Florida
Survey of children's wellbeing places Florida in the bottom half of states • Florida Phoenix
Florida ranked 30th overall in the 2024 Kids Count Data Profile, a survey of wellbeing by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, with the biggest changes in math and reading scores and child deaths.
Four categories — economic wellbeing, education, health, and family and community — factor into the ranking, including data on teen birth rates, children living in poverty, single-parent families, and children whose parents lack secure employment.
The number of eighth grade students not proficient in math in Florida increased from 69% to 77% between 2019 and 2022, a time when the COVID pandemic closed schools and forced distance learning across the country.
In that same period nationally, a similar trend occurred, with a math proficiency increase from 67% to 74%.
At the same time, Florida fourth graders fared better than the national average in reading proficiency. Fourth graders not proficient in reading dropped by 1 percentage point, from 62% to 61%, in Florida, while nationally their number increased from 66% to 68%.
States varied on how they delivered instruction during the pandemic; in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis ended classroom instruction between March 2020 and the beginning of the next school year.
The Sunshine State’s best category was education, ranking 5th. The other three categories ranked in the bottom half — 42nd for economic wellbeing, 31st for health, and 30th for family and community.
Florida high school students who did not graduate on time improved by 3%, with 13% not graduating on time in 2019 compared to 10% in 2021.
Karen Woodall, executive director of the Florida People’s Advocacy Center, said a high education ranking seems inconsistent with the lower rankings in the remaining categories.
“We rank toward the bottom in those categories, and so it’s kind of interesting to see that we’ve made improvements in education,” Woodall said. “Because usually if the child is struggling with housing and food and poverty and all that, it’s not conducive to them having high scores in education.”
A failure to invest in people-focused infrastructure contributes to Florida’s bottom-half ranking, according to Woodall.
“We’re not a poor state, we’re not a revenue-poor state,” Woodall said. “Mississippi is a revenue poor state, Florida is not, we just don’t spend the money on our human infrastructure and invest in that capital. When we make strides when there’s some money put in, we’re coming from so far behind that it’s just a drop in the bucket.”
Woodall pointed to an unwillingness to expand Medicaid, attempts to limit access to KidCare coverage, and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ refusal to apply for federal funds to provide summer lunches to children.
Child deaths
Child and teen deaths in Florida increased between 2019 and 2022, rising from 25 per 100,000 to 30, the same as the national rate. The report found that firearms were the leading cause of death for teenagers and motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause for children.
Florida’s overall ranking improved one spot, from 31st in the 2023 data profile. New Hampshire ranked the best overall, while New Mexico was ranked the worst. Other southeastern states, including Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi, ranked worse than Florida.
The nonpartisan Florida Policy Institute responded to the data with a call to maintain motivation in education.
“With 61% of fourth graders who are not proficient readers and 77% of 8th graders who are not proficient in math, there is so much work to be done and a need for greater investment in education,” Norín Dollard, the Kids Count director at the institute, said in a news release.
“The rankings in the other three areas of child well-being, economic (42nd), health (31st), as well as family and community (30th) highlight the fact we need continued attention on Florida’s children and communities,” Dollard said.
The Casey Foundation made recommendations for Florida, including increased investments in public schools and ensuring internet access, places to study, and access to intensive tutoring for students who fall behind.
Woodall said Florida policy can be “consistently inconsistent with stated goals of improving the lives of our children and families.”
“A lot of times there will be an increase in some service but a contradictory move in an overall general policy. So, increasing funding for mental health but then passing policies that restrict what teachers can use to teach, that go after kids that are transgender, or kids that are LGBTQ. They’re just contradictory,” Woodall said.
Florida “has never done a very good job of funding health and human services,” she added.
“If we looked back across all of their data books, we would see Florida ranking in the bottom every year on most indicators simply for what I said — we don’t invest in our human infrastructure, our children, our families; we spend money on big tax breaks and development.”
Since 2012 Florida has risen from 34th in education and 39th in health. In 2014, Florida ranked 45th in economic wellbeing and 35th in family and community.
Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson
If you thought last week was cold, hold onto your hot lattes and be ready to bundle up as (another) winter storm is forecast to plunge arctic air deep into the Deep South by early next week.
January has already been colder than average in most states east of the Rocky Mountains for the first time in two years and now, more frigid air is coming. This next winter storm will bring rain and possibly some brutally cold air by the early next week.
The polar vortex is an enormous ring of powerful winds spinning above the North Pole. It normally circles the Arctic and it typically stays contained by a strong jet stream, but when this ring of frigid arctic air becomes unstable as the jet stream weakens, which allows the cold arctic air to spill southward into the lower 48.
The first polar vortex of 2025 arrived in Florida on January 6th. During that week the vortex fueled a winter storm that dumped snow and ice across several southeastern states and brought below-freezing temperatures to much of north and central Florida. It brought crisp and unseasonably chilly temps to the rest of Florida as well.
The first polar vortex swept across the country bringing dangerous snow, ice, and wind to millions of Americans. It also disrupted flights, closed schools, and impacted several major U.S. cities.
According to National Weather Service forecasters, “the southern lobe of the Polar Vortex” will generate a much more significant, frigid cold Arctic Blast that will graze across Canada and the United States through the second half of January. The disturbance in the Polar Vortex aloft will establish extreme cold conditions. Temperatures are forecast to plunge into a deep freeze, pushing 30-40 degrees below normal for tens of millions of people across North America. Brutally cold days and locally historic low temperatures are in the forecast for many parts of the eastern U.S. and possibly parts of Florida.
It’s important to remember that the forecast and the modeling data are still being fine-tuned. So make sure you check your local forecast often as we head into the weekend.
