The Latest Breaking News from Geraldine Thompson

Florida brother and sister are running against each other in ‘hurtful’ state senate race

Siblings Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are facing off in Florida’s State Senate District 15 Democratic primary on Tuesday.

The Independent UK · Jun 24, 2025

Florida lawmakers honor the 'trailblazing legacy' of late state Sen. Geraldine Thompson

In a state so often divided along partisan lines, Democrats and Republicans alike were moved to tears as they gathered in the Florida capitol Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a longtime legislator, civil rights legend and educator who died on Feb. 13…

The Independent UK · Mar 13, 2025

Florida school guidelines can punish trans students and teach how slavery ‘developed skills’ for Black people

Civil rights groups, lawmakers and educators blast ‘inaccurate and a scary’ African American history standards

The Independent UK · Jul 20, 2023

Tyre Sampson bills would strengthen ride safety but keep records secret

ORLANDO, Fla. — Legislation filed after teenage tourist Tyre Sampson’s death on the Orlando Free Fall drop tower would improve ride safety, his mother’s attorney and a ride safety expert say, but it could also keep future accident investigations secret until they’re done.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 2, 2023

Florida’s struggle to teach Black history has become a battle over who controls the past

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For 71 years, the survivors of Rosewood controlled their history. They guardedly discussed their stories only at family gatherings, haunted by the threat of retaliation in their rural Central Florida communities.

Tribune News Service · Feb 9, 2023

Crump threatens to sue DeSantis over African American Studies course

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday he would sue Gov. Ron DeSantis if he doesn’t allow Florida high school students to take a new AP African American Studies course that the governor contends promotes woke ideology and critical race theory.

Orlando Sentinel · Jan 25, 2023

Florida cites CRT, ‘Black Struggle,’ and communism in rejected African American course

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies course because it contains critical race theory and state leaders objected to its lessons on “Black queer studies,” Black feminist thought and “the Black Struggle in the 21st Century,” according to the Florida Department of Education.

Orlando Sentinel · Jan 21, 2023

State seeks fine, criminal charges in teen’s tower ride death at Orlando theme park

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has determined the operator of the Orlando Free Fall, the ride from which 14-year-old tourist Tyre Sampson fell to his death in March, broke numerous laws in operating the ride and is seeking to fine the company over $250,000.

Orlando Sentinel · Nov 23, 2022

Orlando Free Fall to be torn down after 14-year-old's death

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Free Fall, a drop tower from which 14-year-old tourist Tyre Sampson fell to his death in March, will be taken down, the attraction’s operators said Thursday.

Orlando Sentinel · Oct 7, 2022

Tyre Sampson’s father, attorneys say Free Fall ride death being swept ‘under the rug’

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Friday, two days before Father’s Day, Juneteenth and his birthday, Yarnell Sampson visited the Orlando Free Fall ride in ICON Park.

Orlando Sentinel · Jun 20, 2022