WEATHER ALERT
Climate change could virtually disappear in Florida — at least according to state law
Read full article: Climate change could virtually disappear in Florida — at least according to state lawFlorida is on the verge of repealing what’s left of a 16-year-old law that puts climate change as a priority when making energy policy decisions.
Air Force One doubles as a campaign jet for Biden's reelection run. Who pays what?
Read full article: Air Force One doubles as a campaign jet for Biden's reelection run. Who pays what?When Joe Biden was running for president three years ago, he flew on a white private jet with his campaign logo painted on the side.
DeSantis to get 5th Supreme Court pick as Polston retires
Read full article: DeSantis to get 5th Supreme Court pick as Polston retiresFlorida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston is retiring at the end of the month, giving Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis another chance to stamp his imprint on the court for years to come.
Florida Dems pick Fried to lead party after tough midterms
Read full article: Florida Dems pick Fried to lead party after tough midtermsFlorida Democrats have selected former state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to lead their party after a disastrous midterm performance in the onetime presidential battleground state.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sidesteps talk of White House bid
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sidesteps talk of White House bidGov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday continued to sidestep questions about his political future, after former President Donald Trump announced another bid for the White House.
Election Day saw few major problems, despite new voting laws
Read full article: Election Day saw few major problems, despite new voting lawsHeading into this year’s midterms, voting rights groups were concerned that restrictions in Republican-leaning states triggered by false claims surrounding the 2020 election might jeopardize access to the ballot box for many voters.
DeSantis defeats Crist, wins 2nd term as Florida governor
Read full article: DeSantis defeats Crist, wins 2nd term as Florida governorFlorida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis won reelection to a second term Tuesday in a victory over Democrat Charlie Crist, bolstering his rise as a prominent GOP star with potential White House ambitions.
DeSantis defeats Crist, wins 2nd term as Florida governor
Read full article: DeSantis defeats Crist, wins 2nd term as Florida governorFlorida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis won reelection to a second term Tuesday in a victory over Democrat Charlie Crist, bolstering his rise as a prominent GOP star with potential White House ambitions.
Crist, DeSantis tell voters to show up to polls ahead of approaching storm
Read full article: Crist, DeSantis tell voters to show up to polls ahead of approaching stormRepublican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday urged voters to show up to the polls on Election Day as a strong storm bears down on the state. DeSantis is facing a challenge from former governor and current Democrat Charlie Crist.
Florida's Marco Rubio wins 3rd Senate term, defeats Demings
Read full article: Florida's Marco Rubio wins 3rd Senate term, defeats DemingsRepublican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has won a third term, defeating U.S. Rep. Val Demings and holding a key seat as the GOP tried to regain control of a closely divided Senate.
Dems, GOP make urgent final pitches as election season wraps
Read full article: Dems, GOP make urgent final pitches as election season wrapsCoast to coast, candidates and big-name backers made final appeals to voters Monday in the last hours of a fraught midterm election season, with Republicans excited about the prospect of winning back Congress.
Gov. DeSantis, Charlie Crist make campaign stops in Northeast Florida ahead of election
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, Charlie Crist make campaign stops in Northeast Florida ahead of electionCharlie Crist, the democratic candidate for governor visited a Jacksonville nonprofit, and Governor DeSantis rallied voters in Clay County Friday to campaign for the midterm election.
Northeast Florida unemployment rate decreases below national average, October jobs report shows
Read full article: Northeast Florida unemployment rate decreases below national average, October jobs report showsThe new jobs report is out for October and while it shows some growth — with more than 261,000 jobs — it also shows a slight uptick in unemployment.
Biden tears into GOP, labels DeSantis ‘Trump incarnate'
Read full article: Biden tears into GOP, labels DeSantis ‘Trump incarnate'President Joe Biden has lashed out at Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as “Donald Trump incarnate,” zeroing in on a potential 2024 GOP presidential contender as he campaigns for Democrats facing uphill fights in next week’s midterm election.
Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down
Read full article: Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds downPresident Joe Biden is focusing on economic issues as he fine-tunes his closing argument in upstate New York for voters trying to cope with raging inflation and fears of a recession heading into the Nov. 8 election.
Your Voice Matters: Crime remains key issue for Jacksonville voters in midterm elections
Read full article: Your Voice Matters: Crime remains key issue for Jacksonville voters in midterm electionsEarly voting is underway in Northeast Florida this week and there is one key issue on the minds of many voters.
Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plans
Read full article: Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plansPresidential aspirants running for reelection while dreaming of the highest office in the land often face an uncomfortable question: Will they commit to serving a full term — should they win one — when their best moment to take a shot at the White House may come sooner than that.
