By Michael Moline | Editor in Chief
“Numerous scientifically vetted studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these immunizations, while the Chapter is unaware of any substantial competent evidence that would indicate otherwise.” — Christopher Nuland, Florida Chapter, American College of Physicians
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo during a news conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 7, 2023. (Screenshot/DeSantis Facebook)
Ladapo’s agency has already removed childhood mandates for hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), haemophilus influenza Type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate virus vaccines for public school attendance. A bunch of additional vaccines are mandated by statute, and the Legislature has evidenced little to no inclination to toss them. Nevertheless, the GOP gubernatorial candidate says he’ll continue to pursue them. On the other hand, Democrat David Jolly gets applause when he promises to fire Ladapo if elected. “We’re going to bring back science, data, math, vaccines, and public health and all the other things that contribute to human progress,” he says.
She’ll pay $250 and provide 15 hours of community service to settle her case with Leon County after she was charged with two misdemeanors for holding a sit-in at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office on May 15, Mitch Perry reports. The charges were trespassing and resisting an officer without violence. Her sit-in came after the Republican-led Legislature approved a new congressional map that could result in more seats going Republican in the midterm elections.
It’s not a big effect, but the DeSantis higher education reforms aren’t exactly juicing Florida university ratings by U.S. News & World Report. UF dropped by one spot, from No. 7 last year to No. 8; and FSU by three spots, from No. 21 to No. 24. FIU stayed at No. 46, and USF dropped from No. 43 to No. 46. UCF dropped from 57th to 58th, and UNF dropped from No. 122 to No. 128. FAMU leaped from No. 92 to No. 79 and FAU moved into the double-digits, improving by one spot to No. 99.
MORE FROM THE PHOENIX
Thanks for reading Today on the Phoenix. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.