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Articles by Michelle Quesada
Psilocybe cubensis: potencial neuropsicofarmacéutico de la psilocibina y psilocina
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Psilocybe cubensis: potencial neuropsicofarmacéutico de la psilocibina y psilocina Valeria Herrera-Rojas [1] ; Michelle Montero-Quesada [1] ; Jose Julián Picado-Morales [1] ; Magally María Sanabria-Brenes [1] ; Frank Carlos Barrientos-Alfaro [1] Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. Costa Rica. Localización: Tecnología en Marcha, ISSN 0379-3982, ISSN-e 2215-3241, Vol. 37, Nº.
Florida auto insurance rates still accelerating, forcing 'panic shopping'
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Finding affordable auto insurance is becoming more difficult for Florida drivers. "It got to the point where I was like panic shopping," driver Mark Fitzpatrick said. "How am I going to pay for this?" The Palm Beach County man took his plight to social media where a Nextdoor thread had more than 100 responses in just a few days. "I was trying to figure out why my car insurance had exploded from $1,300 for six months all the way up to $2,000," Fitzpatrick said.
Should Florida require all golf carts to be licensed, insured?
Take a drive just about anywhere in the Sunshine State, and it doesn't take long to see how popular golf carts have become on and, especially, off the greens. But as more of these low-speed vehicles are hitting the pavement, high-impact crashes and incidents are reaching disturbing new levels.
Deputies justified in firing at SUV that blasted through Mar-a-Lago checkpoint, report says
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Two Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies were justified when they fired numerous shots at a Connecticut opera singer whose speeding SUV blasted through a checkpoint outside then-President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club almost four years ago, an internal affairs investigation concluded.
New Florida law could revive defeated Jupiter housing development
JUPITER, Fla. — A plan to create 520 apartments in Jupiter was rejected Tuesday night by the Town Council, but a recently passed Florida law could revive the plan. Senate Bill 102 also known as the "Live Local Act" adds $711 million worth of taxpayer funds into different programs to help people build and buy homes. However, the bill also allows developers to build apartments if a certain percentage of the units have rents tied to the median income in a given area.
New state law will restrict usage of golf carts by teens
Under a new bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida teens won’t be able to drive golf carts without proper identification. The new new is affecting communities across the state, including in our own backyard. According to House Bill 949, sponsored by Vero Beach State Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican, if you’re under 18, you must be at least 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 with a driver’s license. If you’re 18 and older, you must have a valid government-issued ID.
Palm Beach County, Treasure Coast employers still having difficulty filling job openings
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Job growth gains are slowing down month to month nationwide. Workforce analysts call it a cool down, but Florida often marches to the beat of a different drum. Job growth remains strong, especially in Palm Beach County where there are more available jobs than people looking for work. At many businesses, there are more customers walking through the door each day. However, there is less help behind the counter.
Florida's 'Protection of Children' bill dubbed by critics as 'Anti-Drag Show'
LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — A new amendment to a bill in Florida aims to penalize venues that allow children inside during certain types of adult live performances. The sponsor of the bill calls it the "Protection of Children" bill, but critics have dubbed it the "Anti-Drag Show" bill. The new amendment could punish local governments that permit certain events. A few weeks ago Lake Worth Beach hosted a massive Pride Festival and Parade, which was permitted by the city.
Appeal for Westlake community in western Palm Beach County growing
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Out in the Westlake community in western Palm Beach County, there were more buyers than land lots ready for building. The waiting lists for new builds are gone but the appeal of Westlake is growing. More than 1,500 families are now living in the city of Westlake since construction began. Last year, builders faced an accelerated pace and high demand for new homes. WPTV interviewed a couple that camped out overnight to secure a new construction in Westlake.
'If he talks too much, it will not be good for him': Democrats on Trump charges
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — As supporters for the former president stand along Southern Boulevard showing their unwavering support, Democrats in Palm Beach County are watching the development of the criminal charges against Donald Trump but they are not staying quiet. The biggest surprise from the arraignment proceedings for Palm Beach County’s democratic chair is that there wasn’t a gag order or restrictions placed on the former president.