Gov. DeSantis, Charlie Crist go head-to-head on pressing issues in first, only debate before midterm election
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, Charlie Crist go head-to-head on pressing issues in first, only debate before midterm electionRepublican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic nominee Charlie Crist faced off Monday night in a debate that focused on a lot of issues from hurricane recovery and COVID-19 response to criminal justice.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis refuses to commit to serving full term
Read full article: Fla. Gov. DeSantis refuses to commit to serving full termFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to commit to serving a full four-year term if reelected when pressed by his Democratic rival, Charlie Crist, at their only gubernatorial debate.
A swing state no more? GOP confidence grows in Florida
Read full article: A swing state no more? GOP confidence grows in FloridaDemocrats are increasingly concerned that Florida may be slipping away this fall — and perhaps beyond — as emboldened Republicans seize on divisive cultural issues and demographic shifts in crucial contests for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Local Union members gather at Get Out and Vote Rally to show support for Charlie Crist
Read full article: Local Union members gather at Get Out and Vote Rally to show support for Charlie CristSupporters of Democratic candidate Charlie Crist showed up Thursday afternoon to urge people to get out and vote at a voter’s rally.
Your Voice Matters: Crist answers questions from Jacksonville voters concered about crime
Read full article: Your Voice Matters: Crist answers questions from Jacksonville voters concered about crimeNews4JAX spoke with voters Wednesday as Democrat candidate for governor Charlie Crist came through Jacksonville to meet with people on the Westside.
DeSantis eases voting rules in counties devastated by Ian
Read full article: DeSantis eases voting rules in counties devastated by IanFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order expanding voting access for the midterm elections in three counties where Hurricane Ian destroyed polling places and displaced thousands of people.
Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising role
Read full article: Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising rolePresident Joe Biden is picking up the pace of his high-dollar fundraisers for Democratic candidates and party committees in the closing weeks before Election Day in November.
DeSantis drops provocations -- for now -- in response to Ian
Read full article: DeSantis drops provocations -- for now -- in response to IanFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has whipsawed his way through the national conversation this month, first by putting migrants on planes or buses to Democratic strongholds and then shifting to a more traditional role of crisis manager as one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the U.S. barreled into his state.
Florida Supreme Court justice retention
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court justice retentionOnce nominated by the governor and ratified by the legislature, Florida Supreme Court justices face the voters in a “yes” or “no” vote as to whether they should remain in office in the first general election after selection and again every six years. (More about the process in the Supreme Court’s Guide for Florida Voters.)
I-TEAM: Gov. DeSantis gets backlash from Hispanic leaders and political challenger Charlie Crist over transporting migrants
Read full article: I-TEAM: Gov. DeSantis gets backlash from Hispanic leaders and political challenger Charlie Crist over transporting migrantsOn the heels of a federal lawsuit filed against Governor Ron DeSantis, the State of Florida and other state officials over transporting 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard from Texas… DeSantis’ challenger in the governor’s race - Charlie Crist - held a virtual meeting with leaders in the Hispanic community. They allege the migrants were misled before boarding the planes, which they say is a violation of the law.
Debating over debates: Campaign tradition faces skepticism
Read full article: Debating over debates: Campaign tradition faces skepticismWith the fall campaign rapidly approaching, the time-honored tradition of debates as a forum for voters to evaluate candidates may be the latest casualty of the nation’s polarized political climate.
During stop in Jacksonville, Crist discusses plan to take on property insurance crisis in Florida
Read full article: During stop in Jacksonville, Crist discusses plan to take on property insurance crisis in FloridaCharlie Crist, the Democratic nominee for Florida governor, held a news conference Wednesday in Jacksonville, saying he has tackled property insurance in Florida before and he would do it again as governor.
DeSantis puts his imprint on school board races in Florida
Read full article: DeSantis puts his imprint on school board races in FloridaFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis' effort to place candidates fully aligned with his conservative views on school boards throughout the state is helping him expand his influence.
DeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutor
Read full article: DeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutorFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to throw out a free speech lawsuit filed by a Democratic prosecutor he suspended from office over statements about not pursuing criminal charges in abortion, transgender rights and certain low-level cases.
Crist resigns from Congress as he continues to challenge DeSantis in governor’s race
Read full article: Crist resigns from Congress as he continues to challenge DeSantis in governor’s raceU.S. Rep. Charlie Crist announced Wednesday that effective at the close of business Aug. 31, he will resign from his position as U.S. Representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mate as he challenges DeSantis
Read full article: Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mate as he challenges DeSantisDemocrat Charlie Crist has tapped Miami-Dade County teachers union president Karla Hernandez-Mats as his running mate as he challenges Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida.
Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mate
Read full article: Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mateDemocrat Charlie Crist has tapped Miami-Dade County teachers union president Karla Hernandez-Mats as his running mate as he challenges Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida.
DeSantis, Rubio hit campaign trail with stop at Diamond D Ranch in Jacksonville
Read full article: DeSantis, Rubio hit campaign trail with stop at Diamond D Ranch in JacksonvilleFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Marco Rubio have hit the general election campaign trail and made a stop Wednesday night at the Diamond D Ranch on Jacksonville’s Westside.
Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primary
Read full article: Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primaryThe most significant race in Florida's primary election Tuesday is between the two Democratic gubernatorial candidates seeking to go against Gov. Ron DeSantis, who's unopposed in the Republican primary.
Florida Democrats choose Rep. Crist to challenge DeSantis
Read full article: Florida Democrats choose Rep. Crist to challenge DeSantisU.S. Rep. Charlie Crist has won the Democratic nomination for governor in Florida, putting him in position to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall in a campaign that the Republican incumbent is eyeing as the first step toward a potential White House run.
UNF poll: Fried leads Crist in Democratic governor’s primary; cost of living a top concern of Florida voters
Read full article: UNF poll: Fried leads Crist in Democratic governor’s primary; cost of living a top concern of Florida votersA new poll conducted by the Public Option Research Lab (PORL) at the University of North Florida finds gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, Florida’s agriculture commissioner, ahead of former Gov. Charlie Crist in the Democratic primary -- but still seven points behind Republican incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis in a race among registered voters.
Nazi protesters show up outside young conservatives meeting in Florida
Read full article: Nazi protesters show up outside young conservatives meeting in FloridaA Holocaust center in Florida and others condemned the presence of protesters holding Nazi flags and posters with antisemitic imagery outside a convention of young conservative activists that drew as speakers President Donald Trump, Florida Gov, Ron DeSantis and several Republican U.S. senators.
Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried go head to head in debate before Florida Primary
Read full article: Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried go head to head in debate before Florida PrimaryWith both claiming to be Florida Democrats’ best bet to defeat Gov. Ron DeSantis in November, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried traded barbs Thursday in their only debate before next month’s primary election.
Florida primary will be a scramble to fill US House seats
Read full article: Florida primary will be a scramble to fill US House seatsWith about two months before Florida’s primary, the most exciting event to watch outside the Democratic nomination for governor is the mad scramble to fill congressional seats.
DeSantis’ feud with Disney appears to be paying off in the form of campaign donations
Read full article: DeSantis’ feud with Disney appears to be paying off in the form of campaign donationsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ongoing fight with Walt Disney World appears to be paying off in the form of campaign donations.
Palin on serving in Congress: 'It would be all about Alaska'
Read full article: Palin on serving in Congress: 'It would be all about Alaska'Sarah Palin says she’s serious about her campaign for the U.S. House, telling The Associated Press that her unique place in American politics would put her in a stronger position representing Alaska in Washington.
UNF poll: Florida Republicans narrowly support DeSantis over Trump in 2024
Read full article: UNF poll: Florida Republicans narrowly support DeSantis over Trump in 2024In a poll of 685 Florida voters released Thursday by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab, Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis appears to have strong support in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Mason-Dixon: Looking at DeSantis’ approval ratings and where voters are leaning in governor’s race
Read full article: Mason-Dixon: Looking at DeSantis’ approval ratings and where voters are leaning in governor’s raceA new Mason-Dixon poll is revealing how some Florida voters are leaning ahead of this year's gubernatorial election.
In unusual move, Gov. DeSantis submits redistricting map
Read full article: In unusual move, Gov. DeSantis submits redistricting mapFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has submitted a proposal to reshape the state’s congressional map and carve up districts held by Black Democrats, as the Republican takes the unusual step of inserting himself into the redistricting process.
DeSantis lays out 2022 agenda in State of the State speech
Read full article: DeSantis lays out 2022 agenda in State of the State speechFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear in his State of the State speech that he likes teachers, first responders and freedom and he doesn’t like Dr. Anthony Fauci, critical race theory, abortion, illegal immigration and Burmese pythons.
DeSantis: Freedom is good, COVID mandates, lockdowns are bad
Read full article: DeSantis: Freedom is good, COVID mandates, lockdowns are badFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear in his State of the State speech that he likes teachers, first responders and freedom and he doesn’t like Dr. Anthony Fauci, critical race theory, abortion, illegal immigration and Burmese pythons.
