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UCF 2018 Pro Day

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The UCF Knights 2018 Pro Day was a must-see after the 2017 season the proclaimed National Champions had. The NFL had representation for all 32 teams in attendance of UCF’s Pro Day March 29th. Many sources said that most of the teams’ interest were to evaluate cornerback Mike Hughes and linebacker Shaquem Griffin, but don’t be fooled–although those two were the draw-in, UCF had much talent to display from the 2017 football class, as well as many returning veterans such as Jeff Godfrey, Jordan McCray, Chris Martin, Cal Bloom, Justin Tukes, TJ Mutcherson, Drico Johnson and Tarik Cook.

Starting with the offense, Jeff Godfrey returned to do some drills and perform as the quarterback for the day, showing that he can still throw and giving the receivers and tight ends tokens for the routes. Trequon Smith showed this past season that he is a play-making wide receiver who can also block. Smith continued to show his catching ability and clean routes on pro day.

Tight end Jordan Aikens, who was a big target for the Knights the past two seasons, continued to show scouts that he can be a big target and more of a receiving tight end at the next level. Scouts also like Aikens’ ability to catch in traffic, making him valuable in big plays.

Jordan Franks stirred up some conversation with his speed. Franks initially played wide receiver for the Knights before transitioning to tight end with coach Frost. Franks mentioned playing a lot of different positions, showing versatility, which can draw teams in, especially as a special teams factor.

Returning tight end Cal Bloom showed that he can be a big target for teams as well, showing efficiency in routes, yet also displaying a lot of power in the blocking drills. Justin Tukes was a part of Coach O’Leary’s predominantly blocking system, so today more eyes were on routes, which Tukes showed efficiency with, which will be beneficial to him.

Guard Jordan McCray returned working hard for an opportunity like his brother Justin McCray got last year. Jordan McCray had a solid pro day showing that he is still very capable of working the line. Offensive tackle, Aaron Evans, had some scouts concerned after his back injury, but Evans appeared in all 12 games this past season for the Knights and showed no discomfort in his back. Evans even showed quicker feet and an ability to be agile during his pro day.

Now for the defensive side of the ball Shaquem Griffin had a solid pro day furthering scouts adoration for him. Although Griffin is listed as a linebacker, he chose to do defensive back drills as well. Mike Hughes who is projected to go in the first round of the NFL draft had a promising pro day as well, showing his versatility in participating in as many different drills as possible for scouts, Hughes has been spoken of as a potential hybrid on the defense for teams. Returner, TJ Mutcherson who had a shot with the Texans last year, displayed to teams he deserves another chance. Mutcherson was a key asset in Coach Frost’s secondary in the 2016 season. Jamiyus Pittman, a name that should be familiar on the defense. Pittman was a aggressor and top interior lineman for UCF totaling 42 tackles in the 2017 season. Pittman showed scouts his capabilities in all the drills, but his film is definitely going to speak highly for him.

Overall UCF 2018 pro day was a successful platform for most of the UCF players current and former to show their hunger and desire to take their abilities to the next level. Stay tune with Florida National News as we keep you updated on these hard workers’ journeys and hopeful success stories in the National Football League!

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North Florida News

Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Alex Peraza to Miami-Dade Judicial Nominating Commission

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN)Ron DeSantis announced Friday the appointment of Alex Peraza to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which serves Miami-Dade County.

Peraza, of Coral Gables, is a partner at Diamond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., a law firm based in South Florida.

The Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates for judicial appointments within the circuit.

Peraza earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. His appointment term will run through July 1, 2027.

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Florida

Advocates Oppose Florida Medicaid Work Reporting Bill, Cite “Deathbed Exemption” and Coverage Gap Risks

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A Florida Senate committee on Monday advanced SB 1758, legislation that would impose Medicaid work reporting requirements in a state that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Advocates say the proposal would push thousands of low-income Floridians into the state’s existing coverage gap and create new administrative barriers for people with serious illnesses.

The bill goes beyond the recently passed federal measure, H.R. 1 — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — which exempts non-expansion states from federal Medicaid work reporting requirements. Critics argue Florida lawmakers are moving forward despite that exemption.

Bill Would Add Work Reporting and “Deathbed Exemption”

SB 1758 would require certain Medicaid recipients to document at least 80 hours per month of work or qualifying activities to maintain coverage. The bill includes exemptions, including a recently added provision that would exempt terminally ill parents only if they can prove a life expectancy of six months or less.

Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute, said the amendment would require a single mother who is terminally ill and earning less than $8,000 a year to meet monthly work reporting requirements unless she can demonstrate a six-month prognosis.

“It is hard to grasp how we arrived at a policy that effectively asks someone facing the end of their life to prove they are dying quickly enough to keep their Medicaid,” Knight said.

Opponents say the proposal would increase administrative costs while stripping coverage from residents who are already working or unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities or medical conditions.

Advocates Warn of Coverage Gap, Legal and Fiscal Risks

Florida is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, leaving an estimated 260,000 residents in the coverage gap — earning too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to receive federal marketplace subsidies.

More than two dozen organizations signed a letter urging members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject the bill. Signatories include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Southern Poverty Law Center, UnidosUS, The AIDS Institute, Florida Policy Institute, Florida Voices for Health and 1199SEIU.

Melanie Williams of Florida Health Justice Project called the bill “fiscally reckless,” noting that the state has already spent $1 million defending wrongful Medicaid terminations in federal court and that the Department of Children and Families has reported budget constraints in addressing court-mandated changes.

Rachel Klein of The AIDS Institute said federal law prohibits non-expansion states from implementing Medicaid work requirements and warned the measure could face legal challenges. Others argued the costs of building a new reporting system would outweigh any potential savings.

Advocates say the Legislature should focus instead on expanding access to affordable coverage amid rising health care costs and expiring enhanced premium tax credits.

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Florida

Bracy Davis, Rosenwald File Bill to Fix My Safe Florida Home Program Application Barriers

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Senator LaVon Bracy Davis and Representative Mitch Rosenwald have filed legislation aimed at expanding access to the My Safe Florida Home Program by allowing homeowners to reapply when applications were previously deemed abandoned or withdrawn due to errors or omissions.

The measure, SB 1148/HB 1045, would modify program rules to permit subsequent applications when the original filing was rejected because of compliance-related mistakes, provided there is good cause and the applicant corrects the issue in a timely manner.

Expanding Access to Homeowner Assistance
The My Safe Florida Home Program is a state initiative that provides eligible Florida homeowners with inspections and grant funding to help strengthen their homes against storms while reducing insurance costs. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Current rules allow for reapplication if an application was denied or withdrawn due to errors or omissions. However, the proposed legislation would also allow reapplication when an application was deemed abandoned or withdrawn because of similar compliance-related issues.

Addressing Bureaucratic Barriers
“At a time when Florida’s families are struggling with rising insurance costs, we cannot allow bureaucratic technicalities to block access to affordability tools,” said Bracy Davis, a Democrat from Ocoee.

The bill responds to concerns from homeowners who were unable to submit a new application after their original submission was closed due to misunderstandings or reasonable mistakes regarding program requirements.

Focus on Seniors and Low-Income Homeowners
Rosenwald, a Democrat from Oakland Park, said the legislation is intended to help vulnerable homeowners who rely on the program for financial relief.

“This program can be a lifeline for seniors and low-income homeowners,” Rosenwald said. “In response to Floridians reporting that they were blocked from submitting a new application because of a misunderstanding or reasonable mistake concerning program compliance, I filed this glitch bill.”

If approved, the legislation would ensure more homeowners have access to financial assistance aimed at strengthening homes and improving insurance affordability across Florida.

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