Top Scholars, political wealth and Mother's Day | Inside FLORIDA TODAY
I'm going to dive right in because there's a lot for you in today's FLORIDA TODAY.
Starting with our annual feature, Top Scholars. This project is led by one of our editors, John McCarthy, and it features stand-out students from the Class of 2024 at our area high schools. Every single one of these students inspires awe. They're smart, accomplished and ambitious. Read through their answers to our questionnaires and I guarantee you'll find them as compelling as we do.
We decided to pair that story on Sunday's front page with the second part of Investigative Reporter Eric Rogers' series on the finances of our elected officials. This story focuses on politicians' net worth gains while in office. Eric's reporting is based on the financial forms these officials are required to fill out. The forms are a public record for a reason, and we think it's important to use public records for their intended purpose: informing the public. More to come in this series.
Inside, Trending Reporter Michelle Spitzer takes you on a trip down memory lane of favorite restaurants that are no more like Herbie K's Diner in Cocoa Beach. That story was sparked from a conversation on our very active 321 Flavor Facebook group.
Criminal Justice Reporter J.D. Gallop brings us a Mother's Day story that came so close to being a tragedy if it weren't for the expert response of Cocoa police. What got me: mom Anqunette Harvey recalling that moment when she knew her 3-year-old son was alive. "I heard him whining, it was a sound I will never forget. I felt so much relief. I was just boo-hoo crying,” Harvey said.
Also in recognition of Mother's Day, we have an interview between a former FLORIDA TODAY reporter and her daughter discussing alcoholism on our opinion page. It's a brave story to share, and a bit gut-wrenching to read. We hope it helps someone.
When's the next launch: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
On the lighter side, Columnist Suzy Leonard talks about that feeling we all get when our phone buzzes with a late-night text. Is everything OK is usually the immediate fear. Suzy tells us how she intends to counteract late-night texts.
Finally, if you're into gardening or even if you're just fascinated by nature, read Sally Scalera's piece in the Style section about the Atala butterfly and native coontie plant. The coontie's seeds are toxic but not to the Atala caterpillar, which feasts on them and then incorporates the toxins into its own tissues, providing it a defense against predators. Pretty cool.
To all the mother's reading this column, I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day. As a mom of a 15-year-old who makes me proud every day, I know the most important thing I'll do with my life is raising and loving him.
Thank you for supporting local journalism.
Contact Executive Editor Mara Bellaby at mbellaby@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Top Scholars, political wealth, Mother's Day in FLORIDA TODAY