Trump's indictment brings mixed emotions for Democrats
Democrats in Palm Beach County had mixed feelings Monday about former President Donald Trump's impending arraignment this week. They believe it sends the right message, but there are some concerns about how this may further divide the country. Democrats said the indictment has been a long time coming, but they are not celebrating because many also believe it does not improve the morale of the country.
Polls shows support for Trump remains strong despite indictment
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Support for President Donald Trump is growing, despite his Thursday indictment, according to recent polls. WPTV examined how the indictment will impact both Democrats and Republicans ahead of the 2024 presidential race. In the days leading up to his indictment, support Trump’s base remained strong and still does. "Right now for Trump and his supporters, this is a loyalty test time," WPTV political analyst Brian Crowley said.
Boca Raton sports bar to hold watch parties for both FAU, Miami fans
BOCA RATON, Fla. — University of Miami graduates who live north of Miami-Dade County may be wondering where they can watch their beloved Hurricanes play in the Final Four this weekend. WPTV checked the pulse of 'Canes fans living in Palm Beach County ahead of Saturday's big game against the University of Connecticut.
Hundreds of fans offer huge sendoff as Miami Hurricanes head to Houston for Final Four
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — A category five amount of energy is headed to Houston. The Miami Hurricanes had a final practice on campus Wednesday before departing for the Final Four. A large crowd of fans and students gathered at the Watsco Center just before noon to cheer the team on as they boarded the bus to head to the airport. The huge show of support for the men's basketball team is a testament to how loved this team is on campus and beyond Coral Gables.
University of Miami fans quickly scoop up Final Four shirts ahead of big game
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team is scheduled to head to Houston for the Final Four on Wednesday morning. WPTV has been on the Coral Gables campus to capture all of the energy and how the team is preparing for Connecticut ahead of this weekend's big game. The team has an open practice scheduled for Wednesday morning before buses depart the Watsco Center at 11:45 a.m. The public is welcome to attend the send-off to show their support for the team.
University of Miami students 'going crazy' as basketball team makes historic Final Four appearance
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — From Boca Raton to Miami, South Florida basketball fans are beaming with pride for their schools. In addition toFlorida Atlantic University's incredible run in the NCAA tournament, the Miami Hurricanes are also in the Final Four for the first time in school history. WPTV visited Coral Gables on Monday to check out the excitement on campus. RELATED: FAU, Miami fans celebrate teams in Final Four: Share your photos, videos The school was energetic and the campus store was packed.
Florida legislative bills targeting LGBTQ+ community impacting youth
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The current bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community moving through the state legislature are having a profound impact on LGBTQ+ youth. The sign Jasper Gamer made for this weekend’s Palm Beach Pride Parade holds special meaning. “I feel like being cis to me was a phase,” Gamer said. The term cisgender refers to someone whose gender identity matches their sex at birth. “Well, I’ve kind of always felt like I was not my birth gender. I always knew that I wasn’t a girl,” Gamer said.
Continuous Medicaid coverage ending soon: Here’s what you need to know
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Floridians who enrolled in Medicaid at the start of the pandemic haven’t had to reapply for the last three years. That continuous coverage is ending on March 31, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you lose coverage April 1. “It is important that families are aware this is going to be happening over the course of the next year,” Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine said.
What kind of training is required for miners in Florida?
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV is learning more about the mining safety investigation of a deadly incident that occurred last week in St. Lucie County. The Mine Safety and Health Administration's preliminary report confirmed the miner who died was operating an excavator along a water-filled pit when it fell into the pit and submerged. We looked into what kind of training is required for Florida mining and how best practices discovered during these types of investigations are implemented.
