Florida
NFL Teams Amplify DEI In Florida’s Marginalized Communities Amid Corporate Rollbacks
Sarasota Herald-Tribune News in 60 seconds, Jan. 30
Here are the top three stories in Sarasota-Manatee., Jan. 24-30.
As major corporations across the country scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, the NFL is doubling down on its commitment to social justice and economic empowerment in Black communities. Through its Inspire Change initiative, the league is directing millions toward education, criminal justice reform and economic advancement — efforts that are particularly resonant in cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and New Orleans, where Black communities have long fought for equitable opportunities.
With Super Bowl 59 on the horizon, the question remains: Can the NFL’s sustained push for social equity help offset the retreat and dismantling of corporate DEI programs?
The Big Picture: How the NFL Sustains DEI Efforts While Large Corporations Dismantle
Corporate DEI initiatives are waning across the country, but the NFL’s Inspire Change program remains a cornerstone of its social justice efforts, focusing on education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Since the league’s rebranding in 2017, the NFL has amplified its support for racial equality and social justice, a shift sparked by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s 2016 protest against police brutality during the national anthem. Today, the NFL has the highest number of Black employees among the four major professional sports leagues, with Black players and staff making up 53.5% of its workforce in 2023.
The league’s commitment to equity is reinforced by Inspire Change, which has invested more than $375 million in social justice causes to date. The program supports more than 650 local nonprofits, 1,950 player and Legend grants, and 50+ national grant partners working to dismantle systemic barriers in underserved communities.
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, underscored the league’s long-term commitment ahead of Super Bowl 59.
“The NFL is proud of the positive impact we’ve made through the Inspire Change initiative. Over the years, we’ve provided critical support to communities through meaningful partnerships, investing over $375 million from the NFL family to create lasting change,” Isaacson said via email.
“Our commitment to social justice continues to drive us as we work alongside players, teams and organizations to address systemic challenges. This is not just about making a difference; it’s about creating an enduring legacy of opportunity, community and empowerment for all.”
One of the program’s key efforts, the Inspire Change Changemaker Award, is now in its third season. Each NFL team selects a local Changemaker, awarding them a $10,000 grant to further their work in social justice. As the league expands its partnerships and grant programs, its sustained efforts stand in stark contrast to the widespread rollback of corporate DEI initiatives.
Empowerment in Motion: A Play-by-Play of Florida NFL Teams’ DEI Efforts
As corporate DEI programs shrink, the Jacksonville Jaguars are expanding their commitment to economic empowerment and social justice through targeted initiatives in the OutEast community there.
During Super Bowl 59 week, Jaguars Vice President of Social Responsibility T-Neisha Tate will join a Players Coalition panel on Building Black Wealth, discussing heirs’ property legislation, a critical issue for Black families fighting to retain generational land.
Locally, the Jaguars have been instrumental in revitalizing the historical community known there as OutEast. Their investments include funding a computer lab at The Corner at Debs Store, a once-shuttered grocery store in a food insecure region that now provides fresh food, career services, and financial education to residents. The team has also contributed $50,000 toward the reconstruction of Fort Mose, the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the country.
Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead, the team’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, has expanded his Armstead Academic Project to Jacksonville, focusing on literacy and financial education for underserved youth. His Sound Mind workshop series introduces students to STEAM education and social-emotional learning, reinforcing the Jaguars’ mission of fostering long-term economic impact in Black communities.
Buccaneers Address Affordable Housing Barriers in Tampa Bay
In Tampa, the Buccaneers have strengthened their Inspire Change efforts by partnering with grassroots organizations tackling systemic inequalities.
This year, the Bucs recognized LaKendria Robinson, founder and CEO of The Orenda Collective, as their Inspire Change Changemaker. Her work focuses on helping businesses implement impactful DEI strategies and connecting minority, women, veteran and LGBTQ-owned businesses with vital resources.
Kourtney Sanchez, the Buccaneers’ chief impact officer, emphasized the team’s commitment to lasting community change.
“Our Social Justice Initiative is designed to create real, lasting change in the Tampa Bay community. From providing food security through our D-Line Mobile Food Pantry to addressing housing disparities with Habitat for Humanity, our programs are built to directly support individuals and families who need it most.”
Among the team’s key initiatives:
- The D-Line Mobile Food Pantry operates twice a month, providing two weeks of food for more than 250 families at each event.
- The Buccaneers’ Social Justice Fund, launched with a $1 million commitment from the Glazer family, supports local nonprofit initiatives.
- The team has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to fund new home construction and revitalize homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Dolphins Drive Social Justice in Miami-Dade
The Miami Dolphins continue to champion social justice through the Inspire Change initiative. This season, the team honored Jowharah Sanders, founder of National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), as their 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker for her work in bullying prevention and youth mentorship.
Recognized during the Dolphins’ Inspire Change game on December 22, Sanders received a $10,000 NFL Foundation grant to further her nonprofit’s impact in Miami-Dade County.
Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller praised Sanders’ contributions:
“We are proud to recognize Jowharah Sanders as our 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker award recipient. Her work has directly influenced the lives of local youth and their families, and we are grateful for her dedication to advocacy and equity.”
Beyond organizational commitments, Dolphins players have a history of activism.
- Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins, Arian Foster, and Michael Thomas were among the first NFL players to protest racial injustice by kneeling during the anthem in 2016.
As Super Bowl 59 approaches, the Dolphins’ long-standing advocacy aligns with the league’s broader Inspire Change efforts, reinforcing the role of athletes as catalysts for social progress.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl 59 and Beyond
As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl 59, the New Orleans Saints are reinforcing their economic empowerment efforts through the Impact 59 Powered by Entergy program. The initiative, launched in December 2024, has already awarded $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations focused on workforce training, education, and economic development.
