More than a year after Hurricane Irma, blue tarps still lay on roofs across South Florida. According to the Miami Herald, tens of thousands homeowners statewide are still waiting for assistance to pay for damages to their houses and many have sued insurance companies. This week, the Department of Economic Opportunity launched a new program called “Rebuild Florida.” The program is providing more than $600 million dollars to those who qualify to help fix or replace their homes. Cissy Proctor, executive director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, joined Sundial to talk about the assistance the program is providing and how to apply.
To register for the program, visit RebuildFlorida.gov or call 844-833-1010. Eligible Floridians have until Dec. 23, 2018 to register.
The Florida general election is quickly approaching, giving voters the opportunity to choose between gubernatorial candidates Ron DeSantis and Andrew Gillum, among other races. Today Sundial takes a look at the candidate's education platforms. WLRN Education Reporter Jessica Bakeman is following both their campaigns and joins the show to explain where the candidates stand on the issues of charter schools, teacher pay, and school security.
Researchers at Florida International University and scientists at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota are examining the impact red tide is having on vulnerable species. The team of researchers has been developing antioxidants that could prove valuable in the treatment of manatees that have been sickened by the red tide. Dr. Catherine Walsh is one of the lead researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. She joined Sundial to talk about the ways in which innovative treatments could expedite the recovery for manatees.
Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglass and their families are launching a major music festival this weekend. The “Actions For Change Food and Music Event” will feature a new album from the Parkland students called “Wake-Up America.” There will be speeches from students and activists, food from famous chefs and live music from Peter Yarrow, Michael Franti and Nahko Bear. Doug Zeif is one of the Parkland parents organizing the event and Nahko Bear is one of the artists performing and an indigenous activist. Both joined Sundial to talk about this weekend festivities.
"Actions For Change Food and Music Event"will happen on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 10 pm at the Pine Trails Amphitheater in Parkland, Broward County.