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Millions of healthy animals are euthanized in shelters across the country. A new state law will inform people how many are put down in their community monthly.

Every year tens of thousands of animals needing a home are killed in Florida. This past legislative session, Jack Cory pushed lawmakers to be kinder to animals. The idea behind a new law that took effect July first is to make publically funded animal shelters post how many animals are euthanized monthly. The goal: to educate the public and encourage adoption.

”We need to make sure that through-out Florida, we have correct data and accurate data and make sure its available to the public,” said Florida Senator, Bill Montford.

”I think the new law can be effective. I think its really important all shelters, rescues, non-profits learn from,” said Erika Leckington.

Across Florida, more animal shelters are becoming no-kill shelters. Their goal is a 90 percent adoption rate. Supporters say the changes will save money.

“There is no excuse, we don’t have every county and shelter no-kill,” said Jack Cory.

While there is support for the new law, there are also concerns shelters won’t post the numbers. That’s because there are no penalties for doing nothing. Supporters are planning to work closely with lawmakers in the upcoming years to strengthen the law and save man’s best friend and his arch rival…the cat, from death.

Some are calling it the dirtiest deal in the last 20 years. Others say it will save the state millions of dollars a month. As Matt Horn reports, the privatization of the prison health care is moving full steam ahead – and thousands are waiting to see if they’ll be employed as a result.

On paper privatizing the prison health care system looks like a good deal. ”If we can provide a great service at a better price, then we ought to be doing that,” said Governor Rick Scott.

A two-year legal showdown may prove otherwise. A recent 1st District Court of Appeals sided with the state. It will allow Florida to outsource the prison health care system, leaving nearly 2-thousand state workers in limbo.

In a November 2012 interview, employee Joanne Mendez said, “They’re afraid that they’re going to lose the only job they have right now.”

State employees received a letter from the Department of Corrections saying their position will no longer be available at the state. It went on to say the contract with the private companies provides employees will have the ‘right to interview and first consideration.’

“It is possible that not all of the employees will be hired by them,” Reporter Matt Horn asked Ann Howard with the Department of Corrections. Howard responded, “It is possible that all of them will not want to. Some of them may want to retire; some may want to go into a different type of private sector; some of them may remain with the state.”

The state employees union has accused the Legislature of doing a dirty deal. Arguing a 14-member panel shouldn’t have the power to make a decision for the entire legislative body. Opponents worry it will devastate many smaller Florida communities.

”What happens when you reduce salaries, when you reduce hours and increase the opportunities to be left out in the cold, that’s not good economic stability,” said attorney Alma Gonzales.

Its unknown how many of the nearly 2-thousand employees will be hired by the private companies. The two out of state private companies are expected to take the helm of providing prisoners health care later this year.

The private companies are required to offer comprehensive care for nearly 100-thousand inmates’ 7-percent less than what the state paid in 2010.

It’s been one of the darkest weeks for firefighters after 19 died in the line of duty in Arizona Sunday.

Florida State Forrester Jim Karels is no stranger to the tragedy of losing firefighters.

In 2011, Karels spoke about the two Florida firefighters lost in a tragic wildfire, ”Yesterday was a tragic day in Florida, Division of Forestry and all of our firefighters.”

Now Florida’s top forestry firefighter will lead the probe into what went wrong in Arizona when 19 firefighters died on Sunday.

”It’s a tragedy to lose anyone, but to lose so many at once, our hearts just break for them,” said Florida Dept. of Agriculture Communications Director Erin Gillespie about the fire in Arizona. “We know what it feels like to lose someone in the line of duty.”

Nationally recognized, Arizona state officials called Jim Karels to lead the independent investigation. He will use his 30 years of experience to help find answers for those in the Southwest. He landed in Arizona at midnight eastern time Wednesday morning.

Florida is no stranger to losing firefighters in the line of duty. Since 2000, 50 have been added to the Wall of Honor; including two Karels oversaw.

The Yarnell Fire had burned about 13 square miles, destroying nearly 200 homes and prompted hundreds to evacuate. Sunday was the deadliest day for firefighters in American since 9-11; and the deadliest in a wildfire since 1933. Karels will now work around the clock in this investigation.

