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Garden-to-table meals: Harvesting and cooking together as a family

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August is the perfect time for families to enjoy the fruits of their labor from their home gardens. The garden-to-table movement emphasizes the importance of growing your own food and creating delicious meals from the produce you’ve nurtured. This approach promotes healthy eating, sustainability and quality family time. Here’s how you can turn your garden into a source of fresh, wholesome meals and create memorable experiences together.

1. Planning and planting your garden
Making family meals from homegrown food can promote health and happiness.
(Halfpoint Images/Getty)
  • Choose your crops: Start by selecting fruits, vegetables and herbs that thrive in your climate and suit your family’s tastes. Popular choices for summer gardens include tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, basil and mint.
  • Involve the kids: Engage your children in the planting process. Teach them about different plants, how to sow seeds, and the importance of watering and caring for their garden.
  • Create a schedule: Maintain a gardening schedule to ensure regular watering, weeding and checking for pests. This teaches responsibility and consistency.
2. Harvesting the bounty
  • Know when to harvest: Research the best time to harvest each type of produce. For instance, tomatoes should be picked when they are fully colored and zucchinis are best when they’re about 6 inches to 8 inches long.
  • Make it fun: Turn harvesting into a fun family activity. Give each child a basket and let them collect the ripe produce. Celebrate the hard work and patience it took to grow these delicious foods.
Grill some veggie skewers for a wholesome meal. (Sean Gladwell/Getty)
3. Creating garden-to-table meals
  • Fresh salads: Start with simple dishes like fresh garden salads. Combine crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and a sprinkle of basil. Let the kids help with washing and chopping the vegetables.
  • Grilled veggie skewers: Skewer chunks of zucchini, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill until tender. This is a great way to get kids to enjoy vegetables.
  • Herb-infused lemonade: Use fresh mint or basil from your garden to create refreshing herb-infused lemonade. It’s a healthy and hydrating treat for hot summer days.
  • Homemade pizza: Make a family pizza night using homemade dough, fresh tomato sauce, and toppings from your garden. Basil, tomatoes and bell peppers make excellent pizza toppings.
  • Stuffed zucchini boats: Hollow out zucchinis and stuff them with a mixture of quinoa, tomatoes and herbs. Bake until tender for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
4. Educational benefits
  • Science lessons: Gardening offers practical lessons in biology and ecology. Children learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis and the importance of pollinators.
  • Math skills: Measuring plant growth, counting seeds and weighing harvested produce help reinforce math skills.
  • Healthy eating habits: Kids are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they’ve helped grow. This encourages healthy eating habits and an appreciation for fresh, nutritious food.
5. Sustainability and environmental awareness
  • Reduce food miles: Growing your own food reduces the need for transportation, decreasing your carbon footprint.
  • Composting: Teach your family about composting kitchen scraps and garden waste to enrich your soil naturally.
  • Water conservation: Use rain barrels and mulch to conserve water and maintain a sustainable garden.
6. Building family bonds
  • Teamwork: Gardening and cooking together fosters teamwork and cooperation. Each family member can have specific roles, from planting to cooking.
  • Quality time: Spend time together away from screens and daily distractions. Working in the garden and kitchen offers opportunities for meaningful conversations and bonding.
  • Sense of accomplishment: Seeing the process from planting to enjoying a meal provides a sense of achievement and pride for both parents and children.

The garden-to-table approach is a rewarding way to spend time together as a family, promoting healthy living, sustainability and lifelong skills. By involving every member of the family in the process, from planting seeds to creating delicious meals, you create cherished memories and instill valuable lessons about the importance of fresh, homegrown food. So, grab your gardening gloves, head to the garden, and start planting the seeds for both your garden and your family’s health and happiness.

 

Published August 7, 2024

 

End of summer family adventures

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As summer starts to wind down, it’s the perfect time to create lasting memories with your family. With the weather still warm and the days long, you have a golden opportunity to embark on fun, adventurous activities before the school year and cooler temperatures begin. Here are some engaging and enjoyable end-of-summer family adventures to make the most of the remaining sunshine.

1. Outdoor movie night

Transform your backyard into a cozy outdoor movie theater. Set up a projector and screen (or a white sheet), and arrange blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Prepare some popcorn, snacks and drinks, and let the whole family enjoy a favorite film under the stars. For added fun, consider a themed movie night with costumes or a selection of summer classics.

