Joe Mario Pedersen
Health ReporterOriginally from South Florida, Joe Mario came to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida where he graduated with degrees in Radio & Television Production, Film, and Psychology. He worked several beats and covered multimedia at The Villages Daily Sun but returned to the City Beautiful as a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel where he covered crime, hurricanes, and viral news. Joe Mario has too many interests and not enough time but tries to focus on his love for strange stories in comic books and horror movies. When he's not writing he loves to run in his spare time.
-
The bill, which allows parents to opt out of mandatory vaccines for "philosophical” reasons, is advancing through the Florida Senate, even as cases of measles are on the rise. -
More than a week after making comments comparing dogs and Muslims, U.S. Rep. Randy Fine continues to push the issue, and Central Florida leaders call out religious hate.
-
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood withdrew his endorsement of Congressman Randy Fine on Thursday over Fine’s anti-Muslim posts on social media. -
During the latest board meeting, Orange County commissioners considered the path forward regarding its relationship with ICE. -
According to Orange County data, the county jail saw an increase in the monthly average of ICE detainees in January. -
U.S. Rep. Cory Mills hosted a town hall meeting Thursday night at the Oviedo City Center. Hundreds of constituents arrived, many expressing anger with the congressman over the policies he supports and his recent scandals. -
Despite seeing one of the largest dropoffs of ACA enrollment in the country, Florida has more enrollees than any other state, showing a strong need for insurance, experts say. -
While reviewing proposals to consolidate seven schools in Orange County, several members of the School Board expressed anger and frustration with state leaders not supporting their institutions. -
A bill expanding parents’ rights to waive mandatory child vaccines is advancing through the Florida Senate, but some Republicans disagree about the access it purportedly offers. -
After a surge of flu just after Christmas, flu numbers have chilled out. Meanwhile, flu vaccination numbers continue to drop.
