INSIDER
Dive team finds body of missing 4-year-old with autism in Ormond Beach park
Read full article: Dive team finds body of missing 4-year-old with autism in Ormond Beach parkThe body of a missing 4-year-old boy was recovered Sunday night by the Volusia County Dive Team in the Ormond Beach park where he went missing earlier in the day.
Disney World celebrates Lake Mary All-Stars with champions parade
Read full article: Disney World celebrates Lake Mary All-Stars with champions paradeJust like any big-name sports team celebrating a championship, the Lake Mary All-Stars are going to Disney World, News4JAX sister station WKMG reports.
Lake County deputy ID’d after being killed in ambush attack; 2 other deputies hurt, sheriff says
Read full article: Lake County deputy ID’d after being killed in ambush attack; 2 other deputies hurt, sheriff saysThree deputies were shot, one of whom was killed while investigating an incident in the Eustis area of Lake County Friday night, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
Man, 83, missing in Orlando after CrowdStrike outage hits flight home
Read full article: Man, 83, missing in Orlando after CrowdStrike outage hits flight homePolice are looking for an 83-year-old man who was unable to make his flight out of Orlando due in part to the worldwide CrowdStrike outage, according to investigators.
Theft suspect caught after escaping hospital in Palm Coast, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Theft suspect caught after escaping hospital in Palm Coast, sheriff’s office saysThe Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is calling on the community to help find a theft suspect who escaped from a hospital in Palm Coast on Saturday, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando reported.
Jacksonville woman killed, children among 3 injured in crash near Davenport, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Jacksonville woman killed, children among 3 injured in crash near Davenport, sheriff’s office saysA Jacksonville woman was killed and her two children were among three others hurt in a single-vehicle crash Friday evening near Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Jacksonville strip club, sex shop among businesses suing Florida over new stripper age-limit law
Read full article: Jacksonville strip club, sex shop among businesses suing Florida over new stripper age-limit lawA lawsuit has been filed against several Florida state officials after a new law went into effect this week, according to court records filed on Monday.
Florida mom accused of trying to sell 18-month-old daughter to store employee for $500
Read full article: Florida mom accused of trying to sell 18-month-old daughter to store employee for $500A Florida woman was arrested last week after allegedly trying to sell her daughter outside of a local business, according to the Palatka Police Department.
Man wanted after woman shot, killed in Marion County, deputies say
Read full article: Man wanted after woman shot, killed in Marion County, deputies sayThe Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday it had secured a warrant for a man’s arrest in the shooting death of a woman in Marion Oaks the day prior, according to a news release.
$700K in Flagler school funds taken in possible fraudulent transfer, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: $700K in Flagler school funds taken in possible fraudulent transfer, sheriff’s office saysOfficials in Flagler County are trying to find out what happened to a $700,000 transfer of funds from the school district that went to a “possible fraudulent vendor bank account,” district officials announced on Tuesday.
Bear sighting at Disney World forces temporary ride shutdown at park
Read full article: Bear sighting at Disney World forces temporary ride shutdown at parkA bear in a tree at a Walt Disney World park prompted the temporary closure of several rides and attractions, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG.
Jury seated in trial of Othal Wallace, man accused of fatally shooting Daytona Beach police officer
Read full article: Jury seated in trial of Othal Wallace, man accused of fatally shooting Daytona Beach police officerJurors have been selected in the trial of a man accused of shooting and killing a Daytona Beach police officer in 2021.
Jury selection begins in Clay County for man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer
Read full article: Jury selection begins in Clay County for man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officerMonths after a judge granted a change of venue request for a man accused of fatally shooting a Daytona Beach police officer, jury selection will begin in Clay County on Tuesday in the trial of Othal Wallace.
Elementary school assembly singling out low-scoring Black students in Bunnell sparks investigation
Read full article: Elementary school assembly singling out low-scoring Black students in Bunnell sparks investigationAn assembly last week at Bunnell Elementary School held for “African American students that scored below a three on testing” has sparked an investigation by the county over what happened, according to a report from News4JAX sister station WKMG.
WWE Hall of Famer accused of DUI manslaughter in Florida to be sentenced after plea; faces up to 25 years
Read full article: WWE Hall of Famer accused of DUI manslaughter in Florida to be sentenced after plea; faces up to 25 yearsA WWE Hall of Fame wrestler entered an “open plea” on Wednesday after being accused of DUI manslaughter in Volusia County last year.
