State News

Parkland Aftermath: Florida Lawmakers, Activists Say 'No More' To School Shootings

Thousands of people support students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in a rally for gun control at the Florida capitol (2/21/18).The Florida legislature is poised to pass some of the most sweeping gun control and mental health reforms in more than 20 years. The moves come as lawmakers face pressure from students affected by the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.On Valentine's Day, a 19-year-old in Parkland opened fire on his former classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He killed 14 students, three adults, and injured 14 others. There were warning signs, yet, all, including a tip to the FBI, were missed.That day, school safety measures in place, like school resource officers, restricted access and fencing--all failed.In the wake of the shooting, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas have mobilized, calling on the legislature to take greater action to prevent school and mass shootings. Lawmakers, it seems, are finally listening.https://youtu.be/6PRPEfu7WPg

DeSantis Maintains Israel Responsible For Bad Response To Parkland Shooting

WFSU | By Lynn Hatter

Published September 26, 2019 at 4:15 PM EDT

Gov. Rick Scott, Broward Superintendent Rob Runcie and Broward Sheriff Scott Israel discuss Parkland school shooting.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis maintains suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel failed in his department’s response to the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This, despite a recent ruling by a special master that says DeSantis didn’t prove Israel’s policies and training were inconsistent with state law enforcement standards.

Ahead of the Florida Senate convening Oct. 21st in a special session to weigh whether to reinstate Israel, DeSantis is making his feelings on the matter known.

“I am so glad the Senate is finally going to vote on this thing," DeSantis told reporters Thursday following a press conference in Mexico Beach.

"There’s no doubt there was incompetence and neglect of duty and Florida law says the sheriff is responsible for the conduct. So, I think the senators will separate the wheat from the chaff on that and I think they’ll do the right thing."

DeSantis calls the meeting "an opportunity for accountability."

The Broward Sheriffs Department has been criticized for not immediately engaging the shooter in the school and opting to stay outside. Israel has claimed his suspension was politically motivated.