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An estimated 60,000 Floridians experience severe seizures. As Matt Horn reports, parents are now pushing for an experimental drug using a marijuana component to save their children.

In a 2012 CNN documentary – a Colorado family started using oils from one of marijuana’s major components to help save their daughter, who suffers from severe seizures. The mother, Paige Figgy spoke to Florida lawmakers Thursday.

“We are just asking for leniency to treat these children,” said Figgy.

The oil extracted from the marijuana plant has been found to have an extremely high success rate.

“I can’t promise, we don’t make claims this will help everyone, I want people to understand that,” said Joel Stanley.

Marijuana has two major components: THC which makes people high and CBD which is already being used to help eliminate seizures for children in Colorado.

Here in Florida – the oil is illegal since it comes from the illegal plant. But those in support of the potentially life saving oil says it has no street value. Families say they’ll do whatever it takes, including moving, if it means their child has a chance of living.

”We’ve looked at options of sending my wife and daughter to reside in Colorado so my daughter can receive this treatment,” said Coy Browning.

Republicans law makers expressed support for decriminalizing this marijuana oil to help save a life.

“I don’t think this is substance abuse, I think this is using the substance wisely as God intended it for,” said Rep. Charles Van Zant, (R) Palatka.

The legislation is not related to the medical marijuana amendment currently gathering signatures in Florida.

Florida A and M University has named the Vice President of an Ivy League university to be the institutions first woman President. A start date and salary must still be worked out for the President-Elect.

FAMU’s national Alumni Association, Students, some faculty, and even a former FAMU President all made a pitch to keep interim president Larry Robinson at the helm. “And today we said thanks, but no thanks Dr. Robinson,” says Tommy Mitchell, FAMU National Alumni Association.

Robinson had pledged not to be a part of the search when he was named the interim president.

By a ten two vote, Elmira Magnum, the VP at Cornell University was named FAMU’s 11 President. Trustee Marjorie Turnbull, FAMU Trustee calls her, “a rising star in the academic world. She’s taken on major challenges at Cornell, they were having some serious budget issues.”

The President elect was also called an agent for Change. “I am a change agent, I’ve always worked for change. In order to go forward you have to change,” says Elmira Magnum, FAMU President Elect.

FAMU has been led by a woman before, but she was an interim President. Magnum is the first to be Permanently named to the top post. “I’m hoping that it will be a great example for our female students, to understand that they can achieve whatever they want to achieve,” Magnum.

No start date has been set for the new president yet but it will likely coincide with the change in semesters.

The man Magnum will replaces remains a tenured faculty member, but whether Larry Robinson stays is still an open question.

Prosecutors squared off today against the NRA and gun toting lawmakers who want to allow people to fire warning shots without being charged with a crime. Prosecutors say the legislation will do little when it comes to deciding who to prosecute.

Marissa Alexander is the poster child of what some are saying is wrong with the State’s 10-20-Life law. She was sentenced to twenty years for firing a gun in the direction of her estranged husband and children. “Something is wrong and something needs to be fixed and we think this bill does that,” says Eric Friday, Florida Carry.

Her case was front and center at a legislative hearing over whether to allow people who fear for their safety to fire warning shots or display their gun, without being charged with a crime. “Threatening to use deadly force to stop a violent attack is not aggregated assault, it is self defense. Self defense is not a crime,” says Marion Hammer, Unified Sportsmen of Florida.

Gainesville State’s Attorney finally had enough. “Please don’t characterize all of Florida’s 2000 prosecutors as being some sort of renegade, there is another side or nobody would have been arrested, nobody would have been before a court anyhow,” Bill Cervone, Prosecutor, 8th Judicial Circuit.

But the NRA says innocent people are going to jail and that the current law is sending a message that it’s better to shoot to kill than to fire a warning shot.  “I mean the message is, if you’re attack go ahead and shoot somebody and that’s the wrong message,” says Hammer.

Prosecutors were blunt, telling lawmakers if they don’t want people to get mandatory sentences for brandishing a gun then they need to take aggravated assault out of the 10-20-life statute.

The bill faces at least two more hearing in the Senate before a final vote.

Florida lawmakers are fighting to raise the state minimum wage for Florida’s lowest paid workers. As Matt Horn reports opponents say it will have a negative affect for Floridians.

These fast food workers all make slightly more than the states minimum wage of seven ninety three an hour. Manager Jason McQueen says it’s difficult to make ends meet for many, but a proposed hike in the state’s minimum wage may hurt more Floridians in the long run.

“You wouldn’t hire like two people, you might hire one person for two if you’re paying that much,” said Jason McQueen, Fast Food Manager.

Florida Democratic lawmakers are pushing to increase the minimum wage to 10 dollars 10 cents an hour – even for tipped employees.