Crisis continues: AAA Insurance set to drop ‘small percentage’ of Florida homeowners
Read full article: Crisis continues: AAA Insurance set to drop ‘small percentage’ of Florida homeownersAAA Insurance will be issuing non-renewals for a select number of homeowners in Florida, the company told News4JAX sister station WKMG on Thursday.
Body camera video shows multiple interactions between deputies and woman accused of killing Ocala mother
Read full article: Body camera video shows multiple interactions between deputies and woman accused of killing Ocala motherBody-worn camera video obtained by News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando shows the growth of complaints and issues over the course of a year that led to the fatal shooting of an Ocala mother in June.
CVS pharmacies in Florida roll out time-delay safes to deter drug robberies
Read full article: CVS pharmacies in Florida roll out time-delay safes to deter drug robberiesAll 838 CVS Pharmacy locations throughout Florida, including those in Target stores, have new time-delay safe technology installed, News4JAX sister station WKMG reported.
2 Bethune-Cookman University students shot near park in Daytona Beach, police say
Read full article: 2 Bethune-Cookman University students shot near park in Daytona Beach, police sayTwo Bethune-Cookman University students are in the hospital after being shot early Saturday near a park in Daytona Beach, according to a police statement provided to News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
Thousands of plastic pots burn as crews battle massive fire at Osceola County nursery
Read full article: Thousands of plastic pots burn as crews battle massive fire at Osceola County nurseryA massive fire was blazing Thursday morning at a nursery in Osceola County north of a high school near Kissimmee, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
Firefighters put Jaguars’ Jawaan Taylor through CPR test
Read full article: Firefighters put Jaguars’ Jawaan Taylor through CPR testBrevard County Fire Rescue demonstrated CPR training Tuesday alongside a Jacksonville Jaguars player and Cocoa football star who has a personal and tragic connection to cardiac arrest.
‘Brutal rapist’ tied to Duval County case captured in Orange County after woman found mutilated, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Brutal rapist’ tied to Duval County case captured in Orange County after woman found mutilated, deputies sayA registered sexual predator considered a “brutal rapist” after a woman was found mutilated has been arrested, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Brevard County deputy shot, killed by roommate and fellow deputy in ‘accidental shooting,’ Sheriff Ivey says
Read full article: Brevard County deputy shot, killed by roommate and fellow deputy in ‘accidental shooting,’ Sheriff Ivey saysAustin Walsh, the 23-year-old Brevard County deputy, was killed in an accidental shooting by his roommate and fellow deputy, according to Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Victim, 19, identified in deadly shooting outside of Orlando high school football playoff game
Read full article: Victim, 19, identified in deadly shooting outside of Orlando high school football playoff gameHigh school football players in Orlando ran for cover after gunshots rang out in the parking lot during a game.
Early damage assessment in Volusia County tops $481 million from Hurricane Nicole
Read full article: Early damage assessment in Volusia County tops $481 million from Hurricane NicoleThe initial damage assessment for Hurricane Nicole’s wrath in Volusia County is over $481 million, topping the $377 million mark set by Hurricane Ian, according to the Volusia County Property Appraiser.
Tax relief: Gov. DeSantis extends property tax payments for victims of Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Tax relief: Gov. DeSantis extends property tax payments for victims of Hurricane IanDeSantis made the announcement Thursday at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in Lee County, which took the brunt of Hurricane Ian as it came ashore.
Publix to close stores early in 11 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Publix to close stores early in 11 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane IanPublix is closing stores in 11 Florida counties and modifying store hours as Hurricane Ian approaches, News4JAX sister station WKMG reported.
Man in custody after Florida deputy struck, killed by front-end loader in hit-and-run
Read full article: Man in custody after Florida deputy struck, killed by front-end loader in hit-and-runA Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy was struck and killed by a front-end loader late Thursday in a hit-and-run crash along I-275 in St. Petersburg, officials said.
‘As easy as 1-2-3′: Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cables
Read full article: ‘As easy as 1-2-3′: Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cablesThieves tear out the steering column behind a push-to-start button and use a simple USB cable to start the ignition. This affects Kia models from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021. Both companies say 2022 vehicles have been modified to prevent this.
