SUMMARY: A Florida man, Coulson Janie, is recovering in the ICU after being run over by a Jeep while sunbathing on Orman Beach. The incident occurred when a 61-year-old woman accidentally backed her vehicle over him. Despite suffering serious injuries, including a broken femur and forearm, Janie feels fortunate to have survived and expressed no anger toward the driver. He described the moment as surreal, comparing it to waking from a dream. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has charged the woman with careless driving, and there are calls for better signage to protect beachgoers from such accidents.

Colson Janey, a 33-year-old beachgoer from Ocala, remains in the intensive care unit after being run over by a vehicle Saturday morning in Ormond Beach, Florida. Janey suffered multiple serious injuries but says he’s grateful to be alive. The incident renews concerns about vehicle safety and signage on Volusia County beaches.

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by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
April 7, 2025

The Florida Legislature passed a law two years ago that required employers with more than 25 employees to use E-Verify to vet the legal status of new hires.

Now, with Florida Republicans already passing strong measures this year cracking down on illegal immigration to align with President Donald Trump’s goal of mass deportations, a proposal (HB 955) that would require all private employers in Florida to use the E-Verify system to check each employee’s legal status won approval by its second committee in the House on Monday, and now will go to the floor for a final vote.

“It builds upon what we’ve already done here in the state of Florida,” said Pinellas County Republican Rep. Berny Jacques, a co-sponsor along with Jacksonville Republican Kiyan Michael.

“Prior to two years ago, there was no requirement whatsoever for private employers, unless if you were contracting with the state government. We did a requirement for 25 or more employees, so that closes that gap to make sure that the workforce integrity is uplifted and we are making sure that every worker in this state is authorized to do so legally.”

The Legislature passed significant measures cracking down on illegal immigration in a special session in early February, including making it a misdemeanor for immigrants over the age of 18 to “knowingly” enter Florida and imposing the death penalty for immigrants lacking permanent legal status who are convicted of capital crimes such as murder or sexual abuse of minors under 12.

Thomas Kennedy with the Florida Immigrant Coalition said the expansion of E-Verify was a “bad deal for Floridians,” noting the state is already facing an acute worker shortage.

“At a time where we are basically touching all the ‘do not touch’ buttons in terms of wrecking our economy, including mass layoffs, increasing prices, undermining consumer and international confidence, why would we continue messing with our state, with our workforce?” he asked the House Commerce Committee.

Democratic support

However, both Republicans and some Democrats applauded the measure.

“Every job in Florida should go to someone who is legally authorized to work in this country. Period,” said Panhandle Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman. “We must prioritize American workers and Florida families who are here legally.”

Miami-Dade Republican David Borrero questioned why anyone on the committee could opposed E-Verify for all businesses. And he said it would encourage employers to pay higher wages for American workers.

“If you are opposed to this bill, then what you are saying is that you are okay creating an environment where people can break the law,” he said.

“You are okay with an environment where they can take away jobs from the American people. … [I]f this is truly creating a working shortage, then what that means is that we do not have reasonable-paying jobs in these industries. And so you know what happens is that when you take away these jobs from undocumented immigrants, maybe now we’re going to have jobs that pay reasonable rates — maybe now developers, contractors, farmers where they’re actually going to pay reasonable rates for the American people. That’s what’s going to happen.”

Florida is one of 23 states that use E-Verify in some fashion, although only a handful require all private companies to use the system.

The bill passed, 19-3, with three Democrats joining every Republican on the House Commerce Committee supporting it.

Whether the proposal makes it into law is in question, though, as the Legislature begins its sixth week in the nine-week session. None of the bills filed in the Senate that addresses E-Verify have been heard in any committee yet.

Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.

The post Measure to require E-Verify for all Florida businesses moves to House appeared first on floridaphoenix.com

SUMMARY: The Army has reenlisted over 23 soldiers discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, in response to President Trump’s order to reinstate them with back pay. Three returned to active duty, while more than 20 joined the National Guard or Reserve. Other services, including the Navy, Air Force, and Marines, are also working to rehire discharged personnel. Trump criticized the vaccine mandate, which led to the discharge of thousands of troops, claiming it cost the military “some of our best people.” However, back pay will be reduced based on civilian wages and other payments received during their time out of service.

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The post Army reenlists nearly two dozen soldiers ousted for refusing COVID-19 vaccine appeared first on www.news4jax.com