Farmworkers

The Farmworker Association of Florida is trying to get a safety message about the scorching heat to workers and policymakers.

The proposal provide “medical benefit plans” that would not be subject to the same state and federal regulations as health insurance.

Laborers have suffered in extreme heat triggered by climate change. Deaths aren’t inevitable, and employers can save lives by providing ample water and breaks, researchers say.

The national report comes shortly after Florida banned local heat protections for outdoor workers.

Eleven counts of DUI with serious bodily injury have been filed against Bryan Howard. He already was facing eight counts of DUI-manslaughter in connection with the May 14 crash.

Six of the eight dead have been identified, and the family of victim Manuel Pérez Ríos mourned and recited prayers for the loss of their loved one, who was a father of four and grandfather to four.

Bryan Maclean Howard pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence-manslaughter.

About 30 people, including pastors, nuns, and volunteers from the Mexican consulate in Orlando, attended a candlelight vigil in Apopka for the eight Mexican farmworkers who died.

In Marion County, the crash killed eight farmworkers and injured dozens as the workers were traveling in a bus to a farm in Dunnellon.

The farmworkers were from Mexico, working on seasonal or temporary visas, and authorities have not yet released their names.

Eight bus passengers were killed and over 40 injured Tuesday when a bus crashed on State Road 40.

The driver of a pickup truck that crashed into the farmworker bus faces eight counts of DUI-manslaughter.