Florida
Surrendered Newborn Infants Bill Helps Babies But Avoids Bigger Issue, Critics Say
Published
5 years agoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Representative Joe Harding of the Education and Employment Committee presented the Surrendered Newborn Infants or “Baby Box” bill to the Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee for its approval.
House Bill 133, sponsored by Harding and Representative Mike Beltran, extends the Safe Haven Law that allows parents to surrender their newborn infant children legally to hospitals, fire stations, or police stations.
The bill increases the time a child could be surrendered, from seven days to thirty days, and regards the newborn surrendering safety devices, also known as “baby boxes.” The device has a silent alarm that alerts first responders and is climate controlled. Each one costs an estimated $50,000.
According to Representative Harding, 324 babies have been surrendered in person since safe haven laws have been passed in 2017, “but unfortunately, there are 62 children that have been surrendered unsafely, and of those 62, 31 died.”
The bill does not have requirements for surveillance of the boxes, but Harding pointed out that the facilities where the boxes would be installed are constantly surveilled, and liability could be worked into the bill.
Indiana is the state with the most boxes (53), and it saw a change from two to three deaths per year to none since 2017.
The bill was viewed favorably by the Committee by all but one of the members who saw it as an option to “a very difficult situation,” said Harding.
The sole dissenting voice was representative Susan Valdés, who considered that “though this is a well-intended bill, it comes with many unintended consequences.”
“Instead of having their conversations with our students in colleges, let’s get to the root of the problem. Babies aren’t made by mothers alone. Let’s talk about abstinence, let’s talk about birth control, about holding folks accountable. I believe we already have the Safe Haven Bill in place. So what we should be doing with the Department of Health is informing that this law is in place, that it is the place to protect that little one,” said Valdés.
“It’s almost like when a loved one passes away and you go about their caskets,” she continued. “I don’t mean to be so dramatic about it but think about it. I love that we’re expanding the time to thirty days, but what if a parent takes a child that’s five months old but he looks a month old? I can’t support this bill because we need better educational opportunities to explain what gets you pregnant, what happens to your body. I agree that we should not have lost a single baby, but this is not the root of the problem.”
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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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Florida
Florida Legislative Black Caucus Urges Due Process Amid Calls to Impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper
Published
1 week agoon
April 3, 2026TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Legislative Black Caucus says it is aware of recent calls for the impeachment of Tiffany Baker-Carper following the signing of Missy’s Law, according to a press statement released by the caucus.
The caucus acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised but emphasized that impeachment should remain a constitutional process rather than a political response.
“We recognize the gravity of these concerns and the importance of accountability in public service,” the statement said. “However, we must be equally clear: impeachment is a constitutional remedy, not a political reaction.”
Facts Before Force
The caucus stated that any consideration of impeachment must be grounded in verified evidence rather than speculation or political pressure.
“Impeachment must be based on verified evidence,” the statement said. “The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on a disciplined commitment to truth.”
Due Process and Fairness
Members of the caucus also stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
“Every individual — regardless of position — is entitled to fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement said. “Rushing to impeachment without a complete factual record undermines the very justice we seek to uphold.”
Transparency and Public Trust
The caucus said Floridians deserve transparency and clarity as the situation unfolds.
“Any actions taken must be conducted openly, with findings made available to the public to ensure confidence in the outcome,” the statement said.
The caucus urged lawmakers and stakeholders to avoid premature political escalation and instead follow a responsible process that balances accountability with justice.
The Florida Legislative Black Caucus said it will continue monitoring developments and advocate for a process that reflects the highest standards of governance.
Florida
VIDEO: NASA Artemis II Mission Sends Astronauts Around the Moon in First Crewed Test Since Apollo
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 1, 2026By
Willie DavidThe Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.
Historic Return to Deep Space Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. The flight follows the successful uncrewed test mission, Artemis I, which demonstrated the Orion spacecraft’s ability to travel to lunar orbit and return to Earth. The Artemis program represents NASA’s long-term strategy to explore deep space, including preparing astronauts for future missions to Mars. Astronaut Crew to Circle the Moon
The Artemis II crew includes four astronauts selected to test Orion’s life-support systems and navigation capabilities during the mission.
The Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.
Their journey will take them thousands of miles beyond the Moon before returning to Earth. The mission will also demonstrate critical technologies needed for future lunar landings planned under upcoming Artemis missions.
Florida’s Space Coast in the Global Spotlight The launch is expected to draw thousands of spectators to Florida’s Space Coast, including viewers gathering along beaches in Cocoa Beach and nearby communities to witness the historic liftoff.
Entertainment
Orlando International Fashion Week Announces Media Partnership With Florida National News
Published
3 weeks agoon
March 24, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new media partnership with Florida National News (FNN), expanding media coverage and audience reach for one of Central Florida’s premier fashion and cultural events.
Hosted annually in Orlando, Orlando International Fashion Week brings together designers, models, influencers and industry professionals from around the world. The event celebrates fashion, beauty, music, art and luxury lifestyle while showcasing emerging and established talent through runway shows, networking events and industry programming.
Through the new partnership, Florida National News will provide expanded editorial coverage of Orlando International Fashion Week events throughout 2026. Coverage will include runway highlights, designer features, exclusive interviews and digital media content designed to deliver local, national and international exposure for participating designers and industry leaders.
Expanded Media Coverage for a Global Audience
Florida National News will produce multimedia coverage throughout the event, including photo galleries, video interviews, behind-the-scenes content and feature stories highlighting designers, models and creative professionals participating in the event.
With a growing digital audience and a track record of covering major events across Florida, Florida National News aims to amplify the reach of Orlando International Fashion Week while delivering engaging storytelling and industry insights to viewers across multiple platforms.
Florida National News has served as a trusted media platform for more than a decade, providing event coverage, interviews and trend analysis that spotlight designers and fashion innovation across the state.
Leaders Highlight the Value of the Partnership
“Florida National News is proud to partner with Orlando International Fashion Week to showcase the creativity, innovation and rising talent shaping the fashion industry,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News. “Our platform is committed to highlighting designers, artists and industry leaders while bringing global visibility to the exceptional talent featured during this event.”
“We are excited to welcome Florida National News as an official media partner for Orlando International Fashion Week,” said Dr. Jessica Henlon. “Their strong media presence and commitment to storytelling will help elevate our designers and participants while expanding the reach of OIFW to audiences worldwide.”
Orlando’s Growing Influence in Fashion and Culture
As Orlando continues to grow as a destination for arts, culture and international events, partnerships like this are helping position the city as an emerging hub for fashion, creativity and industry innovation.
Events such as Orlando International Fashion Week attract designers and creative talent from across the United States and abroad, strengthening Orlando’s reputation as a center for global cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
What’s Next for Florida National News’ Partnership Growth?
Florida National News continues to expand its partnerships across sports, entertainment, fashion and cultural events throughout Florida and beyond.
Looking ahead, the media organization is expected to pursue additional collaborations with major event producers, creative industry leaders and cultural institutions. These partnerships aim to broaden multimedia storytelling, increase digital and streaming distribution, and position Florida National News as a leading platform for event coverage and industry insights across the state.
With continued investment in digital media, live event coverage and strategic partnerships, Florida National News is poised to expand its role as a key media partner for high-profile events while delivering wider exposure for creators, organizations and communities throughout Florida.