Florida 'phase two' begins today, despite increase in COVID-19 infection rate
Another round of businesses are cleared to reopen today amid the coronavirus pandemic, including bars, movie theaters, and even concert halls. But some local officials are wondering if it’s too soon.
Over 1,300 new Florida coronavirus cases reported Friday; third day of large increase
The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 1,305 since yesterday morning as the virus spreads and as more people are tested across the state. The total number of cases in Florida is now 61,488.
Unemployment rate falls to 13.3%, US adds 2.5 million jobs
The U.S. unemployment rate fell unexpectedly in May to 13.3% — still on par with what the nation witnessed during the Great Depression — as states loosened their coronavirus lockdowns and businesses began recalling workers.
JCPenney shutting down 154 stores after coronavirus-driven bankruptcy
Nearly three weeks after JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company has announced it will close down 154 stores nationwide in 38 states as a first step in reorganizing the business.
Tampa airport hits pause on $906M of planned construction
With air travel down more than 90%, TPA will delay or cancel $906 million worth of construction projects, including the Airside D project which would add 16 gates to the airport.
Letter carrier delivers praise to frontline workers in a unique way
A St. Petersburg postman has supplied 1,000 face shields to healthcare workers.
Las Vegas reopens from historic coronavirus casino closure
Hotel-casinos in suburban Las Vegas were the first to open at 12:01 a.m., to be followed later in the morning by a restart of the iconic Bellagio fountain and reopenings of several resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.
State cracks down on Grace Manor after they say it failed to take proper COVID-19 safeguards
The state just issued an emergency order imposing a moratorium on the nursing home from taking in any new residents.
Study on safety of malaria drugs for coronavirus retracted
Thursday’s retraction in the journal Lancet involved a May 22 report on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, drugs long used for preventing or treating malaria but whose safety and effectiveness for COVID-19 are unknown.
More details emerge on plans to reopen Florida's universities
A week after the state university system’s Board of Governors laid out a blueprint for how to reopen campuses in the fall, school officials are offering more details about what will change when students and faculty members come back.
Jobless claims mount as state continues reopening
More than 200,000 new unemployment claims were filed last week in Florida, as the state is on the verge of the second phase of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to reemerge economically from the coronavirus pandemic.
How to protest while keeping yourself and others safe amid COVID-19 pandemic
To start, heath experts say wear a mask and eye protection.
Florida coronavirus cases top 60,000 in Thursday update; 41 new deaths reported
The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 1,419 since yesterday morning as the virus spreads and as more people are tested across the state. The total number of cases in Florida is now 60,183.
Universal takes first steps reviving Florida's theme park business
With masks on their faces and temperature checks at entrances, Harry Potter fans and roller coaster lovers streamed back into Universal Orlando Resort this week in one of the first major steps toward reviving Florida’s theme park industry, which was left temporarily moribund by closures to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
Busch Gardens, Adventure Island theme parks to reopen June 11
After being closed for nearly three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will reopen to the public next week.
Florida among states in the running to host Republican National Convention after Trump pulls plug on NC
Several states are vying to host President Donald Trump when he accepts his party’s nomination later this year, after Trump officially pulled the plug on North Carolina because of the state's concerns over the coronavirus.
DeSantis says Florida is ready for phase two: Bars, theaters can reopen
Against the backdrop of a reopening theme park, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that most of Florida is ready to move to "phase two" of the three-phase plan to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic.
Detroit man fraudulently applied for PPP aid, used it to buy Hummer, Cadillacs, Dodge Charger: DOJ
In an alleged Motor City money grab, a local man is accused of swiping funds from the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) -- which is meant to help keep small businesses afloat amid the coronavirus shutdowns -- to buy two Cadillacs, a Dodge Charger and a Hummer, according to federal prosecutors.
HUG connects those with special needs, even during the pandemic
Melissa Caulfield and her mom Terry Boatner are reminiscing about all the fun social activities that Melissa did with the organization Help Us Gather, or HUG.
Cinema chain AMC warns it may not survive the pandemic
Movie theater chain AMC warned Wednesday that it may not survive the coronavirus pandemic, which has shuttered its theaters and led film studios to explore releasing more movies directly to viewers over the internet.