DeSantis vs. Florida Legislature: Lawmakers Pass Immigration Bill, Gov. DeSantis Promises Veto
January 30, 2025 — This Week's News from Central Florida
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Florida Legislature Defies DeSantis During Special Session
Florida’s Republican-led Legislature delivered a clear message to Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday, rejecting his approach to a special legislative session while unveiling their own immigration measures. With tensions mounting between Republican legislative leadership and Gov. DeSantis, lawmakers convened in Tallahassee on Monday morning to begin the governor's special legislative session, only to abruptly adjourn the DeSantis-called special session and open a new one. The move, led by House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), marks a significant shift in the balance of power in Tallahassee as the Legislature asserts its independence. Perez criticized the use of special sessions for “generating headlines,” emphasizing the need for thoughtful legislative processes. Albritton echoed this sentiment, asserting the Legislature's constitutional authority.
Overriding the Governor’s Veto…
In opening remarks, as the special session began, the House Speaker called out the governor’s veto decisions and emphasized a commitment to checks and balances. Perez criticized DeSantis for vetoing 30% of the Legislature’s operating budget—a $57 million cut—while noting a 70% increase in the Executive Office’s budget over the past six years. “This veto was at best a misunderstanding of the importance of the appropriation or at worst an attempt to threaten the independence of our separate branch of government,” Perez stated. In a bold move, lawmakers overrode DeSantis' budget veto from last year in a near-unanimous vote, restoring $57 million in funding for legislative operations. This marks the first time the Legislature has overridden a DeSantis veto.
On Immigration…
In response to the governor’s earlier immigration proposals, the Legislature set forth its own path, quickly releasing an 87-page immigration bill that diverges from DeSantis' vision. Notably, the bill repeals in-state tuition for undocumented students, allocates $500 million for law enforcement, and creates a state immigration enforcement office. The new immigration enforcement office would be a part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who would serve as the state's chief immigration officer. DeSantis criticized the bill as “substantially weaker” than his own suggestions and what is “necessary” to align with Trump-era policies, claiming it creates a false impression of strict enforcement. He also chastised the decision to put immigration enforcement under a state department tasked with overseeing agriculture, an industry that heavily relies on undocumented immigrant labor, comparing the move to putting "the fox in charge of the hen house." Amid the discord, lawmakers scheduled swift committee reviews of the immigration bills, signaling their intent to pass the measures quickly.
Florida Legislature Passes Immigration Bill, DeSantis Promises Veto
In a contentious special session, both chambers of the Florida Legislature passed a comprehensive immigration bill on Tuesday evening, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Governor Ron DeSantis. The TRUMP Act, as it's known, cleared the House with an 82-30 vote and the Senate with a 21-16 margin. But DeSantis dismissed the bill as “weak, weak, weak.” The bill includes provisions for:
Mandatory death penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses (i.e. first-degree murder, trafficking large quantities of drugs, rape, or sexual assault resulting in serious injury or death).
Increased enforcement against sanctuary jurisdictions, including fines for officials who fail to comply with state law banning sanctuary cities.
Eliminates in-state tuition for DACA recipients.
Appropriating $25 million in financial incentives for law enforcement assisting federal immigration efforts (aka. ICE task forces).
Imposes maximum sentences for criminal illegal immigrants who are members of a gang and commit a crime.
Redefines the role of the Agriculture Commissioner to oversee and assist in immigration enforcement.
Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), have defended the bill as aligning with President Trump's immigration policies. Lawmakers said they consulted with the Trump Administration and made several amendments to the eventual 84-page bill passed by both chambers. However, Gov. DeSantis has criticized the legislation as insufficient and potentially unconstitutional. The passage follows days of political maneuvering and public disagreements between the governor and legislative leadership. DeSantis pledged to veto the Republican-sponsored bill, and lawmakers will likely fall short in attempts to override his decision. The state Senate does not have the numbers to support an override with the required two-thirds majority vote, further escalating the intra-party conflict. The governor could retaliate against the Legislature’s actions by calling additional special sessions or targeting lawmakers’ prized budget projects. Meanwhile, the Legislature could seek to limit DeSantis’ influence by overriding past vetoes or holding oversight hearings on the governor’s actions. The ability of DeSantis to push his agenda is jeopardized, especially without President Trump’s explicit support.
