Black History Month art, essay contest opens for Florida students
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida has launched an academic and creative contest for elementary, middle and high school students. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the 2023 Black History Month Art and Essay Contest. Black History Month is celebrated every year in February. Read: New state rules on education pose concerns for Orange County Public SchoolsExcellence in Education AwardStudents, parents, teachers, and principals can nominate full-time educators of all grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award. Watch this video below:Central Florida Spotlight: Black History Month (WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comGuests to DeSantis' inaugural ball gushed about the live band, party favors, and said Florida's first family reminded them of the Kennedys
Guests received koozies as party favors and the VIP section had an open bar, guests leaving the event told Insider. The first lady wore a gold ballgown.
news.yahoo.comCasey DeSantis launches Tervis tumbler, bottle to raise money for Hurricane Ian recovery
VENICE, Fla. — Florida first lady Casey DeSantis visited Venice-based drinkware company Tervis on Friday to announce a new fundraising campaign. DeSantis said the new tumbler and water bottle with specific Florida designs will help raise money for residents affected by Hurricane Ian. DeSantis speaks about Hurricane Ian recovery in Daytona BeachProceeds from the “Together We Shine” designs will benefit the Florida Disaster Fund. Read: Unclaimed property requests: Hurricane Ian victims will be prioritizedYou can purchase the tumblers online or in Tervis stores. The 24 oz tumbler costs $21.99 and the 24 oz water bottle costs $26.99.
wftv.comHurricane Ian: Here’s how you can help Florida victims
Ron DeSantis, announced Wednesday that a state charitable effort was activated to help victims of Hurricane Ian, which slammed into southwest Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. We have activated the Florida Disaster Fund so that resources can be efficiently and effectively deployed to those directly impacted by Ian. “I am pleased to announce that Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund so that people can donate directly to those affected by Hurricane Ian. Thank you.”Josie Tamayo, the chief executive officer for Volunteer Florida, said the foundation was committed to helping victims. The organization also accepts checks, which can be mailed to:Volunteer Florida FoundationAttention: Florida Disaster Fund1545 Raymond Diehl RoadSuite 250Tallahassee, FL 32308Checks should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.
wftv.comMore than 800 compete in ‘Python Challenge’ hunt in Florida Everglades
Video: More than 800 compete in ‘Python Challenge’ hunt in Florida Everglades Since 2000, more than 17,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades ecosystem, according to a news release. (WFTV)(AP) — More than 800 competitors will be trudging through the Florida Everglades for the next week, in search of invasive Burmese pythons that will bring in thousands of dollars in prize money. WATCH: Witnesses say fight led to deputy-involved shooting at Orange County hotelThe python hunt officially began Friday morning and runs through 5 p.m. on Aug. 15, according to officials who gathered in Miami to kick off the annual event. “This is significant because every python removed is one less invasive species preying on our native birds, mammals and reptiles,” said Florida first lady Casey DeSantis. Photos: More than 800 compete in ‘Python Challenge’ hunt in Florida EvergladesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 More than 800 compete in ‘Python Challenge’ hunt in Florida EvergladesSince 2000, more than 17,000 pythons have been removed from the Everglades ecosystem, according to a news release.
wftv.comPython hunt! 800 compete to remove Florida's invasive snakes
More than 800 competitors will be trudging through the Florida Everglades for the next eight days, in search of invasive Burmese pythons that will bring in thousands of dollars in prize money. The python hunt officially began Friday morning and runs through 5 p.m. on Aug. 15, according to officials who gathered in Miami to kick off the annual event. “This is significant because every python removed is one less invasive species preying on our native birds, mammals and reptiles," said Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis.
news.yahoo.comCasey DeSantis talks with Osceola County students about the dangers of substance abuse
Casey DeSantis talks with Osceola County students about the dangers of substance abuseKISSIMMEE, Fla. — Florida’s first lady, Casey DeSantis, spoke with students Thursday in Osceola County about issues around substance abuse. WATCH: ‘Adulting 101′ classes to teach financial literacy heading to Florida high schools next yearDeSantis spoke for an event called “The Facts. She was joined by school leaders in the county to highlight the dangers of youth substance abuse, especially for teens. Photos: Casey DeSantis talks with Osceola County students about the dangers of substance abuseExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Casey DeSantis talks with Osceola County students about the dangers of substance abuse“When you consider the situation in our country where fentanyl use is spiking and tragically causing far too many young people to needlessly lose their lives, now it is more important than ever for teenagers to understand the facts about substance abuse,” DeSantis said. Your Future” has been utilized statewide to help youth understand the toxic effects of substance abuse.