“Our hope is of course to move people out of poverty, make folks not have to be as reliant on public assistance as they have been in the past,” said Senator Dwight Bullard, (D) Cutler Bay.

Republican lawmakers say they won’t support such the hike.

“It hurts people and it hurts opportunities for increased employment and there’s just no way you can argue anything other than that,” said Representative Neil Combee, (R) Auburndale.

A 2004 Florida constitutional amendment increases the state minimum wage each year to keep pace with inflation. This month’s increase puts Florida’s minimum wage 68 cents higher than the national wage.

The legislation would only force raises for those making the least…not everyone in the workplace.

“And unfortunately you’re right, this bill doesn’t create a solution for that,” said Senator Bullard.

Florida’s 2014 minimum wage increase adds roughly five extra dollars a week to a person’s paycheck.

On the day after Florida State University won its third national championship, fans are buying up championship gear as quickly as its coming out. As Matt Horn reports – the Noles are the hot topic across the country.

It was an emotional night for fans watching their beloved Florida State Seminoles playing and eventually beating Auburn in the final BCS National Championship game in Pasadena.

“Go Noles! Unconquered, we’re unconquered,” said Jake Yaeger.

“Nobody thought a redshirt freshman was going to go all the way, win the Heisman and the National Championship. He’s too amazing, FSU is the champions,” said Trent Loboda.

Police report few incidents after the game. The most serious was fans lining the streets near campus and setting an old Christmas tree on fire. FSU Police say six were arrested on minor charges as fans celebrated the victory.

As soon as the game clock struck zero – national champion memorabilia hit the press bringing extra money to businesses across Florida.

“This is our bread and butter. This time would normally, football season would be over and we would slow down tremendously,” said Joshua Williams, Garnet and Gold Asst. Manager.

Karen Bishop returned from cheering on the Noles Tuesday morning. Her first stop back in Tallahassee was to buy a national championship shirt. Bishop has been to all three national championship games – she says the atmosphere is electric.

“I’ve always wanted to go to the Rose Bowl and we finally got there and it’s the last BCS, so it was just awesome,” said Bishop.

Jameis Winston is just the third Heisman Trophy winner to win a national championship and lead his team to an undefeated season since 1950.

Florida’s last championship came in 1999.

People across North Florida woke up to some of the coldest temperatures in decades, and students in rural Hamilton County got the day off because of the temperatures. Inconvenience is the biggest

Ice coated these statutes on the Florida State University campus, causing some to share their misery via pictures. “No, I’m freezing,” says a student.

Many homeowners found their fountains near frozen while others turned on sprinklers for a winter wonderland effect. Rural Hamilton County closed its schools and in Tallahassee, bundled up office workers hustled to get out of the cold.

For growers there was a loud sigh of relief.

The Department of Agriculture says the state has, for the most part dodged a bullet so far with all of the tender plants south of the freeze line.

This 16 hundred acre nursery east of the Capitol was sacrificing some plants to save others. “This was a fairly substantial cold event for us. Anything, that when we get down in the teens is a little bit of an issue for us. Anything below 15 degrees in containers is definitely a concern for some of the tender stuff,” says Leslie Hudson, General Manager/Simpson Nurseries.

For years, Visit Florida has Capitalized on bad weather in the North to bring visitors here. Reporter asked “Even though it ‘s colder here, It’s the fast that it’s so much colder ever where else?”

“Well yea, you know Wisconsin minus 11, so if it’s today 65 in Orlando, that’s a pretty nice situation for us,” says Paul Phipps, Visit Florida Chief Marketing Officer.

The five million dollar winter campaign kicks off next week.

The search for a new president at Florida A & M University was dormant for more than a year. But since December Trustees have put their foot on the gas with plans for decision later this week.

Larry Robinson has been the interim President of FAMU for 18 months. For 17 of those months, the University has been searching for a new leader, sort of. The search committee went just over a year from December 5th 2012 until December of 2013 without even meeting.

There has been such a lull that many on campus didn’t even know there was a search underway. “I didn’t even know we were in search for one,” says Alexis Ritchie, Student.

“I heard about it because my granddad, he goes… well he used to go here,” says Tera Cox, Student.

But now the search is on the fast track. Trustees planned to make a decision on Thursday, just 13 days after resuming the search.

More than 40 people applied for the president’s seat here, that list was narrowed down to six finalists but two of them have since dropped out.

Several Trustees who are critical of the timetable didn’t return our call. They have expressed concerns over the speed of the renewed effort and the quality of applicants. A majority of the finalists applied at the last minute.

Interim President Robinson did not apply for the permanent job but he has support from Alumni and students. “No I’m not, I like our president. I know him personally, yes. And I think he’s a very good friend and he’s doing good at he was nominated for,” says Jasmine Harrington, Tampa Student.

