Caroline Brauchler

Orlando

Reporter at Ocala Gazette

Reporter @OcalaGazette | Former EIC of @ucfnsmtoday, VP of @ucfspj | Words in: @orlandosentinel @wmfeorlando

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Articles

Foundation head says ‘mistakes’ made

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Dara Kam |Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath Tuesday that “mistakes were made” with the foundation’s record-keeping, as a skirmish over the group’s finances continued to escalate. Joshua Hay, chairman of the Hope Florida Foundation Inc., appeared before the House […] To access this entire article, you must Become an Ocala Gazette Member or . Already a member?
Ocala Main Street’s Heart of the Park scheduled to open July 4

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

The revitalization of Tuscawilla Park is underway, with the Heart of the Park scheduled to open with a bang this July. Heart of the Park, an upcoming community hub that is transforming the former American Legion building at Tuscawilla Park, is scheduled for a soft opening for sponsors and stakeholders on July 4.
Dunnellon resident dies in house fire

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

A house fire in Dunnellon claimed the life of one man in the early morning hours of April 15, according to Marion County Fire Rescue. MCFR was dispatched at 12:51 a.m. to a house on West McKinney Avenue with three occupants. Crews arrived on scene at 12:55 a.m., where the single-story house was engulfed in flames. Two of the occupants were able to escape, while the third was trapped inside.
Senate tax cut proposal expands

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Jim Turner |Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — The Senate on Monday released a ratcheted-up package of proposed tax cuts, as it prepares for negotiations with the House, which has pitched a $5.43 billion measure that includes reducing the state’s sales-tax rate. The Senate Finance and Tax Committee is scheduled Tuesday to take up the Senate bill (SPB 7034), which would reduce revenue by $1.83 billion next fiscal year.
Traditional school enrollment to decrease

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

Posted April 15, 2025 | Florida News Service Enrollment in Florida’s traditional public schools is expected to decrease in the coming years while voucher programs expand, according to a new report from state economists. The report, compiled by the state Education Estimating Conference, said enrollment in traditional public schools is projected to go from 2,805,298 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to 2,742,162 in the 2029-2030 fiscal year.
Judge backs more manatee protections

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Jim Saunders |Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — Pointing to ongoing threats to manatees, a U.S. district judge Friday said the state has violated the federal Endangered Species Act in its regulation of wastewater discharges into the Indian River Lagoon. Orlando-based Judge Carlos Mendoza issued a 21-page decision that sided with the environmental group Bear Warriors United, which argued discharges into the waterway along the East Coast led to the demise of seagrass and, as a result, deaths and other harm to manatees.
House seeks records on agency spending

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — Amid an escalating feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled House, the chamber’s budget chairman on Friday sent letters to six state agencies seeking a broad array of documents as part of a probe into government spending.
House, DeSantis administration clash on donation

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — A major Medicaid managed-care plan last year made a $10 million donation to a direct-support organization tied to a signature program of Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis as part of a $67 million settlement with the state Agency for Health Care Administration. Details about the donation emerged Wednesday during a combative House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meeting as Chairman Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, clashed with members of Gov.
Lawmakers Look to Bolster Hurricane Plans

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

TALLAHASSEE — A measure to help with hurricane preparedness and response continued moving forward Thursday in the Florida House, a day after the Senate passed its version. The House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee on Thursday backed a wide-ranging measure (HB 1535) that includes addressing local government responsibilities about issues such as construction regulations and debris removal after storms.
Seven candidates are being interviewed for interim superintendent role

1 week ago | ocalagazette.com | Caroline Brauchler

Seven qualified candidates have responded to the Marion County Public Schools job posting for the interim superintendent position. The goal is to fill the interim vacancy left by Diane Gullett, while the district has time to do a nationwide search, which they hope to complete by Feb. 2026. Over the next week, district board members will individually interview the following candidates, identified in alphabetical order:Dr. Danielle Brewer– a current employee with the district.