wftv.comWith students back in classroom, schools address learning loss experienced during pandemic
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One month after the last Orange County Public Schools families were told to resume in-person learning, district officials say an all-out effort is underway to make up for lost time. Educators say students who spent more of their time learning at home were generally behind their peers who attended in-person lessons, with some exceptions. With society trying to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic for a third time, the race is on to leave some of its legacy behind. Howat said Orange County’s learning loss was “across the board” and educators were still working through who needed help, how much and in which areas. Part of that funding will help expand summer programs to assist students who need that extra support.
wftv.comFlorida first lady cancer-free, governor says
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is considered cancer-free following treatment and surgery for breast cancer, Gov. “There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful and humbled I am to hear the words cancer free,” she said. Have faith and stay strong.”Casey DeSantis, 41, has played an active role in her husband’s administration, often appearing alongside the governor at official events. “For all the women out there who are going through breast cancer right now -– you can overcome this. I know it’s very difficult, but my wife is proof positive, and this is the exact type of news we had hoped for,” the governor said.
wftv.comFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis says First Lady Casey DeSantis is cancer-free
Ron DeSantis announced Thursday in a video posted to his Twitter account that his wife Casey is now considered to be cancer-free. Ron DeSantis says his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancerFlorida’s First Lady has undergone treatment and surgery over the past few months. RELATED: ‘I’m sure as hell not giving up:’ Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis talks about breast cancer fightGov. He sent his support “for all the women out there who are going through breast cancer right now: you can overcome this. RELATED: Casey DeSantis shares cancer story, asks lawmakers for $100 million in cancer fundingExcited to share this update about First Lady @FLCaseyDeSantis’ health: pic.twitter.com/HsMjWwPHIv — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 3, 2022Photos: Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis through the yearsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 0©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comMayor Jerry Demings: Gov. DeSantis should take care of Florida, not just his family
Florida's Republican governor recently defended his lack of public appearances during the omicron surge, saying he was with his wife who is undergoing cancer treatment, but a Democratic mayor of one of Florida's largest counties said that elected officials should be able to care for both their families and their constituents.
Ron DeSantis accompanied wife to cancer treatment while critics claimed he was 'missing'
The office of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing back against recent criticism that the Sunshine State governor has been “missing” after he made limited appearances amid the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state.
news.yahoo.comDeSantis, first lady announce $12M for mental health funding to benefit first responders
Ron DeSantis Gov. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis hosted a roundtable in Tampa on Friday to announce $12 million to fund mental health programing for first responders. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis hosted a roundtable in Tampa on Friday to announce $12 million to fund mental health programing for first responders. The first lady said the funding is another way for the state to thank first responders for the work they do in our communities. “The earlier we can get individuals the help they need the better the outcome will be,” Harris said.
wftv.comGalaxy Home Solutions employees wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month
On Friday, Oct. 22, the entire crew was photographed outside the company’s headquarters in Wildwood, with several people holding handmade signs supporting those battling breast cancer, including Casey DeSantis, the
thevillagesdailysun.com‘I’m sure as hell not giving up:’ Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis talks about breast cancer fight
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis made her first public appearance on Saturday after it was announced earlier this month that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Ron DeSantis shared a video on his Twitter account of he and and his wife speaking at the Hernando County Republican Party Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/5fIFxTlVNq — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 18, 2021He then tells the crowd that she is there in person to thank them herself, which prompts them to give her a standing ovation. But I tell you one thing that’s for sure -- I’m sure as hell not giving up,” Casey DeSantis said, getting thunderous applause in return. She finished her remarks by saying she was stealing a line from her husband: “I have only begun to fight.”PHOTOS: Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis through the yearsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 0©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.com‘I have faith’: Gov. DeSantis speaks openly for 1st time about wife’s breast cancer diagnosis
Just over a week after he made the announcement about his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke publicly about it for the first time Tuesday during a news conference in St. Pete Beach.
First Lady Casey DeSantis resigns from Florida Children and Youth Cabinet following cancer diagnosis
First Lady Casey DeSantis has stepped down as chairwoman of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, four days after it was announced she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the governor’s office said Friday.
