News Cast for April 19th:
Helping with spiritual needs
Chaplains will be allowed on public school campuses in the state.
State Senator Erin Grall’s bill was signed into law in Kissimmee by the governor on Thursday.
Chaplains would not be paid and would have to pass background checks.
The school would have to get parental consent before the student could speak to the chaplain.
Grall said the schools are not required to have chaplains.
“If they do choose to have chaplains, we do set out some parameters but the districts can develop their own policies and procedures that work best for them.”
Supporters of the bill said teachers and school staff need help as they deal with a growing mental health crisis among kids that takes up time and resources.
The bill also requires schools allow access for certain patriotic groups like military recruiters, veterans groups, Big Brothers and Big sisters, little league baseball and the boys and girls scouts.
The Okeechobee County Site Plan Technical Review Committee approved plans for a warehouse at 1319 highway 70 east.
Some four acres will be used and ARS Power Sports intends to make off road vehicles and create jobs with the facility.
The committee also wants more information before approving the site plan of a medical waste treatment facility at 1571 NW 25th Drive.
The property is vacant and measure .82 acres. The plan includes a 7,800 square foot building and a paved parking lot.
Glades County commissioners agreed to work with the Hanley foundation to provide Narcan at parks and public facilities.
The Narcan is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
There was a recent case where a pregnant mother died of a drug overdose in Harlem.
Shawna Prope said the foundation also provides transportation for medical appointments and telehealth services.
Prope said the group also wants to start a mental health court in Moore Haven.
She noted many people who are arrested on misdemeanor crimes do have substance abuse and or mental health issues.