House Speaker Daniel Perez Signals New Era of Legislative Independence
As the 2025 Special Session kicked off on Monday, House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) took a firm stance against Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent legislative maneuvers, marking a decisive shift away from the Florida Legislature’s previous deference to the governor. Perez used his opening remarks to declare the Legislature’s independence and made it clear that the era of lawmaker’s acquiescence to the demands of the executive branch is over. He emphasized maximizing the authority of the legislative body to provide a check on the governing and lawmaking process, announcing plans to review vetoed appropriations systematically and potentially reinstate them. This began on Monday with the Legislature’s near-unanimous vote to reverse last year’s veto by Gov. DeSantis that slashed 30% of their operational budget—a first for the Republican supermajority. "The veto creates a check on our process, but the Governor’s staff also makes mistakes," he explained, emphasizing the need for greater balance between branches. While acknowledging DeSantis' continued support among Republicans, Speaker Perez set a precedent for a more assertive, independent Legislature with new political dynamics underway in Tallahassee.
Legislative Leaders Blast DeSantis Over Immigration Dispute
Tensions between Gov. DeSantis and Florida’s legislative leaders reached new heights this week, with Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) accusing the governor of spreading “blatant lies” about their immigration bill. After rejecting the Governor’s proposals, lawmakers introduced their own plan, the “Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy” (TRUMP) Act. DeSantis criticized the bill on social media, characterizing it as a “bait-and-switch” strategy that “fails to put an enforceable duty on state and local law enforcement to fully cooperate on illegal immigration enforcement.” In a joint statement, Albritton and Perez called the Governor’s claims “outrageous” and “a blatant lie.” They defended the TRUMP Act, arguing it strengthens cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. This includes further expanding state mandates on law enforcement agencies to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Law enforcement is our partner, not our enemy,” they said, countering DeSantis’ plan to punish officers who don’t comply with federal orders. Perez separately argued that many of the governor’s proposals were “bureaucratic” and duplicated federal functions and could disrupt local law enforcement.“Our number one goal is to work together with President Trump,” Albritton and Perez said. “Anyone that says anything otherwise is not reading the bill, not reading the executive orders, or just not telling the truth.”
DeSantis Slams Florida GOP Leadership on National TV, Radio
Governor DeSantis intensified his feud with Florida’s Republican legislative leadership on Monday, taking to national media to accuse them of undermining his authority and pushing weak immigration enforcement proposals. In interviews with conservative hosts Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, DeSantis again targeted Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami), accusing them of crafting a bill that “takes power away from me.” The governor claims the Legislature’s “Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy” (TRUMP) Act “gutted all the enforcement provisions” he sought, dubbing it the “SWAMP Act.” He condemned the decision to empower the state Department of Agriculture with immigration enforcement. The bill “mentioned agriculture 23 times. It did not mention deportation one time,” DeSantis said, inaccurately asserting that Democrats and the ACLU support the legislation. He also claimed President Donald Trump wants "proposals that are as strong as possible," although Trump has yet to comment on the legislative dispute. DeSantis urged Floridians to put pressure on their representatives, saying some GOP legislators are capitulating to leadership’s coercion to “go softer” on immigration enforcement. “There’s swampy politics everywhere,” he lamented.
Special Session Ignores Hurricane Aid, Condo Relief, and Ballot Initiative Process
On January 13, when Gov. Ron DeSantis called for the Florida Legislature to convene for a special session, he outlined a series of issues he wanted lawmakers to address—immigration, reforming the citizen ballot-initiative process, hurricane victim aid, and financial relief for condo owners and associations. However, in the weeks leading up to the special session, which began on January 27, it became clear that the priority was on ensuring the state set an example to fulfill the Trump Administration’s hardline immigration efforts, including legal enforcement and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The other issues that were deemed a “priority” were overlooked, in both rhetoric and substantive policy proposals. Ahead of the special session, the governor's office employed a communication strategy to galvanize public support for DeSantis' immigration agenda. It included mass emails and text messages that published lawmakers’ personal cell phone numbers to mobilize public opinion and pressure lawmakers to back the governor's plans. At the start of the special session, House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) publicly rebuked the attempts to “bully members,” saying “Attacks on this body, attacks on all of you, are not acceptable. This House will never be moved by threats.” With the annual 60-day legislative session beginning on March 4, lawmakers plan to use that time to make changes to the ballot initiative process, provide aid to hurricane victims, and extend financial relief to condo owners.
