The four hospitals that will each receive $7.5 million are: St. Petersburg\u2019s Johns Hopkins All Children\u2019s Hospital<\/a>, Miami\u2019s Nicklaus Children\u2019s Hospital System<\/a>, Jacksonville\u2019s Wolfson Children\u2019s Hospital<\/a> and Orlando\u2019s Nemours Children\u2019s Hospital<\/a>.<\/p>\n The $30 million will be a game-changer for Florida\u2019s hospitals, said Dr. Mark Toney, Wolfson\u2019s vice president of medical affairs.<\/p>\n Although Florida is the nation\u2019s third-largest state for children, we still lack a Top 25 pediatric cancer program. Too many families have to travel out of state for specialized treatment and added burden during an already difficult time,\u201d Toney said at the news conference next to the DeSantises. \u201cThat will change. Today\u2019s investment is a critical step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Wolfson plans to use its grant funding to create a home-delivery chemotherapy program to help reach more people in need, officials said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator<\/a> is all about, not only advancing the science around treatment and prevention, but also overcoming the barriers to accessing care,\u201d said Shevaun Harris, Secretary of the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration<\/a>.<\/p>\n Housed within the Florida Department of Health, the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator is focused on increasing research on pediatric cancer, which DeSantis said is the leading disease killer for children under 14. The need for more pediatric research stems from the fact that cancer trials can be limited for kids, the Governor said.<\/p>\n Power move<\/p>\n Rep. Aaron Bean says that banks and power companies should not penalize people impacted by the ongoing shutdown of the federal government, including \u201cpublic servants and their families (who) face the impossible task of putting food on their tables or paying their bills without receiving a paycheck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI urge financial institutions and utility companies throughout the state to exercise flexibility and compassion during this time,\u201d Bean wrote in Clay Today<\/a>. \u201cThose affected by the shutdown should not be further harmed by service disruptions, late fees or adverse credit reporting. Adverse credit reporting due to the government shutdown can have lasting impacts that persist long after the federal government reopens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA short-term missed payment should not turn into a yearlong burden of damaged credit or higher costs,\u201d Bean added. \u201cI also ask that you work with affected customers to create flexible payment arrangements and extend lines of credit until normal operations resume.\u201d<\/p>\n No to noncitizens<\/p>\n Here\u2019s one way to address part of America\u2019s $38 trillion in debt.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in the country illegally, Rep. Randy Fine<\/a> says citizens shouldn\u2019t pay to keep you alive and healthy.<\/p>\n \u201cI am going to introduce a bill to ban all noncitizens from any form of welfare. No Food Stamps. No Section 8 housing. No Medicaid. No Cash Assistance. Not one penny. Not one. If you want free stuff, go home,\u201d the CD 6 incumbent posted to social media.<\/p>\n Fine, who has been endorsed for re-election already by President Donald Trump, presumably will have the White House\u2019s blessing as he carries this legislation.<\/p>\n Freeman momentum<\/p>\n Momentum continues for the man most likely to be the newest state representative from Jacksonville.<\/p>\n Today in Tallahassee, City Council member Terrance Freeman held a fundraiser, and as a look at the host Committee reveals, his support runs deep.<\/p>\n House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan, who Freeman likely will replace, and Rep. Dean Black helm the host committee, which includes Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power.<\/p>\n Freeman entered the race in October.<\/p>\n His \u201cFor the Future We Want<\/a>\u201d committee had more than $200,000 in the bank before he officially launched his campaign.<\/p>\n Museum momentum<\/p>\n With Florida\u2019s Museum of Black History<\/a> soon taking shape in St. Johns County, state lawmakers are requiring an Administrative Board to be established, according to the bill<\/a> authorizing the facility\u2019s construction.<\/p>\n Sen. Tom Leek of Ormond Beach introduced Senate Bill 308<\/a>, which would create an Administrative Board that must be formed by July 31, 2026. The panel will oversee the museum\u2019s construction, operation, and administration \u2014 a key step in fulfilling the vision outlined in legislation authorizing the museum\u2019s development.<\/p>\n The Board will oversee the Commission, construction, operation and administration of the museum, a press release from Leek\u2019s office notes.<\/p>\n \u201cI firmly believe that we cannot tell the history of Florida without also telling the history of Black Floridians, which is why I am proud to file Senate Bill 308 in support of Florida\u2019s Museum of Black History,\u201d Leek said. \u201cThe museum will be built on the former site of Florida Memorial University, which has historical significance here in St. Johns County, and I look forward to working with our community and our state in furtherance of this significant designation.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker would appoint three members of the Board, which would also have two Senators and two Representatives. None of the nine members picked by leadership could hold elected office while serving.<\/p>\n The new Board will also work alongside the Foundation for the Museum of Black History to manage funding, programming, and long-term planning \u2014 a partnership intended to guarantee both transparency and sustainability for the institution.<\/p>\n Baker bill<\/p>\n Rep. Jessica Baker is carrying legislation that would change the way material exploiting children is referred to in statute.<\/p>\n \u201cChild pornography\u201d would be called \u201cchild sexual abuse material\u201d if HB 245 passes.<\/p>\n This would update the Florida statute to align with national and global standards that other states have already adopted.<\/p>\n \u201cIt implies a lawful form of pornography when, in fact, any sexualized depiction or exploitation of minors is a crime. The material is not pornography. It\u2019s child sexual abuse material,\u201d the Jacksonville Republican told the Tallahassee Democrat<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Attorney General\u2019s office supports the legislation, and Sen. Leek will carry the Senate version.<\/p>\n JAX Hub happenings<\/p>\n The University of North Florida (UNF<\/a>), along with the city of Jacksonville and other partners, is launching a new effort to develop and encourage more financial technology firms and connections on the First Coast.<\/p>\n \u201cJAX Hub<\/a>\u201d was announced Monday as part of a multi-layered effort to connect emerging \u201cfintech\u201d startup businesses with established firms and UNF graduate talent to advance the next generation of financial services. Global payment platform Paysafe<\/a> and L Marks<\/a>, a corporate technology firm, are also involved in the effort.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are very excited to be part of this important partnership and what it represents for both our students and the Jacksonville community,\u201d said Albert Loh, Interim Dean of the UNF Coggin College of Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough JAX Hub, talented graduate students will have the opportunity to engage directly with real companies, explore emerging financial technologies and contribute to innovative solutions. This collaboration strengthens the link between education and industry and supports Jacksonville\u2019s continued growth as a center for financial innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n Many students from UNF\u2019s business programs will not only provide expertise but also conduct research. That research will support collaboration with multiple corporate partners and data analysis.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Paysafe will provide fintech advice, and L Marks will provide design oversight for projects.<\/p>\n Good hires<\/p>\n Converge Public Strategies<\/a> is adding two prominent figures in Northeast Florida to its leadership ranks.<\/p>\n Dylan Rumrell, Mayor of St. Augustine Beach, and Henry Dean, a veteran water policy expert and former executive director of two of the state\u2019s central water management districts, have joined the firm as partners.<\/p>\n Their arrival deepens Converge\u2019s footprint in the region, joining existing partners Deno Hicks, Carlos Cruz and Tim White.<\/p>\n Rumrell, active in both the Florida League of Mayors and the Florida League of Cities, has built a record of leveraging public-private partnerships to spur local economic development. In his professional work, he\u2019s helped direct millions in Recovery Zone bonds for private investment, infrastructure improvements and job creation. As Chair of SJCCE Inc., which manages the St. Augustine Amphitheater and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Rumrell oversees venues that together generate more than $40 million in annual economic impact.<\/p>\n Dean, referred to in some circles as the \u201cGodfather of Florida Water Management,\u201d brings decades of experience in environmental and government affairs. He previously led both the St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts, where he helped design and launch the state\u2019s Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program. Dean also served as an environmental aide to a Florida Governor, general counsel for the Florida Department of Natural Resources, and recently completed eight years as a St. Johns County Commissioner.<\/p>\n \u201cHenry and Dylan are recognized leaders in Florida whose expertise will serve our clients in the Sunshine State and beyond,\u201d he said. \u201cHenry\u2019s deep understanding of water and land issues complements Dylan\u2019s ability to merge private investment with the public interest,\u201d said Jonathan Kilman, Converge\u2019s Chair.<\/p>\n Carlos Cruz, who helped recruit both to Converge, said the pickups cement the firm\u2019s regional stature and provide the \u201cexpertise needed to provide unmatched support for anyone seeking to make an impact here.\u201d<\/p>\n The hires also earned praise from influential elected officials representing the region.