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A protest at the state capitol is entering its third week. The goal is to bring change to the state. As Matt Horn reports, the group is overcoming obstacles, from challenges at the state capitol to life on a daily basis.

At the Florida Capitol, a group of protestors who range from children to the Golden Years are entering their third week.
The struggle of sleeping on the hard marble floor and limited access to everyday supplies is making their goal of changing stand your ground, discrimination and zero tolerance laws even more appetizing.
The adversities the group faces in the capitol, is only a reflection of what they say they’ve experienced for their entire life.
“It’s a constant struggle,” said 70-year-old Cynthia Gardner. “This reminds me of some of the experiences I had in the past.”
Over the weekend, the group faced its latest round of struggles. A hot environment in the state capitol – literally and metaphorically.
”They were like you know you can leave and eat if you really want to. We were like we could but we’re not leaving until a special session is called.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says the latest struggles are not a negative reflection of Capitol Police. F-D-L-E spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger says rules have been outlined for the group since day 1. ”After business hours when the capitol is closed, Capitol Police will not let anyone come into the capitol,” said Plessinger.
F-D-L-E says they will continue to do their job by the books; while the protesters continue to play by the rules on their road to change.
Tuesday the group kicks off “The People’s Session” to examine the circumstances they say led to the death of Trayvon Martin.

Florida’s constant change with school assessments has Senate President Don Gaetz speaking out on Common Core.

Florida is one of dozens of states that have adopted the program. Many politicians have said common core started as a well-intentioned effort to challenge students using rigorous curriculum standards.

Speaker of the House and Senate President Gaetz called on the state to pull out of the group who has designed the tests aligned with Common Core. Gaetz says he wants to make sure standards are high for students and teachers.

”I’m for higher standards as a former superintendent of schools,” said Senate President Don Gaetz. “I think if you raise standards and you provide tools for effective teaching, you get better results.”

Florida has changed how schools are graded again this year…creating concerns with school district’s grades.

The Dream Defenders are entering into their third week at the state capitol demanding a special session of the legislature.

Governor Rick Scott met with the protesters the first week they started staying at the capitol. He told the group he would not call for a special session. The group says they are not going anywhere until he does so. Senate President Don Gaetz says he backs the governor’s decision.

”I stand with Governor Scott on this and I stand with Speaker Weatherford,” said Senate President Don Gaetz. “I think you call a special session of the legislature when you have a landing zone that’s agreed upon on an issue.”

The protesters say they will stay put until their demands are met.

Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew was honored at the historic Capitol Monday morning for his dedication to education and politics.

Governor Askew has taught at the majority of Florida’s public universities and was Governor in the state during the 1970’s. He has been known for the changes he made in the state. One of his fondest memories was being a supporter during the civil rights movement.

”People in the south should have a chance at life. Not who they are, status in society, but they should have a right,” said Governor Askew.

The governor announced his last year of teaching at Florida State University this year.

Florida’s economy continues to improve after the ‘Great Recession; and the housing market is on the way up, too. Even though the numbers look good on paper, there are still a lot of concerns.

In early July, Governor Rick Scott said, “In less than 2 ½ years, the private sector has generated over 330,000 jobs.”

A University of Central Florida report shows the state economy is expected to grow steadily over the next three years; but not at a rapid pace. The Florida Chamber of Commerce says either way, growth is good for Florida.

Executive Vice President for Florida Chamber Foundation Tony Carvajal said,

“Would you rather have a lot more money in your pocket or a little more dollars over time. Reality is, we need both. We need a lot of movement in the right industries.”

At the same time, home sales are rebounding.

Senior Vice President of The Florida Association of Realtors John Sebree said, “This is a very positive trend. It’s not just a blip on the screen.”

But, the rebound isn’t necessarily good news for people buying.

“The teacher, the first responder, the ones that you want to live in the neighborhood they serve and they can’t get in because financing is still very tight,” said Sebree.

One major issue for most home buyers are investment firms and cash sales.

Cash sales are almost always an issue for home buyers needing financing. That’s because after the housing burst, there are typically fewer issues with cash sales than financing. In Florida, nearly half of home sales are bought outright with cash.

“That’s a tough situation for the young couple that really want to buy and start a family, if a cash buyer can beat them out,” said Sebree.

In addition to home sales, nearly 7 out of 10 condo sales are cash sales in Florida.

