Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix, Author at Orlando Weekly

Florida Surgeon General suggests high measles counts could be tied to abortion opposition

Joseph Ladapo, long known for his vaccine skepticism, said, “Oh no. Everyone’s got to take a vaccine.”

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix July 26, 2026July 26, 2026

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo suggested Friday that opposition to abortion could have helped fuel a measles outbreak in Florida since many cases are tied to a private Roman Catholic college. Federal data show Florida had 141 confirmed measles cases as of July 23, ranking the state fifth in the nation for most infections. During a […]

Fewer Floridians are receiving federal food benefits

The number of Florida residents who receive federal food assistance dropped by 23% during the past year, state data published this month show.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

Counties could be on the hook for Florida’s $420 million Medicaid tab

County Medicaid costs are then expected to jump to nearly $452 million a year from now, which is when Amendment 3 would take effect if passed.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix July 20, 2026July 20, 2026

Florida nursing homes want exemptions for Haitians who had TPS protections

Approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals nationwide hold TPS, of whom half are estimated to live in Florida.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix July 13, 2026July 14, 2026

Is Florida’s high SNAP error rate by design? State’s top Democrat says yes

‘You know, all of the things for our most vulnerable portions of our society, they cut corners,’ Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried says.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix July 10, 2026July 10, 2026

Study: Reproductive healthcare is out of reach of one-third of Florida women

“I would say it’s not a surprising finding, given what we know about Florida’s policy environment”

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

News

Largest Medicaid pediatric provider sues DeSantis administration over pay rates

Pediatric Associates asserts the new rates have statewide reduced pediatrician payments by nearly $300 million over the last 20 months.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

More 7-OH related products made illegal in Florida by a new emergency rule

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has made it his mission to further crack down on sales and use of concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and other related chemical products in Florida

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix June 22, 2026June 22, 2026

Florida’s $115B budget deal includes ‘Groveland Four’ compensation, AIDS program

The budget will affect everyone from AIDS patients seeking crucial drugs to the families of the “Groveland Four” and more

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix May 25, 2026May 25, 2026

Summer’s coming, and data show Florida measles cases are rising

Fourteen of Florida’s 67 counties have reported confirmed or suspected measles cases

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix May 10, 2026May 10, 2026

Senate budget chief: No health insurance cost hike for Florida state employees next year

Tens of thousands of state workers as well as those working for state colleges can expect their health insurance premiums to remain the same

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine repeal bills on first day of special session

The only topic the Florida House will address during the four-day special session is redrawing the state’s congressional maps

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix and Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Florida has fourth highest number of measles cases so far this year, CDC says

Meanwhile, DeSantis wants to pass legislation to make it easier for parents to turn down the required vaccines for public school students

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

Florida AIDS drug advisory panel left out of decision to update list of AIDS drugs

DOH Communications Director Brian Wright said the panel remains intact, but some members said they weren’t sure it still even exists

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

$31M headed to AIDS drug program after DeSantis signs new law

DeSantis, known for making bill signing ceremonies into lengthy media events, signed the legislation without any fanfare

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Florida health officials report another seven measles cases

The number of measles cases in Florida climbed to 140 as of March 14

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Florida’s 2025 extended session cost taxpayers more than $259K

That’s the second highest total associated with a special or extended session since 2018

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Proposed new Medicaid, SNAP work requirements dead for now

There will be no work requirements for 111,0000 low-income people who rely on Medicaid for their health care

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

DeSantis continues push to end vaccine mandates as measles cases rise

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he remains committed to seeing his policies pass before having to leave his post in January 2027

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

News

Florida Legislature passes $31M for AIDS drug program

The program provides access to the life-saving, costly drugs that reduce the level of human immunodeficiency virus in the body

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 13, 2026March 13, 2026