South Florida News

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Promotes Water Safety Ahead of Memorial Day

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2023

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – In recognition of Water Safety Month in Florida, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez joined Florida Department of Health (DOH) Deputy Secretary Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Major Alberto Maza, local officials, and water safety stakeholders in Islamorada, Florida to discuss boating and drowning prevention safety.

“Florida’s beautiful beaches, lakes, springs and pools are just one of the many reasons visitors are coming to our state in record numbers,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “As we head into the summer months, we are encouraging Floridians to take steps to keep themselves and their children safe. Together, we can prevent drownings in the Sunshine State and enjoy the outdoors safely.”

“With the summer months approaching it is important to bring awareness to safe practices that all families should use in pools and at the beach,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We have seen an alarming increase in the number of drownings in our state, specifically in vacation rentals, and sadly, these deaths are preventable. I encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that water safety measures are in place near any and all bodies of water.”

“As an emergency physician, I have too often witnessed the tragedy of drowning and the toll it takes on surviving family and loved ones. Sadly, drowning continues to impact Florida’s children where it ranks as the number one cause of death in children ages 1 to 4,” said Department Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Kenneth Scheppke. “This Memorial Day, the Florida Department of Health encourages Floridians and visitors to enjoy our state’s beautiful water attractions, but to be mindful of the risks of drowning and to stay safe.”

“We want people to have fun and stay safe while recreating in the Fishing and Boating Capitol of the World,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Major Alberto Maza. “We are proud to partner with the Florida Department of Health and various organizations during National Water Safety Month to educate the public about the importance of boating safety with emphasis on wearing a personal flotation device, having a boating plan, and staying informed about weather conditions.”

“Water safety is important anywhere, especially in the Florida Keys where our way of life depends on the water,” said Mayor Pro Tem Holly Raschein. “I’m proud to highlight Water Safety Month and the steps that can be taken to prevent tragedies alongside our Lieutenant Governor, Jeanette Nuñez.”

Drowning is preventable, and the State of Florida works to educate Floridians and visitors on safe recreation around all bodies of water. Some actions individuals can take include:

Ensuring children are supervised in and around bodies of water.

Engaging in swim lessons.

Learning CPR.

Making sure pool barriers and gates meet state law requirements.

Following life jacket laws and ensuring life jackets are properly fitted.

Checking local conditions before you head out to the water, such as weather conditions, rip tides, and marine life.

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

Published

3 weeks ago

April 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen, who was killed April 1 in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident.

The directive calls for U.S. and Florida state flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, April 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Coral Springs.

According to Coral Springs Police, officers conducted a wellness check at Metayer Bowen’s home after city staff raised concerns when she missed scheduled meetings and could not be reached. Responding officers found her deceased inside the residence.

Investigators said the killing appears to be a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody and faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. The case remains under active investigation.

State and local leaders say the half-staff order honors Metayer Bowen’s service and legacy in the Coral Springs community, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

What We Know About Her Death
Police say Metayer Bowen was killed April 1 at her Coral Springs home. Officers discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by her unexplained absence from official duties and lack of communication.

Husband Arrested, Faces Charges
Authorities arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, who now faces premeditated murder and evidence-tampering charges. Investigators have identified the case as an apparent domestic violence incident.

State Honors Her Legacy
Gov. DeSantis ordered flags lowered across key government buildings in Tallahassee and Coral Springs, recognizing Metayer Bowen’s public service and the impact of her loss on the community.

Politics

Andy Thomson Flips Boca Raton Mayoral Seat, Marking First Democratic-Aligned Victory in Over 30 Years

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2026

Willie David

BOCA RATON, Fla. (FNN) — Andy Thomson has won the race to become the next mayor of Boca Raton, marking a major political shift in the South Florida city. According to Democratic leaders, the victory represents the first time in more than 30 years that the mayoral seat has been held by a Democratic-aligned candidate.

National Democrats also highlighted the win as part of a broader trend in recent elections. Party officials say Democrats have either won or exceeded expectations in roughly 90% of key races since Donald Trump was elected president.

The victory follows another recent Democratic gain in South Florida, when Eileen Higgins won the mayoral race in Miami last year.

DNC ORGANIZING EFFORTS BACKED THOMSON CAMPAIGN

The Democratic National Committee supported Thomson’s campaign through Election Day with voter outreach and organizing efforts aimed at boosting turnout in Boca Raton.

According to party officials, the DNC launched an organizing blitz that recruited volunteers and supported get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operations. The effort included contacting thousands of voters across the city ahead of Election Day.

The DNC’s voter protection team also partnered with the Florida Democratic Party to assist the campaign with ballot-curing efforts during the final days of vote counting.

DNC CHAIR PRAISES VICTORY

Following the election, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, praised Thomson’s campaign and framed the result as a warning sign for Republicans in Florida.

“When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere — including here in Florida,” Martin said in a statement. “Mayor-elect Andy Thomson ran a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Boca Raton voters, from the rising cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump and his allies unleashed.”

Martin added that the outcome signals voter frustration with Republican policies in the state.

“This win is another warning sign to Florida Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is making communities like Boca Raton unaffordable,” he said.

South Florida News

Miami HEAT, Carnival Foundation Award 15 Florida Prepaid Scholarships to Miami-Dade Students at Kaseya Center

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2026

Willie David

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat and the Carnival Foundation will recognize 15 Miami-Dade County students as recipients of the 2026 Carnival Scholarship Program during a special halftime ceremony Saturday at the Kaseya Center.

Now in its 24th consecutive year, the scholarship partnership between the HEAT and the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation provides four-year Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships to graduating seniors from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Scholarship Program Impact

Through the collaboration, 15 students will receive four-year Florida College Plan scholarships, helping cover tuition costs at Florida public colleges and universities.

The scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of students, including former participants in the HEAT Academy after-school enrichment program, which supports at-risk youth. Many of the students now participate in an innovative workplace mentoring initiative sponsored by Carnival and the Miami HEAT in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

Each student will also receive a personal laptop computer, courtesy of the Carnival Foundation.

This year marks the 17th year the foundation has awarded fully prepaid college scholarships to high school seniors. Since the program began, 261 students have benefited, representing more than $5 million in scholarship awards.

Selection Process

Students were selected based on a combination of academic performance, leadership, community involvement and interviews conducted by representatives from the Miami HEAT, the Carnival Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

The scholarship program is designed to expand educational opportunities while connecting students with mentors and professional development resources that prepare them for future careers.

Event Details

The scholarship recognition will take place Saturday, March 14, during a Miami HEAT home game at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.

A reception will begin at 7 p.m. in Suite 240 A/B, followed by the on-court scholarship presentation during halftime, where the 15 student recipients will be recognized before fans.

Scheduled participants include:

Alonzo Mourning, Vice President of Player Programs, Miami HEAT
Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Miami HEAT
John Vidalin, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Corporate Sales, Miami HEAT
Josh Weinstein, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation
Linda Coll, Executive Director, Carnival Foundation
Vicky Rey, Vice President of Government Affairs, Latin America, Carnival Cruise Line
Gale Nelson, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami