Michelle Marchante
@michellemarchante.bsky.social
Miami Herald health reporter covering disease outbreaks, healthy aging, healthtech, and other health topics in South Florida. Also the City of Coral Gables reporter.
📧: mmarchante@miamiherald.com
My work: https://www.miamiherald.com/profile/231926248
📧: mmarchante@miamiherald.com
My work: https://www.miamiherald.com/profile/231926248
NEW: A dispute between Coral Gables leaders and the association that describes itself as a watchdog over the city-owned War Memorial Youth Center is heating up. And legal trouble may be brewing. Via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Coral Gables could soon sue group linked to city’s youth center. Here’s why
Commissioners issued a two-week deadline to turn over requested documents, including some the association has argued are not public records.
amp.miamiherald.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
NEW: A dispute between Coral Gables leaders and the association that describes itself as a watchdog over the city-owned War Memorial Youth Center is heating up. And legal trouble may be brewing. Via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Aaron got a lot of surprises for his ninth birthday.
He went on his first Disney cruise. And he got a special gift from a Florida Keys scuba diver, one he will carry with him for the rest of his life: a new kidney. More via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
He went on his first Disney cruise. And he got a special gift from a Florida Keys scuba diver, one he will carry with him for the rest of his life: a new kidney. More via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
How this Florida Keys diver and his ‘spare part’ helped a boy needing transplant
His reason to donate his kidney was simple: “It was a spare part. It was doing me next to no good.”
amp.miamiherald.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Aaron got a lot of surprises for his ninth birthday.
He went on his first Disney cruise. And he got a special gift from a Florida Keys scuba diver, one he will carry with him for the rest of his life: a new kidney. More via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
He went on his first Disney cruise. And he got a special gift from a Florida Keys scuba diver, one he will carry with him for the rest of his life: a new kidney. More via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
ICYMI: How did former Jackson Health Foundation COO Charmaine Gatlin’s fraud get discovered? Well, it started with a lie about personally paying for a $10,000 donation to the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. More via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
How a Girl Scouts bill exposed Jackson charity executive’s $7M fraud
“It will take our team years of tireless, day-to-day fundraising to fill the hole that she left behind.”
www.miamiherald.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
ICYMI: How did former Jackson Health Foundation COO Charmaine Gatlin’s fraud get discovered? Well, it started with a lie about personally paying for a $10,000 donation to the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. More via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
ICYMI: The fate of Crystal Academy, a Coral Gables school for kids with autism, will depend on a promise made by a now-deceased developer and the outcome of the controversial project he left behind. More: @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
This Gables school has helped kids with autism for 16 years. Why it’s moving
“Our challenge is just to find a space that we can tailor to the needs of the students that we serve,” said the school’s founder.
www.miamiherald.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:22 PM
ICYMI: The fate of Crystal Academy, a Coral Gables school for kids with autism, will depend on a promise made by a now-deceased developer and the outcome of the controversial project he left behind. More: @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Doctors believed Priscilla Timmons had a less than 10% chance of survival. Then therapy dog Scrunchie walked up to her bedside at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines.
Here’s how Timmons defied the odds and kicked off her recovery journey via @miamiherald.com
Here’s how Timmons defied the odds and kicked off her recovery journey via @miamiherald.com
Cardiac arrests, then a coma. How a therapy dog helped a Broward patient recover
Priscilla Timmons remembers rushing to the bathroom to vomit. Then, her eyesight went dark.
www.miamiherald.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Doctors believed Priscilla Timmons had a less than 10% chance of survival. Then therapy dog Scrunchie walked up to her bedside at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines.
