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Florida Derby 2023 Results: A Come-From-Behind Triumph For Forte, Mage Places, Cyclone Mischief Shows

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Florida Derby 2023 Results: A Come-From-Behind Triumph For Forte, Mage Places, Cyclone Mischief Shows


In an exhilarating, mature demonstration of pure racing coronary heart, the 1-5 favourite Forte went broad beneath Irad Ortiz to overhaul Cyclone Mischief and Mage within the final sixteenth of a mile to take the Florida Derby on Saturday. Forte couldn’t have delivered a extra emphatic declare to be the very best colt sure for the Kentucky Derby to return out of the preps. He paid an expectedly low $2.80.

Underneath Ortiz, the colt broke properly from the eleventh stall within the gate, far to the surface and settled into ninth earlier than slowly working his manner up via the sector up the backstretch. “Going to the quarter pole, he gave me feeling,” stated the Corridor of Fame jockey in attribute understatement. “And he was able to roll.”

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Ortiz took him 5 broad within the far flip, growing the gap that Forte needed to cowl by, his elated coach Pletcher estimated after the race, a sixteenth of a mile. However Forte nonetheless had a furiously hard-working Mage and the Dale Romans skilled Cyclone Mischief out in entrance poised to take the race, and Forte regarded, within the final furlong, as if he would definitely present. Which is when Ortiz discovered the afterburner change and Forte breezed by his opponents to take the wire.

“To me what was most spectacular have been the final hundred yards. He got here by me on the eighth pole, he regarded crushed,” stated Pletcher.

Though Forte’s victory was extensively awaited, its derring-do, its energy and the way wherein the colt delivered it within the final hundred yards have been under no circumstances on the agenda, and that greater than something ramped up the racing group’s regard in a millisecond. It was the type of victory that created followers, and positively bodes properly for a hotly anticipated Might date at Churchill, regardless of who comes via with the factors in subsequent Saturday’s races.

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It’s the start of spring! Here’s what produce is in season at the grocery, Publix stores

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It’s the start of spring! Here’s what produce is in season at the grocery, Publix stores



When do fruits and vegetables go bad? The next time you compile your grocery shopping list, consider these items.

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The spring season is officially here, with Floridians already feeling the warmer weather.

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Tuesday, March 19, marks the vernal equinox, bringing the first day of spring to the Northern Hemisphere. USA TODAY explained daylight hours will continue to increase, especially after the start of daylight saving time, and will peak with the summer solstice in June.

Along with the new season, several nutritious and delicious produce items are now in season or reaching its peak. From blueberries to watermelon, ’tis the season for splurging on in season fruits and veggies.

What produce is in season in Florida now?

Going off data from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Fresh From Florida website, here’s what to look out for on your next grocery trip:

Produce: How long is it in season?
Basil March through November
Bell Pepper November through May
Blueberries March through May
Broccoli December through April
Cabbage December through May
Cantaloupe March through July
Carrots November through June
Cauliflower Jan through March, they will no longer be in season after this month
Celery December through May
Cilantro November through May
Coconuts Harvested year-round
Collard Greens December through April
Cucumber October through June
Eggplant October through June
Endive November through April
Escarole November through April
Grapefruit October through June
Lettuce November through April
Mushroom In season all year
Orange September through June
Pineberry December through April
Potato February through June
Radish November through May
Snap Beans October through June
Spinach November through April
Squash October through June
Strawberry December through April
Sweet Corn November through May
Tangerine September through April
Tomato October through June
Watermelon March through July, October through December

Why is it good to eat foods that are in season?

Some might be wondering what’s the big deal with eating “in season,” and whether you can still eat tomatoes in August or blueberries in January.

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stresses products that are in season are fresher and tastier, noting its nutritional value is optimized. Plus, they add eating seasonally encourages a diverse diet, is often more economical, and harmonizes with nature’s production cycle.



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A battleground no more? Florida’s growing GOP dominance dims presidential fight in state

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A battleground no more? Florida’s growing GOP dominance dims presidential fight in state



Low turnout among Democrats in the 2022 governor’s race, won by Gov. Ron DeSantis by a stunning 19%, has led to a larger number of registered Democrats going to inactive status, analysts say.

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With another presidential election year taking shape, Florida’s reputation as the nation’s biggest battleground state has faded: Republicans now hold the biggest advantage in voter registration either major party has held in almost four decades. 

State elections data through last month shows the GOP has just surpassed a major milestone. The party’s 851,417-voter lead marks the biggest gap between the parties in Florida since Democrats dominated by more than 854,000 votes in 1988. 

The gulf could make Florida an afterthought in this year’s presidential contest. The state’s presidential primary on Tuesday also is mostly meaningless, with the rematch of President Joe Biden versus former President Donald Trump already set for November. 

Instead, more competitive states are where the contenders in coming months will likely steer their TV advertising, campaign staff and barnstorming visits, both sides said.  