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, more people are still moving to the Sunshine State. By the end of the year, the state is expected to be the third largest in the country, by leapfrogging New York.

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman some are questioning whether six member juries are sufficient enough when determining quilt or innocence.

Across the United States 12-member juries are used in all felony cases. Not in Florida, a 1970’s state law only requires 6-member jury.

Former President of the Florida. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer

Tom Powell said, “When somebody stands to go to prison for the rest of their life, or for 30 years, I think a 12 person jury is important.”

In the recent George Zimmerman trial – six women were used in the case. Only one was non-Caucasian. Zimmerman was eventually acquitted in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Representative Randolph Bracy has been drafting a bill which would change the state law; his proposal would require 12 jurors in felony trials.

When asked why there should be an increase in the number of jurors in felony trials Representative Bracy said, “They have more people and more opinions.”

Currently the only time a 12-member jury is used in the Sunshine State is for Capital Punishment cases and when the state tries to take over your property.

“This is part of our trial, court system. I think it needs some changes,” said Representative Bracy.

Florida is one of two states with six-member juries, the only other state in the country is Connecticut.

Supporters are concerned money will keep the law the same. According to Powell, “There no doubt will be a fiscal impact. You have to call more jurors if you have a jury of 12.”

Currently jurors are not paid anything for the first three days of a trial. After day three, they are paid 40-dollars a day.

Seven days after protesters began camping out in the state capitol they got their second meeting with state officials today. The protesters are happy about the dialogue, but expect the state to make changes.

After seven days of sleeping on the hard marble floors, the Dream Defenders are gearing up for week two at the state capitol.

“We’re getting like I’ve said before, comfortable with being uncomfortable we know we’re here with a goal,” said Dream Defenders Executive Director, Phillip Agnew.

Standing tall and telling personal stories; the group is showing their strength by not going anywhere. Monday morning Governor Rick Scott had Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters meet with the group. The group continues to demand changes to state law.

“It’s time for work,” said Agnew. “The talk is over, people are dying, young people are dying; young people want a change.”

The Secretary met with the group for about two hours the group says there is still a long way to go.

Last Thursday night, Governor Rick Scott met with the Dream Defenders. The protesters are demanding a special session. Monday morning the Governor reiterated his stance on the group’s demand.

“I’m not going to call a special session,” said Governor Scott. “I believe in the stand your ground laws in our state and I continue to believe in those.”

Lists were made and comments were shared during Monday’s meeting between both sides.

“Or are you saying you’re trying to protect the children,” asked Ciara Taylor.

“Now, Ciara. You have to know something, I have a long standing record in protecting and fighting for children,” Wansley Walters responded.

Until a special session of the state legislature is called, the Dream Defenders say their not going anywhere.

Only about 20 protesters stayed the entire weekend at the capitol.

After nearly 36 hours protestors still fill the Governor’s Office demanding change in Florida. When talking to the protestors, they say the crowd will continue to grow.

Chants continue to fill Governor Rick Scott’s office – as the second day of the sit-in protest is underway. Protestors continue to wait for the Governor, who is back in Florida. They want to meet with Rick Scott after the George Zimmerman verdict this past weekend. They have three demands they want addressed: racial profiling, the Stand Your Ground law, and the War on Youth.

Executive Director for Dream Defender Phillip Agnew says, “People from around the country are watching. I think the Governor has an interesting opportunity to prove his commitment to the future of youth in this state.”

According the Governor’s Press Office, the governor is not scheduled to be back in the capitol anytime Wednesday.

Protestors say they’ll wait until their demands are met. In regards to waiting, more than 30 protestors slept in the Capitol Tuesday night.

Protester Sherika Shaw who stayed over night said, “You know we all have beds at home, but we’re making the best of it because we’re dedicated.”

Those who stayed overnight say it’s not the most ideal; but they are willing to sleep on the capitol floor to prove they are serious about changes coming to Florida.

When asked what kind of impact is shown by staying at the Capitol, Shaw said, “It shows our resilience and shows how passionate we are about the Trayvon Martin case and how passionate we are on our future.”

As time progresses more people have been coming to Tallahassee from across Florida and neighboring states. Protestors say if the governor doesn’t agree to the demands; the crowds will get larger and louder.

“We’re still willing to meet, it will escalate, more people will come, he’ll get visitors,” said Agnew.

