MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Dr. Rudolph Moise, Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) North Miami, is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of the museum’s staff and consultants in organizing its newest exhibit, which officially opened on April 30, 2025.

The first featured artist is Miami-born Philip Smith, whose captivating collection titled “Magnetic Fields” explores the breadth of his pictorial language, rooted in his personal archive of 35mm photographs. Smith’s work invites visitors into a reflective journey through memory, symbolism, and visual storytelling.

Dr. Rudolph Moise, Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) North Miami, celebrates Haitian American multidisciplinary artist Vickie Pierre. The Maiden is the Warrior marks her first solo exhibition at the museum.

The second artist is Haitian American multidisciplinary artist Vickie Pierre, whose acclaimed artworks have been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions across South Florida. Her contribution to the exhibit brings a rich blend of cultural narrative and contemporary expression.

The public is invited to experience this dynamic exhibition, which will be on display through October 5, 2025, at the MOCA Museum in Miami.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the powerful voices and artistic vision of these two extraordinary artists. To learn more visit: mocanomi.org

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a guilty conviction for Deandre Devone Williams on four felony counts for sexually abusing a minor. Williams traveled from Illinois to Florida to commit these crimes.

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Emily Frazier and Johnna Lessard for bringing this sick predator to justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Child sexual abuse is heinous, and anyone who harms a child will be held accountable. Our office will continue prioritizing these cases and ensure those who commit such disgusting crimes face the consequences.”

According to the law enforcement investigation, Williams, a resident of Illinois, contacted a 13-year-old victim through social media. Williams convinced the child that the two were in a romantic relationship and traveled from Illinois to meet the child in St. Augustine. The defendant then took the child to Ft. Lauderdale, where Williams spent the weekend with the victim in a hotel room. Williams sexually abused the child, then later dropped the victim off at a train station in Ft. Lauderdale, where the minor was unable to get home.

Williams was found guilty of four felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery, traveling to meet a minor, and interference with the custody of a child. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced in St. Johns County on May 2, 2025, and faces up to 50 years in prison.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State University’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU Health will host the Pediatric Rare Disease Symposium on Monday, October 7, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern, bringing together the nation’s leading experts in pediatric rare disease research. The symposium aims to foster collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advance treatment and research for pediatric rare diseases.

State Representative Adam Anderson will kick off the event with special opening remarks, where he will present a $5 million funding check to support the Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU Health.

“Florida State University is at the forefront of pediatric rare disease research. This symposium will be the catalyst for a collaborative nationwide effort, ensuring that institutions share the best knowledge and practices to bring new cures and hope to millions of children and their families,” said Rep. Anderson.

Other highlights of the event include:

• Keynote address by Dr. Terence R. Flotte, Executive Deputy Chancellor and Provost at UMass Chan Medical School
• Presentations from experts representing NIH, Harvard, Stanford, University of Florida, University of Miami, and Nicklaus Children’s Health System
• Industry roundtable focusing on the intersection of industry, healthcare, and academia in advancing pediatric rare disease research

What to Bring:

• Relevant research materials or presentations
• Questions for the panelists and speakers

Note: The symposium is focused exclusively on pediatric rare disease research. For more information or to register, visit med.fsu.edu/iprd/.

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