Florida Sheriffs Brace for Trump's Immigration Policies
As President Donald Trump begins to implement immigration enforcement policies, Florida sheriffs remain uncertain about their future role in aiding the federal authorities with the detention and deportation of illegal migrants. While some local law enforcement officials have voiced hesitancy to full cooperation with federal directives, they have pledged to comply with enacted laws. However, they await specifics on how federal and state directives will shape their responsibilities. Gov. DeSantis has called for local officials to assist in detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, threatening removal from office for non-compliance. There are roughly 775,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Florida that could be targeted under the stepped-up efforts. Of the concerns expressed by many sheriffs with active involvement in immigration enforcement, potential legal challenges, and eroding community trust were among those most cited. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri emphasized that current local enforcement is limited to detaining individuals flagged by federal agents for up to 48 hours in county jails. Without concrete direction from the federal government, “it is impossible to know what the options are, what the parameters are, or what can be done,” Gualtieri said. The Trump-endorsed sheriff in Miami-Dade County vowed to cooperate with federal law enforcement officials in county jails. However, to enhance local law enforcement’s immigration authority beyond jails, the Trump Administration would have to initiate federal policies, but changes would take weeks. Sheriff Gualtieri said agencies would first need to join a federal immigration program and undergo the necessary training. The federal 287(g) program, which allows local authorities to conduct jail-based immigration enforcement by identifying and interrogating illegal aliens, may expand. Still, street-level enforcement remains prohibited due to past racial profiling controversies.
Pam Bondi's Lobbying Career Raises Questions
During Pam Bondi's confirmation hearing for U.S. Attorney General before the U.S. Senate, the former Florida attorney general faced scrutiny over her lobbying career, particularly over her work with the country of Qatar. In 2019, as Bondi’s final term as state attorney general concluded, she quickly joined prominent lobbying firm Ballard Partners and amassed a roster of high-profile clients, including Amazon, General Motors, Florida Sheriffs Association, Uber, and Major League Baseball. Her work included advocating on issues ranging from autonomous vehicles to combating human trafficking. Her efforts helped shape federal decisions, such as opposing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and championing Major League Baseball’s interests in U.S.-Cuba relations. However, the Tampa native’s work for these corporate giants, along with foreign entities like Qatar, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in her new role. Critics argue that her time representing corporate and foreign interests may influence her approach to justice department cases involving former clients. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee seemed to imply her connections could undermine her ability to act independently, especially as some of the industries or countries she represented may have interests that clash with those of the U.S. government. As a registered foreign agent for Qatar, Bondi was one of several lobbyists at Ballard Partners who worked on anti-human trafficking efforts in advance of the World Cup. The Middle East country paid the firm $115,000 per month. Separately, Bondi advocated for a company based in Kuwait that was accused of extortion in violation of the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. government to sanction foreign officials for corruption and human rights violations. Beyond foreign relationships, there are more domestic conflicts of interest related to her ties to Trump that have ethics watchdogs concerned. This includes her handling of Trump University complaints while Florida attorney general, in which she accepted a $25,000 campaign contribution from Trump and later opted not to pursue charges against the business. Ahead of her likely confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Justice, Bondi will have to prove her ability to navigate ethics and balance past affiliations with her potential new role.
Florida Congresswoman Proposes Adding Trump to Mount Rushmore
U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has introduced legislation to add President Donald Trump’s likeness to Mount Rushmore. The bill proposes carving Trump’s bust alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Luna, the congresswoman serving Pinellas County, argues Trump’s leadership merits the honor, citing economic growth, national security, and foreign policy achievements. “Mount Rushmore, a timeless symbol of our nation’s freedom and strength, deserves to reflect his towering legacy,” Luna said. The proposal reignites past discussions about Trump’s place on the monument. In 2020, Trump reportedly told then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem it was his dream to be included. Luna’s bill directs the Interior Secretary to “arrange” the carving. The move is one of the latest actions by a Republican to demonstrate their unyielding loyalty to President Trump and curry favor with the influential figure.