Here’s how Timmons defied the odds and kicked off her recovery journey via @miamiherald.com
Here’s how Timmons defied the odds and kicked off her recovery journey via @miamiherald.com
This past weekend, fatal boat crash survivor Katy Puig was honored at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 18th annual Diamond Ball. Read about her ongoing recovery journey here via @miamiherald.com : amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
‘I’m a fighter.’ Survivor of fatal boat crash honored at Nicklaus Children’s ball
No one, including the doctors, knew what recovery would look like for Katy Puig, a high school senior who’d been captain of her soccer team.
amp.miamiherald.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:18 PM
This past weekend, fatal boat crash survivor Katy Puig was honored at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 18th annual Diamond Ball. Read about her ongoing recovery journey here via @miamiherald.com : amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Coral Gables has updated its plan to remember lives lost in the latest war between Israel and Hamas — and to now celebrate the recent release of hostages. @miamiherald.com
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www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Here’s how Coral Gables will commemorate the lives lost in the Israel-Hamas war
The city is moving forward with plans for an interfaith service, with a few tweaks after a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire was announced.
www.miamiherald.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Coral Gables has updated its plan to remember lives lost in the latest war between Israel and Hamas — and to now celebrate the recent release of hostages. @miamiherald.com
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
She embezzled millions from Miami’s public hospital charity. Here’s how she did it via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
She embezzled millions from Miami’s public hospital charity. Here’s how she did it
Charmaine Gatlin admitted to swindling millions from the Jackson Health Foundation, which raises funds for patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
www.miamiherald.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:22 PM
She embezzled millions from Miami’s public hospital charity. Here’s how she did it via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Benjamín León Jr., the founder of Leon Medical Centers and the nominee for U.S. ambassador to Spain, will be honored this week for his contributions to South Florida by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Leon Medical Center founder to receive top civic honor in Miami
The Cuban American businessman and philanthropist who started the senior-focused health empire has become a household name in the region.
amp.miamiherald.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Benjamín León Jr., the founder of Leon Medical Centers and the nominee for U.S. ambassador to Spain, will be honored this week for his contributions to South Florida by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
South Florida hospitals often use therapy dogs to help provide emotional support to patients. Now, hospitals are using the same philosophy, but with horses. Meet Pegasus via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Here’s why you may see a horse at your next hospital visit in South Florida
Horses are being used to help reduce anxiety, promote calmness and develop better emotional regulation in children.
www.miamiherald.com
September 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM
South Florida hospitals often use therapy dogs to help provide emotional support to patients. Now, hospitals are using the same philosophy, but with horses. Meet Pegasus via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Coral Gables votes not to fly Israel flag on Oct. 7. What the city will do instead via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Coral Gables votes not to fly Israel flag on Oct. 7. What the city will do instead
The decision ends a debate that began earlier this month after Mayor Vince Lago proposed raising the Israeli flag.
www.miamiherald.com
September 26, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Coral Gables votes not to fly Israel flag on Oct. 7. What the city will do instead via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
You may soon find yourself paying for parking the next time you visit the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Here’s what to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Will the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables start charging for parking? What to know
The mayor and vice mayor said people are taking advantage of the free lot and parking their cars at the hotel before going to the airport.
www.miamiherald.com
September 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
You may soon find yourself paying for parking the next time you visit the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Here’s what to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
You may soon find yourself paying for parking the next time you visit the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. What to know via @miamiherald.com
Will the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables start charging for parking? What to know
The mayor and vice mayor said people are taking advantage of the free lot and parking their cars at the hotel before going to the airport.
amp.miamiherald.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM
You may soon find yourself paying for parking the next time you visit the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. What to know via @miamiherald.com
NEW: A South Florida nonprofit that recovers organs for transplantation could close after a federal investigation found years of unsafe practices and other problems via @miamiherald.com
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A Miami-area organ recovery agency could close after ‘unsafe practices’ found
Federal regulators are moving to decertify the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, a division of the University of Miami Health System.
www.miamiherald.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
NEW: A South Florida nonprofit that recovers organs for transplantation could close after a federal investigation found years of unsafe practices and other problems via @miamiherald.com
www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Charmaine Gatlin, former top executive of the fundraising arm for Miami-Dade’s public hospital system, pleaded guilty to bilking millions of dollars from the Jackson Health Foundation & spending the charity funds on luxury goods for herself. @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/a...