<\/p>\n \u201cMy experience with the Converge team spans many years, and their integrity and work ethic have always stood out. By welcoming Henry and Dylan, they\u2019ve assembled a truly exceptional group of professionals under one firm,\u201d said Sen. Tom Leek.<\/p>\n U.S. Rep. John Rutherford added, \u201cHenry and Dylan are truly exceptional Florida leaders. As Converge continues to build a reputation for leading in policy and innovation, they could not have found better additions to the firm.\u201d<\/p>\n Bully for Bustos<\/p>\n Gov. Ron DeSantis is announcing the selection of a soon-to-be-former Assistant State Attorney for a new judgeship in Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n Emerging from an initial field of five candidates<\/a> that was winnowed down to three finalists<\/a>, Hector Bustos<\/a> got the nod for the Clay County Court on Thursday, filling a position authorized by Senate Bill 2508.<\/p>\n Bustos, who received word of his new job from the Governor on Oct. 20, did his undergraduate work at Florida State and earned his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.<\/p>\n He brings a lot of courtroom experience to the role, having served as ASA in the 4th Judicial Circuit since 2013 as a Division Chief of County and Juvenile Court and as Lead Attorney for traffic homicides in Clay County.<\/p>\n He\u2019s also been honored for his work, including being chosen as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission\u2019s North Central Region\u2019s 2025 Prosecutor of the Year.<\/p>\n Higher learning<\/p>\n From A to Z could mean from Academia to Zoology.<\/p>\n That is especially true for those who decide to participate in a University of Miami Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP)<\/a> program called \u201cProject Dragonfly\u201d through the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough the Advanced Inquiry Program, we\u2019re cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders,\u201d said Jamie Lankenau, Community Engagement Supervisor at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, who serves as the Zoo\u2019s AIP manager and is a Project Dragonfly alum. \u201cParticipants don\u2019t just earn a degree, they become changemakers in their communities, tackling real-world challenges in conservation, sustainability, and education.\u201d<\/p>\n The program is designed for working professionals with bachelor\u2019s degrees or higher, and those who are interested can find out more on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. \u2014 this is the first of three AIP Information Sessions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jags trade deadline<\/p>\n Shortly before the NFL trade deadline arrived on Tuesday afternoon, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for a wide receiver, sending a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Jakobi Meyers.<\/p>\n What did this move tell us about the Jaguars\u2019 expectations?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DESANTIS-TWEET-640x1235.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BEAN-2-copy-640x325.jpg\")
<\/a>Aaron Bean urges banks and utilities to support federal workers affected by the ongoing shutdown.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/PMI_IIA_Static_600x400_V1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/randy-fine-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Randy Fine proposes banning all noncitizens from receiving taxpayer-funded welfare or assistance programs.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/FUNDRAISER-FREEMAN-640x825.jpg\")
<\/a>Terrance Freeman gains strong GOP backing in his bid for a state House seat.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Baptist_Wolfson-ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Black-History-St.-Augustine-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Tom Leek files legislation establishing an Administrative Board for Florida\u2019s Museum of Black History.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JESSICA-BAKER-copy-640x385.jpg\")
<\/a>Jessica Baker sponsors a bill renaming \u201cchild pornography\u201d as \u201cchild sexual abuse material\u201d in Florida law.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Paysafe_Jacksonville-1440x960-1-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>University of North Florida launches \u2018JAX Hub\u2019 to connect fintech startups, students and global financial firms.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rumrell-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>Converge Public Strategies adds Dylan Rumrell and Henry Dean, expanding its leadership in Northeast Florida.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/HECTOR-BUSTOS-copy-640x302.jpg\")
<\/a>Ron DeSantis appoints Hector Bustos to the Clay County Court, highlighting his extensive prosecutorial experience.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/PROJECT-DRAGONFLY-640x409.jpg\")
<\/a>University of Miami partners with Jacksonville Zoo to train environmental leaders through its Project Dragonfly program.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MEYERS-JAGUARS-640x427.webp.webp\")
<\/a>Jacksonville Jaguars trade draft picks to acquire receiver Jakobi Meyers in a playoff push move.<\/p>\n