Gov. DeSantis signs bill that targets COVID-19 vaccine, mask mandates in Florida
With opposition to COVID-19 mandates a key part of his political brand, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill that includes issues such as barring businesses and government agencies from requiring people to take COVID-19 tests or wear masks to enter their facilities.
What to know now that the COVID-19 global health emergency has ended
On Thursday, the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, and so do many pandemic-related measures.
Florida Supreme Court OKs DeSantis' request for grand jury investigation into COVID-19 vaccines
The Florida Supreme Court has approved Gov. Ron DeSantis' request for a grand jury to investigate any alleged wrongdoing related to COVID-19 vaccines. The statewide grand jury will be empaneled in Hillsborough County, and will meet for one year.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for grand jury investigation into COVID-19 vaccines
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he plans to petition the state’s Supreme Court to convene a grand jury to investigate "any and all wrongdoing" with respect to the COVID-19 vaccines.
Doctors tracking rise in cases from new omicron subvariants
Several new omicron subvariants that have emerged are closely being monitored by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local doctors.
Some scientists raise questions about new COVID-19 vaccine guidance from Florida surgeon general
Some scientists are raising questions about new COVID-19 vaccine guidance from Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. He is advising against the mRNA vaccines for men ages 18-39, citing an increased risk for cardiac death, but some health experts are coming out strongly against the new recommendation.
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.
'This is not gone': COVID-19 cases on the rise across Florida
The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida is on the rise. According to the Florida Department of Health, one out of five people being tested in Florida is positive for COVID-19. In Polk County, it is closer to one out of four.
Here’s why an omicron infection may protect you during this Florida COVID-19 wave
The new highly-infectious COVID-19 strain is fueling a rise in cases and hospitalizations across Florida, as it proves more effective at evading vaccines and immunity from previous infections.
Ex-Disney workers sue, claiming religious discrimination after losing jobs over COVID mandates
Three former employees are suing Walt Disney World, claiming they were fired after refusing to wear face masks and get the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious reasons.
Publix not offering COVID vaccines to children under 5
Publix says its pharmacies will not administer vaccines to children under the age of 5 at this time.
Man reunited with Tampa hospital staff after surviving harrowing COVID battle
There was an emotional reunion outside Tampa General Hospital Thursday – but it almost never happened. He spent more than 100 days at TGH battling the delta variant of COVID-19, including nearly five weeks in intensive care.
Memorial exhibit helps healing process after losing loved one
When a beloved member of the Creative Pinellas community died from COVID-19, her traditional family and work-family collaborated to remember her with an exhibit of her amazing artwork and ended up inviting the community to add their loved one's belongings to the collection.
Florida pharmacies will have COVID vaccines for eligible kids under 5
The White House says Florida doctors will be able to order COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 from the federal government.
Parents unsure how children under 18 months will get COVID-19 vaccine in Florida
Florida parents hoping to vaccinate young children against COVID-19 are unsure where to turn because the state disagrees with the recent FDA recommendation that children six months and up be vaccinated and didn't pre-order any doses.
Florida surgeon general disagrees with FDA on COVID vaccines for kids under 5; state does not pre-order doses
Parents are in the home stretch with COVID-19 vaccines for babies and their youngest children after Wednesday’s FDA advisory panel meeting. But once those vaccines are approved, parents in Florida who want their kids to get inoculated may face a longer wait. That's because Florida's surgeon general Dr. Joseph Ladapo says he does not support giving the COVID vaccine to babies and children under the age of 5 – so Florida is the only state that did not pre-order any doses.
Governor DeSantis nixes mask punishment for Florida school districts
Breaking from the Legislature’s efforts to punish school districts that imposed mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday directed Florida’s new education commissioner to ignore a plan that would have made the districts ineligible for $200 million.
Tampa Bay considered 'high risk' area as COVID-19 cases continue to spike
Data from the CDC shows more than half of Florida residents are in communities with "high risk" levels of COVID-19. It's the 10th consecutive week infections have gone up.
Three local counties see high levels of COVID-19 spread, experts say
Parts of the Tampa Bay area are now showing high levels of COVID-19 spread, a leading expert at USF Health said Tuesday.
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.