“Super Bowl 59 is about more than just a game,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints at the Impact 59 kickoff in December.
“It’s about showing up for our city, supporting our neighbors, and ensuring that we leave a positive, lasting legacy in the community.”
Samantha Gholar is the social justice reporter for USA Today Network-Florida. Connect with her through email at sgholar@gannett.com
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A Florida mental health counselor walked into a surprising number of bats inside her office last week.
“We had about 50 bats. In the toilet, in the sink. All over,” Shaltala Boss, a licensed mental health counselor, said.
Boss has since moved her office due to maternity season, when it is illegal to exclude or remove bats from April 16 to August 14, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“Any form of eviction during this time period will result in baby bats being trapped along with adult bats that may not have emerged. Trapped bats will attempt to escape and may end up in the living space of buildings,” FWC said.
Video provided by Boss showed a bat lying on the ground.
“You definitely didn’t want to come to counseling that day,” Boss said.
Boss has since moved to another location and said it is bat-free.
“Most bats will avoid humans at all costs and use natural roosting structures for shelter during the day. However, bats sometimes find their way into our homes and structures, which can present a health hazard,” FWC said.
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds is trailing Democratic candidate David Jolly in the race to become Florida’s next governor, according to a new poll from Change Research, a Democratic-aligned polling firm.
The survey could be an encouraging sign for Florida Democrats, who have not won a statewide election since 2018 and have struggled as the state shifted steadily toward Republicans in recent election cycles.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026, won a second term by nearly 20 percentage points in 2022, while Republicans have expanded their voter registration advantage and maintained control of every statewide elected office.
Still, some recent polling has suggested the push to replace DeSantis could be a bit more competitive than many have expected.
President Donald Trump last month again vocalized his support for Donalds, saying in part, “I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” The president added, “Byron Donalds will be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
Trump won the Sunshine State by 13 points in 2024 against then-Vice President Kamala Harris and no Democrat has won the Florida governorship in more than 20 years.
When reached for comment regarding the new poll, Donalds’ campaign referred Newsweek to the X post of Gates McGavick, the team’s communications director. McGavick said in reaction to the poll, “I hear Change Research also sells tremendous ocean front property in Arizona.”
The campaign also referred Newsweek to Ryan Smith’s post on X, while saying he is also affiliated with the campaign. Smith said, “This is a push poll by Democrats for Democrats. The truth is, Florida Democrats will be crying in their kombucha on November 3 when @ByronDonalds is elected governor.”
What To Know
The Change Research survey found Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties and entered the race as a Democrat, leading Donalds in a hypothetical general-election matchup.
Jolly has centered his campaign on affordability issues surrounding insurance costs, housing and healthcare, while Donalds has campaigned as a conservative successor who will attempt to enact Trump’s agenda and fight illegal immigration.
According to the poll, Jolly leads Donalds 47 percent to 42 percent and has a slightly larger margin among likely voters with 49 percent compared to 43 percent.
The poll surveyed 1,273 registered voters of which 1,015 said they will likely vote in the 2026 midterm election. The survey’s margin of error is 2.8 percent.
Also in the poll, Jolly garners 94 percent support from Democrats compared to Donalds’ 77 percent among Republicans.
What Other Polls Show
Another recent Change Research poll shows Jolly leading Donalds 46 percent to 42 percent. The poll was taken from May 13 to May 16 among 2,070 registered voters, of whom 1,593 say they will likely vote in the midterm election. The poll has a margin of error of 2.3 percent.
In a survey at the end of March by Emerson College Polling, Donalds landed 44 percent of the vote compared to Jolly’s 39 percent. The poll shows that 17 percent are undecided. It was taken from March 29 to March 31 among 1,125 likely voters and has a margin of error of 2.8 percent.
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A recent viral trend — dubbed the “Door Kick Challenge” — has been causing issues as of late in Central Florida.
The challenge involves teens covering their faces, kicking or pounding stranger’s front door when it’s dark outside, and sprinting off into the night.
[WATCH: FCSO releases footage of ‘Door Kick Challenge’ in action]
But on Wednesday, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly warned there could be deadly consequences.
According to the sheriff’s office, these pranks may come across as an attempted home invasion for some, and with Florida being a “Stand Your Ground” state, neighbors have the right to treat it as such.
[ Central Florida deputy consoles 12-year-old accused in door-kicking incident]
“Parents, keep an eye on your children. We know they want to have fun, but they are taking huge risks when they mask up and kick strangers’ doors,” Staly said. “Be the sheriff of your own home, talk to your kids, know their friends, and make sure they know the risks associated with doing what the internet tells them to do.”
But in a release, the sheriff’s office delivered the message in a “language” that teens may better understand:
“This door kick ‘challenge’ is not the side quest you think it is.
It’s trendslop, pure brain rot straight off the FYP. You think you’re the alpha chad of the cul-de-sac? Nah bruh, you’re one hoodie masked-up sprint away from priors. The kind of rap that gets you cancelled before you ever stack any clout. Zero drip in our jail’s barbershop-looking mugshots.
Okay, real talk. Florida is a Stand Your Ground state. A NPC wakes up to two randos kicking their door at 1 a.m. wearing sheisties — they don’t see a flex, they get the ick, and think your side quest is a home invasion. And no cap, you’ll get capped.
Taking an L on TikTok? Recoverable. Taking a round to the chest? There’s no respawn.
So skip this one, chief. Find clout elsewhere.”
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
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