South Florida News
Senator Ileana García Champions Funding for Children with Complex Epilepsy
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
SUNRISE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Playing what felt like a home game, the reigning national champion Florida Gators returned to South Florida and captured the 31st Annual AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic with an 80–70 victory over George Washington on Sunday night at Amerant Bank Arena.
Voice of Sports Reporter Florida National News Matt Wolff
Tommy Haugh and Xavian Lee set the tone early, opening the game with back-to-back 3-pointers and scoring Florida’s first 14 points. The Gators built an early eight-point lead before George Washington answered behind Tyrone Marshall Jr., who sparked a brief rally that gave the Colonials their first lead midway through the first half.
Florida regained control after halftime. Lee and Haugh combined for the first five points of the second half as part of an 11–0 run that stretched the lead to 41–27. Florida’s depth proved decisive, with reserve guard Isiah Brown providing key points and Micah Handlogten adding energy inside as the Gators pushed their advantage to as many as 20.
George Washington trimmed the deficit to single digits late, but Florida answered with emphatic dunks by Haugh and Boogie Fland and sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Lee earned tournament MVP honors, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Haugh added 19 points and seven rebounds. Marshall led George Washington with 14 points and six rebounds, while Trey Autry and Rafael Castro scored 12 points apiece.
Florida improved to 6–4 and returns to Gainesville to host St. Francis. George Washington fell to 8–4 and will host St. Mary’s (MD) on Dec. 22.
UMass Hands Florida State Fourth Straight Loss
In the opening game of the doubleheader, Florida State’s struggles continued as UMass defeated the Seminoles 100–85, handing FSU its fourth consecutive loss and surrendering 100 or more points for the second time in four games.
UMass jumped out early behind Marcus Banks Jr., who hit four first-half 3-pointers. Florida State rallied late in the half and carried a four-point lead into halftime, but the Minutemen seized control after the break.
Leonardo Bettiol recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, igniting a decisive second-half run. A flagrant foul assessed to Florida State’s Lajae Jones led to a pivotal five-point possession that swung momentum firmly to UMass.
Hankins-Sanford Leads Second-Half Surge
Daniel Hankins-Sanford was named tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including 18 points in the second half. K’Jei Parker added a career-best 24 points as UMass rallied from a halftime deficit and pulled away late.
For Florida State (5–5), Robert McCray V finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Kobe Magee added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Florida State travels to Dayton on Tuesday. UMass opens MAAC play at home against Kent State on Dec. 20.
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Distinguished leaders, cultural icons, tourism executives, and community champions from across the Caribbean and its Diaspora are set to gather for the 2025 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards—an afternoon dedicated to excellence, service, and the advancement of the region.
This year’s ceremony will feature a landmark moment: the presentation of the inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir Baltron Bethel, one of the Caribbean’s most influential tourism visionaries and a national icon of The Bahamas. Sir Baltron is recognized as the first and longest-serving Bahamian Director General of Tourism and a key architect of the region’s tourism growth and policy development.
Honoring Caribbean Changemakers
The 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards will recognize an exceptional roster of laureates whose work continues to shape Caribbean tourism, culture, and economic development. Honorees include:
Carole Alexis (Martinique), Dave Chang (Carnival Cruise Line), May-Ling Chun (St. Maarten), Ronella Croes (Aruba Tourism Authority), Laura Davidson (LDPR), Muryad de Bruin (Curaçao Tourist Board), Cathleen Decker (The Decker/Royal Agency), Loreto Duffy-Mayers (Barbados), Monique Hamaty-Simmonds (Cayman Islands), Clarisa Jiménez (Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association), Luce Hodge-Smith (British Virgin Islands), Janelle Hopkin (Grenada), Vonulrick “Von” Martin (Caribbeana Communications), Shomari Scott (Health City Cayman Islands), and Marcus Simmonds (Tortuga International Holdings).
“These exceptional honorees embody the spirit of leadership, innovation, and service that defines the best of the Caribbean,” said Bevan Springer, President of CMEx. “Their contributions across tourism, business, culture, and community development continue to transform the region.”
Regional and Global Dignitaries to Attend
The ceremony will welcome an array of regional officials and global tourism leaders, underscoring the event’s significance. Confirmed attendees include Lady Betty Hopkin (Grenada); Jennifer Matarangas-King (U.S. Virgin Islands); Cardigan Connor (Anguilla); Dona Regis-Prosper (Caribbean Tourism Organization); Latia Duncombe (Bahamas Ministry of Tourism); Joy Jibrilu (Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board); Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (The Bahamas); Vanessa Ledesma (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association); Wendy McDonald (Royal Caribbean Group); and Dr. Lisa Indar (CARPHA).
Tourism directors from Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, and Grenada will also be in attendance. Adding a cultural highlight, Bahamian vocalist Simmone Bowe will return as the featured performer, bringing her blend of jazz, reggae, R&B, and gospel to the stage.
Committed Partners and Sponsors
The 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is supported by a coalition of corporate, governmental, and destination partners whose contributions help sustain CMEx programs focused on youth development, education, and professional training throughout the region.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation serves as the Platinum Sponsor, with major sponsors including the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Tropical Shipping, Unique Vacations Inc., The Decker/Royal Agency, Grenada Tourism Authority, Barbary Pyle Foundation, Tortuga Rum Company, Carnival Corporation & plc, Rodman Marketing Guru, and the St. Maarten Tourist Board.
Additional supporting sponsors include Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, Coco Palm, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Jade Mountain, Ladera Resort, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Tropical Attractions, and Villa Kaya.
The CMEx Leadership Awards celebrate individuals whose achievements span hospitality, cruise tourism, medical tourism, sustainable development, destination marketing, and media—fostering collaboration and a shared vision for a thriving Caribbean future.
Politics
State Senator Barbara Sharief Honors 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Harold L. Smith With Proclamation
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN) — Senator Barbara Sharief has issued a formal proclamation honoring Harold L. Smith, a 100-year-old U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, for his remarkable military service during World War II and his decades of civic and community involvement.
Smith was born in Colorado in 1923 and raised in Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, serving until 1946 and training on the B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber. Following his military service, Smith pursued a career in contracting and focused on faith, family, and public service.
Smith has been a member of The Gideons International since 1979, spending years visiting Broward County jails every Saturday to provide devotionals and encouragement. In recognition of his contributions and leadership, he was inducted into the Broward Senior Hall of Fame in 2019.
Beyond his service and philanthropy, Smith also enjoyed a successful artistic career as a dancer, instructor, and vocalist with the Arthur Murray Dance Organization, where he trained numerous performers who later appeared on and off Broadway. He remains active today, still gardening weekly at age 100.
“Harold Smith represents the very best of our nation — service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others,” Senator Sharief said.
The proclamation commemorates Smith’s lifetime of dedication to the country and his enduring impact on Broward County residents.
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