With the evolution of this system still several days away, it’s still too early to say how cold it will get in the Sunshine state. But for now, here is what you can expect:
Central Florida:
Moisture will begin to increase across Central and South Florida ahead of the next approaching front this weekend. The presence of abundant cloud cover and rain will keep overnight temperatures more mild, with lows in the 50s and 60s throughout Central Florida.
North Florida:
North Florida can expect slightly warmer temperatures for the rest of this week before the arctic blast hits the area early next week. Warmer weather with some rain is expected across North Florida this weekend, followed by the possibility of widespread freezes Jan. 21-22
Temperatures will rise to the upper 60’s by Friday. Lows will remain cold, hovering between the upper-30s to mid-40s before jumping up to the mid-50s on Friday. On Sunday, the coldest temperatures of the season will plunge cold arctic air into the northern parts of Florida and drop temperatures into the mid to upper 20’s. Coastal communities will be closer to 30 degrees.
South Florida:
Starting Saturday, southerly winds take hold and temperatures become warmer. Plan for highs around 80 degrees. This cold front should start to approach South Florida on Sunday. Until then, expect a mild forecast with daytime highs in the middle 60s to lower 70s through South Florida and the Keys.
Florida authorities are searching for a man seen on camera robbing an elderly woman in an attack outside an Orlando convenience store on Wednesday.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the violent robbery took place outside a store on Curry Ford Road near the intersection of S. Goldenrod Road on Wednesday morning.
In surveillance footage shared by the sheriff’s office, the 83-year-old, who was not named, can be seen walking out of the store and attempting to get into her car with lottery winnings in her hand.
FOX 35 Orlando reported that the woman won $200.
RHODE ISLAND POLICE ARRESTED FOUR SUSPECTS WHO ALLEGEDLY ROBBED A FEDEX CARRIER
Orange County deputies are investigating the robbery of an 83-year-old woman after a man in a red jacket, believed to be Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, stole her lottery winnings outside a Florida store on Monday morning. (Orange County Sheriff’s Office)
At the same time, the suspect, believed to be Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury, starts walking toward the woman from the sidewalk area behind her. He approaches her and tries to swipe the winnings out of her hand, then some sort of verbal altercation takes place.
Another man walks out of the store and appears to tell Fleury to leave.
Fleury then goes after the woman and starts trying to take the money while the other man tries to pull him off of the victim. Fleury drags the woman in the parking lot as she holds onto her winnings, and ultimately steals the money from her.
Another man attempted to come to the aid of the woman during the robbery, but was unable to stop Fleury from stealing her money and running off. (Orange County Sheriff’s Office)
GUTSY WOMAN, 71, FENDS OFF VIOLENT ATTACK BY 4 TEEN GIRLS ON BLUE CITY SUBWAY
The other man appears to try and get the money back for the woman, but Fleury shoves him and takes off running. As of Wednesday evening, he has not been located.
A store employee told FOX 35 that Fleury often hangs out near the front of the building and has caused problems in the past.
The suspect is believed to be Diego Stalin Tavarez Fleury and he is wanted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for robbery, sudden snatching and battery on a person 65 or older. (Orange County Sheriff’s Office)
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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for Fleury on charges of robbery, sudden snatching and battery on a person 65 or older.
Information on his whereabouts can be called in to Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
Florida
Signature Limousine Florida Expands NEMT Options and Introduces Wheelchair-Accessible Vans Across Tampa, Florida
Summary: Signature Limousine Florida has expanded its Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) services across Florida and introduced wheelchair-accessible vans, improving access to specialized transportation.
Carrollwood, Florida–(Newsfile Corp. – January 15, 2025) – Signature Limousine Florida has announced the expansion of its Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) services across multiple Florida counties. This strategic move highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of patients and individuals with mobility challenges while ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation.
The expansion of Signature Limousine Florida’ Tampa Non-emergency Medical Transportation services is set to benefit underserved communities across Tampa, Lakeland, and surrounding regions. With a growing demand for reliable medical transportation options, the company is enhancing its ability to serve clients who require transport to non-emergency medical appointments, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities. By offering more comprehensive coverage, Signature Limousine Florida aims to address a critical gap in transportation accessibility for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and patients recovering from medical procedures.
Signature Limousine Florida Expands NEMT Options and Introduces Wheelchair-Accessible Vans
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As part of the expansion, the company has invested in a diversified fleet to cater to different client needs. Vehicles such as the Lincoln Continental Sedan, Chevrolet Suburban SUV, and Ford Expedition SUV are available for single passengers and families accompanying loved ones to medical appointments. Each vehicle in the fleet has spacious and comfortable interiors, allowing family members, friends, or caregivers to provide support during transit.
In addition to the expanded NEMT services, Signature Limousine Florida has introduced new wheelchair-accessible vans. These new vehicles feature advanced ramp systems, spacious interiors, and safety enhancements to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The addition of these vans ensures clients requiring specialized care can travel with dignity and convenience, whether for medical appointments or other personal travel needs.
The wheelchair-accessible vans are integral to Signature Limousine Florida’ mission to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all clients. Individuals with disabilities can now comfortably and easily travel to airports, bachelor/ette parties, and sporting events. The move also allows corporate clients to make their trips more inclusive, whether in the state or outside. Additionally, companies no longer need to hire a separate Tampa Limo service provider for all team members, streamlining logistics.
The expansion of NEMT services and the addition of wheelchair-accessible vans represent Signature Limousine Florida’ ongoing efforts to address the diverse needs of Florida’s communities. These initiatives are expected to improve the quality of life for individuals who face transportation barriers due to age, disability, or medical conditions.
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