Volusia County looking to use technology to help Indian River Lagoon survive
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County officials will hear a presentation about using biorock technology to help create seagrass and oyster beds to try and offset some of the issues Indian River Lagoon is experiencing. The technology has been used successfully in other spots. “Harmful algae blooms have caused light reduction and catastrophic loss of seagrasses, which has led to the critical issues,” scientist Brian LaPointe said. READ: Casey DeSantis: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancerHe said this could be done relatively inexpensively compared to something like a seawall, but the exact cost is not known at this time.
wftv.comBreast Cancer Awareness Month: 9 things to watch out for
ORLANDO, Fla. — Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to educate yourself on the warning signs for breast cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, different people have different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
Troopers searching for driver who left the scene of deadly crash in Cocoa
COCOA, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for the person who drove over a pedestrian in Cocoa who had just been hit by another vehicle. The fatal crash happened around 8 p.m. on Friday near the intersection of Clearlake Road and Melrose Street in Cocoa. That’s when that second vehicle struck the man lying in the roadway. Troopers believe the driver of the car that initially struck the pedestrian caused the victim’s fatal injuries. Read: Troopers look for driver who fled deadly crash involving pedestrian in Brevard CountyThat driver had a valid license and wasn’t impaired, so isn’t facing charges.
wftv.comWorker killed at construction site in Orlando, police say
ORLANDO, Fla. — Police are investigating a fatal accident at a construction site in Orlando.
Orlando police said they received a call around 9:20 a.m. on Monday regarding a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
Breast cancer awareness: How a nonprofit is helping women who can’t afford mammograms, treatment
When Channel 9 anchor Nancy Alvarez was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, she was told a mammogram saved her life. Alina Sanchez began doing regular self-exams after her best friend died of breast cancer at 25. READ: A county-by-county guide to free or low-cost mammograms in Central FloridaRobin Maynard Harris started helping women with their battles after she lost her mom, Libby, to breast cancer in 2007. READ: ‘Hope & Healing’: How to watchA recent study of almost 200,000 breast cancer patients found that insurance coverage plays a major role in survival. “We hear breast cancer awareness month, well guess what?
wftv.comCasey DeSantis: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer
DeSantis family Ron and Casey DeSantis announced the birth of their third child. (WFTV.com News Staff)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his wife, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, Fox News first reported on Monday morning. DeSantis shared the following statement about his wife’s diagnosis:“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”The DeSantis family has three children -- two daughters, 4-year-old Madison and 18-month-old Mamie, and a son, 3-year-old Mason.
wftv.comFlorida spent about $5 million protecting DeSantis, his family and governor’s mansion
Florida taxpayers spent nearly $4.85 million during the past fiscal year to protect Gov. Ron DeSantis, his family, the governor’s mansion and various visiting dignitaries, according to a state report released Monday.
news.yahoo.comFlorida First Lady efforting curriculum for mental health, partnering professional athletes
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled a new program for students Friday that will use curriculum in the classroom, volunteering in the community and the influence of professional athletes to help young people improve their mental health. “One of the biggest barriers, hands down, that we both saw was the stigma,” Casey DeSantis said. “This curriculum will focus on key fundamentals of teaching kids how to be resilient,” Casey DeSantis said. “For example, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, the value of mentorship, empathy, respect, responsibility.”AdThe resiliency curriculum will also include volunteerism. Simon, a former Florida State University footballer and Philadelphia Eagles player, described the stigma and struggles professional athletes face even when they appear to be on top of the world.
‘If you’re going to riot, you are going to jail:’ Gov. DeSantis says of potential Tallahassee protests
Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hold a roundtable discussion regarding mental health and COVID-19 at the Tampa Bay Crisis Center on Thursday, July 16, 2020 in Tampa. DeSantis and the GOP leaders said the legislation would protect Florida from similar mob revolts. “I don’t care why you’re doing it -- you’re not doing it here,” DeSantis said. “If you’re going to riot, you are going to jail.”DeSantis said recent political strife over the recent presidential election is another example of why he is pushing Florida lawmakers now to pass a law aimed at providing harsher consequences for protesters. “If you assault law enforcement in a violent assembly, you are definitely going to jail; you burned down someone’s business, you do all this, the penalties are going to be very swift and immediate.”