With no deadline for applications, it’s possible the next President of FAMU hasn’t even applied for the job yet but the clock is ticking.

Florida State University is vying for its third BCS National Championship tonight in Pasadena, California. As Matt Horn reports, no matter who wins on the field tonight, the entire state will be a winner off the field.

Number one Florida State meets Number two Auburn in the final BCS National Championship game Monday evening in Pasadena, California. Students are predicting a ‘Noles victory.

An FSU victory would bring home a third BCS trophy and big dollars to the university. The Florida Chamber says the entire state will win no matter what happens on the field.

“In the short term merchandising, but also from a long term perspective it will continue to help Florida to attract the best and brightest in talent,” said Edie Ousley, Florida Chamber of Commerce

It was 14 years ago when FSU brought home the last championship trophy. The trophy brought more student applications and more interest from distinguished faculty.

Fans say they are glad to be a part of this year’s championship game even though they are thousands of miles away from the game.

“It’s very exciting, I can’t wait, just want to get through today, can’t wait to watch the game tonight, cheer on the Noles,” said Sebastian Montoya, Sophomore.

Monday is the first day of classes for students this semester. FSU’s policy is for students to attend the first day or they’ll be dropped from class. But, this semester students are getting a pass if they email their professor in advance. Those unable to travel to watch game in person will be able to watch the game on campus.

“I plan on going to the Tucker Center or just staying home with my friends,” said Alex Torres, Senior.

If FSU wins, they are expected to rake in millions for the Atlantic Coast Conference. In last years championship game Alabama brought in more than 23 million to the Southeastern Conference.

FSU is tied with Oklahoma for having the most BCS National Championship appearances.

The state is hiring More than 300 people over the next three months to help overcome problems with a new computer system for unemployment benefits. As Matt Horn reports, the 63 million dollar system has yet to live up to expectations.

The state’s new 63 million dollar online unemployment system has experienced a multitude of massive problems, leaving Floridians in limbo as they wait for their benefits to be processed.

“It seems like it will work out, but its just taking a little longer than I thought it would,” said Roosevelt Jackson.

Similar complaints have been heard across the state since October.

“They can’t get on, they got to call the 1-800 number, get help with it. But, I didn’t have that problem,” said Keyon Singletary.

As the state tries to get the unemployment site fully functioning they will hire more than 300 new employees.

The state continues to withhold 3-million dollars from the vendor, Deloitte and continues enforcing a 15-thousand per business day penalty.

Department of Economic Opportunity Director Jesse Panuccio says if the vendor is unable to fix the system, the state will look elsewhere for a solution.

“Our number one priority is getting claimants’ paid; we need to get this system fixed and fixed now,” said Panuccio.

100 employees who review the claims will be hired in January and February with an additional 50 in March. Another 80 will be added to call centers to help a high volume of calls generated by the computer problems.

Hate crimes are on the increase in Florida. A new report from the Attorney General shows a twenty two percent increase. As Matt Horn reports –victims advocates say the numbers are likely to get worse before they get better.

A sharp increase in hate crimes has caught the attention of the NAACP and other groups across Florida.

“Is it over? I don’t think it’s over; I think its going to get worse,” said Dale Landry, NAACP.

For an act to be considered a hate crime: “a crime has to be initiated or perpetrated because of a bias against them,” said Gretl Plessinger, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Spokeswoman.

The latest report shows a 22 percent increase in hate crimes. The majority of the 170 reported crimes were against racial minorities, with LGBT people being the number two target. The numbers are the highest since 2008.

“The local law enforcement agencies are required to submit hate crimes each year. A report is compiled, local law enforcement submits to FDLE,” said Plessinger.

Fewer hate crimes were committed because of religion or national origin. NAACP’s Dale Landry says his group is seeing an alarming number of incidents from groups promoting hatred.

“There’s been a lot of this behavior, the question is, is it getting ready to erupt or do we go in and stop it,” said Landry.

In the report – Attorney General Pam Bondi says hate crimes are senseless acts based on hatred…but groups are pointing at her and other state leaders for the rise in hate crimes.

“Over the time look at what’s happened, things are starting to head back to where they were in the past because of a lack of leadership and a lack of a call of unity,” said Landry.

Orange, Brevard and Alachua counties reported the largest number of hate crimes. In Alachua County, home to the University of Florida, the Ku Klux Klan has been distributing recruiting flyers.

The Governor wasn’t available for an on-camera interview about the hate crimes, but his press office sent a statement about overall crime saying: “Governor Scott is proud that Florida is at a 42 year low in crime and that we are on a path to a 43 year crime low.”

A hate crime conviction carries enhanced penalties.