Politics

President Biden’s COVID-19 Plan: 100 Million Shots in the First 100 Days

Published

4 years ago

January 21, 2021

WASHINGTON (FNN) – President Joe Biden unveiled on Thursday his administration’s plan to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the one used in response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

In fact, President Biden announced during his conference that he instructed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) “to start setting up the first federally supported community vaccination centers, with the goal to open 100 centers within the next month.”

“Our plan starts with mounting an aggressive, safe, and effective vaccination campaign to meet our goal of administering 100 million shots in our first 100 days in office,” said the President. “Our strategy is comprehensive. It’s based on science, not politics; it’s based on truth, not denial.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over 414,000 deaths in the last eleven months, and the President was clear that “things are going to continue to get worse before they get better.”

“The memorial we held two nights ago will not be our last one, unfortunately. The death toll will likely top 500,00 next month. Cases will continue to mount. We didn’t get into this mess overnight; it’s going to take months to turn this around,” he added.

The 200-page plan, which can be read on the White House website, has seven different goals: regain the trust of the population; mount a “safe, effective, comprehensive” vaccination campaign; mitigate the spread of the coronavirus; immediately expand emergency relief; safely reopen businesses, school, and travel, “while protecting workers”; protect those “most at risk and advance equity”; and restore US global leadership and be better prepared for future threats.

In this last point, one of President Biden’s first executive orders was for the United States to rejoin the World Health Organization (WHO), reversing the decision of former President Donald Trump, to be made effective in July. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Biden administration’s top adviser on COVID, would be the US representative for WHO.

A greater challenge would be the first goal, considering the political landscape President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris face as they assume office with only 24% of Republican voters accepting the results of the election, according to a December NPR poll.

“The federal government should be the source of truth for the public to get clear, accessible, and scientifically accurate information about COVID-19. To rebuild the trust of the American people, the National Strategy will signal clear public leadership and a commitment to a robust whole-of-government response that puts science first”, reads the plan.

To aid FEMA, President Biden also instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to launch a federal pharmacy program to make vaccines available at local pharmacies beginning in early February. Earlier Friday, pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens announced that they would also offer in-store vaccines.

“We’ll also task the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare and expand the pool of medical professionals who can administer the vaccine,” the President added.

Biden also said that he would be asking Congress “for the funds to grow the public health workforce”, plus taking “immediate steps to partner with governors, mayors, and other local officials to whom we’ve been talking all along”, and direct FEMA “to establish a COVID response liaison for each state, which means every state will have a point person at the federal level to maximize cooperation between the federal government and the states, and where it falls short to be made known immediately.”

President Biden emphasized, though, that “the brutal truth is, it’s going to take months before we can get the majority of Americans vaccinated.”

But he also added, “…we will get through this. We will defeat this pandemic. And to a nation waiting for action, let me be the clearest on this point: Help is on the way.”

_______________________________________________

Juan Carlos Rodriguez is an entertainment and politics reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Politics

Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill Seeks Political Comeback with Reelection Bid

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2025

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who is facing criminal charges but has not been convicted, announced Wednesday that she will run for reelection to reclaim her District 5 seat.

Hill’s Legacy in District 5

First elected in 2013, Hill has focused on job creation, education opportunities, business development, and affordable housing for her district, according to the City of Orlando.

Despite her legal troubles, Hill maintains that her leadership has brought transformative change to the community.

Announcing her candidacy on social media, she stated, “After much reflection, prayer, and supplication in response to the enthusiastic requests of many community members, I’ve decided on this day, the beginning of Lent, to submit my paperwork to officially run for reelection as the commissioner of District 5 to continue serving my beloved community.”

Legal Battle and Criminal Allegations

Hill is accused of financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, allegedly misusing more than $100,000 of her money and fraudulently securing a $428,000 mortgage in the elderly woman’s name for a home in Orlando. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Hill in March 2024.

While she has not been convicted of any crime, her trial, originally set for January 27, 2025, was postponed after her attorney requested additional time for depositions. A pre-trial hearing is now scheduled for April 29.

Suspension and Special Election

Following her arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from office, triggering a special election for her seat. In June 2024, Shaniqua Rose defeated former state representative Travaris McCurdy in a runoff election and was sworn into office on June 23, 2024.

Hill’s extensive arrest history didn’t matter to District 5 voters, who repeatedly elected and reelected her to office.

Rose confirmed that she will seek reelection, stating, “I filed to run for reelection in July 2024. Our community deserves a leader who will continue to fight for honesty, integrity, and real change. I will continue to listen, take action, and put the people of District 5 first.”

A High-Stakes Race for District 5

Hill’s decision to run again has sparked intense debate among residents and sets up a heated election battle in District 5. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the campaign season in full swing, District 5 voters will ultimately decide whether Hill deserves another term or if leadership should remain with Rose, District 5 Interim Commissioner.

Politics

Thousands Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Titan Senator Geraldine Thompson

Published

2 weeks ago

February 28, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando Friday morning to honor the life and legacy of state Senator Geraldine Thompson, a revered civil rights leader and dedicated public servant.

Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando, Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Thompson, 76, passed away on February 13 following complications from knee replacement surgery. She served western Orange County for over 16 years as a Democrat in the Florida Legislature, both in the state House and Senate, and had recently been reelected to the state Senate in November 2024.

Her memorial, a heartfelt “going home celebration,” drew a wide array of current and former federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as federal, state, and county judges. Notable attendees included U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost, former Congressmen John Mica and Alan Grayson, state Senate President Ben Albritton, state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, local State Senators Carols Guillermo Smith and Kristen Arrington, Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell, State Representative Michele Rayner, local State Representatrive Anna Eskamani, former local State Representative Daisy Morales, Orange and Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, former Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Ocoee City Commissioner George Oliver, III.

Sitting in the front row, famed Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, Attorney Natalie Jackson, and former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales paid their respects to the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Civil Rights Attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson also paid their respects. Many attendees wore scarves in tribute to the beloved state lawmaker.

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson for over 50 years, spoke to thousands at the homegoing celebration in Orlando on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Honoring Thompson’s Legacy

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of Thompson for over 50 years and the maid of honor at Thompson’s wedding to her husband Emerson, reflected on the significance of Thompson passing during Black History Month.

Bracy highlighted Thompson’s activism during her time at the University of Miami, where she was a pioneer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, advocating for Black faculty representation and the creation of a Black Student Union.

The daughters and son of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared their mother’s impact during her homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

A Mother’s Influence

Thompson’s daughter, Elizabeth Grace, shared how her mother instilled confidence and strength in those around her.

“She believed in us so hard, breathed life into us, and made us believe in ourselves so strongly that I think each of us sit here knowing there’s nothing that we can’t do,” Grace said.

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, shared the impact of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson on the community in Orlando, Florida, on February 25, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Impact on Community Leaders

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, asked everyone who had ever worked for Thompson to stand, showcasing the breadth of her influence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the individuals standing before you are representations of Sen. Thompson’s essence of influence,” Gatlin said. “They are educators, community advocates, lobbyists, and public servants whose round of expertise has reached from the State House to the White House.”

The family of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared the iconic lawmaker’s legacy during the homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Continuing the Legacy

Thompson’s granddaughter, Symone Thompson, emphasized her grandmother’s dedication to preserving Black history and storytelling.

“Her work ethic, passion for her community, determination, and love for preserving Black history are things I will never forget,” Symone Thompson said.

Filling Thompson’s Seat

During a press conference Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the timeline for a Special Election to fill Thompson’s Senate District 15 seat.

“It’s too early to set a date,” DeSantis said. “We will likely announce the date after her funeral and work with Orange County to find a convenient time.”

_____________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Politics

State Rep. Ashley V. Gantt Files 7 Bills Prioritizing First Responders, Veterans

Published

2 weeks ago

February 28, 2025

Willie David

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami) announced the filing of seven bills for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session, focusing on key priorities such as mental health services for first responders and support initiatives for veterans and military spouses.

The proposed bills include:

HB 1167 – Mental Health Services for First Responders: Codifies the Behavioral Health Analysis Program to ensure every fire station in Florida can provide adequate mental health support for firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders. The bill also waives copays for all mental health services.
HB 821 – Business Development Initiatives for Veterans and Military Spouses: Waives all state-level filing and formation fees and offers a five-year corporate tax income exemption for businesses owned by veterans and military spouses in Florida.
HB 819 – Relative Caregiver Program Payments: Allows temporary full-time guardians of children removed from their homes under Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes to receive funds from the Relative Care Program before the adjudication of the child’s pending dependency case.
HB 349 – Delivery of Patient Protection: Mandates healthcare facilities to maintain minimum staffing requirements with a direct nurse-to-patient ratio to ensure proper care.
HB 347 – Specialty License Plates: Authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to create a specialty license plate for Miami-Dade College.
HB 1305 – Intestate Succession Involving a Person Born Out of Wedlock: Requires Florida to recognize heirs of a decedent who are not citizens of Florida or the U.S. if legally deemed heirs by their state or country of residence.
HB 1243 – Florida Museum of Black History: Designates Opa-Locka as the permanent location for the Florida Museum of Black History, requiring at least two exhibits within the first year of opening.

Representative Gantt emphasized her commitment to everyday Floridians, stating, “My bills are focused on everyday Floridians. I do not have the time, and my community does not have the luxury for me to be focused on culture war politics when people need our help and have entrusted us by voting for us to introduce, advocate for, pass, and implement policy that allows them to live healthy, prosperous, and safe lives. Each of my bills will make the quality of life for Floridians much better by addressing the needs in my community and the state overall. My goal being in office is to help people, and I do not take lightly that I’m in a position and have the power to do so.”

Takeaways:

Mental Health Priority: HB 1167 aims to improve mental health support for first responders by codifying the Behavioral Health Analysis Program and waiving copays.
Support for Veterans: HB 821 proposes fee waivers and tax exemptions for veteran and military spouse-owned businesses.
Community Impact: Bills address healthcare staffing, kinship care, historical preservation, and equitable probate processes.

_______________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com