Journalist

Annie Martin

Annie Martin is an investigative journalist for the Orlando Sentinel. A Washington state native, Annie graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She previously worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and the Battle Creek Enquirer in Michigan. Annie is an avid runner and reader. She loves exploring all of Florida’s natural wonders.

The for-profit Brilliant Academy Health Center, on Conway Road in Orlando offers a state-approved nursing program and advertises tuition of $27,000. The schools’ passage rate on the professional exam for new registered nurses is well below the state and national rates, yet the school remains open as a 2009 law stripped much of the state Board of Nursing’s oversight of nursing schools (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel).

Florida deregulated nursing schools. Scam colleges and failing students followed

January 23, 2026 at 11:25 a.m.

The 2009 deregulation allowed hundreds of new nursing schools, many for-profit institutions.

Dr. Pam Trout engages 3-year-old Bennett before his exam during a visit at her pediatrics practice near AdventHealth Winter Park hospital, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Like many pediatricians, Trout has concerns about plans announced by the state to remove school vaccine mandates. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Should physicians have to see children whose parents oppose vaccinations?

September 18, 2025 at 7:20 a.m.

Florida wants to end vaccine mandates and insist doctors disregard vaccination status, but many pediatricians say the mandates, and requiring patients to follow them, is best for public health.

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Annie Martin

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Florida deregulated nursing schools. Scam colleges and failing students followed

Should physicians have to see children whose parents oppose vaccinations?