South Florida Journal: Recent Episodes
Dr. Kevin M. Petrich
Florida Atlantic University's Broadcast Journalism and Advanced Broadcast Journalism students cover the important stories affecting Broward and Palm Beach County citizens.
In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation expanding telehealth and providing other resources for pregnant women. Still, South Florida medical professionals are looking for ways to further support local mothers. And earlier this year, the Broward School District surveyed teachers, students, and parents, asking what they thought about a four-day week. The results might surprise you.
The National Weather Service recorded almost 114 inches of rain in Fort Lauderdale last year--the most in the United States. Now, as commissioners attempt to upgrade the city’s infrastructure for climate resilience, systemic challenges are hindering their efforts. And scientists’ discovery of dangerous bacteria levels in Treasure Coast waterways this past January concerned residents. However, local officials’ efforts to reverse decades of damage could depend as much on public education as on better water management.
They’re common at airports and stadiums. Now, with metal detectors making their way into all Palm Beach County high schools, some wonder whether officials are too reliant on the devices. And Florida sawover five thousand opioidoverdose deaths last year. But an emergency treatment once onlyadministered by medical professionals has become available over the counter at your local pharmacy.
After positive results in trials, the FDA has approved the first and only oral treatment for postpartum depression. However, for South Floridians and their physicians, the cost and insurance coverage for the drug remain uncertain. And AI has grown rapidly over the past year, even making its way into education. But local teachers are concerned about students using the technology to complete assignments.
They call it Mount Trashmore. For over a century, Broward County has relied on this landmark to store waste. But officials are growing concerned that it’s running out of space. And, the National Library of Medicine has proposed a possible cure for intractable epilepsy in children. But using an FDA-approved medication derived from marijuana has raised questions about its safety and potential for addiction.
Local pharmacists and doctors have been giving the new Covid vaccine since mid-September, for patients as young as six months. Some patients have been scheduling their appointments, others have been hesitant. And the Florida Education Association reports nearly 7,000 teaching vacancies statewide this school year. Broward and Palm Beach counties are feeling the impact.
Nationwide, the number of opioid-related deaths continues to rise. Palm Beach County officials are proposing a new solution to the problem. And declining water quality is endangering the Everglades ecosystem. But environmental groups are hopeful that a restoration project can reverse the damage.
Palm Beach County has been stretched in its efforts to solve murders. But thanks to a federal grant, the sheriff's office can now access a groundbreaking form of technology that could help with cases dating back almost six decades. Also, antisemitic displays are on the rise across South Florida. As focused as they are on preventing these hateful acts, authorities can only do so much.
Broward County School District officials had their cell phones seized and emails reviewed after a relationship with a vendor was called into question. Taxpayers are anxiously awaiting the investigation’s findings.
Broward and Palm Beach counties had enacted bans on conversion therapy. But LGBTQ advocates are again on the defensive, after a court ruling that the county measures were unconstitutional.
CVS, Allergan, and Teva Pharmaceutical have agreed to pay almost $900 million in opioid settlement money to Florida. But addiction awareness advocates and government officials disagree on how Palm Beach County should spend its portion. Also, South Florida is facing the worst housing crisis in the nation. In response, Broward County is planning to build over 1,000 low-income apartments by 2026. And a bacterial bloom that cut off needed local water in 2016 has resurfaced. With higher population density putting further strain on its supply, West Palm Beach might tap into groundwater to combat contaminated overflow in Lake Okeechobee.
The Biden Administration plans to put over $1 billion towards the largest Everglades investment in history. But with a major project being left out of the equation, some Florida legislators feel swamped by the plan.
As South Florida businesses recover from last year’s pandemic restrictions, some restaurants are still experiencing staff shortages and supply disruptions. The fallout has some diners boiling--and owners wondering whether the heat is enough to keep them out of the kitchen.
Following the withdrawal of American forces in Afghanistan, South Florida is becoming a new safe haven for Afghan refugees. However, new legislation and funding cuts have officials scrambling to accommodate the influx of Afghan evacuees. Also, Palm Beach County schools tried lifting their mask requirement on their own terms, after an order from the Florida Board of Education. Now, the mandate has ended on a state judge’s terms!
The NCAA’s controversial acceptance of sponsorship deals has given at least one Florida Atlantic University Fighting Owl a new reason to dance in the end zone. But with amateurism a thing of the past, athletic departments are facing a new status quo.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been contradicting the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines by encouraging travel and large gatherings. To the frustration of medical professionals, infection rates continue to increase.
Parkland victims’ families have been dealt another loss, with a Broward County judge’s ruling that the school board wasn’t responsible for warning parents about the shooter. Now, the community is wondering what measures might have been taken to protect their schools. And unemployed Floridians are still struggling with another symptom of Covid-19: Problems caused by the state’s obsolete unemployment compensation program. Workers and legislators alike are faulting the system for its constant bugs, delays, and low benefit payouts.
More than 230 Broward County schools expected a 4-year renovation plan to be completed by now. To the frustration of parents and teachers, the new company in charge of the bond program has requested a deadline extension. We'll find out what's taking so long.
This is our last South Florida Journal of the semester. In this episode we cover Florida's new milestone with the COVID-19 pandemic, the continuation of online learning in schools, Broward county's new police review panel, and more. Thanks for a great semester and make sure to tune in this spring!
On this week's South Florida Journal we dive into the termination of a local Boca Raton Principal, the Broward county election ballot recount, the recent arrest of a local high school basketball coach, and more.
In this week's episode, we discuss the election turnout in Palm Beach and Broward county, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, Governor Ron DeSantis' new proposal, and more.
On this week's South Florida Journal we dive into the reopening of schools after their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mail-in voting, Palm Beach county's move to Phase Three, and more.
This is our last South Florida Journal of the semester and in it we cover some more updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks for a great semester!
In this week's episode, we update you on how COVID-19 is affecting South Florida, whether it be transportation, restaurants, or new laws coming into place.
On this week's South Florida Journal we start breaking into the Coronavirus and how it's affecting our community, manatee safety, and more.
On this week's South Florida Journal we cover a MRSA outbreak in Broward county schools, homelessness problems in South Florida, and other issues affecting South Florida.
In this week's show, we highlight the state of marijuana dispensaries in Boca Raton, safety measures in Parkland, Florida, and more.