It’s not too late to squeeze in one more camping trip before school starts. (Sebastien St-Jean/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Beach or lake day

Spend a day at the beach or lake soaking up the sun and enjoying water activities. Pack a picnic, beach toys and sunscreen. Whether you’re building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball or just relaxing by the water, a day at the beach or lake is a classic summer adventure that the whole family will love.

3. Family hiking excursion

Explore nature by taking a family hike on a nearby trail. Choose a trail suitable for all fitness levels and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Bring along a nature guidebook to identify local wildlife and plants, or pack a journal to record your observations and experiences. A picnic at the end of the trail is a great way to reward everyone’s efforts.

4. Visit a local farm or farmer’s market

Take a trip to a local farm or farmer’s market to explore fresh produce and farm animals. Many farms offer pick-your-own fruit or vegetable experiences, which can be both educational and fun. After your visit, use your fresh finds to cook a meal together, highlighting the journey from farm to table.

5. Plan a family camping trip

If you haven’t yet been camping this summer, now’s a great time to plan a family camping trip. Whether you choose a state park, a campground or even your own backyard, camping is a fantastic way to bond as a family. Enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, s’mores by the campfire and stargazing.

6. Explore a nearby city or town

Take a day trip to explore a nearby city or town that you haven’t visited before. Check out local attractions, museums, parks or historical sites. This can be an exciting way to learn about new places and create special family memories. Be sure to visit a local eatery or café to get a taste of the area’s cuisine.

7. Host a family talent show

Unleash your family’s creativity by hosting a talent show at home. Each family member can prepare and perform their unique talent, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks or comedy. Set up a stage area and create tickets and programs for a fun, organized event. Celebrate everyone’s performances with a small awards ceremony or a special treat.

8. Go on a scavenger hunt

Create a scavenger hunt that takes your family on a quest around your neighborhood or a local park. Make a list of items or landmarks to find and provide clues or riddles to guide them along the way. This can be a great way to explore familiar places with a new perspective and enjoy some friendly competition.

Snorkeling can be a fun adventure if your family enjoys being in the water. (Thomas Barwick/Getty)
9. Try a new water sport

If your family enjoys being in the water, consider trying a new water sport like paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. Many rental places offer equipment and lessons for beginners. Trying something new can be an exciting adventure and a chance to learn a new skill together.

10. Plan a DIY arts and crafts day

Spend a creative day indoors by tackling a DIY arts and crafts project as a family. Choose a project that interests everyone, such as painting, making jewelry or building a birdhouse. Gather supplies and set up a crafting station where everyone can contribute their ideas and creations.

The end of summer is a fantastic opportunity to make the most of the remaining warm days and create lasting memories with your family. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor adventures, exploring new places or simply having fun at home, these activities will help you celebrate the season and make the most of the time spent together. So gather your family, plan your adventures and enjoy the final moments of summer together.

 

Published August 7, 2024.

Girl Scout receives ‘gold’ for magazine

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The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) has recognized Gold Award Girl Scout Emily Conner as the recipient of the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship. Conner, a St. Petersburg Collegiate High School 2024 graduate, earned $5,000 in honor of her enterprise entitled, “Astraea Zine Project,” according to a news release.

Emily Conner was honored for her magazine, “Astraea Zine.” (Courtesy of Maddi Dolan/GSWCF)

Astraea Zine is a magazine in which photography, art and writing are published both digitally and in print to amplify the voices of girls who would not otherwise have the resources or ability to express and share their experiences. With the help of 10 girls, Conner published five issues of the magazine, showcasing hundreds of submitted works, the release says

“I was inspired to create Astraea Zine because of my love for writing, art and sisterhood. I had submitted some of my poems to similar online magazines, and I felt really fulfilled and proud to be part of a publication. I wanted to help other girls, especially younger girls just starting their creative journey, to get published, too,” said Conner in the release.

“Anyone who submits to Astraea Zine, no matter the experience level, can be part of the publication,” said Conner.

Each year, the Gold Award Scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout, per council. 

The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, available to girls in high school who create sustainable change in a community.

As a recent graduate, the scholarship Conner received will assist with tuition as she begins her college career this fall, at which she plans to study psychology.

In addition to the $5,000, Conner also earned the local council’s scholarship of $450 and the Ann Hensler Scholarship of $600.

For more information about Conner’s project, visit www.astraeazine.com or GSWCF.org/gold.

