Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that controversial state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo will remain in the post as DeSantis enters his second term.
Health & Society
Tribal Rights and the Case of Non-Indians Adopting Native Americans
The Indian Child Welfare Act, was originally passed by Congress in response to requests from tribal leaders and other advocates for Native Americans to stop states from removing Indian children from their families. Now, in a case before the Supreme Court, non-Indians seeking to adopt or foster Indian children have challenged provisions of the law.
Five Inmates Graduate from Flagler Jail’s Immersive Addiction Recovery Program, for Total of 42
Inmates in the addiction-recovery program live, breathe and eat together at the Flagler County jail, replicating the value of an in-patient recovery program and vastly improving its success rate, as most of those who are released–with follow-up care–do not return to the jail.
‘A Failed Model Ends Today,’ Recovery Pioneer Says in Flagler Launch of New Drug Treatment
Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, a state health official, appeared in Flagler County alongside others in a formal launch of a $1.3 million, medically assisted drug-addiction treatment system called Coordinated Opioid Recovery, or CORE. Flagler is one of 12 counties in the state to enact the program.
Flagler Cares Awards $800,000 in 1st Round of Social Service ‘Catalyst’ Grants
Flagler Cares on Wednesday announced its inaugural “catalyst fund” grants totaling $800,000 to three organizations that will each provide needed social services in Flagler County–for teens suffering from anxiety and depression, for individuals and families recovering from abuse or other forms of dislocation, and for the food-insecure.
Some Circle K Stores Will Pair Up With Medical Pot Dispensaries, But Don’t Celebrate Just Yet
Green Thumb Industries announced today it will begin selling medical marijuana at certain Circle K gas stations and convenience stores in Florida starting next year. But the pilot program is limited to just 10 of the 600 Circle K locations in the state. The locations of what the company calls a “test and learn” approach have not yet been announced.
Flagler School Board May Approve Stocking Narcan-Like Agents in Schools to Prevent Overdose Deaths
Taking advantage of a new law, the Flagler County School Board will develop a plan enabling school personnel, starting with nurses, to carry and administer Narcan, the effective naloxone agent in reversing the risks of a fatal drug overdose. A physician will develop the protocols to be used. The Flagler County Drug Foundation is making Narcan available to the district for free for at least two years.
Flagler Cares and Paramedics Launch Innovative Overdose Response Force as Part of $1.3 Million Grant
Flagler County’s fire services and Flagler Cares are launching a medically assisted drug-addiction treatment program that will involve community paramedics providing immediate care where the addicts are and laying the groundwork for a follow-up system that aims to keep addicts from falling back into using.
Florida Politicians Decry Jury Verdict Against Death Penalty for Parkland Murderer
Many Florida politicians think life in prison for Nikolas Cruz isn’t “justice” for the 17 students and school staff he killed on Valentine’s Day in 2018. Under Florida law, the jury’s duty was to weigh factors aggravating in favor of death against mitigating factors.
How Courts Take His Drug and Gun Charges More Seriously Than Repeat Violence Against Women
Joseph Westervelt, 28, has repeatedly faced felony charges for attacking pregnant women. He’s yet to be convicted on more than a misdemeanor. He was arrested again on Wednesday on identical charges that got him arrested only last May. Those charges were dropped or reduced.