Proposed Polk County Expressway Threatens Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida’s oldest and most cherished landmarks, is under threat from a proposed expressway that could pass within half a mile of its tranquil grounds. This National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, renowned for its serene gardens and the 205-foot singing carillon tower, is raising alarms over plans by the Florida Turnpike Enterprise to extend the Polk Parkway from SR-60. Of the four proposed routes, two would run dangerously close to the northern edge of the 250-acre site. David Price, the longtime president of Bok Tower Gardens, expressed concerns about how noise and light pollution from the highway could disrupt the peace and reflection visitors seek. The gardens were designed a century ago by writer Edward Bok to serve as a meditative sanctuary, haven for nature, and respite from modern life's stresses. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says the 28-mile toll route is needed to alleviate congestion on US-27 and accommodate future transportation demands in rapidly growing Polk County. The north-south high-speed corridor would link to I-4, increasing “regional connectivity” by providing direct access from rural Polk County to metro Orlando. The expressway project would improve “freight mobility,” bolster “economic competitiveness,” and provide better emergency evacuation routes," FDOT added. However, the proposed proximity of Routes C and D to Bok Tower Gardens threatens not only the site's serenity but also wildlife corridors, including habitats for the endangered Florida panther. The century-old gardens say they have dedicated more than twenty years towards environmental preservation efforts for the surrounding area. FDOT is currently soliciting public feedback on the project through its website here: Central Polk Parkway East – Florida's Turnpike
The Lake Wales region is facing significant development pressures, with one master-planned community proposing over 6,000 residential units along with industrial and commercial spaces. Additionally, approximately 20,000 housing units are either in the planning stages or have already been approved in Lake Wales, further straining the area’s infrastructure and water resources. As the region’s population is projected to double in the coming decades, former citrus groves are increasingly being sold to developers for expansive housing projects. These developments have raised concerns among environmentalists due to their proximity to protected lands and critical wildlife corridors.
Sheriff Grady Judd on Trump’s Presidency, January 6 Pardons
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, known as "America’s Sheriff,” shared his thoughts on President Donald Trump’s second term in a recent interview. As one of Florida’s most recognizable conservative voices, Judd expressed enthusiasm for the new administration's approach to law enforcement, immigration, and overall public safety. The sheriff, who served on Trump’s advisory committee for Juvenile Justice during the first administration, highlighted Trump’s immigration policies, stating, “We encounter illegal immigrants committing crimes daily. Under Trump, ICE will act decisively. There’s a new day and a new sheriff in Washington.” Sheriff Judd believes that the new presidential administration’s policies will lead to safer communities and a more secure nation, with Florida setting the pace for other states. He added, “You came here illegally. You committed a crime so we’re going to arrest you. We’re going to deal with you with our system of laws here and then we’re going to turn you over to ICE and hopefully, they’ll deport you.” However, Judd stopped short of saying his office will cooperate with ICE raids, noting that it’s “a federal issue.” “You won’t find me, our deputies, going door to door knocking on doors asking if people are illegal immigrants,” he said. While praising President Trump and voicing his confidence, he differed on the blanket pardons and commutations for more than 1,500 January 6 rioters, arguing that those who attacked law enforcement should have been evaluated individually. “I support the President. I support what he’s doing. I voted for him, but I disagree with pardoning people that beat on the cops,” said Judd. He added that the actions at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election were “wrong.” The Polk County sheriff warned that the public should not draw encouragement from the recent pardons that excused violence on law enforcement. “If you make us, we’ll beat your butt to put you in jail. You’re not getting away with that conduct in this county,” he said. “I put these young men and women out here to keep the community safe and I’m going to defend them, every time, all the time.” Judd also addressed contentious issues like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, calling it “nonsense” and “crazy.” “DEI has never been an initiative here at the sheriff's office in Polk County,” he said. “We believe in fairness and equality, in treating everyone professionally and respectfully." Meanwhile, Sheriff Judd criticized Democratic leaders in major cities for prioritizing criminals over law-abiding citizens and expressed hope that the Trump Administration would encourage a tougher stance on crime nationwide.
Seminole County Invests in SunRail Expansion Toward Orlando Airport and Theme Parks
Seminole County has committed $500,000 toward a feasibility study for the Sunshine Corridor, a long-discussed rail expansion that would connect Central Florida’s SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the city’s theme parks. This contribution follows Orlando’s pledge of the same amount last year and moves the region closer to securing funding for the estimated $4.4 billion project. The Sunshine Corridor would allow SunRail to share tracks with Brightline for a 12-mile stretch, easing road congestion and benefiting commuters, tourists, and airport travelers. The Sunshine Corridor would extend the 61-mile SunRail system, with new destinations such as Orlando International Airport, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disney Springs, potentially transforming regional transportation. In 2024, SunRail saw 1.2 million riders, a 12% increase from the previous year. The Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to contribute $2 million for the study, provided local governments and private stakeholders supply the remaining $4 million. Orange County leaders are expected to vote on their contribution soon, while Volusia and Osceola counties have yet to make financial commitments. The study will examine ridership projections, costs, and environmental impacts, and could take two years to complete.
