Tampa’s top federal prosecutor, COVID Fraud Task Force works to recover millions in relief money: ‘Stay tuned’
In the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic relief arrived in the form of government programs.
Government offering more free COVID-19 tests for home delivery through the mail
The new release of free COVID-19 nasal swab tests comes ahead of the first winter since the pandemic started that insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of them.
Fauci predicts mask recommendations could come back if US sees 'significant uptick' in COVID-19 cases
Dr. Anthony Fauci said that while he does not foresee a federal mask mandate in the future, recommendations are likely if COVID-19 cases rise this winter.
Anthony Fauci ‘concerned’ people won’t comply if masking recommendations return: 'I hope' they 'abide'
Former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci spoke out in defense of masking amid rising COVID cases, saying he is concerned people will not abide by recommendations.
NYC has lost nearly half a million residents since start of COVID pandemic
A new U.S. Census Bureau report also revealed that most of the people leaving the metropolitan areas are hunkering down in the Southern states.
Polk County providing financial assistance for residents still struggling after COVID-19 pandemic
Polk County is now extending a helping hand to people who have fallen behind on their bills because of COVID-19. Many were knocked down during the pandemic by losing their jobs or working fewer hours continue to get battered in the aftermath.
Florida lawmaker resigns amid accusations he fraudulently obtained coronavirus-related loan
State Rep. Joe Harding resigned his House seat Thursday after being charged with fraudulently obtaining coronavirus-related business loans.
Japan encourages young people to drink more alcohol
Japan's tax revenues from alcohol sales have plummeted due to COVID-19.
MLB struggles to get attendance back to pre-pandemic levels
Blame it on lingering effects of the pandemic, resentment over the lockout or fears over the economy.
Marco Rubio pushes to deepen Port Tampa Bay to ease supply chain woes
More than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced a global shutdown, supply chain issues continue to cause major disruptions in the global shipping industry.
Arizona is most guilty of COVID-19 'panic buying,' study says
Researchers are revealing the top states guilty of COVID-19 “panic buying," and Arizona sits at the top of the list. We have how other states rank on the list, too!
COVID-19 testing requirement lifted as cases climb across the country
International travelers don’t have to take a COVID-19 test to get into the U.S. starting Sunday, and the change comes as infections climb in states across the country and in Tampa Bay.
Local nonprofit resources strained as inflation surges
Buying food isn’t just getting harder for families in need, it’s hitting the nonprofits that help them. Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries said surging inflation is straining resources, and both nonprofits said workers are seeing a record number of families needing help.
Court rules against Florida businesses on COVID-19 insurance coverage
A federal appeals court Thursday rejected arguments by Florida restaurants and a furniture retailer that insurance policies should have covered losses stemming from shutdowns early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Non-profit helps those with disabilities find work at businesses facing labor shortages
The non-profit helps place with all kinds of disabilities, and the agency can boast quite a roster of business partners. Publix, Walmart and Amazon have all worked with employU to fill open positions.
Dr. Fauci says the ‘US is out of the pandemic phase’
Dr. Anthony Fauci said COVID-19 infections and deaths are at a lower level in the U.S., but people should still get 'intermittently' vaccinated.
Polk County fish producer benefits from pandemic boom in tropical fish
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Polk County man hasn't been able to keep up with the demand for the fish he raises at Urban Tropical, his farm in North Lakeland.
Manatee Technical College offers fast track to success for students looking for career change
Manatee Technical College is working to put students looking for a career change on the fast track to success. Many of the future employees' careers were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that they will leave it up to vacationers to decide whether they feel safe getting on a ship. The cruise-line industry is happy about the move.
Donors needed: Breast milk in short supply amid COVID-19 surge, winter weather woes
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America said it is in urgent need of donor breast milk which is essential to “saving the most vulnerable babies’ lives.”