TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Alexander McKinnie and Kara Morrison in connection with a scheme to defraud Florida’s Medicaid program.

“Medicaid fraud is a clear example of theft from taxpayers,” Uthmeier said. “In Florida, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will safeguard public funds and aggressively pursue anyone who exploits these programs.”

An investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit determined that McKinnie submitted tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims for non-emergency medical transportation gas reimbursements for trips that never occurred.

Investigators said McKinnie fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $65,000 in medical services that were never provided. Morrison assisted in the scheme by submitting approximately $7,000 in false reimbursement claims.

McKinnie is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud exceeding $50,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both charges are first-degree felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Morrison is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud under $10,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both are third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

McKinnie was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, while Morrison was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County officials announced updated operating hours for the county’s temporary warming centers following revised weather forecasts indicating temperatures will not fall below 40 degrees for at least four consecutive hours.

As a result, warming centers will be closed Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. The centers will reopen Saturday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. and remain open continuously through Monday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m.

Warming Center Locations and Hours

Temporary warming centers are located at the gymnasiums of Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center and will operate on the following schedule:

• Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026: 5 p.m. – 9 a.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 29 – Friday, Jan. 30: Closed

• Saturday, Jan. 31: Opens at 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb. 1: Open 24 hours

• Monday, Feb. 2: Closes at 10 a.m.

Transportation Services Available

For residents in rural East Orange County, Bithlo Community Park will continue to serve as a transportation hub, with LYNX bus service providing access to the Goldenrod Recreation Center.

LYNX Bus Schedule:

• Saturday, Jan. 31 – Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026: 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

LYNX buses provide free transportation to warming centers.

Pet Policy and Additional Shelter Resources

Secured pets are permitted on buses and at warming centers. Pet owners must provide carriers for cats, leashes for dogs, and all necessary food and supplies.

Warming center operations are subject to change based on weather conditions. For the latest updates, visit www.ocfl.net/cold.

Additional Homeless Services Network partner locations include:

• Coalition for the Homeless, 18 N. Terry Ave., Orlando

• Matthew’s Hope, 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden

• Orlando Union Rescue Mission, 3300 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando

• The Salvation Army Orlando (Men Only), 624 Lexington Ave., Orlando

• The Salvation Army Orlando (Women and Children Only), 400 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will opt in to the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, a new program created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, further expanding school choice opportunities for families across the state.

“Florida families have access to the nation’s top-ranked and largest school choice program,” DeSantis said. “About 1.4 million students are enrolled in school choice options in Florida—more than most other states’ entire K-12 school population. This new federal program will allow Florida families to supplement their existing scholarships.”

Federal Tax Credit Expands Education Freedom
The Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for contributions that help K-12 students cover educational expenses. By opting into the program, Florida enables families to combine federal benefits with existing state-based scholarships, further broadening access to educational options.

Florida’s Leadership in School Choice
Florida enacted universal school choice in 2023, ensuring every family has access to education options that meet their needs. Nearly half of all students in the state now participate in school choice programs, including private schools, charter schools, virtual education, and homeschooling.

National Recognition and Rankings
Florida continues to lead the nation in education freedom. The Heritage Foundation ranked Florida No. 1 in Education Freedom for the fourth consecutive year, also awarding top marks in Education Choice, Civic Education, Academic Transparency, and Teacher Freedom. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) ranked Florida No. 1 for Education Freedom for the third straight year, citing student-centered funding, charter schools, and homeschooling. The Center for Education Reform also ranked Florida No. 1 on its Parent Power Index for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the state’s leadership in transformational learning and choice programs.