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Hey seniors, Florida has your back | Opinion

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Hey seniors, Florida has your back | Opinion



Aging is inevitable. Losing independence and dignity doesn’t have to be

I’ve lived long enough to know that government doesn’t always move quickly, and it doesn’t always get it right. But every so often, you see leadership, focus and action come together to improve lives. For Florida’s seniors and their families, that’s exactly what’s happening as we move into 2026. Because as we often do in the state of Florida, we are leading the nation, in this case, when it comes to helping seniors live longer, safer, and more independent lives.

Aging well is not just about living longer. It’s about dignity. It’s about staying in your home, remaining connected to your community, and knowing that when challenges arise like failing health, memory loss, or financial exploitation, your state has your back. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) recently shared the progress made in 2025, highlighting the investments secured in Governor DeSantis’ budget for 2026.

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For instance, Florida’s commitment to Alzheimer’s care and caregiver support is unwavering. Too many families know firsthand the heartbreak and strain that memory disorders place on loved ones. Florida’s additional funding for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, Memory Disorder Clinics, and the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence provides real help. Early diagnosis, caregiver navigation, and access to clinical trials are reducing falls and hospitalizations, not to mention unnecessary suffering. That leads to safer homes and peace of mind for families across the state.

Equally important is Florida’s expansion of in-home care programs for seniors who want to age in place. Programs like Community Care for the Elderly and Home Care for the Elderly support senior independence. Home-delivered meals, respite for caregivers, and minor home modifications allow seniors to remain at home.

The progress within Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also deserves recognition. Protecting residents in long-term care facilities is a moral obligation. The expanded presence of trained advocates, stronger oversight, and accountability for unsafe discharges demonstrate that Florida is serious about safeguarding dignity and rights.

One of the most encouraging developments I’ve seen is the launch of Operation Senior Shield. Fraud targeting seniors has become more sophisticated and ruthless, draining savings that took a lifetime to build. Florida is right to treat this as a serious threat. Law enforcement, cyber experts, community leaders, and seniors themselves are working together to battle these con artists. As someone who has watched too many seniors fall victim to scams, I applaud this effort.

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What gives me the greatest confidence, however, is that these efforts are not isolated. They are part of a coordinated, long-term vision, supported by measurable goals, sustained funding, and strong leadership. From workforce training for direct-care providers to outreach in rural communities, Florida is building systems that will serve today’s seniors and tomorrow’s retirees.

As a Floridian, a former lawmaker, and a senior myself, I believe we are on the right path. Aging is inevitable. Losing independence and dignity doesn’t have to be. Florida’s actions prove that when a state chooses to value its seniors, everyone benefits.

John Grant is a retired Florida state senator and president of Seniors Across America.



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WATCH: Florida man attempts to flee during arrest, officer catches him by handcuff chain

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WATCH: Florida man attempts to flee during arrest, officer catches him by handcuff chain


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Body camera footage from March 30 shows a Florida man attempting to flee while being placed in handcuffs before an officer found a bag of marijuana hidden in his pocket.

An officer pulled Jaiden Carwise, 18, over after he ran a red light. The officer discovered he had also violated his probation, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.

The officer placed Carwise in handcuffs and asked him what was in his pocket, according to footage.

He attempted to flee, but the officer grabbed him by the handcuffs and arm, leading to a struggle before Carwise fell to the ground. The officer saw that Carwise held over 20 grams of marijuana behind his back.

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“You can’t work with me, bro?” Carwise said.

“If I was going to work with you, it was before you did all of that,” the officer said. “Once you’re in handcuffs you can’t do that.”

Carwise was also charged with obstructing an officer without violence and possession of cannabis.



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Alligator breaks into Florida home, takes a dip in pool before capture

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Alligator breaks into Florida home, takes a dip in pool before capture


Florida police thought they were responding to a home intruder, but instead they were met with a huge gator.

The Tampa Police Department said a little after 3 a.m. on March 29, officers responded to a residence only to find that an alligator had broken into the home and let itself in for a swim in the homes pool.

See also: Treasure Coast hospitals see more e-bike injuries amid increased accidents

Body camera video shows officers walking up to the home, when all of a sudden there is a loud bang followed by a hissing sound.

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With help from an alligator trapper, the alligator was safely removed.



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Florida cities rank among best coastal small towns in United States

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Florida cities rank among best coastal small towns in United States



Stuart ranked No. 2 for best coastal small town in the United States.

Stuart ranked No. 2 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for best coastal small town.

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The Treasure Coast city has been recognized as one of the best coastal small towns in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for several years. Stuart was ranked No. 2 in 2023, No. 1 in 2024 and No. 2 in 2025.

Stuart was praised for its access to the St. Lucie River; its parks, such as Flagler and Shepard; its museums, such as Stuart Heritage Museum and Road to Victory Military Museum and its restaurant-lined downtown.

Florida secured two spots on the top 10 list, with Stuart at No. 2 and Cedar Key at No. 10.

These rankings are determined by a panel of industry experts, invited weekly by USA Today 10BEST, who nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across different areas. 10BEST editors then vet the nominations before selecting a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks. 

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Best coastal small towns in the United States

These are the top 10 best coastal small towns in the United States, according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards:

  • 1. Pismo Beach, California
  • 2. Stuart, Florida
  • 3. Morro Bay, California
  • 4. Avalon, California
  • 5. Castine, Maine
  • 6. Cape May, New Jersey
  • 7. Gulf Shores, Alabama
  • 8. Beaufort, North Carolina
  • 9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
  • 10. Cedar Key, Florida

Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.



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