Published July 31, 2024

State officials predict Florida K-12 enrollment will continue to grow

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(The Center Square) — Florida economists have suggested that full-time enrollment in Florida’s schools has increased over recent years but still remains below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) held a two-part education estimating conference in late June and July for Florida’s Public Schools Capital Outlay Full Time Equivalent (COFTE) Membership — and forecasts show a small but steady increase in enrollments.

(kali9/Getty Images)

During the pandemic, enrollments in Florida schools decreased by 6% in the fall of 2020. While they have begun to increase, they remain 3% below their prior level. Economists noted that this is due to more school options being presented to parents, including homeschooling options and access to scholarships.

According to state data, full-time equivalent enrollment from pre-K through 12th grade had a total of 2.37 million students in 2022-2023, an increase of over 32,000 or 1.4% over the previous year.

This was, however, less than anticipated from the 2023 forecast, and EDR economists pointed out more parents are choosing a different setting for kindergarten.

“The take-home point here is that kindergarten came in less than anticipated, which is a reflection of families choosing a non-COFTE setting for their kindergartener,” Elizabeth Goodman from EDR said during the conference.

The conference projected in 2023-2024, student numbers will again increase by 0.2% or 3,774 full-time students. Into the future, enrollment is forecast to continue growth trends, projected to grow by 0.5% in 2024-2025, and 0.7% in 2025-2026.

State Pre-K numbers only include preschool-aged children with disabilities and children whose parents are in the Teenage Parent Program. Estimates also do not include children participating exclusively in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program who receive services through the public school system.

School districts were invited to submit comments on the June forecast between July 2 and July 12. Five school districts — Hernando, Brevard, Flagler, Osceola and St. Lucie — requested workbooks.

Flagler requested a change to the conference’s forecast model, asking to use the two most recent years. Flagler’s preliminary forecast was 12,112.39 membership. The district’s new forecast for the projected 2024-2025 is now 12,242.64 membership, and the conference adopted it.

Published July 31, 2024

Unique tree on view at MOSI

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A new Moon Tree is now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. (A new Moon Tree is now on display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. (Courtesy of MOSI)

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has become one of the first sites on Earth to place a new Moon Tree on display, unveiling the tree in honor of the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon, according to a news release.

The new Moon Tree was grown from a seed that flew around the Moon aboard the Artemis 1 spacecraft in 2022. The seed traveled 270,000 miles aboard Artemis 1 and after returning to earth, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service planted it and nurtured it until it was large and healthy enough to be delivered to MOSI.

The Moon Tree idea originally “sprouted” during the Apollo era. NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa was a former smokejumper (forest firefighter). He carried hundreds of tree seeds in special containers aboard his Apollo 14 spacecraft, which circled the moon in 1971, the release says. Many of those seeds were grown into trees that were planted around the world, giving people on earth a closer connection to its nearest neighbor in space.

NASA is working to place similar Moon Trees in other locations across the country; MOSI was the first selected.

Guests at the museum can see the sweetgum tree growing in MOSI’s Science Park, near the LIVECycles Butterfly Garden, Sky Trail Ropes Course and SciLinx Mini-Golf course.

Published July 31, 2024

Strategies for students to prepare for the upcoming school year

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Throughout the summer, students had the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. But with the end of summer approaching, here are some strategies students can still use to set themselves up for success in the upcoming school year. 

1. Set clear goals
Before the new school year starts, it’s helpful for students to set clear academic and personal goals. This could include improving in a specific subject, developing a new skill or achieving a personal milestone. By outlining what they hope to accomplish, students can create a focused plan for their summer.

2. Review and refresh
The last few weeks of summer is an ideal time for students to review what they learned during the past school year. Picking up where they left off with subjects they found challenging can help them retain knowledge and build a stronger foundation. Many students find it useful to use online resources or educational apps to brush up on key concepts.

(Klaus Vedfelt/Getty)

3. Read for pleasure and knowledge
Reading isn’t just for enjoyment — it can also be a powerful tool for academic preparation. Students can explore books related to their upcoming coursework or delve into genres that spark their interest. This not only enhances their reading skills but also broadens their knowledge base.

4. Develop study habits
With free time, students can experiment with different study techniques, create a study schedule and set up a dedicated study space. These habits will be invaluable when the school year begins, helping students manage their time and stay organized.

5. Engage in enrichment activities
Participating in enrichment activities can be both fun and educational. Students might consider attending workshops or taking online courses related to their interests. Whether it’s coding, art, sports or another field, these activities can help students develop new skills and interests.

