Gymnastics studios preparing for a slow re-open on Monday

LaFleur's Gymnastics Club has been closed down for almost eight weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the gym's owner has been making a lot of adjustments to space so it is safe for athletes to come on Monday.

AdventHealth says more than 8,000 Bay Area COVID-19 results are unreliable, terminates lab contract

The results of more than 35,000 COVID-19 tests ordered by Florida-based health care system and performed by a third-party lab are unreliable, with the majority of the questionable tests having been conducted in Florida, the company said Saturday.

As US coronavirus death toll mounts, so does the belief by some that it is exaggerated

There’s a reason why some people believe government officials are exaggerating the number of COVID-19 fatalities. One problem is the hodgepodge way states tally those numbers, Fox News has found.

Florida coronavirus cases near 45,000 in Saturday's update; 47 new deaths reported

The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 673 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 44,811.

Democrats push new $3T coronavirus relief bill through House

Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace a U.S. economy in free fall and a health care system struggling to contain a pandemic still pummeling the country.

Counties must submit requests to governor before reopening vacation rentals

Vacation rental properties are still required to stay closed during phase one of Florida’s reopening plan, but the governor said Friday he will allow counties to submit applications to begin bookings again under a detailed safety plan.

With coronavirus curve flat, governor says 'full phase one' begins Monday -- including gyms

It's been nearly two weeks since Florida slowly began reopening under the governor's three-phase plan to reopen Florida from the coronavirus shutdowns. Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis made the long-awaited announcement that gyms and fitness centers will be the next businesses allowed to reopen, while restaurants and stores can expand capacity.

NASCAR to honor Tampa General Hospital doctor during Sunday's race

After two months of treating countless COVID-19 patients, and much longer practicing medicine, Dr. Seetha Lakshmi is used to wearing personal protective equipment.

Democrats push new $3T coronavirus relief bill through House

The Democratic-controlled House is pressing ahead with votes on another massive rescue bill that would pump almost $1 trillion to states and local governments, renew $1,200 cash payments for individuals, and extend a $600 weekly supplemental federal unemployment benefit.

DeSantis casts doubt on problems with unemployment system

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis bristled at questions Friday regarding the state’s unemployment system.

Florida coronavirus cases top 44,000 in Friday update; 42 new deaths reported

The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 928 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 44,138.

‘Operation Warp Speed’: Trump announces new initiative for COVID-19 vaccine

The president said the initiative will bring together the efforts of federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Mixed reactions as more Bay Area attractions slowly reopen

Two of Tampa Bay's biggest marine-life attractions reopened Friday, continuing the steady stream of businesses welcoming customers for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a businesses to temporarily shut down.

Sky-high salute: MacDill KC-135 flies over Bay Area hospitals in show of thanks

Our frontline workers have been deemed true heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the nurses and doctors working long hours to keep the community safe and healthy. Friday morning, MacDill Air Force Base sent a KC-135 refueling tanker into the sky to fly over area hospitals in a show of appreciation. 

Study: Men less likely to wear masks in public because it is ‘not cool’ and ‘a sign of weakness’

In a study done to analyze gender differences with regard to response to the novel coronavirus, researchers found that male participants reported that they intended to wear a face covering less than women because they felt wearing a mask to protect themselves is “shameful, not cool,” or “a sign of weakness.”

Charges dropped against Tampa megachurch pastor, lawyer says

Lawyers say charges have been dropped against the pastor of a Tampa megachurch who prosecutors said defied 'safer at home' orders when he held large services with hundreds of his congregants. 

'Country roads' lead Dr. Steve home after he spent more than a month fighting COVID-19

After battling COVID-19 for 49 days, a longtime pediatrician and Navy veteran Steve "Dr. Steve" Hefler was safely discharged from Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Friday.

CDC says all models forecast increase in COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks, exceeding 100K by June 1

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Twitter that after analyzing 13 different forecasting models of potential COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., all models indicate an increase in coronavirus fatalities in the coming weeks with a cumulative death toll exceeding 100,000 by June 1.