“He felt like it was the right thing to do and wants to figure our what happened so we can prevent the loss of any lives,” said Gillespie.

It’s unknown how long Karels will be in Arizona, but fire officials hope the investigation will keep any tragedy like the Yarnell Fire from happening again.

Florida is in one the best situations in a long time related to fire danger. Nearly the entire state is in the lowest risk for wildfire danger, except a few counties in the Panhandle; which are expected to get several inches of rain this week.

Millions of Americans have an intellectual disability, for years they were known as living with mental retardation; a new law in Florida is changing that.

23-year-old Brittany Norman works like most other adults in America. Her hard work is also helping put an end to a stigma for people who are intellectually disabled.

One day at school Norman recalls, “One of my friends called me retard, I told the teacher about them to stop. So, I told him do not say the ‘r-word’ or I’ll tell the teacher.”

The Arc, a group for people living with intellectual disabilities, has worked to change the stigma by eliminating the ‘r-word’. The organization says the word was outdated and offensive.

The Arc’s Executive Director Debroah Linton said, ”It’s really a matter of respect there’s a long history in this field with different types of diagnostic labels.”

The group lead by example three years ago, changing its name from the Association for Retarded Citizens to the Arc of Florida.

”For three years advocates have been trying to change the wording of the law. This year with the help from people living with intellectual disabilities it passed unanimously.” Linton said.

Norman met with lawmakers this past legislative session; sharing stories she endured growing up.

“The story for them, they were sad about the ‘r-word’.”

Her work helps make Florida the 40th state in the nation to remove the word “retarded” from all of its state laws. President Barack Obama signed a similar law, called Rosa’s law in 2010 removing the r-word in federal policy.

When asked about the law being passed Linton said, ”I’m ecstatic we’ve now joined the rank of the rest of the states to say respect and we want everyone included in our society,”

Even though their condition may not change, how people view the intellectually disabled may change if their no longer considered retarded. The phrase will change to intellectually disabled for 22 laws, the meanings of the statues will remain the same.

The latest Supreme Court ruling on voter rights has civil rights activists outraged. Now, Florida civil rights groups are planning to fight back.

Dale Landry remembers his grandmother trying to vote before the voting rights act was the law of the land. ”I was there when they used the “N” word and called her the “N” gal and what are you doing? Young, white boys, teens, they spit. And during that time you best not do anything,” said the NAACP’s Dale Landry.

Last Tuesday, the U-S Supreme Court struck down a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – the law determined which areas in the country needed federal permission before changing any voting laws. Five Florida counties were on the list. ”We know all to well that we’ve had irregularities in our voting system,” said State Representative Alan Williams.

Florida passed major changes to state election law in 2011. Then spent nearly a million dollars before getting federal approval. With the Supreme Court ruling, activists say they are going to push Congress to make sure voters are protected. ”We’re not going to stand back, we’re going to continue to fight the fight,” said activist Jeanette Wynn.

The state says the Supreme Court ruling will put all 67 counties on a level playing field and will help save the state hundreds of thousands of dollars anytime there is an election law change. ”Rather than 5 counties needing to go through an addition federal approval process, they’re going to be able to implement laws the same time as the rest of Florida’s counties,” said Florida Department of State’s Chris Cate.

Florida has since reversed the 2011 voting law changes because they created long lines and other problems.

The Voting Rights Act blocked more than 1,000 proposed changes to voting laws across the country from 1982 to 2006.

Dozens of changes on how Florida schools are graded have superintendents across the state working with the Department of Education on coming to a solution.

A major concern for the superintendent’s is such a high number of changes to how schools are graded will have a drastic impact on the number of schools with a failing grade.

The superintendents want the state board of education to lessen the severity of the grading; saying the public will not understand why school grades dropped even as test scores improve.

Superintendent Malcolm Thomas says it’s important the changes have a positive impact on classrooms. ”We need to make sure that as we move forward and we’re implementing so many changes that its fair, that its understandable and that it aligns with what we know is happening in our classroom,” said Thomas.

Florida grades its public schools on student success and improvements on standardized tests.