Car crashes through crowded Florida beach, injures multiple people
Read full article: Car crashes through crowded Florida beach, injures multiple peopleOfficials in Florida say multiple people, including a child, were injured when a car crashed through an unoccupied toll booth and ended up in the Atlantic Ocean.
Teen who fatally fell from Orlando drop tower nearly 100 pounds over limit: autopsy report
Read full article: Teen who fatally fell from Orlando drop tower nearly 100 pounds over limit: autopsy reportA 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from an Orlando thrill ride in March was nearly 100 pounds over the weight limit of the attraction, according to an autopsy report released by the Orlando medical examiner’s office Monday.
‘49 Bells Ceremony,’ candlelight vigil held in Orlando to honor Pulse victims 6 years later
Read full article: ‘49 Bells Ceremony,’ candlelight vigil held in Orlando to honor Pulse victims 6 years laterSunday at noon, amid days of events in observance of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016, each of the 49 victims killed in the attack were recognized with the somber tolling of a bell at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando, News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando reported.
Visitors pay respects at Pulse Memorial on eve of tragedy’s 6-year anniversary
Read full article: Visitors pay respects at Pulse Memorial on eve of tragedy’s 6-year anniversarySaturday was an emotional time for many who came to pay respects and reflect at the Pulse Memorial site. Sunday marks six years since the tragedy where a gunman opened fire inside the popular nightclub, killing 49 and injuring more than 50.
‘It’s save the galaxy time:’ A first look at Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Read full article: ‘It’s save the galaxy time:’ A first look at Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindWalt Disney World is preparing to open its highly anticipated new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Florida bride, caterer arrested after guests at wedding say food was laced with marijuana
Read full article: Florida bride, caterer arrested after guests at wedding say food was laced with marijuanaNearly two months after Seminole County first responders assisted multiple people who reported feeling weird, sick and stoned at a Central Florida wedding party in February, deputies this week arrested the bride and caterer for the event, WKMG reported.
Forensic engineering firm hired to determine cause of fatal thrill ride fall, state says
Read full article: Forensic engineering firm hired to determine cause of fatal thrill ride fall, state saysA forensic engineering firm has been hired to assist in the investigation into the death of a 14-year-old boy who fell from an Orlando drop tower attraction last week, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried said at a news conference Friday.
DeSantis blasts Disney for ‘woke’ response on Florida sexual identity in schools bill
Read full article: DeSantis blasts Disney for ‘woke’ response on Florida sexual identity in schools billGov. Ron DeSantis is condemning Disney’s response to Florida’s bill banning discussion of sexual orientation and identity in some classrooms, calling the company “woke” and saying it’s fallen for “phony hysteria” from the corporate media.
‘Active explosions, entrapments’: Major crash on I-95 in Volusia County shutdown highway
Read full article: ‘Active explosions, entrapments’: Major crash on I-95 in Volusia County shutdown highwayA 25-car pile-up in Volusia County leaves more than a dozen of people injured and shuts down the highway.
Man shot by police dies, 2 officers injured after fight at Central Florida wedding reception
Read full article: Man shot by police dies, 2 officers injured after fight at Central Florida wedding receptionA man is dead after a fight with police during a wedding reception in Central Florida, News4JAX sister station WKMG reported.
3 accused of trafficking teens at Orlando hotels; police believe there may be more victims
Read full article: 3 accused of trafficking teens at Orlando hotels; police believe there may be more victimsPolice with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation announced on Wednesday the arrests of two women and a man who are accused of trafficking at least three teens for sex acts at several hotels in Orlando.
Florida middle school teacher arrested, accused of kissing student in classroom
Read full article: Florida middle school teacher arrested, accused of kissing student in classroomDeputies said they began investigating 29-year-old Carlos Aguirre Rendon on Jan. 11, when it was reported that he kissed a 15-year-old victim on the lips in a classroom.
Missing Daytona Beach boy fell asleep in bed of pickup, found safe in Jacksonville, police say
Read full article: Missing Daytona Beach boy fell asleep in bed of pickup, found safe in Jacksonville, police sayPolice said a missing 11-year-old Daytona Beach boy was found safe in the Jacksonville area Friday morning after he fell asleep in the bed of a pickup truck, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
CDC data shows significant drop in new COVID cases in Florida
Read full article: CDC data shows significant drop in new COVID cases in FloridaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released several days of data after the holiday weekend that shows Florida may be turning the corner when it comes to the omicron wave.