Michelin Guide Snubs Tampa Restaurants, Adds Recommendations in Miami and Orlando
The Michelin Guide has unveiled ten new “recommended” restaurants for its Florida edition, spotlighting Miami and Orlando while leaving Tampa’s culinary landscape off the list. The additions—six in Miami and four in Orlando—highlight emerging culinary talent ahead of the guide’s prestigious star reveal in April. Unlike stars or Bib Gourmand honors, “recommended” status signals promising establishments in a city’s dining scene but doesn’t guarantee future accolades like star ratings. However, past trends suggest inclusion may boost a restaurant’s chances of earning a coveted Michelin star. Tampa, which received six new recommendations last January, saw three of those restaurants later earn star ratings. The city now boasts five Michelin-starred establishments, including Rocca and Koya. The Michelin Guide's presence in Florida was initiated in 2022 by Visit Florida and tourism agencies in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, spending $1.5 million collectively for a three-year contract to drive interest in the state's culinary scene. Local tourism boards or restaurant associations often need to invest in bringing the Michelin Guide to their area to review restaurants in a city or region. This covers promotion costs and grants tourism boards usage rights to the guide's content and restaurant database for public relations.
Trump-Backed Candidates Win Special Primary Elections for Congress
Trump-endorsed candidates Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and state Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne) secured victories in their respective Republican primaries for the special elections to replace former Florida Congressmen Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz. Both candidates are poised to retain these reliably conservative seats in the upcoming general election on April 1. Their success in deep-red districts could bolster the GOP’s slim U.S. House majority to 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats. In the 1st District, Patronis defeated former state Rep. Joel Rudman and a crowded field of eight other Republican candidates. This seat was vacated by former Rep. Matt Gaetz following his nomination for U.S. Attorney General, which he later withdrew. Patronis will now face Democrat Gay Valimont, who ran unopposed for her party's nomination. Fine triumphed in the 6th District, overcoming challenges from two other Republicans with 83% of the vote. The seat became available when former Representative Mike Waltz was appointed as Trump's national security adviser. Known for his support of Israel and efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, Fine emphasized his commitment to Trump’s agenda, stating, “This victory isn’t mine. It is Donald Trump’s.” He will compete against Democrat Josh Weil in the general election. Both Patronis and Fine have faced criticism for not residing within the congressional districts.
HSN to Exit St. Petersburg After Nearly Five Decades
The Home Shopping Network (HSN), a longtime fixture in the Tampa Bay area, will cease operations at its St. Petersburg headquarters later this year as part of a company-wide consolidation. Parent company Qurate Retail Group announced this week that HSN’s production will move to Studio Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where QVC currently operates. The consolidation is expected to begin in the coming months, with HSN scheduled to start broadcasting from Pennsylvania studios by the third quarter of 2025. The closure marks the end of HSN’s 47-year presence in Florida and will result in the elimination of some local jobs. Other positions will relocate or shift virtually, with a remote customer service workforce to remain in Pinellas County. HSN began in Clearwater as a radio program in 1977 before expanding regionally and then nationally in 1985. In 2017, the parent company of rival network, QVC, purchased the competing TV channel for $2.6 billion. About 2,500 employees were based from the St. Petersburg headquarters at the time of the acquisition, although subsequent layoffs reduced the workforce in recent years. The relocation is part of a broader restructuring effort at Qurate Retail Group, but the company insists HSN will remain a distinct brand in their portfolio.
Disney Cruise Line Raises Gratuity Rates for 2025
Disney Cruise Line has announced an increase in its recommended gratuity rates for 2025. The base rate for standard accommodations has risen from $14.50 to $16 per person daily, including children and infants. For Concierge Staterooms and Suites, the recommended gratuity has increased from $23.50 to $27.25 per person nightly. Gratuities are distributed among dining room staff, stateroom hosts, and the Concierge Lounge team. An 18% gratuity also applies to bar, spa, and deck service charges. Disney last adjusted its rates in July 2022. The changes of $16 per person, per day, matches the suggested gratuities for Carnival Cruise Line ($16), and is lower than those recommended by Royal Caribbean ($18.50) and Norwegian Cruise Line ($20).
