Florida recorded 14 new deaths Monday from the novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide death toll past 1,800. The state’s total number of confirmed cases is close to 41,000.
Pinellas nursing homes still struggle
Monday was another grim day of news for Pinellas County nursing homes as the number of coronavirus cases in elder-care centers continues to rise in Tampa Bay and across Florida.
A total of 15 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, were evacuated from two Pinellas County long-term care facilities after outbreaks were discovered at St. Petersburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Gulf Shore Care Center in Pinellas Park.
This latest evacuation comes as six more residents of Freedom Square of Seminole died in recent days, according to recently released reports from the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner’s Office. That brings the total to 30 residents and one employee who have died as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a Tampa Bay Times count of medical examiner reports.
Salons, barbershops reopen
Hair and nail salons and barbershops reopened Monday after a five-week shutdown, but with new requirements aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus. Times reporters visited some Tampa Bay businesses on Monday and found vigilant owners, relieved employees and grateful customers.
St. Pete mayor unveils reopening guidelines
Mayor Rick Kriseman on Monday unveiled guidelines his administration created to encourage residents and businesses to be good citizens. Branded "The St. Pete Way,” the guidelines in the 13-paged document are not official enforceable government orders but offer a way for people to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Kriseman said.
Tips to consider before leaving the house
If you’re thinking about venturing out, we’ve put together 10 tips to consider before you go.
Dearth of masks shocks Hillsborough commissioner
Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller said he visited two grocery stores Friday and was "utterly shocked'' at how few people wore facial coverings to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. Miller made the comments Monday at the conclusion of the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group meeting.
Sheriff breaks bread with pastor he had arrested
About six weeks ago, Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister called Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne reckless for holding church services at the River at Tampa Bay church, and had him arrested for defying public health orders meant to limit the spread of coronavirus. But Chronister recently reached out to the pastor and went to his Hernando County home for lunch. Chronister says he was being proactive by meeting with community leaders as the county reopens, but experts say the visit with a criminal defendant raises ethical concerns and carries political risk. Read the story here.
Hurricane planning with COVID-19 in mind
With the start of what is expected to be an active hurricane season a few weeks away, state officials are preparing with the coronavirus in mind. Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz said his agency is redeveloping plans about evacuations and shelters, while also adding facemasks to the state’s stockpile of storm supplies.
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Explore all your optionsWeapons permit suspension draws lawsuit
A Northwest Florida resident has filed a lawsuit challenging a decision by state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to suspend accepting online applications for concealed-weapons licenses because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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