Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks $1,000 payments for in-person teachers, principals
Ron DeSantis is requesting the Florida legislature approve $216 million to provide $1,000 bonuses for principals and classroom teachers. DeSantis made the announcement at Palm Harbor University High School in Pinellas County Wednesday afternoon. DeSantis did not mention virtual or online-only teachers in his request for bonuses. Some parents have said they plan to opt out of in-person testing to keep their students home due to pre-existing conditions. The Orange County Classroom Teacherโs Association said following the announcement that teachers are happy for the bonus, but it fails to address long-term priorities with education.
Florida to lower vaccine eligibility age to 55 and older soon, governor says
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Millions more Floridians could soon be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine as Gov. During a news conference in Palm Harbor Wednesday, DeSantis said Florida will allow people 55 and older to qualify for the coronavirus vaccine in the coming weeks. โIโm not going to announce it yet, but we definitely will lower to 55 sometime in March,โ he said. AdโAs I mentioned, weโve done over 3 million seniors have gotten shots, and weโre closing in on two-thirds of all seniors in Florida,โ DeSantis said. Nearly 2.5 million Floridians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Florida GOP outlines $100M+ plan to tackle climate change
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. โ Low-lying Florida, surrounded by the sea, is one of the most vulnerable U.S. states to ocean level rise driven by climate change. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said at a news conference that measures in the upcoming session of the Legislature would address flooding and sea level rise. They include:$100 million a year from 2022-23 to deal with sea level rise and flooding. A grant program providing money to local governments for the costs of planning and dealing with sea level rise. We must adapt to rising seas but, we also must lower the heat and rising temperatures causing seas to rise,โ she said.
Double trouble: Two-headed snake found slithering around Florida home
A Florida woman says her daughterโs cat Olive caught a rare two-headed snake slithering around outside her Palm Harbor home and plopped it down in the living room. โSo of course because it is her cat, Olive, she said, โSee mom? A rare two-headed southern black racer was recently found at a residence in Palm Harbor by Kay Rogers and family. This... Posted by FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute on Wednesday, October 21, 2020From there, Rogers turned to a snake identification group on Facebook. Not willing to give up, Rogers then contacted The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Research Institute and officials there agreed to help out.
Florida man fatally shoots friend with rifle he thought was unloaded
PALM HARBOR, Fla. โ A Florida man is now facing a manslaughter charge after he pointed what he thought was an unloaded rifle at his friend and shot him in the chest, police said. The friends had been playing video games at Harkins' house, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Harkins, 26, told deputies he pointed the gun at his friend as a joke, officials said. He told investigators that Cook said, โWhat are you going to do, shoot me?โHe pulled the trigger, thinking the rifle was unloaded. Investigators arrested Harkins was arrested, and remained in the Pinellas County Jail on Friday morning.
3 family members die in Florida hit-and-run; driver sought
PALM HARBOR, Fla. โ Florida law enforcement searched Sunday for the hit-and-run driver who ran a red light and plowed into a car, killing a married couple and their teenage son. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened late Saturday in Palm Harbor, north of St. Petersburg. That caused the Nissan to spin, ejecting the Johnsons, who were not wearing seat belts. They died at the scene. The Buickโs driver and passenger ran from crash, leaving the car behind.