Even though the crowds may get bigger, protestors say they still plan on remaining peaceful.

Around 2 Wednesday afternoon, the NAACP asked to speak with the Chief of Staff at the Governor’s Office. Sources say the Chief of Staff never came out to meet with the group. Protestors are planning on staying overnight, again.

Just days after George Zimmerman was acquitted for the death of Trayvon Martin; protestors from several Southeastern States took over Governor Rick Scott’s office.

Those protesting say they will hold a peaceful sit-in until they meet with the governor, no matter how long that will take.

With signs held high, and voices in harmony; protestors made their way into Governor Rick Scott’s office Tuesday morning. The group is waiting to speak with the Governor, who’s in New York. Protestors say they want Rick Scott to call a special session of the legislator to address racial profiling and the Stand Your Ground law.

“He’s the only person that can do that and we believe this is a crisis moment,” said protester Phillip Agnew.

“Together we are united to ensuring Trayvon’s unjust death was not for nothing,” said protester Ciara Taylor.

Last Saturday, George Zimmerman was acquitted in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Central Florida. Protestors say they will make sure Trayvon’s death was not in vein. “I’m angry because justice hasn’t been served. I’m anger because a murderer walks free,” said protester Andrew Arachikavitz.

“As you can see here there’s a great amount of anger about it,” said Agnew. “We’re here in support of what we’re calling the ‘Trayvon Martin Civil Rights Act of 2013.’”

Law enforcement says they’ll keep a close eye on demonstrators to make sure they don’t get out of hand. “We opened the dialogue early on with the organizers of the protest and we laid out some ground rules that keep us all safe and secure,” said Director of Capitol Police, Rick Swearingen.

Protestors say they will stay peaceful as they make plans to camp out in the capitol as long as needed.

More than 100 rallies are expected nationwide as a result of the acquittal of George Zimmerman.

After nearly 10 years in development; a new drug to help people with concussions is about to undergo testing. The drug, which was created in Florida, will help people after they get a concussion.

Every year more than 1-point-3 million Americans bang their heads and end up with a concussion. A new drug developed at Florida State University College of Medicine may stop the concussion from turning into a more serious health issue. “If we can get this treatment in them very soon and manage them for 30 days after the injury we can prevent the negative long term outcomes associated with concussions,” said Dr. Jake VanLandingham.

Doctor Jake VanLandingham has been working on the new drug since 2004. The drug will reduce inflammation, and brain cell damage in concussion injuries. “We developed the concussion model to be able to test how well it worked,” he said.
There are three common ways mild-traumatic brain injuries happen: military-related accidents, car crashes, and sports- injuries. Florida A&M University head athletic trainer Akima Dima says there have been major advances in concussion treatment.

“Can it be controlled? I think to some extent, yes. It can be controlled,” said Akima Dima.

Even though the drug treatment may be here in the next few years, athletic trainers say they will continue to use their current concussion evaluation until the FDA approves the drug.

“We’re doing a good job in terms of monitoring the athletes and getting them back to the playing field so I don’t think I would do anything different right now,” said Dima.

Its estimated 90-percent of concussions are under diagnosed.

Students from three Florida universities rallied today to end voter suppression.

Friday morning nearly 100 people marched to the historic state capitol with one mission: making their voices heard. “The march and the rally is to bring awareness to a movement the no vote, no voice movement,” said Florida State University Student, Eugene Butler III.

A recent 5-4 Supreme Court ruling struck down a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; shocking many of those who marched here. “Often times it takes measures like these to let them know we know what’s going on,” said Florida A&M University student, Tom Diamond. “Our voice still matters, we sill still show up at any time.”

”Although the rally ended here at the historic state capitol, students hope their message goes much further and makes an impact nationwide,” Matt Horn reports.

“We stand for so many voices and so this means that we will do what we have to do so that people, the Supreme Court will hear our voice,” said Diamond.

Supporters say voter suppression goes beyond the Supreme Court ruling. They argue Florida has a long track record of making it difficult for people to vote. Including the 2011 law which created long lines. That law has since been reversed. Students say other laws still make it difficult for Floridians to vote.

“I think those long lines where people didn’t get to vote, are a direct result of slashing early voting hours,” said FSU Alum, Cecelia O’Brien. Students say they are planning for more rallies this fall after school is back in session.