1M expired COVID tests to be used in Florida after FDA grants new extension, DeSantis says
Read full article: 1M expired COVID tests to be used in Florida after FDA grants new extension, DeSantis saysFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis said 1 million Abbott COVID-19 rapid tests that expired in a warehouse in December are now “going out” to testing sites after their usage date was extended to March 2022 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
100+ Florida entities under review for ‘vaccination passport’ violations
Read full article: 100+ Florida entities under review for ‘vaccination passport’ violationsMore than 100 Florida entities, including businesses, municipalities and event venues, are under review with the Department of Health after being reported for asking patrons to prove they were vaccinated before providing access to their location or services.
Remembering 9/11: The role Florida played in investigating the attacks
Read full article: Remembering 9/11: The role Florida played in investigating the attacksSaturday marks 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was a day that saw the State Capitol shut down and tourism come to a screeching halt. Florida played a central role in the ensuing investigation.
Disney Cruise Line to resume sailings out of Port Canaveral in August
Read full article: Disney Cruise Line to resume sailings out of Port Canaveral in AugustA Disney Parks tweet indicates the Disney Cruise Line is set to resume sailings out of Port Canaveral next month after a hiatus of more than a year.
Hummer holding 4 containers of gas bursts into flames at Florida gas station after filling up
Read full article: Hummer holding 4 containers of gas bursts into flames at Florida gas station after filling upA Hummer burst into flames in Florida right after filling up several gas cans, according to fire officials.
Emergency Order: State exams can be optional for Florida seniors, 3rd graders to graduate
Read full article: Emergency Order: State exams can be optional for Florida seniors, 3rd graders to graduateFlorida high school seniors will be able to graduate this year and third graders can move on without passing the normally required state assessments, according to a new executive order signed Friday by Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran.
2 teens rescued from Kissimmee slingshot ride after cable breaks
Read full article: 2 teens rescued from Kissimmee slingshot ride after cable breaksKISSIMMEE, Fla. – Two teens were rescued from the Old Town Slingshot ride in Kissimmee after one of the cables broke Thursday night, according to the Osceola County Fire Rescue. Crews said a non-load-bearing cable broke during the ride. (WKMG)The ride was about 30 to 40 feet in the air during the rescue. Investigators said as a safety precaution the ride can’t lower the pod below 30 feet when the cable is not functioning. Click here to read more.
VIDEO: Gator spotted swimming with shark in Indian River Lagoon
Read full article: VIDEO: Gator spotted swimming with shark in Indian River LagoonVERO BEACH, Fla. – It’s common to see sharks and alligators in Florida, but it is rare to see both together. Gray Vinson shared a video with WKMG showing a gator wading through the water. To the left of the screen is what appears to be a small shark swimming at pace with the gator. He said he was on a walking bridge in Vero Beach when he first noticed the gator around noon. Thanks for sharing!” and “Come on...that’s amazing,” were some of the comments shared on the Facebook video.
Missing Winter Haven teen may be heading to Jacksonville to meet man, police say
Read full article: Missing Winter Haven teen may be heading to Jacksonville to meet man, police sayJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A missing 15-year-old Winter Haven girl might be traveling to Jacksonville to meet a man, police said on Friday. Police said an investigation led authorities to believe that Haylee is trying to get the Jacksonville area, possibly to meet a 29-year-old man. She has burgundy hair and hazel eyes and was last seen wearing a red and white-striped dress with a blue jean jacket. She has not made any threats to harm herself nor does she have any medical conditions, police said. Anyone with information on Haylee’s whereabouts is asked to call police Winter Haven police at 863-401-2256.
Peppa Pig theme park opening at Legoland Florida Resort
Read full article: Peppa Pig theme park opening at Legoland Florida ResortWINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Peppa Pig is about to get its own theme park at Legoland Florida Resort. (WKMG)Beginning in 2022, the popular children’s character, known for her British accent and content for preschoolers, will have an all-new standalone theme park. AdPeppa the Pig theme park at Legoland Florida (Merlin Entertainment)The new theme park will be separately ticketed and will be within walking distance to Legoland Hotel, Legoland Pirate Island Hotel and the entrance to Legoland Florida Theme Park. Merlin Entertainment, which runs Legoland parks, has entered an exclusive multi-territory agreement with Hasbro, which owns Peppa Pig. Parents with “little piggies” can be among the first to hear some of the big news about the new theme park by signing up here.