Florida to use $5 million federal grant to fund career program for recovering addicts
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida will use a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund a pilot program designed to help people recovering from opioid addiction re-enter the workforce through training as well as continue to receive recovery and support services. [TRENDING: ‘Smell of rotting flesh’ leads to body in trunk | How to celebrate Halloween during pandemic | 98 ‘murder hornets’ removed]The pilot program is called Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery through Workforce Development. “There is no question that the isolation and collateral unintended consequences of COVID-19 stop people who were in treatment,” Lemma said. The DeSantis' said the program is designed to partner with communities including local colleges, CareerSource in Central Florida and law enforcement. “This new pilot program is focused on connecting individuals who have been impacted by opioid abuse addiction and other substance use disorders, with the resources they need to recover and find meaningful employment in their communities,” Gov.
Florida boosts funding to provide mental telehealth services to children in rural communities
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Education is making $2 million available to rural counties across the state to increase access to telehealth to provide mental-health services for schoolchildren. “I’m excited today to announce to 18 of the rural counties across the state of Florida we’ll be issuing $2 million to those rural districts to help students there increase access to tele- and mental-health services,” Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis said during a Monday news conference at the governor’s mansion. The money is available from federal CARES Act stimulus funding and will be directed to rural counties that have lower rates of internet connectivity and have limited access to health-care professionals. Monday’s announcement was lauded by Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. The 18 counties that will receive the funding are: Bradford, Calhoun, DeSoto, Dixie, Glades, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hardee, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Union and Washington.
Florida considers nursing home visits during coronavirus pandemic, governor says
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Florida may soon roll back on visitation restrictions for nursing homes and long-term care facilities to help families reunite with their loved ones during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Apart from restricting visits, the state has also boosted personal protective equipment supplies for long-term care and nursing home facilities and prohibited COVID-19 positive residents return back to their nursing homes. Daniel took a dishwasher position at a memory care facility to be able to spend time with her husband while family visits are being restricted. How we can make these loved ones, feel loved and nurtured and held and hugged again? she challenged the group. He added that the state may be able to include central caregivers into their testing operations at long-term care and nursing home facilities.
Florida's governor DeSantis, first lady welcome baby girl into family
Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis announced Monday the birth of their third child, Mamie. The first lady tweeted two photos to mark the arrival of their new daughter. At 7 lbs 4oz she was the smallest of the bunch, but she is already holding her own, Casey DeSantis wrote in a tweet. Madison and Mason are so excited for their new baby sister! Casey DeSantis tweeted. Looks like the governors mansion will have to stay baby-proofed for a little while longer, the governor tweeted in September.
news-journalonline.comNext Florida Senate president puts focus on businesses, water, children
Trilby Republican Wilton Simpson vowed to tackle Florida's economy with common-sense, fiscally conservative principlesTALLAHASSEE Shortly after Trilby Republican Wilton Simpson was formally elected Tuesday as Floridas next Senate president, he characterized himself as a farmer and an entrepreneur and not a politician. If you are a Florida business, we will do all we can to keep you here, Simpson said. He also wants to keep children from bouncing from foster home to foster home. This year, she has worked on a number of initiatives aimed at helping Florida children. We also need to get serious about a septic-to-sewer program because its the root cause of many of our pollution problems around the state, Simpson said.
news-journalonline.comNext Florida Senate president puts focus on businesses, water, children
Trilby Republican Wilton Simpson vowed to tackle Florida's economy with common-sense, fiscally conservative principlesTALLAHASSEE Shortly after Trilby Republican Wilton Simpson was formally elected Tuesday as Floridas next Senate president, he characterized himself as a farmer and an entrepreneur and not a politician. If you are a Florida business, we will do all we can to keep you here, Simpson said. He also wants to keep children from bouncing from foster home to foster home. This year, she has worked on a number of initiatives aimed at helping Florida children. We also need to get serious about a septic-to-sewer program because its the root cause of many of our pollution problems around the state, Simpson said.
ocala.comNo landing date set for Gov. Ron DeSantis' state-issued jet
click to enlarge Photo of Cessna Citation Latitude via Cessnaclick to enlarge Photo of Cessna Citation Latitude via Wikimedia CommonsUpon taking office, Gov. Ron DeSantis made his first trip out of Tallahassee aboard an upgraded King Air aircraft that law-enforcement officials had seized in a drug bust. That's because his predecessor, Rick Scott, was the wealthiest governor in state history and got rid of state planes, opting to use his own private plane for state travel. The company advertises it as a jet with elegant and lean design," an electronic door, touch-screen avionics and a spacious 6-foot standing cabin.A state negotiation team recommended acquiring the jet in late July. Jessica Cary, an FDLE spokeswoman, pointed to $1.2 million in recurring state funds as how the state agency will make payments toward the financed purchase."
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