Joe Byrnes
ReporterJoe Byrnes came to WMFE/WMFV from the Ocala Star-Banner and The Gainesville Sun, where he worked as a reporter and editor for several years. Joe graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and turned to journalism after teaching. He enjoys freshwater fishing and family gatherings.
Recent Stories from Joe Byrnes
DeSantis says he’ll try to thwart FBI investigations of parents threatening school officials in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis says local law enforcement can handle any complaints and that the Justice Department is trying to silence parents.
Osceola County school district stuggles with bus driver shortage
A recent survey by three national trade organizations found that the bus driver shortage is a problem for 99% of school districts. And 51% consider it a “severe” or “desperate” concern.
FWC to seek boost in manatee funding, including expanded rescue and rehabilitation efforts
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requesting $6.8 million for restoration and rescue efforts as a record 968 manatees have died this year in the state. Poor water quality in the Indian River Lagoon has led to harmful algae blooms and a widespread loss of seagrass. That caused manatees there for warmth in the winter to starve. Brevard County State Representative Thad Altman spelled out the “death spiral” at a committee hearing Tuesday morning. “Restoration is not working,” he said, “because the water quality that killed the seagrasses to begin with is still there. We literally have a catastrophe on our hands.” The new funding request includes more than $3.6 million to expand rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Melissa Tucker, …
Bill by GOP Sen. Keith Perry would let state inmates reduce prison time through rehabilitation
In a tweet, Sen. Keith Perry says he aims to create a prison environment where “people leave better than when they came in.”
CF seeks state and local funding for nursing education, as study projects dramatic shortfall
The study by IHS Markit projects a shortfall of 12% among RN’s and 30% among licensed practical nurses by 2035.
Lake County backs effort to add Okahumpka Rosenwald School to National Register of Historic Places
It was one of 120 Rosenwald schools in Florida and thousands across the segregated South built to educate Black children.
Lake County deputies who died from COVID-19 are honored at national memorial
Three hundred ninety-four names have been added to the memorial, including 295 who died last year. Among those, 62 percent were killed by COVID-19.
