday’s election was fraught with confusion, misinformation, and fear,” according to a joint statement from the coalition. “The evidence so far is […]
COVID-19 cuts into Florida’s presidential primary turnout; some poll workers fail to show
Voting in Florida’s presidential preference primary on Tuesday started off with sparse crowds and few polling workers at precincts around the state amid fears stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. In Broward County, with more than 1 million active registered voters and the most COVID-19 cases in the state, in-person voting was definitely slim. That very […]
Florida now has more than 100 coronavirus cases; residents have begun hoarding essentials
Coronavirus cases in Florida have doubled to more than 100 in just two days, with infections rising more rapidly in South Florida, particularly in Broward County. As of early Sunday, The Florida Department of Health reported three dozen more Floridians who tested positive for coronavirus, which has caused four Florida resident deaths. Three more non-Florida […]
Tough road to confirmation: FL Senate finally okays Surgeon General Scott Rivkees
The Florida Senate finally confirmed Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, overcoming controversies and concerns that the pediatric specialist and renowned medical researcher may not have advanced public health credentials for the tasks that lie ahead. The Senate vote Friday was 31-9. As Surgeon General and head of the Florida Department of Health, Rivkees will face […]
New FL resident coronavirus case in Miami-Dade; more details on cases in a growing number of counties
The latest update on coronavirus cases in Florida: A 42-year-old Miami-Dade man who is isolated. This is a travel related case connected to exposure to an international traveler, according to the Florida Health Department, which reported the new case Friday. Late Thursday night, the department reported more than a dozen cases testing positive for the […]
New FL resident coronavirus cases, in Broward and Lee counties
The latest update on coronavirus cases in Florida: A 57-year-old male in Lee County. The next case is a 65-year-old male in Broward. The third case is a 61-year-old male in Broward, which is travel-related. The other two are described as “under investigation,” according to the Florida Department of Health. The department has now reported […]
The iconic cap-and-gown college graduations this spring could be problematic. Will they take place?
American lives are changing as the coronavirus rises to a pandemic crisis worldwide, causing empty airplanes, cancelled cruise ship trips and stock market volatility. Now comes higher education, where vast campuses, big dorms, college sporting events and iconic cap-and-gown commencement exercises can become targets of the coronavirus. The new virus has caused a respiratory disease […]
State universities announce temporary shift to online classes, amid coronavirus fears
Students at schools within the State University System (SUS) will take off-campus online classes for at least two weeks as the deadly coronavirus pandemic stifles more activities throughout the state. After spring break, Florida State University students will begin the remote instruction, according to a university alert Wednesday. Florida A&M University, and the University of […]
Autonomy for nurse practitioners, finally
A landmark bill for autonomy of nurse practitioners has been approved by the Florida Legislature during the 2020 session and now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. Legislation authorizing nurse practitioners, sometimes referred to as advanced practice registered nurses, to practice independently of doctors passed on a 107-8 vote in the Florida House on Wednesday. The […]