Jackson Foundation’s Gatlin pleads guilty to bilking millions in charity funds
Charmaine Gatlin’s billing scheme at Jackson Health Foundation extended from Miami to Atlanta
www.miamiherald.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Charmaine Gatlin, former top executive of the fundraising arm for Miami-Dade’s public hospital system, pleaded guilty to bilking millions of dollars from the Jackson Health Foundation & spending the charity funds on luxury goods for herself. @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/a...
Will health insurance still cover vaccines if Florida makes them optional? What to expect via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Will health insurance still cover vaccines if Florida makes them optional?
What are insurers saying about Florida’s push to make vaccines optional?
www.miamiherald.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Will health insurance still cover vaccines if Florida makes them optional? What to expect via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
NEW: Former Coral Gables commissioner is denied for city board appointment. Here’s why via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Former Gables commissioner is denied for city board appointment. Here’s why
Kirk Menendez, who served a four-year term as a city commissioner starting in 2021, lost the mayoral race earlier this year to Vince Lago.
amp.miamiherald.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:14 PM
NEW: Former Coral Gables commissioner is denied for city board appointment. Here’s why via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Florida wants to make vaccines optional for school — but the change won’t happen right away.
Your FAQ guide via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Your FAQ guide via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Has Florida already lifted vaccine mandates? What are next steps? Here’s an FAQ
Here’s what to know.
www.miamiherald.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Florida wants to make vaccines optional for school — but the change won’t happen right away.
Your FAQ guide via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Your FAQ guide via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Florida pushes to end vaccine mandates. What doctors say parents should know via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Florida pushes to end vaccine mandates. What doctors say parents should know
Florida’s governor and surgeon general say parents should have the power to decide what vaccines, if any, their child should get.
amp.miamiherald.com
September 4, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Florida pushes to end vaccine mandates. What doctors say parents should know via @miamiherald.com amp.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Mount Sinai’s new Miami Beach cancer hub is nearly ready. Here’s what patients can expect via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
A new cancer hub is opening in Miami Beach soon. Here’s what patients can expect
The expansion comes at a time when more people are getting diagnosed with cancer, and at younger ages.
www.miamiherald.com
August 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Mount Sinai’s new Miami Beach cancer hub is nearly ready. Here’s what patients can expect via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know as open enrollment nears via @miamiherald.com
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www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know
Open enrollment starts soon, so it’s time to start thinking about what’s next for your healthcare.
www.miamiherald.com
August 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Should you get original Medicare or an Advantage plan? Here’s what to know as open enrollment nears via @miamiherald.com
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www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Coral Gables voters may get a say after all on whether the city’s local elections should be changed to coincide with the state and national ballot.
Here’s what you need to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Here’s what you need to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
When will Coral Gables have its next election? There’s an update
What to know about the vote.
www.miamiherald.com
August 27, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Coral Gables voters may get a say after all on whether the city’s local elections should be changed to coincide with the state and national ballot.
Here’s what you need to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Here’s what you need to know via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Several South Florida hospitals ranked high in the nation for eye care, rehabilitation, neurology and other specialties in a new report by U.S. News & World Report. Here’s how your hospital did via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
How does your hospital rank for specialty care? See the South Florida list
Explore the 2025 best hospitals in South Florida. Miami-area facilities excel in eye care, rehab and more specialties by U.S. News.
www.miamiherald.com
August 21, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Several South Florida hospitals ranked high in the nation for eye care, rehabilitation, neurology and other specialties in a new report by U.S. News & World Report. Here’s how your hospital did via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Do you have questions about Medicare and the upcoming enrollment process? Click here to submit your question via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Medicare open enrollment is almost here. Do you have questions? Ask us
We want to help you get the answers.
www.miamiherald.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Do you have questions about Medicare and the upcoming enrollment process? Click here to submit your question via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Are you planning to enroll in Medicare for the first time? Here’s how to sign up via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...
Enrolling in Medicare for the first time? Here’s how to sign up for benefits
You can sign up only during specified times of the year.
www.miamiherald.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Are you planning to enroll in Medicare for the first time? Here’s how to sign up via @miamiherald.com www.miamiherald.com/news/health-...