“From a presidential standpoint, I think we’ll win pretty big here,” Florida Republican Party chair Evan Power said, looking ahead to the fall. “Obviously, we’re going to continue to work hard on the U.S. Senate race and down ballot contests. But I think it’s clear we’re a firmly red state now.” 

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Voter status change a contributing factor

Democrats say the divide between the parties is misleading, swelled by the shifting of almost 1 million voters last year from active to inactive status, under a new state law that threatens the eligibility of those who fail to cast a ballot during the previous two general elections. 

Inactive voters can contact their county elections office to be restored to active status, or simply show up to vote in the next election. 

Low turnout among Democrats in the 2022 governor’s race, won by Gov. Ron DeSantis by a stunning 19%, has led to a disproportionate number of registered Democrats going to inactive status, analysts said. 

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But the distance between the parties is striking given that Republicans only edged out registered Democrats for the first time in the state’s modern history at the end of 2021.  

Since then, the state has turned only redder. 

Media dollars going elsewhere

Tracking company AdImpact already projects that Florida, after leading the nation in media spending in the 2020 presidential contest, will fall to eighth place in this year’s contest. 

Florida is forecast to fall behind Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada and Wisconsin, all states where the White House may be won or lost. 

Florida politics have changed significantly since the 2000 election, when the state’s politically purple hue was firmly cast with the 537-vote margin by which Republican George W. Bush carried the state and won the White House. 

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Bush won again four years later before the pendulum swung and Democrat Barack Obama twice carried Florida. After Trump took the state in 2016 and carried it by an even bigger margin in 2020, DeSantis’ re-election victory two years ago was by the largest spread in a Florida governor’s race in 40 years. 

Combined, Florida seemed affirmed as a red state. 

There are more Republicans than Democrats now in 56 of the state’s 67 counties. Voter registration numbers suggest Florida’s 30 electoral votes are destined to be rung up on Trump’s side. 

NPAs give Democrats a wild card and hope

But Democrats say just looking at the widening gap between registered voters fails to account for the wild card of no-party-affiliated Floridians – which comprise 26% of the state’s electorate. 

“While our numbers on the surface don’t look as pretty as someone who is chair of the party would like to see, there are reasons and Democrats know that we can never win an election with just Democrats,” said Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried. 

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“We always have to make sure our message transcends partisan politics,” she added, pointing out that the Biden White House remains focused on Florida. 

Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Saturday to talk about gun safety measures that the administration has enacted and outline efforts to reduce gun violence.

Promising to ease the state’s property insurance woes, with Floridians paying the highest homeowners’ costs in the nation, a lack of affordable housing, and combating the state’s strict new abortion law are among the issues Democrats will run on this fall, Fried said. 

“We will be talking to independents and moderate Republicans who believe this new MAGA Republican Party is not reflective of their values,” Fried said. “We’ve had 30 years of one-party rule in this state. But we have an opportunity to transform the electorate by staying on the message of what Floridians are really talking about.” 

The year it was safe to watch TV — again

Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political scientist and pollster, said Floridians may have to adjust to finding themselves in new terrain – the sideline of a major presidential campaign. 

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“Every cycle you hear people saying, ‘I wish this thing would end, I’m sick of seeing these commercials,’ ” Wagner said. “Well, this might be the year where we’re one of those outside states. I wonder if Florida voters will like or dislike that we’re not the focus of the campaign?” 

He said an economic hit may be felt by TV stations not drawing their usual vast volume of advertising dollars. Consultants and media firms may also face a downturn. 

Read more: How Florida turned red: Changing population, weak opposition, aggressive Gov. Ron DeSantis

A disturbance in the force? Are Florida Republicans breaking from DeSantis? Divide grows as GOP ‘wish list’ fades

Wagner said it’s clear the state is not the battleground it once was. But he said it can still prove competitive. 

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“There are a substantial number of voters that would vote for a Democrat, when you factor in registered Democrats and the NPAs,” he said. “But it’s going to require the Democratic Party to reach voters more effectively than they have. 

“Elections are always products of which cohort of voters is most interested in participating,” Wagner added. “What has really hurt Democratic chances in this state are that there has been a demoralization of voters and you see that in turnout numbers. Democrats need to motivate their voters in ways they have not.” 

Still plenty of political action

Florida will still have plenty of political action. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican, is running for reelection, with former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell looking like the strongest Democratic opponent, while legislative and congressional contests also will draw attention. 

But a lot starts with the top of the ticket and the heat gauge on the presidential race. 

“I don’t expect to see presidential candidates spending a lot of time campaigning here. Their time and money are much better spent in true swing states,” said Nick Iarossi, who was national finance co-chair for DeSantis’ presidential campaign, which ended after a distant, second-place finish behind Trump in the Iowa caucuses. 

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However, “Republican candidates from all over the country will make the fundraising pilgrimage to Florida’s fertile grounds,” added Iarossi, a lobbyist and Republican fundraiser.  