6. Work on time management
Learning to manage time effectively is a crucial skill for academic success. Students can practice this by developing a schedule that balances relaxation with productivity. Setting aside specific times for study, leisure and chores can help them establish a routine that will benefit them during the school year.

7. Practice self-care
Preparing for the school year also involves taking care of oneself. Students should focus on maintaining a healthy balance between work and play, ensuring they get adequate rest, eat well and stay active. Self-care practices, like mindfulness or exercise, can improve overall well-being and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

8. Explore future interests
Having free time is great for students to explore their future interests. Whether it’s through internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, gaining experience in areas they are passionate about can provide valuable insights and help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

9. Connect with peers
Reconnecting with classmates or making new friends in the last weeks of summer can ease the transition back to school. Students can participate in community events, join study groups or engage in online forums related to their interests. Building these connections can foster a supportive network that enhances their school experience.

10. Organize and plan
Getting organized before the school year starts can make a big difference. Students can prepare by organizing their study materials, setting up their backpack and ensuring they have all the necessary supplies. Planning ahead for school projects or extracurricular activities can also reduce stress when the new year begins.

The end of summer offers a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for the upcoming school year in a way that balances productivity with relaxation. By setting goals, reviewing academic material, developing study habits and engaging in enriching activities, students can enter the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm. A well-prepared student is not only ready for academic challenges but also equipped to enjoy a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

Published July 31, 2024

One million Floridians have been disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023

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(The Center Square) — Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows over 1 million Floridians were disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023, primarily for administrative reasons.

As of July 12, over 24 million U.S residents have been disenrolled from Medicaid.

The federal government asked states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage to those enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if their circumstances changed, making them ineligible for coverage.

(Spotmatik/Getty)

Since the pandemic came to an end, Medicaid allowed a year for states to transition back to normal operations. Florida began unwinding Medicaid enrollments in 2023.

According to KFF’s Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, Florida had 1.9 million residents disenrolled from coverage, while 3.1 million have had coverage renewed. Data shows around 64% were terminated for procedural reasons, while 36% of Floridians were found to be ineligible.

Before sending a renewal form or requiring documentation from an enrollee, federal rules specify that states are required to complete administrative renewals, also known as ex parte, to verify ongoing eligibility using available data.

In Florida, 32% of enrollees had coverage renewed through ex parte, while the remaining 68% had Medicaid coverage renewed through a renewal form. Net Medicaid enrollment declines for Florida from 2023 to July 12 was about 24%.

In the neighboring state of Georgia, approximately 792,000 people were disenrolled, while the state renewed coverage for almost 1 million people.

Alabama disenrolled roughly 369,000 people and renewed coverage for approximately 745,000, while Mississippi disenrolled 148,000 people and renewed coverage for 434,000 others.

The Foundation for Government Accountability released a report on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act — also known as ObamaCare — to include able-bodied individuals, which will push up spending even further.

“Surging enrollment has led to skyrocketing spending. In 2013, taxpayers spent $406 billion on the Medicaid program,” the report states. “A decade later, total Medicaid spending has more than doubled, reaching nearly $874 billion.

“Medicaid now consumes nearly one-third of states’ non-capital budgets and is growing nearly twice as fast as state tax revenues. Expanding Medicaid in non-expansion states would burst already tight budgets and kick millions off of private insurance.”

Florida is currently a non-expansion state and provides over two million low-income people with health plans with no out-of-pocket premiums or deductibles.

Published July 31, 2024

DeSantis: Florida’s tough-on-crime policies are necessary

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the Florida Sheriffs’ Association Summer Conference on Wednesday and said the Sunshine State does not allow criminals to run amok.

DeSantis pointed out that in other states, leadership is cutting police resources and are allowing illegal migrants to form criminal gangs that loot businesses with no consequences.

“CNN of all places was investigating illegal aliens that would create criminal rings, and they were stealing and looting a lot of places in New York City,” DeSantis said. “It turned out that when they would get the proceeds of this, they would try to wanna come down to Florida to spend the money. Someone asked them from CNN, why don’t you steal in Florida? They said because in Florida, they put you in jail.”

(ATU Images/Getty)

DeSantis noted that if you want a lower crime rate, you have to have good policies, and if Florida enacted some of the laws seen in states like Illinois, California or New York, law enforcement would be “kneecapped.”

An example is Illinois’ abolishment of cash bail, which he says makes it easier for criminals to get back out on the street. DeSantis said this policy has already been tried and failed in New York.