Florida’s surgeon general: Masks hamper clear communication
Read full article: Florida’s surgeon general: Masks hamper clear communicationFlorida’s surgeon general has said that conversations while wearing masks aren’t productive after a state senator didn’t let him in her office without a mask, citing a serious health condition.
Governor candidate Crist calls for full marijuana legalization
Read full article: Governor candidate Crist calls for full marijuana legalizationDemocrat Charlie Crist, a candidate for governor of Florida, said Thursday he supports full marijuana legalization in the state and wants the expungement of all existing charges and sentences for misdemeanors and third-degree felonies for marijuana possession.
Gov. DeSantis plans to challenge Biden vaccine mandate for businesses
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis plans to challenge Biden vaccine mandate for businessesGov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday said he plans to challenge in court the Biden administration’s requirement that companies ensure workers are vaccinated or tested regularly for COVID-19.
Florida congressional candidate says rival threatened life
Read full article: Florida congressional candidate says rival threatened lifeTrial testimony shows a former political rival of a Republican Florida congressional candidate made repeated threats to “take her out,” even claiming he could summon a supposed Russian and Ukrainian hit squad to kill her.
DeSantis and Crist are polar opposites on school mask mandates
Read full article: DeSantis and Crist are polar opposites on school mask mandatesGov. Ron DeSantis threaten to withhold funding from school districts that implement mandatory mask mandates in the fall has drawn blowback from his potential 2022 Democratic opponents.
Florida virus cases soar, hospitals near last summer's peak
Read full article: Florida virus cases soar, hospitals near last summer's peakHospital admissions of coronavirus patients continue to soar in Florida with at least two areas in the state surpassing previous peaks reached during last summer’s surge.
Tropical Storm Elsa; Freedom to Fly Act & Essential Caregivers Act; Caregivers for Compromise founder
Read full article: Tropical Storm Elsa; Freedom to Fly Act & Essential Caregivers Act; Caregivers for Compromise founderOn this edition of “This Week in Jacksonville,” we discuss the response to and impact from Tropical Storm Elsa, with state Sen. Audrey Gibson and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford. We also look ahead to 2022, talking with Gibson about her endorsement of Democrat U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in the race for Florida governor. Rutherford gives us an update from Washington, D.C., talking about the Freedom to Fly Act and the Essential Caregivers Act. And we talk with Mary Daniel, a local advocate for senior care and the founder of Caregivers for Compromise. Her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, resides at a memory care facility, and she couldn’t see him during the first months of the pandemic. Hear how her experiences during that time led her to take action and push for change.
DeSantis parts with Trump in response to Surfside tragedy
Read full article: DeSantis parts with Trump in response to Surfside tragedyThe tragedy in Surfside, Florida, is exposing voters to a different side of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign.
Florida Gov. DeSantis attacks Fried on COVID, achievements
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis attacks Fried on COVID, achievementsA day after Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried entered the Florida governor’s race, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis made it clear he’s willing to go on the attack.
Nikki Fried, only statewide elected Democrat, announces run for Florida governor
Read full article: Nikki Fried, only statewide elected Democrat, announces run for Florida governorSpeculation about Nikki Fried’s intentions for 2022 ended Tuesday when she officially announced she is running to become the next governor of Florida.
As pandemic wanes, Florida's DeSantis seizes national stage
Read full article: As pandemic wanes, Florida's DeSantis seizes national stageAs he heads into his 2022 reelection campaign, Florida's Ron DeSantis has emerged from the political uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic as arguably the country’s most prominent Republican governor.
US Rep. Val Demings plans to challenge Marco Rubio in Florida Senate race
Read full article: US Rep. Val Demings plans to challenge Marco Rubio in Florida Senate raceRep. Val Demings is planning to challenge Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, giving Democrats a boost in a competitive 2022 race that could decide control of the Senate.
Polling shows Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls have lots of ground to make up
Read full article: Polling shows Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls have lots of ground to make upFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried this week teased a June 1 announcement for entering the race for governor and former Republican governor turned Democratic congressman Charlie Crist has already announced his bid, but early polling shows Democrats have a lot of ground to make up.
Crist hits Jacksonville to kick off campaign for Florida governor
Read full article: Crist hits Jacksonville to kick off campaign for Florida governorTwo days after announcing his third run for governor, former Florida governor and current congressman Charlie Crist is stumping for votes in Northeast Florida.
Once GOP governor of Florida, Crist launches run as Democrat
Read full article: Once GOP governor of Florida, Crist launches run as DemocratU.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, who served as Florida governor for a single term before running other offices, is seeking the state’s highest office once again — this time as a Democrat.