Update: Hillsborough County 1-year-old found safe, FDLE says
Read full article: Update: Hillsborough County 1-year-old found safe, FDLE saysHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: 5:50 p.m. | “This is a cancellation to the AMBER Alert that was issued on 02/16/2021 for Tinnley West. For more information please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.” (FDLE)Missing Child is Tinnley Sage West. Last seen wearing a yellow shirt w/ a white rainbow, tan pants w/ rainbows and one sandal #SHARE #MissingChild #Valrico pic.twitter.com/TZW54S6pSo — HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 16, 2021Deputies said the girl inside the SUV is 1-year-old Tinnley Sage West. She was last seen wearing a yellow shirt with a rainbow on it, tan pants with rainbows and one sandal. Deputies released a video of a potential person of interest who may have seen something to help the investigation.
40 Florida Winn-Dixie stores, including 4 in Jacksonville, to administer vaccine
Read full article: 40 Florida Winn-Dixie stores, including 4 in Jacksonville, to administer vaccineI’m a retired nurse, so I’m very hopeful.”AdHere are the local stores involved:Alachua County: Winn-Dixie Store No. 7: 10915-112 Baymeadows Rd., Unit 12, Jacksonville, FL 32256; Winn-Dixie Store No. 123: 5647 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32244; Winn-Dixie Store No. 174: 12777 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225; Winn-Dixie Store No. 191: 5207 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205Putnam County: Winn-Dixie Store No.
22 Publix pharmacies to give COVID-19 vaccines in 3 Central Florida counties
Read full article: 22 Publix pharmacies to give COVID-19 vaccines in 3 Central Florida countiesSeniors living in Citrus, Hernando and Marion counties will be able to get vaccinated for COVID-19 while shopping at Publix, under an agreement Gov. “As you’re shopping for groceries, knock out your vaccine,” DeSantis said Tuesday at a Publix in Marion County, where the governor announced the agreement. DeSantis made the Publix announcement as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to mount. Florida health officials have recorded 1,392,123 infections in the state since the coronavirus first arrived in the state last year. More than 22,000 Florida residents have died of COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Space station supply run includes Christmas delivery
Read full article: Space station supply run includes Christmas deliverySpaceX is set to launch its 21st cargo supply mission for NASA from Kennedy Space Center this weekend if the weather cooperates. After a month in space, the research team will compare the cells with those on Earth. “So older adults progressively lose muscle mass and strength, which eventually can impact their ability to get around,” Coen said. But the current cargo airlock handles a microwave-size payload - the #BishopAirlock will allow for payloads the size of a refrigerator! Parts of the Bishop Airlock include storage where experiments can be placed outside, exposing them to the vacuum of space.
Report: COVID infections among Florida children rising but hospitalizations remain low
Read full article: Report: COVID infections among Florida children rising but hospitalizations remain lowOf those pediatric infections, state records show 975 have been hospitalized at some point, or roughly 1% of all children who have tested positive for the virus. Those pediatric hospitalizations are significantly smaller than the more than 56,000 adults who have been admitted for COVID-related complications. Ron DeSantis announced that schools would remain open despite COVID-19 infections rising statewide. Statewide data indicates the number of weekly pediatric infections dropped in early September as schools resumed in-person learning but began rising again in late November. Of the 18,994 Florida residents who have died from coronavirus, 9 were children, state records show.
Here’s what we know about Florida’s plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Here’s what we know about Florida’s plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccineAlthough we still don’t know when a COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to the general public, the Florida Department of Health is already making plans to administer those injections to residents across the state. The Florida Department of Health currently plans to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in three phases. (Florida Department of Health)The doctors and state health officials who are developing the distribution plans are meeting biweekly. Since hospitals have the most storage, they’ll likely be among some of the first health care facilities to receive doses of the vaccine. You can read the draft of Florida’s COVID-19 vaccination plan in its entirety here.