“Los Angeles defunded police by $175 million, San Francisco has reduced by $120 million for police budget. NYPD has gone a billion due to budget cuts, basically since 2020 that’s happened. Washington D.C., our nation’s capital…homicides up 30%, motor vehicle theft up 103%, robberies up 70% and violent crime up 40%,” DeSantis said.

According to DeSantis, the increasing crime rate in D.C. is reportedly costing over $3 billion annually, and this debt then falls on the taxpayers.

“We’ve seen examples of what’s happened, and we’ve done the opposite in Florida, and we’re better off for doing the opposite in Florida,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis noted that because the state budget is fiscally sound, it allows room to include huge support for law enforcement.

“A lot of these states that are doing poorly, you know they’re not even fiscally solvent as is, and so if anything more happens, they’re gonna be in big big trouble,” DeSantis said.

Meanwhile, Florida is offering recruitment bonuses of up to $5,000 to law enforcement officers who relocate from other states while encouraging veterans and the younger generation to choose law enforcement as a career.

Published July 31, 2024

UnBinged: Summer of Adaptations — Reviews for ‘Lady in the Lake,’ ‘Sunny’ and ‘Those About to Die’

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Lounging by the pool or hiding from the heat is the perfect time to indulge in a little summer reading. But for those who prefer the small screen to the written word, here are a few literary adaptations that found their way to streaming this month. From engaging mysteries to unhinged sci-fi, this month’s UnBinged reviews big-budget book adaptations looking to nab your interest. Parents, please note that these television series are rated TV-MA and are intended for mature audiences.

“The Lady in the Lake” (Apple TV+)

‘Lady in the Lake’ (Apple TV+)
Being underestimated, undervalued and underappreciated is discouraging when it comes from strangers, disheartening when it comes from friends, and depressing when it comes from family. And for many women, it is an everyday occurrence. But there is a gift in this thoughtless cruelty that undermines others: it motivates people to transform, as they have nothing to lose. 

The story of “Lady in the Lake” follows two vastly different women in 1966 — one a Jewish housewife and another a struggling single Black mother — whose lives are forever entangled due to the tragic murder of the latter. For Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), the disappearance of a young girl sparks something within her to flee her middle-class existence, as well as her nebbish husband and surly teen son, in an effort to reinvent herself. Meanwhile, bartender and model Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) falls deeper into the seedy underbelly of Baltimore’s corrupt political scene, placing her life in danger as she attempts to provide for her family. Ultimately, Cleo’s world collides with Maddie’s as the fate of the two women become intertwined.

Both Portman and Ingram are given a chance to embody their characters before the crux of the story takes hold. Portman brings her acting aptitude to the role of Maddie as the Oscar winner epitomizes an Orthodox Jewish housewife who experiences a midlife crisis due to past trauma triggered by a horrific event in her community. And Ingram is equally pivotal, both as the struggling Cleo and as the omnipresent narrator, keeping the twisted tales in tandem even when the story seems uneven.

But “Lady in the Lake” isn’t just about how the case of a little girl galvanized a housewife or why a Black woman was murdered, but about women finding their identity through devastation. The performances and ethereal direction of the series bring the novel to life, captivating the viewer and holding their interest until the final climactic moments.  

“Sunny” (Apple TV+)

‘Sunny’ (Apple TV+)
Meet Suzie Sakamoto. Suzie (played by Rashida Jones) is not doing well. She just lost her son Zen and her husband Masa in a horrific plane crash, but their bodies cannot be found. Slightly abrasive even before the incident and all alone in Kyoto where she can barely speak the language, Suzie is isolated in her pain. Taking pity on her situation, her husband’s employer Imatech supplies the grieving woman with Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura), a top-of-the-line robot created by her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) specifically for Suzie. 

But something is amiss with Sunny. Beneath “her” constant chipper demeanor is a sinister secret, something that eventually leads Suzie to seek out “The Dark Manual,” a hacker’s guide that can allow bot owners to unlock the dark side of their automatons. Along with her new edgy friend Mixxy (Annie the Clumsy), Suzie explores more of this world in hopes of unraveling her roboticist husband’s secrets, but only discovering a dangerous faction who wishes to stay concealed.  

Based on the book “The Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan, A24’s daring new comedic thriller for the small screen embodies new fears about AI and gives it a cheery disposition with vaguely threatening undertones, just enough to make audiences side-eye their Alexas and not fully trust their Roombas. The performances from Jones and Ms. Clumsy, particularly their chemistry together and their ability to interact with Sunny, work quite well as a source of comedy, though the antagonists are a little over the top. But the real stars here are the special effects, which are so seamless it is easy to overlook the outstanding work that went into the character creation of Sunny, whose expressions from elation to dismay are a wonder unto themselves.  