Majority of deaths at mining properties are related to machinery
Mining is known as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. The Mine Safety and Health Administration does more than respond to investigative incidents. It operates under the U.S. Department of Labor and has mandates to conduct inspections, investigate hazard complaints, offer training and most importantly, work to prevent accidents. Its website’s database lists all mining fatality reports you can search by year, location, and accident location.
SB 266 sparks concerns that Florida colleges will be weakened by legislation
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — There is resounding fear from opponents that new legislation in Florida will weaken universities and colleges. The Senate version of a higher education bill, which targets diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory concepts or practices, faced debate Wednesday. True to its word, Senate Bill 266 does what it says in its first line — revising the mission of each state university. In its first committee hearing Wednesday, strong opposition was voiced.
HB 999 opponents fear bill would regulate student campus activities at Florida colleges
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The controversial HB 999 bill aims to restrict the programs and activities that Florida universities and colleges can promote or support. It calls into question student organizations, groups or activities centered on diversity, equity and inclusion. WPTV explored what the bill says and why some legislators are raising red flags.
Need for rain grows as fire risk increases on Treasure Coast
MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A lack of rain along with windy conditions are raising the fire risks in our area, especially on the Treasure Coast. The threat of storms Monday night may bring some rain but could elevate the fire risk. Much of southeast Florida hasn't had rain for weeks, but even a little rain may not be enough to scale back the wildfire threat right now.
Here's how lawmakers believe Florida's 'Live Local Act' will make housing more affordable
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — State lawmakers took a big step Thursday toward what they believe will improve Florida's affordable housing crisis. WPTV looked at the Live Local Act and what it means for making affordable housing more attainable in Florida. On Day 2 of the legislative session, state senators unanimously passed the 93-page affordable housing bill.
When does a woman usually realize she's pregnant?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — What is happening in pregnancy at week 6? WPTV examined why some doctors said they won't even schedule ultrasounds until after six weeks. RELATED: Florida Republicans seek ban on abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy Doctors say usually a missed period is the first sign that leads a woman to take a pregnancy test.
Palm Beach International Airport travelers say cost not only consideration when choosing airline
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Cost is a factor for customers when choosing an airline. But it's not the only factor. Just ask Reese Hart, who was flying back to Connecticut from Palm Beach International Airport on Tuesday after attending the Okeechobee Music Festival. Hart's considerations when picking a flight include leg room and space. He chose JetBlue for the flight to Florida. "Me, personally, flying out of JetBlue, service was phenomenal," he told WPTV.
Technology helping pilots and passengers deal with turbulence, aviation expert says
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Usually, it’s during take-off and landing when passengers may hold onto their armrests a little tighter. “It’s just part of the trip,” passenger Dan Western said. “We came out of Dallas; they had some bad weather coming out of there.” However, turbulence can happen at any time, even thousands of feet up in the air. “Well it happens, what can you do?” passenger Sal Carnavle said.
Florida Atlantic University students face housing crunch as parents seek answers
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Parents of students who attend Florida Atlantic University are frustrated and turning to WPTV for answers. Many students who are juniors and seniors are just learning they are on a waitlist for housing — even though they've lived on campus since they were freshmen. WPTV looked into the housing situation at FAU and why these parents are saying they cannot afford off-campus living. "I am so frustrated," Kimberlee Dion, who is a parent of an FAU student, said.
Boynton Beach man recounts experiences at a high-risk juvenile facility
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — WPTV got an inside look at the juvenile justice system through the eyes of a Boynton Beach man who recounted his experiences at a high-risk juvenile facility nearly seven years ago. The path to the present moment and the future has never been brighter for Lashawn Montal. “I feel like I’m holding and carrying this torch. That’s a wonderful torch to carry,” he said. However, his vision wasn’t always this clear. “We grew up hard, very hard,” he said.
Vehicle insurance costs rising even for good drivers; here's what you can do
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — What's driving up car insurance rates? A driver may have a great record and a high credit score, but their rates are still increasing. WPTV explored the factors that may be increasing what drivers are paying for car insurance. When you get a quote for vehicle insurance, you're asked an array of questions including: are you married, single and where do you live? Those answers have more weight on your car insurance rate than you think.
