Florida coronavirus cases top 37,000 in Tuesday update; 72 new deaths reported

The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 542 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 37,439.

University of Tampa students will graduate virtually

In response to the pandemic, the University of Tampa will host a virtual commencement for the first time, which will take place May 9 at 11 a.m.

The Florida Aquarium plans to reopen on May 15

After nearly two months, The Florida Aquarium announced its own plan to get back in business.

Cubicles could make a comeback after COVID-19

The novel coronavirus pandemic created a stress test for remote work for millions of Floridians and it could have lasting impacts on the work environment, going forward.

Citing financial and practical concerns, some restaurants opt keep dining rooms closed

Even as restaurants begin to reopen, the future may be cloudy for restaurants in the Sunshine State. Some opted to stay closed rather than operate at only 25-percent capacity.

7th Ave. in Ybor City becomes outdoor dining room for Cinco de Mayo

The city of Tampa is allowing some restaurants to expand their dining spaces into otherwise off-limits areas like parking lots, sidewalks, and, in a few cases, sections of city streets.

As they reopen, restaurants insist diners' safety is top priority

Restaurants across the state started serving dine-in customers again Monday, but with some changes including limited seating, disposable menus, and a heavy focus on sanitation.

DeSantis defends efforts to fix unemployment problems

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday defended his administration’s efforts to get the state’s much-maligned unemployment system to handle the unprecedented surge in applications caused by the coronavirus.

Trump says death toll could reach 100,000

Anxious to spur an economic recovery without risking lives, President Donald Trump insists that “you can satisfy both" — see states gradually lift lockdowns while also protecting people from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 66,000 Americans.

Matches were canceled due to COVID-19, so a Mexican wrestler began making 'lucha libre' face masks

A Mexican wrestler financially impacted by canceled wrestling matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic has dedicated his time to making “lucha libre” face masks to help others fight the virus. 

Massachusetts boy, 7, survives coronavirus and cancer: 'It’s been a long road'

A young Dedham, Mass., boy who survived both cancer and a battle with the novel coronavirus received a warm welcome home late last month after he was released from Boston Children's Hospital, according to local reports.

Daughter says Lakeland nursing home did not want to test for COVID-19

Mercedes Quintero came to America, at the age of 28, aboard a so-called freedom flight during the now-famous Cuban Airlift. Polk County was where the refugee settled and never left. She built a life for herself in Lakeland, where she settled, worked backbreaking jobs in manufacturing, and raised three children.

Bartow ends grace period for overdue electric bills

Last month, as a result of soaring unemployment because of COVID-19, the city of Bartow gave residents who were having a hard time paying their electric bill a grace period. That grace period came to an end Monday.

Store owners cautious as retail allowed to reopen

For the first time in more than a month, Retail business in Florida started opening their doors again Monday, as Governor DeSantis' phase one of reopening the began.