senior citizens

Kate GeMeiner, in a pixie haircut and a sensible brown pantsuit, holds up what, from the back of the room, appears to be a see-through balloon. It isn’t.

“Never use Vaseline with a condom,” she says in her best announcer’s voice. “Never, only KY jelly.”

The audience sits in rapt silence.

“And before you use a condom, check it for the expiration date.”

In a corner, a couple of women titter.

A Florida Senate panel Tuesday instructed the Agency for Health Care Administration to draft legislation --- fast --- that would allow the state to shut down unlicensed assisted-living facilities as quickly as possible.

"Tell them to hustle," said Sen. Alan Hays, a Umatilla Republican and vice-chairman of the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee.

Hays was addressing AHCA Secretary Liz Dudek, who briefed senators as they consider a third attempt in three years at tightening oversight of Florida's assisted-living facilities.