FAMU Band Reinstated

Florida A & M Universities Marching Band will be back on the field this fall. Interim President Larry Robinson today lifted the suspension that was imposed after the hazing death of a drum major in 2011. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, school officials say there is no guarantee that hazing has been totally eradicated.

The Florida A&M Marching 100 band was suspended following the hazing death of Drum Major Robert Champion. Since the November 2011 tragedy, an anti hazing czar hired, there are also nearly a dozen new procedures to cope with hazing.

“When considering all of the measures we have put in place, I believe that this constitutes, what I’ve been saying for the last several months, the right conditions to lift the suspension of the Marching 100” says Interim President Larry Robinson.

The new band director was asked if hazing were still a threat “I’m thinking, in time, the culture of the band will change” says Dr. Sylvester Young.

Students cheered the news and the band director posed for pictures with excited band members. “We have a different mindset, you know the band is going mentally and maturely also”  says Miami Tuba Player Lance Roberts. Roberts marched with the band one year before it was suspended.

Incoming freshmen Destni Hamilton and Aleya Hamilton say they chose FAMU for the historically black college experience.

“You always wanted to come to HBCU, and so I didn’t really care what was going on, ’cause I’m not my school, I’m me” says the Jacksonville Freshman

Now they say having the band will only make their college stay more vivid.

“It’s going to bring liveliness to the school, more spirit, hopefully more people start getting involved around campus, you know, so we are really excited. Out freshmen year will be amazing” says Orlando Freshman Aleya Bradley.

Not having the band has financial consequences for the university, fewer people in the seats here and in away games.

The band director hopes to be on the field at the first football game, September first but that depends on how many students show up and how ready they are to March and play.

FAMU remain embroiled in litigation with the drum majors family. They have asked the suit be dismissed because Champion consented to the hazing. The family is seeking an unspecified amount of money.

Teacher Summit in Tallahassee

41 of the state’s 67 county “Teacher of the Year” winners spent the last two days at the state capitol. They were invited by the Governor for a summit on education policy, and they were asked to share best practices. Most like Cassandra Mattison from HillsboroughCounty, say the experience was a good one.

Some remain skeptical of the Governor after he cut one billion from schools in his first year. He also signed ill conceived merit pay legislation that has since been revised. But Scott also won praise for pushing and getting what should be a twenty five hundred dollar raise for teachers.

 

FAMU Hazing Director

The Florida A&M Marching 100 will return to the field this fall. The band was suspended following the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in 2011. The school has implemented more than a dozen new procedures in it’s  get tough against hazing, including the hiring of a new anti hazing czar. Bryan Smith says he’s confident the right policies are in place, but says ending hazing still depends on the students.

“I know we have to remain diligent, we still have to keep providing our preventative measures, we have to keep enlightening and educating the students as well as out faulty and our alumni about our anti hazing and our initiatives, so ultimately it will still fall and come back to the students should they decided to do what’s right” says Bryan Smith, whose official title is Special Assistant to the President.

The school also hired a compliance officer to make sure band members are actually enrolled. Felony charges are still pending against more than a half dozen band members accused in the hazing that took Robert Champions life.

Today’s Supreme Court ruling on Gay Marriage is expected to have limited impact here in Florida, but advocates say it should be seen as a call to action.

Six of every ten voters approved the Florida Marriage Protection Act in 2008. It says the state can only recognize a marriage between one man and one woman. The addition to the constitution is a road block to legal challenges in Florida and Governor Rick Scott says he’s going to follow the law.”The voters in 2008 decide that we are going to be a traditional marriage state, and that is what the voters decided. It’s my job as governor to uphold the law of the land” Scott told a gaggle of reporters.

“And if there were to push to change, would you take the position on it.” asked a reporter.

“Well, look, I’ve been married since I’m, since I was 19, I believe in tradition marriage” responded Scott.

Gay activists say the state is changing. Voters this past year elected two openly gay members of the state legislature. Joe Saunders even brought his partner for the swearing in.

Jim VanRiper of Equality Florida says the ruling should be seen by gay activists as a call to action.