He said Florida wealthy GOP donors, many recently transplanted from other states, “have a renewed interest to give to down ballot Republican candidates in Florda where their money can make a difference.” 

While the numbers don’t look good for Democrats, history may provide some hope. 

Numbers don’t guarantee victory, history shows

In 1988, when Florida Democrats had an advantage among registered voters like that now held by Republicans it didn’t help the party’s presidential candidate, Michael Dukakis. He failed miserably in the state.

Republican nominee George H.W. Bush won 61% of the vote in Florida, carrying 66 of the state’s 67 counties, with only rural Gadsden County siding with the Democrat. 

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But Fried said the party isn’t giving up on the state. 

“We’ve been in constant communication with President Biden and his team, along with the Democratic National Committee and they understand that they cannot leave Florida behind,” Fried said. “They see the work we’re doing and we know there’s going to be a significant drop off among Republicans who are disenfranchised when facing the possibility of another President Trump administration.”

Chris Persaud of the Palm Beach Post contributed. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @JKennedyReport



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Assisted living claims victories in Florida budget, sees promise in future talks

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Assisted living claims victories in Florida budget, sees promise in future talks


(Credit: PM Images / Getty Images)

Senior living industry experts are calling Florida’s $117 billion state budget a mix of hits and misses regarding programs supporting older adults.

Increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate and personal needs allowance were two wins state associations are celebrating.

The 2024-2025 state budget, which was passed recently by lawmakers at the end of the 2024 legislation session, included a $1.3 million Medicaid increase for Assistive Care Services, which includes services provided by assisted living communities. 

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“We are immensely grateful to the legislature and their collaborative efforts that resulted in a budget that not only addresses immediate needs, but also builds upon a solid foundation for the future of elder care in our state,” LeadingAge Southeast Vice President of Advocacy Susan Langston said in a statement. “From nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home- and community-based services, to affordable senior housing and workforce, these investments reflect a commitment to sustaining programs and services that provide high quality care for Florida’s older adults as they age across the continuum.”

Florida Assisted Living Association CEO Bijou Ikli explained that the ACS increase will help offset some of the costs associated with providing care for low-income residents. That daily rate had been $13.37, which Ikli said wouldn’t cover an hour of child care or even boarding for a pet, let alone coverage for assisting an older adult with activities of daily living. The latest budget increase will bump that daily rate by 15%.

The low reimbursement rate previously led many assisted living providers to forgo acceptance of ACS residents. Ikli said that  a bump in the rate might incentivize others to accept this type of reimbursement and potentially reduce instances of earlier transitions of residents to skilled nursing facilities.

The Florida Senior Living Association said it supported the rate increase.

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“Consistent Medicaid increases are necessary for the future of assisted living,” Jason Hand, FSLA vice president of public policy and legal affairs, told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Each assisted living community in Florida is unique and provides many types of services, and we are grateful for every investment made toward securing the continued future of our amazing communities and their residents.”

Increasing the personal needs allowance

The budget also includes $6.7 million to increase the personal needs allowance for individuals receiving Florida Optional State Supplementation in an assisted living community, adult family care home or mental health treatment center. The OSS program helps qualified low-income individuals pay for room and board in those settings. 

Ikli said that the increase is a significant win, as the personal needs allowance — which allows residents to retain a portion of their personal income to pay for personal expenses such as haircuts, toiletries, clothing and snacks — has remained $54 per month for assisted living residents for the past 20 years. The state budget increase brings that monthly figure up to $160 to match the amount nursing homes residents receive. 

“We thought it was important to address, because we thought it must be an oversight,” Ikli said, adding that many assisted living providers who choose to supplement their residents’ needs faced the prospect of going out of business because they couldn’t maintain those expenses.

Assisted living part of ‘promising’ discussions

One area that didn’t gain traction in the latest legislative session was addressing the statewide Medicaid managed care long-term care wait list, or SMMC-LTC. 

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Individuals are living longer, so many older adults who move into private-pay assisted living are running out of money and have to go through the process of applying for long-term care managed care. Those individuals eventually are placed on the SMMC-LTC waitlist for the communities they once called home.

Ikli said that the system creates a level of unnecessary stress and disruption for residents. Although proposals to rework the system did not make it to the committee level, she said that “promising” conversations have occurred about developing a plan to discuss the issue in a rules setting.

In addition, there also is an effort in the state to free up beds in skilled nursing facilities by transitioning more individuals into the greater community by identifying community-based alternatives. Ikli said that she is excited about that effort and believes it presents an opportunity for assisted living providers to help with some of those transitions. 

“There is a lot of room for assisted living to help with saving the system a lot of money, especially for individuals who can’t be alone but also don’t need 24-hour nursing care, to have a place to go,” she said. 

The key to being successful, she said, is going to be demonstrating the value of assisted living. Ikli said that the sector needs to be able to document its value, show the benefit and work as collaborative partners with various agencies and provider types on the healthcare continuum.

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