Your favorite glass of wine may soon come out of a keg. As Matt Horn explains, a new Florida law will allow businesses to save money and protect the environment while serving customers favorite glass of wine.

Your favorite glass of wine may soon be served out of a keg. A new Florida law allows restaurants and bars to serve wine from a 5-gallon keg. One wine keg holds 26 bottles of wine.

”This is really something customers have asked us for. People like to be able to order by the glass when they go to a restaurant. Having it in kegs makes it easier for restaurants to do that,” said John Fleming.

Shula’s Restaurant is just one Florida Company that’s looking into the options of buying wine by keg.

”Obviously the law is newly passed, so we’re in a pattern where wine distributors are feeling their way through it,” said Steve Adams.

Because wine can spoil after being open a few days, many eateries and bars throw out half-empty wine bottles. The kegs will keep the wine to fresher… longer. Saving money for distributors, restaurants and customers.

“We see it as a great opportunity to give the consumer a better choice, hopefully at a better price,” saidAdams.

A bi-product of the new law: less trash inFlorida’s landfills. One estimate is that there will be 350-thousand fewer wine bottles dumped in landfills every year. “There’s less waste when you do it this way,” said Fleming.

Distributors and restaurants are still early in the planning process on the changes. Look for wine kegs to be a reality around the first of the year.

Wine kegs are already legal in 48 other states.

Statistically, Nearly 1 of every 4 teenagers in this room has been bullied.

 

“Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, today is the day I’m going to be bullied and picked on,” says rising-JuniorDaltonSettlemire.

 

Rising Junior, Dalton Settlemire says he’s seen it all: everything from bullying in the halls at, to his classmates being bullied online. “I’ve probably seen types of bullying that doesn’t even have names yet. It really is unfortunate,” said Settlemire.

 

“It’s a lot easier for kids to sit behind a computer screen and be more confident or harsher to their peers than they would be face to face,” said rising-Junior Wyatt Navarro.

 

Floridalawmakers just expanded a 2008 anti-bullying law to include cyberbullying and it includes some activities that take place off of school grounds.  “It looks at a student’s actions, words and context they may be communicating digitally outside of school,” said Erin Watson.

 

Many worry the change invades a student’s privacy. Both sides are worried how the law will be enforced.

 

“For example, say I’m at home sending mean messages to a fellow classmate on Facebook,” reported Matt Horn. “The only way the school can discipline a student is if there is proof I am threatening the other student and it’s a disruption at school.”

 

“I think whatever kind of punishment is deemed necessary is necessary in that situation,” said Settlemire.

 

Regardless supporters say this is a step forward into protectingFlorida’s teens from online bullies.

Students from across Florida are in Tallahassee taking advantage of a national program: Boys State.

 

 

The program is a comprehensive one-week leadership course for students entering their senior year of high school in state and local government. Students from every county in Florida are represented in the program. Rising Junior, Wyatt Navarro says it’s a great way to learn parts of leadership with peers across the state.

 

”We are helping each other out learning facets of leadership or great life qualities and overall government tactics and campaign tactics,” said Naples rising-Junior Wyatt Navarro.

 

The week long even runs through Saturday.

Floridians may finally get to take advantage of the vast amounts of sunshine to power their houses. A new state law will offer incentives for homeowners to switch to solar energy. As Matt Horn reports, the law is a good first step, but there is still work to be done.

 

Governor Rick Scott toured start up company Bing energy. State funds are helping the company grow. Another new state law also approved by Scott will help the sunshine state live up to its name…offering incentives for people to switch to solar.

”They have to look at what works for their family. We need to get a return on investment,” said Governor Rick Scott.

In 2008 – Florida voters approved a measure forbidding a property appraiser from raising a homes taxable value because the homeowner installed solar. But Lawmakers ignored the mandate until this past spring. Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda sponsored the measure that hadn’t gone any where for four years.

”We’ve done the right thing by the people, we’ve respected their will. We’ve respected what they’ve wanted to do and it’s going to be good for the state of Florida and good for the environment,” said Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda.

Solar Energy companies call the legislation a step in the right direction. ”A lot more incentives and we’ll see a lot more business come to Florida,” said Al Simpler.

Supporters still worry Florida hasn’t done enough.

”The three surrounding states, Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia all have more incentive than the state of Florida,” said Simpler.

But the new law will allow Floridians to take full advantage of the sun – and save money in the long run for doing it.