South Florida Journal

About one thousand Broward County public school staff will be losing their jobs in the next four months. The budget cuts announced in February mark the latest chapter in the district’s long story of mounting financial issues and rapidly declining enrollment. Also, it’s been almost five years since Miami’s Surfside building collapse killed ninety-eight people. But in Palm Beach County, some buildin...

It's been just over a year since Florida Legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis refined a law to redress abuses of the state book review process. But a new study by a free speech advocacy group again ranks Florida number one for book banning. Also, four years after Palm Beach County approved funding for a new, sixty-million-dollar mental health facility, the project remains stalled. As other ar...

After years of contentious discussion, Broward County is expanding its Monarch Hill landfill. But while commissioners have made their decision, the trash talk is likely to continue. And secondhand shopping has been recognized as a way to reduce textile pollution. However, as South Florida thrift stores receive an excess of fast fashion donations, landfills continue to feel the impact. 

Florida universities usually take pride in their diversity. But a new state law has left school officials hesitant to hire students from nations considered “countries of concern.” And Florida universities have long provided safe spaces for students to collaborate and express themselves. So, even as Governor DeSantis and lawmakers have cut funding for diversity, equity and inclusion, students are c...

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection met with public outcry last August, when it released a plan to develop recreational facilities in nine state parks--including one in Hobe Sound and another in North Miami. Also this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed millions of dollars in arts funding last June. The cuts have left many South Florida arts organizations struggl...

In March, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation expanding telehealth and providing other resources for pregnant women. Still, South Florida medical professionals are looking for ways to further support local mothers. And earlier this year, the Broward School District surveyed teachers, students, and parents, asking what they thought about a four-day week. The results might surprise you.

The National Weather Service recorded almost 114 inches of rain in Fort Lauderdale last year--the most in the United States. Now, as commissioners attempt to upgrade the city’s infrastructure for climate resilience, systemic challenges are hindering their efforts. And scientists’ discovery of dangerous bacteria levels in Treasure Coast waterways this past January concerned residents. However, loca...

They’re common at airports and stadiums. Now, with metal detectors making their way into all Palm Beach County high schools, some wonder whether officials are too reliant on the devices. And Florida saw   over five thousand opioid   overdose deaths last year. But an emergency treatment once only   administered by medical professionals has become available over the counter at your local pharmacy.

After positive results in trials, the FDA has approved the first and only oral treatment for postpartum depression. However, for South Floridians and their physicians, the cost and insurance coverage for the drug remain uncertain. And AI has grown rapidly over the past year , even making its way into education. But local teachers are concerned about students using the technology to complete assign...

They call it Mount Trashmore. For over a century, Broward County has relied on this landmark to store waste. But officials are growing concerned that it’s running out of space. And, the National Library of Medicine has proposed a possible cure for intractable epilepsy in children. But using an FDA-approved medication derived from marijuana has raised questions about its safety and potential for ad...

Local pharmacists and doctors have been giving the new Covid vaccine since mid-September, for patients as young as six months. Some patients have been scheduling their appointments, others have been hesitant. And the Florida Education Association reports nearly 7,000 teaching vacancies statewide this school year. Broward and Palm Beach counties are feeling the impact.

Nationwide, the number of opioid-related deaths continues to rise. Palm Beach County officials are proposing a new solution to the problem. And declining water quality is endangering the Everglades ecosystem. But environmental groups are hopeful that a restoration project can reverse the damage.

Palm Beach County has been stretched in its efforts to solve murders. But thanks to a federal grant, the sheriff's office can now access a groundbreaking form of technology that could help with cases dating back almost six decades. Also, antisemitic displays are on the rise across South Florida. As focused as they are on preventing these hateful acts, authorities can only do so much.

Broward County School District officials had their cell phones seized and emails reviewed after a relationship with a vendor was called into question. Taxpayers are anxiously awaiting the investigation’s findings.

Broward and Palm Beach counties had enacted bans on conversion therapy. But LGBTQ advocates are again on the defensive, after a court ruling that the county measures were unconstitutional.

CVS, Allergan, and Teva Pharmaceutical have agreed to pay almost $900 million in opioid settlement money to Florida. But addiction awareness advocates and government officials disagree on how Palm Beach County should spend its portion. Also, South Florida is facing the worst housing crisis in the nation. In response, Broward County is planning to build over 1,000 low-income apartments by 2026. And...

The Biden Administration plans to put over $1 billion towards the largest Everglades investment in history.  But with a major project being left out of the equation, some Florida legislators feel swamped by the plan.

As South Florida businesses recover from last year’s pandemic restrictions, some restaurants are still experiencing staff shortages and supply disruptions. The fallout has some diners boiling--and owners wondering whether the heat is enough to keep them out of the kitchen.

Following the withdrawal of American forces in Afghanistan, South Florida is becoming a new safe haven for Afghan refugees. However, new legislation and funding cuts have officials scrambling to accommodate the influx of Afghan evacuees.  Also, Palm Beach County schools tried lifting their mask requirement on their own terms, after an order from the Florida Board of Education.  Now, the...

This week, the NCAA’s controversial acceptance of sponsorship deals has given at least one Florida Atlantic University Fighting Owl a new reason to dance in the end zone. With amateurism a thing of the past, athletic departments are facing a new status quo.

This week, we look at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' encouragement of travel and large gatherings, even as CDC COVID-19 guidelines restrict these activities and medical professionals worry about the pandemic's continued spread.

This week, Parkland victims’ families have been dealt another loss, with a Broward County judge’s ruling that the school board wasn’t responsible for warning parents about the shooter. Now, the community is wondering what measures might have been taken to protect their schools. And unemployed Floridians are still struggling with the state’s obsolete unemployment compensation program.  

This week, we report on parents and teachers' frustration over delays in renovations that were to have been completed in more than 230 Broward County schools by now.  

This week, we note Florida's new milestone with the COVID-19 pandemic, as online learning continues in local schools. 

This week, we report on the controversial termination of a Boca Raton school principal.