In the 18th episode of "Update 850," Caleb Hawkes provides a concise update on Florida's Capitol City. The episode covers Governor DeSantis appointing former Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin as the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County, leading to a special election in house district 118. Governor DeSantis also signed the 2023/2024 General Appropriations Act, outlining a $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, along with exercising his line-item veto authority to strike $511 million in spending.

The podcast highlights the recognition received by Florida's Specialty Hospitals for Children, with their specialty programs ranking among the nation's best in the U.S. News & World Report's "Best Children's Hospitals" survey. Additionally, it touches upon the need for more foster parents in Florida, particularly in the central region, as Heartland for Children raises awareness about this pressing issue. Stay informed with "Update 850" as Caleb Hawkes keeps you up to date on Florida's political landscape and noteworthy developments impacting the state.

This episode is sponsored by the Florida Coalition for Children's 2023 annual conference. Join us from July 16th to 18th in Bonita Springs, Florida, for a remarkable event featuring influential speakers and leaders in the child welfare community. Visit flchildren.org to register.