TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Senator LaVon Bracy Davis and Representative Mitch Rosenwald have filed legislation aimed at expanding access to the My Safe Florida Home Program by allowing homeowners to reapply when applications were previously deemed abandoned or withdrawn due to errors or omissions.

The measure, SB 1148/HB 1045, would modify program rules to permit subsequent applications when the original filing was rejected because of compliance-related mistakes, provided there is good cause and the applicant corrects the issue in a timely manner.

Expanding Access to Homeowner Assistance
The My Safe Florida Home Program is a state initiative that provides eligible Florida homeowners with inspections and grant funding to help strengthen their homes against storms while reducing insurance costs. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Current rules allow for reapplication if an application was denied or withdrawn due to errors or omissions. However, the proposed legislation would also allow reapplication when an application was deemed abandoned or withdrawn because of similar compliance-related issues.

Addressing Bureaucratic Barriers
“At a time when Florida’s families are struggling with rising insurance costs, we cannot allow bureaucratic technicalities to block access to affordability tools,” said Bracy Davis, a Democrat from Ocoee.

The bill responds to concerns from homeowners who were unable to submit a new application after their original submission was closed due to misunderstandings or reasonable mistakes regarding program requirements.

Focus on Seniors and Low-Income Homeowners
Rosenwald, a Democrat from Oakland Park, said the legislation is intended to help vulnerable homeowners who rely on the program for financial relief.

“This program can be a lifeline for seniors and low-income homeowners,” Rosenwald said. “In response to Floridians reporting that they were blocked from submitting a new application because of a misunderstanding or reasonable mistake concerning program compliance, I filed this glitch bill.”

If approved, the legislation would ensure more homeowners have access to financial assistance aimed at strengthening homes and improving insurance affordability across Florida.

EATONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) — Eddie Cole, a former Eatonville mayor, longtime coach, chaplain and community leader, has died at the age of 67, town officials confirmed.

Cole, widely respected for his dedication to public service and his influence in basketball, passed away just months after being inducted into the Rollins College Sports Hall of Fame.

In a statement, the Town of Eatonville remembered Cole as “a servant leader whose heart beat for the people of Eatonville.” Officials praised his compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to the community’s progress.

“Mayor Cole’s compassion and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville,” the statement read. “We honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made on generations past, present and future.”

Cole’s legacy spans decades of civic leadership, mentorship and faith-based service, leaving a lasting imprint on the town and those he guided on and off the court.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A portion of West South Street in downtown Orlando has been officially renamed “Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Way,” honoring the late state senator, historian and civil rights advocate whose life’s work focused on education, public service and preserving Black history.

City, state, and federal elected leaders unveiled the new street sign Friday morning during a ceremony held near the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture — a landmark Thompson founded and spent years fighting to preserve. The location reflects Thompson’s lifelong commitment to safeguarding African American history in Central Florida.

A Legacy of Public Service and Advocacy

Thompson, who died earlier this year at age 76, spent nearly two decades serving in the Florida Legislature as a Democrat in both the House and Senate. She represented communities across West Orange County, including Pine Hills, Parramore, Eatonville, Ocoee and Winter Garden.

Known as a tireless advocate for civil rights, education and historic preservation, Thompson earned widespread respect as a principled leader and trailblazer in state government. She passed away in February following complications from knee surgery, according to her family.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and State Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, Thompson’s successor, joined elected officials, community leaders and residents for the unveiling. The honorary designation recognizes Thompson’s decades of leadership and service to the Orlando community, according to a city news release.

Legislative Approval and Historic Designation

The roadway designation, located along West South Street between South Division Avenue and U.S. Highway 441, was approved earlier this year by the Florida Legislature as part of House Bill 987. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, authorizing multiple roadway dedications statewide.

In addition to her legislative accomplishments, Thompson is remembered as a devoted mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose legacy continues to shape Orlando’s civic and cultural landscape.