Central Florida News

Florida Senate Passes Bill To Crack Down On “Frankenstein” Drug Dealers

Published

3 years ago

May 5, 2023

Tallahassee — The Florida Senate today passed House Bill 365, Controlled Substances, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) and in the Florida House by Representative Rachel Plakon (R-Lake Mary). The legislation revises elements of murder offenses, providing criminal penalties for adults who unlawfully distribute specified substances or mixtures that result in an overdose or serious bodily injury of the user. The bill also provides enhanced criminal penalties for repeat offenders and provides that specified people have certain protections from arrest and prosecution.

“The harder we fight to keep our communities safe, the harder dealers work to evade our laws, and that ends today,” said Senator Brodeur. “It’s a long standing law in Florida that if a user dies, the dealers can be charged with murder; if not, it’s attempted murder. This bill adds the attempted part. ”

“For far too long drug dealers have taken advantage of a loophole that literally lets them get away with murder when a user dies with multiple substances in their system,” said Representative Plakon. “With the passing of this bill, Florida is holding dealers accountable for the lives they are destroying.”

“This legislation provides a key to a holistic strategy when it comes to reducing overdoses and fentanyl poisonings, and that is holding drug dealers accountable. The outcome of this law gives those in the criminal justice profession an additional tool that is needed to combat this deadly epidemic,” said Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma, of Seminole County. “I want to thank Senator Brodeur and Rep. Plakon for their leadership and hard work in getting this legislation across the finish line. We will undoubtedly save lives in the State of Florida with this legislation.”

CS/CS/HB 365 amends s. 782.04(1)(a)3., F.S., to revise the causation requirement for death caused by the unlawful distribution of a controlled substance to require that such distribution is proven to “have caused, or is proven to have been a substantial factor in producing the death of the user.” “Substantial factor” is defined to mean the “use of the substance or mixture alone is sufficient to cause death, regardless of whether any other substance or mixture used is also sufficient to cause death.”

The bill creates s. 893.131, F.S., to prohibit a person 18 years of age or older from distributing heroin, alfentanil, carfentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil, fentanyl derivatives, or an analog or mixture containing such substances, when such substances cause or are a substantial factor in causing an injury or overdose to the user. A person commits a violation regardless of whether the distribution is made directly or indirectly through another person to the person who was injured or who overdosed. A violation is punishable as a second degree felony. A second or subsequent conviction is punishable as a first degree felony.

The administration of medical care by an emergency responder, including, but not limited to, a law enforcement officer, a paramedic, or an emergency medical technician, or the administration of an emergency opioid antagonist by such emergency responder is prima facie evidence that the person receiving medical care was injured or overdosed.

The bill also amends s. 921.0022(3)(f), F.S., to rank the offense of distributing a controlled substance that results in injury or overdose, a second degree felony, as a Level 6 offense on the offense severity ranking chart. The enhanced penalty for a second conviction for distributing a controlled substance that results in injury or overdose which is a first degree felony is unranked, and as such, the first degree felony defaults to a Level 7 offense.

Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

6 days ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

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Central Florida News

Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather

Published

6 days ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.

The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.

Scheduled highlights include:

Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
Food from Zaza.
Community resources from 311 and other participants.

Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

1 week ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com