Tampa City Council Rejects Controversial Hillsborough River Development
In a 5-2 vote, the Tampa City Council has denied a rezoning request for a proposed housing project along the Hillsborough River, sparing a 5,000-square-foot wetland from development. The decision, made last week, overturned an earlier ruling that would have allowed developers to fill the sensitive habitat on North Rome Avenue. The plans, which aimed to construct 42 townhomes and three single-family homes on a 4.6-acre property, faced two years of strong opposition from residents. However, developers argued their project met city codes and addressed community concerns by including measures like stormwater ponds, increasing the size of drainage ponds, and preserving several grand trees on the parcel. At the meeting, dozens of community members wearing "Save our wetlands" T-shirts, celebrated the council's decision after a two-hour public comment period. Riverbend residents cited flooding risks that would be heightened by the development as Hurricane Milton inundated the area last fall and highlighted the need to protect the natural landscape. Some council members suggested changes to the development code in light of climate change and the recent unprecedented flooding brought by recent hurricanes. For now, the wetland—and its natural role in flood mitigation—remains intact.
AI Transforms Stroke Care at St. Petersburg Hospital
Artificial intelligence is transforming stroke treatment at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, speeding up diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. VizAI, an AI-powered platform, analyzes CT scans and instantly alerts on-call specialists about potential stroke cases. Staff reports that the hospital has cut the time between patient arrival and treatment initiation by 30% since adopting VizAI two years ago. The AI capabilities can analyze electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and other imagery to flag potential issues and provide a diagnosis when obvious signs are lacking. VizAI has now been a crucial component of the hospital's emergency protocol that has significantly reduced critical treatment delays for stroke patients. Within minutes of a patient receiving brain scans, assigned doctors are sent an alert and can access the images remotely using the VizAI app, enabling swift diagnosis and treatment initiation. Depending on the prognosis, emergency doctors are then able to administer clot-busting medication before the on-call doctor arrives on-site to perform a clot removal. The technology, now used in over 1,400 hospitals across the U.S. and Europe, is transforming stroke care by enabling accelerated identification and better-informed decision-making.
Ocala Community Unites to Preserve Historic Fessenden Elementary
Concerned residents gathered at this week’s Marion County School Board meeting to advocate for Fessenden Elementary, a historic school founded in 1868 to educate freed slaves’ children after the Civil War. The building, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, faces potential closure or repurposing under a new proposal due to declining student enrollment. Dozens of residents spoke out at the school board meeting and emphasized Fessenden's cultural significance and legacy. A recent proposal discussed rezoning students to Reddick Elementary and possibly converting or selling the campus. Board members acknowledged ongoing community efforts to save the school, and while no official decision was made, the board will continue discussions in future workshops.
Leesburg Approves $10.5M Renovation for Sports Complex
The City of Leesburg has approved a $10.5 million renovation of the Susan Street Sports Complex, aiming to modernize the popular venue to attract more participants and competitions. The overhaul includes demolishing existing fields and constructing four grass fields, a stadium-seating field, and a soccer field. Additional infrastructure improvements encompass a new concession area, restrooms, parking lot, and an enhanced entrance off Highway 27. Funding for the project comes from a combination of federal, state, and local sources, including $2.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and $996,000 from county tourism funds. “This project will enhance youth and adult sports and strengthen community engagement,” said Mayor Alan Reisman. Completion is expected in early 2026, with construction to begin in six to eight weeks.
Melbourne Considers Affordable Housing Facility to Address Homelessness
The City of Melbourne is taking steps to address its growing homelessness issue with a focus on affordable housing. A proposed facility called Providence Place, a collaboration between the city and nonprofit Daily Bread, aims to provide housing and comprehensive support including addiction counseling and mental health services. Mayor Paul Alfrey is advocating for regional cooperation to prevent the "dumping" of homeless individuals from neighboring cities. The plan involves closing Daily Bread's current soup kitchen and day shelter on Fee Avenue to redirect efforts toward housing solutions. The Daily Bread currently feeds more than 100 people a day. A February 18 meeting will bring together city officials to finalize details, including funding and location. Melbourne has pledged $3 million toward the $15 million project, with Daily Bread raising the remainder. Providence Place, which would be located on Apollo Boulevard, aims to open in 2027.
White Castle Expanding in Orlando with Three New Locations
White Castle is expanding its footprint in Central Florida, with plans for three new locations following the overwhelming success of its Orlando store at O-Town West. The fast-food chain, known for its small, square sliders, has confirmed upcoming locations in Clermont and Kissimmee, with a potential third site near Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park. This expansion comes less than four years after the company's successful debut in Florida with its largest and most popular restaurant at O-Town West. White Castle confirmed new locations in Clermont and Kissimmee's Olde Town. While not officially confirmed, plans submitted to Orange County reveal a proposed 5,000-square-foot restaurant near Epic Universe, potentially becoming the chain's largest outlet. Development plans show a 3,200-square-foot White Castle with a double drive-thru in Olde Town Kissimmee.
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