Tampa, Fla. – Today a group of protestors have engaged in a 2-mile march to the Miami-Dade School Board building to protest the recently approved African American history standards. A month ago, the Florida Board of Education approved standards that inaccurately teach that enslaved people benefitted from the horrible practice of slavery. The Florida Legislative Black Caucus has been adamant in their disapproval of these new standards.

Representative Dianne Hart (D- Tampa), Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement:

“I am delighted to see that the citizens and parents in Miami-Dade County are not sitting idly by while the State of Florida tries to indoctrinate our students with lies about historical truths. It is my hope that more parents will become involved in holding town halls, protests, and showing up to school board meetings, continuing to bring attention to these falsehoods that are being passed off as legitimate history. Let me be clear: there was no benefit to enslaved people from the torture that was chattel slavery, and the moment we teach our children otherwise, we open the next generation to the possibility of repeating it.

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus will continue to bring light to this issue and stand against falsehoods in our children’s education.”

TAMARAC, Fla. (FNN) – On Thursday, August 3rd, the Florida Department of Education announced banning AP Psychology from being taught in state schools because the educational material includes gender identity and sexual orientation lessons. This announcement comes two weeks after the Florida Board of Education unanimously approved updates to the State’s curriculum regarding the teachings of African-American History, which requires that students be taught slaves-developed skills for their personal benefit.

In response to the banning of AP Psychology in Florida, Florida Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Tamarac) issued the following statement Thursday:

“Florida’s decision to ban AP Psychology, two weeks after the approved updates to the State’s African-American History curriculum, due to its inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation lessons is no coincidence. The State of Florida is on a mission to erase everyone that doesn’t fit in the normal box of the term “inclusive.” Education should promote understanding, inclusivity, and respect for diverse perspectives. Denying students the opportunity to learn about important topics like gender identity and sexual orientation limits their understanding of the world. Ignoring important topics doesn’t make them go away, it hinders the ability to engage thoughtfully in a diverse society. By excluding these lessons, Florida lacks an opportunity to reduce prejudice and prepare students for a more loving future.”

MIAMI, Fla. – In an extraordinary display of collaboration, State Senator Ileana Garcia (R-Miami), of Senate District 36, and then-House Representative, now Senator, Bryan Avila (R-Miami Springs), united forces to secure a substantial $500,000 grant from the State of Florida for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. This funding was specifically designated to advance the Epilepsy Program at the hospital, renowned for its exceptional care of children with medically resistant epilepsy.

Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Senator Garcia and Senator Avila, Nicklaus Hospital now proudly possesses a state-of-the-art high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) system. This cutting-edge technology enables precise and accurate identification of seizure activity within a child’s brain. By implementing this advanced equipment, Nicklaus Hospital in Miami has positioned itself at the forefront of pediatric care.

Senator Ileana García shared her personal connection to the cause, stating, “This has been an incredible opportunity for me to give back to a wonderful institution that provided crucial support when my mother and I were at our most vulnerable – when I was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child. I sought treatment from Nicklaus, back then known as Variety Children’s Hospital. So, this moment holds great nostalgia for me because I always promised my mother that I would give back someday.”

Senator Avila, who was a House representative at the time, expressed his honor in supporting an organization that plays a vital role in the lives of children and families in their community. He emphasized the privilege of having one of the nation’s top epilepsy programs available to children in Florida when they require care.

The Epilepsy Program stands as a flagship initiative of the Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute, the first comprehensive medical program in the nation dedicated solely to the care of the developing brain. This program brings together world-renowned specialists in various pediatric neuroscience subspecialties, offering unparalleled clinical experience in the United States. Through integrated research and the utilization of the latest assessment and treatment methods, the team provides exceptional care for children with brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve disorders. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital consistently ranks among the top children’s hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery.

Senator Ileana García’s dedication to improving care for children with epilepsy extends beyond her work with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Since her election in 2020, she has been a strong advocate for allocating annual funding to the Florida Epilepsy Services Program. This organization played a significant role in funding her own treatments as a child, and Senator García understands the importance of supporting their efforts.

By securing funding for Florida Epilepsy Services Program, Senator García aims to ensure other children with epilepsy have access to the resources and support they need. The foundation provides educational programs, support groups, and financial assistance to families affected by epilepsy. With Senator García’s support, the foundation can continue its vital work in improving the lives of children and families living with epilepsy. #NoChildLeftAlone