Florida News – Highlights from around the state – January 9th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- While Florida’s overall crime rate has fallen to 48+ year lows according to FDLE’s Uniform Crime Report, a new study by the Joyce Foundation highlights rising violence with Florida’s teens. Over the past fifteen years gun related homicides by teens have increased by 41% to 2.16 deaths per 100,000.
- A study from the University of South Florida illustrated Florida’s tracking of drug overdose related deaths is far more accurate than federal records – especially when it comes to opioid related OD’s. Over 15 years federal data undercounted OD’s in Florida by a minimum of 19%. Florida tracks data directly from medical examiners which the federal government doesn’t. The study also highlights significant OD issues beyond opioids, where most attention is focused. Federal funding is based on CDC data and this new data will be used to attempt to influence the feds to change their methodology.
- The South Florida Urban Search and Rescue Team has been deployed to Puerto Rico to assist the island in the wake of a series of devastating earthquakes this week. The team consists of 45 first responders and three K-9 units. The federal government has declared a State of Emergency to release resources to assist the recovery.
- The most recent CDC flu data is a mixed bag for Florida. While overall flu activity is still increasing across the state, six counties don’t have any flu activity currently and all of South Florida is now only experiencing “mild” activity, while 12 counties have moderate activity. Also, nowhere in Florida is the flu currently in the highest “elevated” category.