UCF suspends frat, sorority accused of disregarding COVID-19 policies
Read full article: UCF suspends frat, sorority accused of disregarding COVID-19 policiesORLANDO, Fla. The University of Central Florida on Wednesday suspended a sorority and a fraternity for violating the schools COVID-19 policies, News4Jax sister station WKMG reported. ZTA was placed on interim suspension for allegedly hosting an unapproved social gathering on campus, school leaders said. The sorority followed the universitys process for applying to host an event, but the event was still pending a decision from UCF when they elected to hold it anyway.Officials at the school also said the event willfully disregarded the universitys COVID-19 policies and guidelines. SAE was placed on interim suspension for allegedly hosting a large social gathering off campus that willfully disregarded the universitys COVID-19 policies and guidelines, officials added. Two students were placed on interim suspension for not complying with the universitys policies during the pandemic.
What led to the first school shut down in Florida
Read full article: What led to the first school shut down in FloridaOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – As of Monday morning, every school district in Florida has started its school year. But one Central Florida school was open Monday after it became the first school in the state to have closed due to COVID-19 after reopening for the year. According to sister station WKMG, Harmony Middle School in Osceola County shut its campus down for in-person learning for the next two weeks after 10 staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran addressed the school closure during a news conference on Monday. So we need our adults in the school system to be very safe,” Corcoran said.
More than 100 breweries implore state to let them reopen before they shutter for good
Read full article: More than 100 breweries implore state to let them reopen before they shutter for goodThe owners of more than 100 breweries from across the state of Florida are warning Gov. Ron DeSantis they could be forced to shut down for good in the next two weeks, News4Jax sister station WKMG reports. The Florida Brewers Guild posted an open letter on social media Tuesday to DeSantis and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Our internal polling has revealed that we are likely to lose more than 100 breweries permanently if this continues for more than two weeks, the letter reads in part. Take action against individuals who choose to not abide by the rules not an entire industry, McKee told WKMG.
Trust Index: Just how many people has Florida tested for COVID-19?
Read full article: Trust Index: Just how many people has Florida tested for COVID-19?JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Each day, when the Florida Department of Health releases the latest number of reported COVID-19 cases in the state, it also includes that most recent COVID-19 testing data. On Tuesday, the states COVID-19 dashboard reported there have been nearly 2 million total people tested.But that doesnt mean that nearly 2 million unique individuals have taken a COVID-19 test in Florida. The state has acknowledged that retests are counted in the total test count. If a patient tests positive for COVID-19 the Florida Department of Health recommends the patient goes into a two-week isolation period. News4Jax emailed the Florida Department of Health asking the total number of people tested and the number of retest the state has done, but so far they have not sent us an answer.
Universal Orlando receives OK to reopen on June 5
Read full article: Universal Orlando receives OK to reopen on June 5ORLANDO, Fla. The Orange County Economic Recovery task force approved Universal Orlandos plans to reopen theme parks to staff beginning June 1 and to guests on June 5, WKMG reports. Upon opening, guests would be subject to mandatory temperature checks stationed at all park entrances. Team Members and guests would be required to wear masks at all times while at the park, and masks would be provided if guests did not bring one. Universal Orlando closed all three of its parks on March 15 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. CityWalk reopened last week with modified hours of operation from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with face mask requirements in place.
Department of Economic of Opportunity has received 50 million phone calls since March 15
Read full article: Department of Economic of Opportunity has received 50 million phone calls since March 15Published: May 20, 2020, 7:37 am Updated: May 20, 2020, 8:23 amJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The phone number for unemployment benefits for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has received 50 million phone calls since March 15, according to Sec. Satter told News4Jax sister station WKMG in Orlando 1 million phone calls were placed to the hotline on Monday alone. He said the best time for someone to call about unemployment benefits is in the late afternoon. Anyone who needs to file for unemployment assistance in Florida can click on this link. “We have hundreds of people in different stages of training, so we can get those wait times down,” Satter said.
Sweet Tomatoes closing for good amid coronavirus pandemic, report says
Read full article: Sweet Tomatoes closing for good amid coronavirus pandemic, report saysSweet Tomatoes, also known at Soup Plantation in other parts of the U.S., is closing all of its restaurants permanently, according to the San Diego Tribune. The self-service eatery will close all 97 restaurants it announced Thursday, WKMG reports. San Diego based Garden Fresh Restaurants, which owns Sweet Tomatoes, has been trying to salvage its operations but the coronavirus pandemic took its toll on the buffet-style eatery as the FDA put out recommendations to discontinue this style of serving. And I’m not sure the health departments are ever going to allow it. Sweet Tomatoes opened its first store in Florida in 1990 in Palm Harbor.