Tonight, we hear about a crackdown on illegal immigration in Florida’s Capital City. Law enforcement officers, some wearing masks, used zip tie handcuffs to detain more than 100 undocumented immigrants Thursday .As busloads of immigrants were taken away, onlookers gathered. Some held signs a few yelled out. Most stood quietly and watched.
John Thrasher led a remarkable life. President of Florida State University. Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Soldier, lawmaker, businessman. And family man. He died today (Friday) at the age of 81. Margie Menzel has this remembrance.
Florida A&M University’s Foundation has postponed talks on outlining a bigger budget for president-elect Marva Johnson. The board met Friday to discuss her compensation package amid ongoing backlash
to her selection. As Lynn Hatter reports, the move comes as FAMU supporters mull how to further block Johnson’s appointment to the presidency ahead of her confirmation vote by the Florida Board of
Governors.
Hurricane season starts Sunday. And many residents in our region haven't finished rebuilding after last year's storms. In fact, in Southwest Florida, some are still rebuilding nearly three years after a direct hit from Hurricane Ian. Homes and businesses built right on the sand helped define the funky, eclectic identity of Fort Myers Beach. It’s partly why residents suffered so much devastation. That, plus, warming waters, are fueling storms and making them stronger. WUSF's Jessica Meszaros brings us this update from the small town, and shares how it can inform hurricane preparedness and recovery in our region.
Insurance is a major factor at the forefront when we talk about hurricane season. Lisa Miller is a property insurance consultant and Florida's former deputy Insurance Commissioner. She talked with Gina Jordan on Zoom about the increasing severity of storms in Florida, and the need for resilient homes and proper insurance coverage.
In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages one through four. And for children with autism, the risk is even greater. That’s partly because some children on the spectrum are drawn to the calming sensory effects of water — like the sound, the movement, and the way it feels. But that natural attraction, combined with limited awareness of danger and challenges with swimming, can be deadly. To help families protect their children, Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities has released a new water safety guide tailored specifically for children with autism. WLRN’s Ammy Sanchez spoke with Jack Scott, the center’s executive director.