Politics

How will HB 3 affect Florida’s children and their educational success?

Published

2 years ago

March 29, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. (FNN) — This week, House Speaker Paul Renner introduced legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 14 from becoming social media account holders. Kids ages 14 and 15 could have access to certain sites with parental consent.

Florida follows Texas, Utah in banning social media access to young children

The bill, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, follows a similar outline to that of Texas’ SCOPE Act that was passed in 2023 — albeit with a few caveats. For one, the Texas bill has a lot more stipulations on the digital service provider as companies have to ‘register the person’s age with the DSP’ in order to prevent them from altering their registered age. For Florida youth, the language in HB 3 is unclear as the bill states ‘certain’ accounts and ‘certain’ minors must be prohibited from account creation but there is little specification as to what those circumstances revolve around.

In the states News Release, Ron DeSantis stated “Social media harms students in a variety of ways,” and that statement has some merit considering the impact that social media use has on behavior as a whole within the classroom. Its evident that social media has created a culture of attention-seeking in ways that can be harmful towards kids futures.

Whether it be recording themselves in class for a TikTok dance or prank, or recording themselves fighting and committing crimes inadvertently; these type of behaviors have been on the rise over the past decade as ‘viral culture’ has become a new norm. This phenomenon has been well documented as the APA has published:

“over 50% of teens reporting at least one symptom of clinical dependency on social media.”

This type of dependency has become all too pervasive on school campuses around the nation. Anecdotally, as a former educator at an elementary school I previously worked at, the kids in 4th and 5th grade had an outburst of mass Snapchat chat rooms that started real-life altercations on school grounds and around the neighborhood. The school ultimately decided that an outright ban on those group chats would be the best way forward and it seems like Florida lawmakers are following a similar route as far as young children are concerned.

AI services like ChatGPT are seen as convenient shortcuts for students who outright use the program(s) to write entire essays and fill out homework assignments at a moments notice. Not only are these practices unhealthy for student development, in some cases they can prove damaging for students who rely on those softwares in college.

The legislation for academic discipline being prepared in Ireland is another example of how researchers and college students at the highest levels must be held accountable for their dependence on artificial intelligence. These advancements in AI technology are now “regarded by academics as a much greater threat because they are typically free and easy to access” but does accessibility necessarily mean convenience when the consequences are so high?

The rise of pornography consumption brought by the social media era

Another facet of danger towards children is increased introductions to pornographic material — and it’s happening at an earlier age than other generations. The American College of Pediatricians published a study in 2016 on The Impact of Pornography on Children that lists a host of risks associated with ‘ubiquitous’ consumption of pornography that affects how young kids start to perceive relationships between men and women.

The study states that ‘Children under twelve years old who have viewed pornography are statistically more likely to sexually assault their peers’ and that alone should give parents pause when considering how freely they want to let their children access the internet. Not only could they be exposed to negative material but predators will often try to use pornographic material as a means to victimize and exploit children for their own grooming purposes.

As kids get older, their discernment for what is productive and meaningful media to digest increases slightly. However, parental advisement on the matter of safety and awareness on the internet is just as crucial towards kids knowing the difference between what is right and wrong, online or offline. The ubiquitous nature of these social media sites are inescapable even for most adults.

That’s why it’s imperative to bring the future generations up correctly when it comes to navigating the troubled waters of social media consumption. While there are no current statistics of how these new laws have benefitted children in these states (FL, TX, UT), we have a moral obligation to curb the tide of illiteracy brought by the COVID years. Among the ten most illiterate states in the nation, Florida ranks 9th with a 76.3% literacy rate.

This stat comes at an interesting crossroads for Florida’s classrooms as books are banned at an extraordinarily high rate within the state. Some parents even classifying certain books with LGBTQ topics and sex education books as “pornography” which has become a controversial viewpoint amongst lawmakers. That and the increased clamp down of books propagating ‘critical race theory’ have made Florida a hot bed state for these kinds of omissions on their curriculum.

Because of vague language within these laws, librarians and educators alike have to operate on the side of fear when it comes to including new material. No one wants to lose their teaching license over teaching a book with material that may be unwanted by parents. Thus, laws like the Parental Rights in Education bill have to be looked at with scrutiny because their vague language can cause unwanted strife and conflict amongst school boards in every county.

Are Florida lawmakers operating in good faith with these laws? More than likely. But the precision to which these laws apply towards schools overall must be updated in order to ensure not only that kids are safe and productive, but also make sure that their education isn’t being disrupted by nefarious practices that disrupt learning for the sake of a political agenda.

_____________________________

Nicolas Vera is a Florida National News reporter. | politics@floridanationalnews.com

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Central Florida News

City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.

The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.

Orlando Surpasses State Averages

The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.

Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.

According to the city:

Orlando Residential Rating: 2
Florida Residential Average: 4
Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
Florida Commercial Average: 3

The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team

Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”

Benefits for Residents and Businesses

City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:

Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.

While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:

Building code adoption
Code enforcement practices
Inspection procedures
Staff qualifications and training
Administrative processes
Fire prevention coordination
Permitting operations

The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.

Investing in Long-Term Resilience

City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.

More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:

Police and fire protection
Transportation infrastructure
Parks and recreation
Public works
Community services

The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.

Victim Identified

The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.

Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.

Investigation Timeline

According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.

When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Arrest Announced

On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

Investigation Continues

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

What We Know

Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
Incident Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
Community Threat: None identified by investigators

Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.