Suspect in deadly Orlando shootings, Keith Melvin Moses, had extensive criminal record
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Following Wednesday's deadly shootings in Orlando that claimed three lives, including a television reporter, there are still many unanswered questions. According to the Orange County sheriff, the suspect, Keith Melvin Moses, 19, had a lengthy juvenile record with violent charges involving guns. The state attorney in Central Florida on Thursday raised concerns about the juvenile justice system and its limitations for violent crimes.
Wildlife expert gives tips on how to protect yourself, pets from alligators
JUPITER, Fla. — In Florida, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than become a victim of an unprovoked alligator attack, according to experts. WPTV spoke with a wildlife expert who explained how to protect yourself and your pets during alligator encounters. "Here in Florida, if you see a fresh body of water, a lake, a pond or a canal or stream, there's most likely going to be an alligator in it," Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Executive Director Amy Kight said.
Despite inflation fears, consumer spending rises again
After a slowdown in retail at the end of 2022, consumer spending is up again. WPTV looked at where the largest increases are happening and what it means to the economy. Shoppers were taking advantage of Presidents Day sales Monday with overall retail spending up 3% from December. This is the largest jump in nearly two years. However, a big part of consumer spending is still going to gasoline stations and grocery stores.
Nursing industry looks to fill job openings as many face burnout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — If you're a nurse looking for a job in Palm Beach County, there are plenty of opportunities. There are currently more jobs available in the health care industry in Palm Beach County than health care professionals to fill them. It's one of the stressors local hospitals deal with every day. WPTV examined the high-demand industry and what factors may be driving nurses to take jobs outside of hospitals.
Guns on campus debate reignited following deadly Michigan State shooting
BOCA RATON, Fla. — The tragedy at Michigan State University that claimed three lives has awakened a long-debated topic: should concealed carry be allowed on college and university campuses? WPTV looked into the issue and how Florida's law compares to other states. Backpacks are not the only weight college students carry with them to class these days.
With interest rates high, is it cheaper to buy a new car or used vehicle?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — If you're in the market to buy a car, you have some tough decisions to make. New car prices continue to climb, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report, while used car prices are dropping. WPTV looked into why there's more for buyers to consider than the sticker price. When the latest data shows that buying a new car could cost as much as half of your monthly mortgage payment in Florida, there's increasing interest in used cars.
What safety procedures are required at Florida colleges?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Parents have an expectation that when they send their children to school or college the campuses have security measures in place. Following the deadly shooting at Michigan State University, WPTV looked into what security requirements public universities and colleges in Florida have to adhere to. While colleges have to take steps to increase campus security and report crimes, individual students are also responsible for their own safety.
Metal detectors to be tested at some Palm Beach County high schools
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — There's never been more change in security at public schools in Florida than in the last five years. The tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School moved security to the top of the list for school districts, and it's still the No. 1 priority. Some Palm Beach County high schools will be selected to test out metal detectors in the next couple of months while more school districts are considering them as well.
'Not your father's Boca:' How Boca Raton is shedding its retirement community image
BOCA RATON, Fla. — There's an appetite for new sights, new restaurants and new concepts in Boca Raton. In Midtown Boca, major change is happening to cater to a younger city. Any avid "Seinfeld" fan will remember the fictitious Del Boca Vista retirement community where Jerry Seinfeld's parents lived. But, as Mayor Scott Singer will remind them, "Del Boca Vista was a fiction." People who live in Boca Raton know that, but the retirement community perception of the city stuck. That is, until now.
Neighbors of missing Lyft driver: 'We love you; praying for you to be returned safely to your family'
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The search for a missing Lyft driver is weighing on many in the Palm Beach Gardens community. WPTV went to the home of Gary Levin and found a note, handwritten by neighbors, taped to his garage door. The note read: “Gary, we love you and praying for you to be returned safely to your family.” A neighbor told WPTV, every couple of days, Levin would be out in his driveway cleaning his red Kia Stinger that he loves so much.
More business owners turning to artificial intelligence to stay competitive
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It's becoming their smartest most efficient employee. More business owners are using artificial intelligence or AI assistants. WPTV looked at why entrepreneurs said it's changing the playing field in their industries. Coined the Wall Street of the South — it's not surprising to hear there's an abundance of wealth management firms in West Palm Beach.
Price of nearly 1,000 prescription drugs increased in January
The costs of many prescription drugs are on the rise. Hundreds of drugs are costing an average of 5% more and additional increases are likely. In the month of January, the prices for nearly 1,000 drugs increased. The cost to the consumer varies, but not only are people shelling out more on co-pays for certain prescriptions, but some drugs are also difficult to get due to shortages. RELATED: Life-saving drugs costs thousands in the US. Can laws change that?
Price of nearly 1,000 prescription drugs increased in January
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The costs of many prescription drugs are on the rise. Hundreds of drugs are costing an average of 5% more and more increases are likely. In the month of January, the prices for nearly 1,000 drugs increased. The cost to the consumer varies, but not only are people shelling out more on co-pays for certain prescriptions, but some drugs are also difficult to get due to shortages. RELATED: Life-saving drugs costs thousands in the US. Can laws change that?
New rule making it easier for parents to save for college
Many parents might be hesitant to put money away into a savings plan that can only be used for qualified higher education expenses. But starting next year, big changes are coming to 529 college savings plans. Parents want to plan for their children's futures and saving for college early is part of that plan, but many college savings plans are restrictive. The new Secure 2.0 Act , which was recently passed by Congress, offers a future with financial freedom.
More diverging diamond interchanges planned for Palm Beach County, Treasure Coast
MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — More diverging diamond interchanges are coming to Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. The first of these configurations opened in Palm Beach County on Monday at I-95 and Glades Road in Boca Raton. The Department of Transportation said the design has been shown to improve safety and throughput at interchanges. A bird's eye view of the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) can look confusing.
Restaurants remain understaffed even as demand recovers after pandemic
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The restaurant industry continues to add jobs now for the 24th consecutive month, and it’s still the industry with the largest employment deficit. Palm Beach County restaurants are still dealing with challenges three years since the pandemic. The hiring process for new restaurants is even more of a challenge. Not only do they face steep competition against other local new spots, but they’re also competing for hires against understaffed established restaurants.
Health officials contemplate recommending annual COVID vaccine shots
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — One COVID-19 vaccine, once a year. That's the goal the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working toward. As of last week, CDC data shows only 20% of people vaccinated have received an updated booster shot. WPTV looked into what makes the vaccine series complicated for many people, and the impact a model similar to annual flu shots might have.
Employers offering 'silly money' in effort to fill cybersecurity positions
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Amid big tech layoffs, there is a sector in desperate need of more employees — cybersecurity. WPTV looked into the boom in demand and the ramifications of a small workforce pool. Think of them like digital security guards. With how much time everyone spends using the internet, we want people to protect that information. Companies are seeking cybersecurity experts to protect all of that data. There's a high demand for those jobs but not enough workers.
Are salaries keeping up with inflation in Palm Beach County?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Do you feel like you're underpaid? It's a common topic brought up as we all deal with price increases at restaurants, grocery stores, electric bills, etc. So, are salaries in Palm Beach County keeping up with inflation? A few people that WPTV talked to out in Lake Worth Beach said they are just now getting raises after four to five years of stagnant wages. Data from the state shows there are some jobs that are actually seeing wage decreases.
Is Florida actually cheaper than other states? Original
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — About 500,000 people made the move from other states to Florida last year. The influx of people relocating to the Sunshine State from other parts of the U.S. is not slowing down. But one of the main reasons people move here could cost them in the long run. It's no surprise we are seeing our roads and highways explode with traffic. There are thousands of more drivers navigating the roads.
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