“In the past, you know, maybe people didn’t pay much attention to it, but we are bringing to the forefront of attention and you know, I think we are going to see a significant drive in this day to repeal the Constitutional Amendment” says VanRiper.

“Gay activists have basically three options for trying to change the constitution,  they can come here to the legislator and get them to put it on the ballet, they can have an initiative petition or they can wait for four years for the constitution revisions commission.

And voters will still have a final say on any constitutional changes.

Asked if the he would defend a law suit if one were filed, Rick Scott didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, yes.” Said Scott, leaving no doubt he meant it.

Governor Rick Scott is holding a reception for Teachers of the Year tonight at the Governor’s Mansion. Tomorrow the education starts will meet to share ideas. Scott says the idea is to reward those who are improving Florida schools and also to learn from them.

“National Counts for Teach Quality says we have the most effective teachers so we are headed in the right direction. So today we are going to learn from them, we are going to try to share our best practices, and let’s also just recognize them for what they are doing” says Scott.

The teachers will hold a round table discussion tomorrow morning at the state capitol.

Four times a year, the Governor and State Cabinet listen to the stories of convicted criminals seeking the restoration of their rights or even a pardon.

Today was just such a day. In one of the few successful pleas, Jessica Chiappone a mother of three who was convicted of drug conspiracy got her rights back after an emotional plea. Jessica has graduated from law school and even with her rights realizes she has an uphill battle.

“I can apply to take the bar, so I could sit for the bar exam but I would still have to pass the bar exam and go through a rigorous character in fitness review prior to be admitted” says Jessica.

Only a few of the 80 or so cases heard today got favorable results. In each case, the Governor wants to know about drug and alcohol use and any family tensions.

If you have you ever wondered if you’re favorite restaurant passes a health inspection Or how often they are actually inspected, Matt Horn tells is Florida’s cleanest restaurants are about to get a break from the state while those in trouble will get closer scrutiny.

The thought of having bugs crawling around in the kitchen or on your food at your favorite restaurant may put chills down your spine. But, a new law approved by Governor Rick Scott will make sure restaurants with health issues are checked more often. Those which are clean will see fewer inspections.

”There’s a lot of great things that have happened this year in regards to improving lives,” said Scott.

Eateries with past health violations may be in trouble under the new law.

”If they get more scrutiny they get into enforcement cases which probably means more fines or perhaps license suspensions or revocations,” said Geoff Luebkemann, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Under the legislation, restaurants will have a year to adjust to the changing inspection schedule.

“The department will have to go to rule making to come up with details of where particular type of operation falls on the spectrum,” said Luebkemann.

The current law makes sure every food business is inspected at least twice a year. The new law will allow a restaurant to be inspected as few as once …or up to four times a year.

”The department currently has and retains the ability to go anytime they need to,” said Luebkemann.

The new law will also take a closer look at high-priority violations like those that can cause food-borne illnesses.

In front of nearly two dozen fire fighters, Governor Rick Scott honored them as he approved the construction of a new fallen-firefighter memorial in Tallahassee.

The memorial will be open for everyone at the state capitol to visit and honor those who have died in the line of duty.

The Governor also signed a bill into law allowing the Florida Chief Fire Marshal to better protect firefighters and the public.

“During today’s cabinet meeting we approved a measure to construct a Fallen Firefighters Memorial here at the capital. This monument will allow all visitors to reflect and appreciate the work of Florida’s Firefighters,” said Scott.

The new law goes into effect July 1st.

One protester against death row hopes to make an impact in Florida by walking across the state to end capital punishment.

Kurt Wadsworth is protesting against the death penalty by trekking up and down the coast of Florida to inform its residents about the issue. His journey started in Pensacola one month ago and plans to head south to Key West and end back up at the Death Chambers. Kurt is hopeful to get the states attention with this protest and to eventually abolish capital punishment in the state of Florida.

“This march is for the victims, it’s for everybody involved 140 nations of Earth have ended the death penalty, no longer use it 16 states abandoned the death penalty because most states come to the conclusion that taking the life perpetuates violence, its not justice, it is revenge,” said Wadsworth.

He is unsure how long it’ll take to complete his walk.