Florida is breaking pandemic records. Where is Gov. Ron DeSantis?
Florida has been reporting a record-breaking increase in coronavirus cases. The highly-contagious omicron variant is affecting some of the state’s most important industries including airlines and cruise lines. Despite the situation, Gov. Ron DeSantis decided to go on vacation.
Florida first lady launches effort to teach resiliency
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis has announced the launch of a new initiative to teach public school students about resiliency and perseverance with the assistance of athletes from professional sports teams from around the state. DeSantis said Friday that she has enlisted pro athletes from Florida’s NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR and professional soccer teams for public service announcements and outreach to schools to provide a message that sometimes life gives you knocks but you have can work to overcome them. She says a goal is to help overcome some of the stigma students associate with admitting to having mental health problems.
DeSantis encourages Floridians to visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
SPRING HILLS, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis is holding a news conference on Friday at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill. DeSantis is there with First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein. DeSantis announced on Twitter that Florida’s unemployment rate is at 7.4% after a 35% decline from July. Also, he said the private-sector employment increased by 46,000 jobs in August.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis welcome baby girl
Ron DeSantis and his wife have welcomed the latest addition to their family -- a baby girl named Mamie, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Monday morning on Twitter. “Ron and I are beyond blessed to welcome our new baby girl, Mamie to the world,” Casey DeSantis wrote. “At 7 lbs 4 oz she was the smallest of the bunch, but she is already holding her own. Madison and Mason are so excited for their new baby sister!”The couple did not announce exactly when Mamie was born. The governor, meanwhile, is expected to hold a news conference Monday morning in South Florida to provide an update on the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Florida's first lady announces $58.8 million grant to fight opioid addiction
First lady Casey DeSantis announces a $58.8 million federal grant to battle opioid addiction during an Oct. 2, 2019, news conference at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - First lady Casey DeSantis was at Memorial Regional Hospital on Wednesday to carry on her "Hope for Healing Florida" initiative. DeSantis announced a $58.8 million federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide funding for prevention and treatment initiatives in the fight against opioid addiction. DeSantis also toured Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. DeSantis also announced the creation of a neonatal abstinence syndrome prevention coordinator to enhance resources and services for pregnant women with opioid addiction.
Florida will require mental health education
Phil Walter/Getty ImagesTALAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida will become the third state in the US to require students to learn more about mental health, behind Virginia and New York. The Florida State Board of Education voted on Wednesday to require public schools to provide students in grades six and above a minimum of five hours of mental health education annually. It's no secret that mental illness robs students of the ability to reach their full potential, and we are joining forces to combat this disease and give our students the tools they need to thrive," Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said. The mandate is in partnership with Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis' initiative Hope for Healing Florida, which is a website that compiles mental health resources for students and parents. Ron DeSantis allocated to the Mental Health Assistance Allocation for Florida schools in his 2020 budget.