North Florida News
State Representative Johanna López Files Pro-Educated Families Bill
Published
3 years agoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando) filed House Bill 191. This bill would provide pregnant survivors of rape with an exemption from college tuition and fees and establish a grant program that pays for childcare while the survivors attend school.
Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando) issued the following statement:
“This Bill would give some relief and hope to the young people who are raped and find themselves pregnant as a result. The decision to keep a baby after a traumatic event can affect a person’s mental health and finances. These circumstances force people to prioritize their children over school potentially funneling pregnant survivors into a life of low-paying jobs and government welfare. With HB 191 these survivors would have the opportunity to continue with their higher education, be parents, and have access to better-paying jobs and without complete dependence on the state.”
Representatives Katherine Waldron (D-Wellington), Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee), Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds (D-Palm Beach), and Ashley Viola Gantt (D-Miami), Susan Valdés (D-Tampa), Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) are proud to co-sponsor this legislation and will work alongside Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando) to create a better future for Floridian survivors of rape and their families.
Representative Katherine Waldron (D-Wellington) issued the following statement: “This bill provides critical and necessary assistance to women who are in a situation not of their choosing and have been subjected to the predatory behavior of bad actors. Historically, it has been proven that education is the key to a person’s ability to live independently and HB191 helps accomplish just that.”
Representative Ashley Viola Gantt (D-Miami) issued the following statement: “It takes tremendous courage for a young woman to recapture the power of choice over her body when she has suffered a grave violation. To keep a child created from such violation is even more evidence of her unshakable courage. It is an honor to co-sponsor legislation that supports young women who continue seeking a quality education in the face of tragedy. They, too, should still have every opportunity to create the life they desire and providing child care support while they are in school is a mechanism we can use to aide them in that purpose. Florida families, even when they are created in grievous circumstances, still deserve the chance to be healthy, prosperous and safe.”
Representative Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) issued the following statement: “I applaud Rep. Lopez for sponsoring this bill to help victims of rape get the opportunity to receive an education that can provide them career opportunities to succeed.”
Representative Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds (D-Palm Beach) issued the following statement: “The Florida House of Representatives must pass this bill in order to ensure that all women, regardless of income or circumstance, have access to the education they need to succeed in life.”
Representative Susan Valdés (D-Tampa) issued the following statement: “I’m proud to co-sponsor Representative López’s bill. The women who fall pregnant from these violent crimes committed against them need our support. These women will be given tools that will help them provide for their new family thanks to this bill. Their future and educational endeavors matter.”
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North Florida News
Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season
Published
1 month agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTSJACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.
Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins
Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.
In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.
Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.
Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay
Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.
During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).
In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).
Extensive Coaching Background
Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.
Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.
North Florida News
Pro-Democracy Groups Launch “No Partisan Maps” Day of Action at Florida Capitol
Published
3 months agoon
November 29, 2025TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A coalition of pro-democracy advocates and community members from across Florida will gather at the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 2, to launch the “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action. The event begins with a press conference, followed by visits to legislative offices and coordinated outreach urging lawmakers to reject partisan-driven redistricting efforts.
The Day of Action takes place two days before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting holds its first meeting on December 4. Advocates say the proposed mid-decade remapping is unconstitutional and undermines the will of voters.
“Any attempt by politicians to engage in drawing new voting maps designed to tip the scales of power for partisan gain is unconstitutional and illegal in Florida,” said Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground. “Redistricting decides who represents us in government, so it is critical that the process serves the people, not politicians.”
Florida’s push for mid-decade redistricting aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for Republican-led states to gerrymander district lines to help retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Such efforts would violate Florida’s Fair Districts Amendments, which prohibit partisan gerrymandering in the state.
Event Details:
What: “We Draw the Lines: No Partisan Maps” Day of Action
When: Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Florida State Capitol, House-side Rotunda, Fourth Floor
Who: Voting rights organizations, civic groups, and impacted Florida residents
Why: To demand that lawmakers uphold constitutional protections and ensure fair representation for all Floridians
North Florida News
State Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson Files Bill to Establish Florida Voting Rights Restoration Database
Published
4 months agoon
November 4, 2025By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Representative Felicia Simone Robinson (D–Miami Gardens) has introduced House Bill 73 for the 2026 Legislative Session, aimed at improving transparency and access to information for returning citizens seeking to restore their voting rights. The proposal would establish a statewide, publicly accessible database to help individuals with felony convictions determine their eligibility to vote. A companion measure, Senate Bill 132, has been filed by Senator Tina Polsky (D–Boca Raton).
Centralized Database to Streamline Restoration Process
Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be responsible for developing and maintaining a centralized database that tracks key information, including supervision terms, restitution, fines, and other legal financial obligations related to felony sentences.
The bill mandates cooperation between state and local agencies—such as clerks of court, county comptrollers, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of Executive Clemency—to ensure the data is accurate and updated regularly. The database would be publicly accessible online and updated monthly, providing a clear path for eligible individuals to confirm their status.
Protecting Returning Citizens and Ensuring Transparency
The legislation also includes protections for individuals who rely in good faith on the database’s information, shielding them from prosecution for unintentional voting violations. Additionally, the Florida Commission on Offender Review would be required to submit a detailed implementation plan—outlining costs, staffing, and technology needs—to both the Governor and the Legislature. If approved, the law would take effect July 1, 2026.
Rep. Robinson Calls for Fairness and Dignity in the Process
Representative Robinson emphasized the moral and civic importance of restoring clarity to Florida’s electoral system.
“Floridians who have completed their sentences deserve clear, timely access to information about their rights,” said Rep. Robinson. “Too many are uncertain whether they still owe obligations or whether they can safely register to vote. This legislation will eliminate confusion and restore dignity.”
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