Joe Byrnes
90.7 WMFE
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Past articles by Joe:
Legislature approves bill handing Disney's special district to a governor-appointed board
The Florida Senate voted 26 to 9 Friday to give control of the special district that governs Walt Disney World's property to a board appointed by the governor. → Read More
House passes bill revising the special district that governs Disney's property in Central Florida
The bill empowers Gov. Ron DeSantis to name the board of the special district that governs Walt Disney World's property in Central Florida. → Read More
DeSantis says bill replacing Disney's Reedy Creek means 'a new sheriff in town'
The move to strip Disney of its special district started last year after the company opposed controversial legislation banning instruction in early grades about gay and transgender people. → Read More
Bill filed to replace Disney's Reedy Creek with district run by governor's appointees
GOP leaders say Disney should not get special treatment as a government unto itself. → Read More
DeSantis distributes federal funds bringing broadband access across Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis said this first installment of $144 million will connect 160,000 customers in 41 counties. → Read More
Feds and local law enforcement in Marion County use federal gun laws to target violent crime
At a press conference, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said the beating death of Tyre Nichols was "alarming to any law enforcement officer in the country." → Read More
NAACP leaders in Orlando denounce state's rejection of AP African American history course
NAACP speakers — like Colin Mitchell, Florida president of the Youth and College Division — blasted the idea that the African American story is not relevant or lacks value. → Read More
Custom-made trailer will bring dentures to seniors in Osceola County
The Osceola County Commission signaled support for a $300,000 grant to build a Mobile Denture Unit. → Read More
Osceola County delays decision on tenant bill of rights
The proposal includes a notice of rights, bans discrimination based on source of income, and requires written notices for late fees and a 60-day notice for rent increases over 5%. And landlords would have to disclose prior flooding. → Read More
Good Samaritan Society's Kissimmee Village now up for sale
The senior community of apartments, mobile homes and long-term care facilities was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Ian. → Read More
Federal agency that runs Medicaid and Medicare improves reporting on nursing homes
CMS says it will audit nursing homes for the misuse of antipsychotic drugs. Violators will see their ratings plummet. → Read More
As VA benefits expand, Florida's women veterans are urged to apply
A Florida Department of Veterans Affairs-sponsored committee looked into the needs of women veterans. It recommended more homeless shelters for women vets with children, changes to make veteran nursing homes women-friendly and a state advisory committee that held its first meeting this month. → Read More
West Ocala community center opens where a charcoal plant once spewed soot over African American homes
Ocala celebrated the opening of a community center Tuesday on the site where a Royal Oak charcoal plant used to belch soot over the homes of African American residents. → Read More
Orange County in-person interviews for D-SNAP aid continue Tuesday and Wednesday
Many Florida households have received D-SNAP assistance, after applying by telephone or in person. → Read More
GOP legislation planned for state takeover of Disney's special district
A notice posted Friday by Osceola County at the request of State Representative Fred Hawkins’ office says the bill will make sure Reedy Creek’s debts are paid by the district. And it will revise Reedy Creek’s authority over permitting and regulations. → Read More
FEMA deadline for Hurricane Ian assistance is Thursday of next week
For Hurricane Ian survivors, FEMA assistance with rent, home repairs and property replacement is still available in 26 counties, including most of Central Florida. → Read More
Study finds that hearing aids may reduce dementia risk for seniors with hearing loss
An analysis in JAMA Neurology of 31 other studies and concludes that, for people with hearing loss, hearing aids reduce their risk of long-term cognitive decline by 19% → Read More
Osceola County Commission delays consideration of new protections for renters after Hurricane Ian
The proposed rules require landlords and home sellers to warn residents in writing about past flooding. → Read More
Marion County comes together again to 'Bring the Harvest Home'
The donations of food and other supplies will go to Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army. They'll benefit people in need during the holidays and into the new year. → Read More
Orange County will appeal court’s decision blocking rent stabilization
In the General Election, 59% of county voters approved rent stabilization. But before the election was done, the courts had already decided the vote wouldn't count. → Read More