“Sunny” should garner interest from those who enjoy their dark future tales with a dash of black humor and mystery but grounded in reality. Fans of “Black Mirror” or other malevolent yet mundane sci-fi tales in which shades of the fantastic take a backseat to the horrors of humanity will find “Sunny” a uniquely creative series that will keep viewers enthralled. 

“Those About To Die” (NBCU)

‘Those About To Die’ (Peacock)
As extortionate series about dragon-based families and bodice-rippers set during the Regency era continue to draw large audiences, streaming services search for the next hit series among epic productions and costume dramas. Over at Peacock, Roland Emmerich enters the field with “Those About To Die,” a historical drama spotlighting gladiators and gambling halls of an ancient era.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction novel, “Those About To Die” lifts up ancient rocks overlooked by most Hollywood productions and explores the Flavian Dynasty — the chaotic period that followed right after Nero’s fiddle fell silent — in which Emperor Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins) took to the throne. 

The story follows several social classes, from patricians such as Vespasian’s two sons, Titus and Domitian (Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari), who both eye the throne, to plebeians like Cala (Sara Martins), a mother who pursues her daughters after they are forcibly taken into slavery. But much of the series’ focus falls on Iwan Rheon who plays Tenax, owner of the largest betting tavern in Rome. The heart and soul of the series, the character is a stark (ahem) contrast to his iconic role as Ramsay Bolton from “Game of Thrones” (or “Misfits’” Simon for longtime fans). 

Elaborate sets and costumes paired with a top-tier cast and crew makes “Those About To Die” one of Peacock’s most ambitious projects to date, hoping to pique curiosity with its lavish production, but the drama has to clear more than just the high hurdle of notice among the many streaming offerings. Without the familiarity of Queen Cleopatra, Mark Antony, or other titans of history, a majority of viewers will depend on the storytelling to keep them absorbed, and while most of the tale is captivating, the multiple narratives are stretched a bit thin. So while characters can be compelling, particularly Rheon’s Tenax, there are too many of them in the onset, so some characters feel tacked on and shallow.

“Those About To Die” is an exorbitant historical melodrama hoping to nab the attention of picky at-home audiences. And while the series has done well by focusing on Rheon, the disjointed storytelling, particularly in the beginning, muddles the narrative enough to get the series off to a shaky start. But it is footing that has the ability to find more stable ground if or when it gets a second season. 

Published July 31, 2024

Report finds decrease in number of victims of commercial sexual exploitation

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(The Center Square) — A new report from the Florida Legislature’s research arm found a significant decrease in the number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the Sunshine State, but some services still sorely need improvement.

The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability published its annual report on the sexual exploitation of minors in Florida and the data shows there has been an 11% decrease overall since 2020 in child victims of exploitation.

In 2023, there were a total of 339 minors who were identified as victims of exploitation, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. However, while there has been an overall decrease in cases, reporting has increased by 6% since 2020.

The report identified a pattern of higher incidences of maltreatment and abuse in dependent youth under the care of the department than youth in the community. It was also found that the department lacks access to specialized settings for child victims of exploitation.

This includes facilities for youth needing rehabilitation for substance abuse and treatment for mental health. Other reported gaps in service included a lack of beds, which has not increased since 2023.

State officials say in the report that the department’s funding amounts fluctuate from year to year and note that agencies have consistently expended more funds than allocated. Between $3 million and $5.1 million per year has been allocated to department agencies since fiscal year 2018-2019.

For fiscal 2022-2023, the department allocated $3.5 million to lead agencies. It was found that in that same year, $11.5 million was spent. The report notes the huge upswing in spending was due to providing services and placements to 482 youth. This equates to around $23,000 per child.

The report points out the department is actively involved in recruitment and anticipates it will increase its capacity in placements by 2025. The majority of exploited youth spent most of their time in traditional foster homes and at-risk group homes once they had been verified.

Revictimized youth were the exception to this and spent more time in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice facilities than foster homes and relative/non-relative placements.

Approximately 56% of youth with an exploitation finding were white, of which 92% were female and 95% of them were between 13 and 17 years old. Five counties — including Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough and Escambia — accounted for over 40% of all verified exploitation cases.

Published July 31, 2024