Democratic Sen. Bracy hints at run for Florida governor
Read full article: Democratic Sen. Bracy hints at run for Florida governorTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Sen. Randolph Bracy released a campaign-style video Tuesday strongly hinting that he’ll consider seeking the Democratic nomination to face Republican Gov. In the video, Bracy discusses problems facing the state because of the coronavirus pandemic, says the state needs to change course and needs a governor who will work with both parties to help Florida through the crisis. We need to leave behind the small fights at the Capitol and figure out how to work together to move Florida in the right direction. But in a phone interview, Bracy said the video posted on his website isn't an announcement that he's getting in the race. Bracy, 43, of Orlando, was elected to the House in 2012, where he served before being elected to the Senate in 2016.
The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20
Read full article: The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20Eric Holcomb received his COVID-19 vaccine shot Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the opening of the state’s first mass vaccination clinic. Holcomb wore a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the drive-through clinic. Ad___TORONTO — Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent COVID-19, approving the Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose. Canada has pre-purchased 10 million Johnson & Johnson doses, with options to buy another 28 million. The U.S. approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last month.
Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritism
Read full article: Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritismBruce Rauner, last week gave the Florida governor's campaign committee $250,000. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joined Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in calling for federal officials to probe the DeSantis administration’s vaccine distribution programs. AdDuring a Thursday news conference, DeSantis expressed no misgivings about the early vaccinations at the exclusive Key Largo community. In recent weeks, other reports have surfaced of wealthy retirement communities getting exclusive access to vaccine doses through pop-up vaccine sites. Bruce Rauner to the Florida governor's campaign committee.
Poll: Majority of Florida voters approve of DeSantis’ performance as governor
Read full article: Poll: Majority of Florida voters approve of DeSantis’ performance as governorJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday finds more than half of registered Florida voters support Ron DeSantis’ performance as the state’s governor. Of those polled, 51% of Florida voters said between Fried and DeSantis, they would vote for DeSantis. Not surprisingly, 63% of North Florida voters said they’d vote for DeSantis, compared to 31% who would vote for Crist, with a remaining 6% undecided. When it comes to Fried, 65% of Florida voters would vote for DeSantis, 32% would vote for Fried and 3% were undecided. Mason-Dixon polled a total of 625 registered Florida voters who were interviewed live by telephone statewide from Feb. 24 through Feb. 28.
Survey sent to Florida Democrats highlights 10 potential challengers to DeSantis in 2022
Read full article: Survey sent to Florida Democrats highlights 10 potential challengers to DeSantis in 2022An inner-party survey is already asking Democrats who they favor to take on Republican Gov. The survey was sent to Florida Democrats via email last week. “Sure, Crist is well known, but things have changed,” said retired University of South Florida political scientist Susan MacManus. Despite former President Donald Trump winning Florida handily in the 2020 presidential election with DeSantis’ help, MacManus argues Florida is still a swing state. “It’s just that Democrats did not run a very good campaign in the presidential contest,” MacManus said.
With another Florida loss, Democrats begin second guessing
Read full article: With another Florida loss, Democrats begin second guessingAs election postmortems go, the one that began in Florida Wednesday was especially wrenching for Democrats. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Perhaps only in Florida is a loss by fewer than 4 percentage points considered a public drubbing. Democrats zeroed in on two clear explanations: Biden didn't connect with the state's Latino voters, performing particularly poorly with Cuban voters in South Florida. Some Democrats also give Republicans credit for registering thousands of new voters and narrowing the voter registration advantage Democrats have long had. For Taddeo, the Democratic state senator, it means going back to basics.
How starving public health fueled a COVID fire in Florida
Read full article: How starving public health fueled a COVID fire in Florida“Public health can’t help us get out of this situation without our elected officials giving us the resources.”State officials neither answered specific, repeated questions from The Associated Press and KHN about changes in public health funding, nor made staffers available for deeper explanations. The 1990s saw a move toward privatization, particularly as Medicaid managed care took hold, said a 2004 paper in the Florida Public Health Review. By 2011, budget cuts and lack of money were the most frequently cited challenges in a Florida public health workforce survey, which pointed to growing needs. “Current events demonstrate how bad a decision” the deep cuts to public health were, said Dr. Marissa Levine, a professor of public health and family medicine at the University of South Florida. “Dismantling the system was a complete disregard for the health and well-being of the citizens of Florida.”With an ill-equipped public health system, Wilson, the retired public health nurse, said it falls to everyone to lead Jacksonville, and Florida, out of the coronavirus crisis.