Bloggytown

Gov. DeSantis' veto of $225 million in affordable housing funds could leave Orange County in need

by Dave Plotkin on July 6, 2020 at 1:20PM

"There's going to be a lot more vetoes, there'll be a lot of red," DeSantis warned reporters during a June 16 news conference at which he touted his priorities: teacher pay hikes and spending on environmental issues. "We're living in a different reality.

Visit virtually: Popular Florida parks and attractions adjust to COVID-19

by Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection on July 6, 2020 at 10:08AM

While the coronavirus pandemic has altered many travel plans, a number of attractions are offering an interactive virtual experience in the era of social distancing. Some popular theme parks are providing virtual rides.

Florida added 59,000 new coronavirus cases in the past week alone

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida on July 5, 2020 at 7:30PM

Amid the surge, Gov. Ron DeSantis has focused on steps the state has taken, such as boosting protections for nursing-home residents, as seniors and people with underlying medical conditions — pretty much the definition of nursing-home residents — are particularly vulnerable to the disease. DeSantis also has tried to drive home the message that many new infections are occurring in young adults, who are less likely to suffer severe medical consequences.

Florida surpasses 200,000 total coronavirus cases over July 4 holiday

by Dave Plotkin on July 5, 2020 at 11:58AM

The state of Florida released the latest coronavirus numbers on Sunday, and they show a milestone has officially been crossed in the coronavirus pandemic, as the Sunshine State reached 200,111 total cases statewide since March 1. The new numbers show 10,059 new cases in the last day.

Hey snowflakes, just stay home if you're too scared to wear a mask

by Daniel Hill on July 5, 2020 at 9:35AM

Goldman Sachs, mask use could save the U.S. economy $1 trillion if it were mandated nationwide. And as of this week, President Trump has even joined the chorus of those calling for mask use, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that President Trump is actively working with the Democrats and the media to stop the reelection of President Trump.

Florida sheriff who said he would deputize 'every lawful gun owner' against protesters now says he legally can’t do that

by Christopher Cann on July 5, 2020 at 9:34AM

This story originally appeared in our sister paper Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. _ Please follow CDC guidelines and Orange County advisories to stay safe, and please support this free publication.

On same day as new record for COVID-19 cases, Sen. Rick Scott tells Fox News that Florida doesn’t need a statewide mask order

by Chloe Greenberg on July 4, 2020 at 1:38PM

But businesses technically do not have to disclose any coronavirus or COVID-19 exposure. "When it comes to whether to publicly disclose the information, the biggest factor is whether the employee was customer facing, like a hostess or server, or if they largely spent their time behind the scenes," Tampa attorney Robert Shimberg recently told the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

One month after second phase of reopening, Florida hits new record-high for coronavirus cases

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida on July 4, 2020 at 1:10PM

Other people — especially Democrats — weren’t so calm as the surge of cases continued day after day. More than 3,803 Florida residents had died as of Saturday from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.

Another record-high day for coronavirus in Florida, as cases jump more than 11,400 on Friday

by Dave Plotkin on July 4, 2020 at 11:49AM

Another day, another record-high rate of new coronavirus cases in Florida, which officially added 11,458 more people who tested positive for the virus on Friday. That brings the state's total to 190,052, and it's the third consecutive day of reporting more than 9,000 new cases.

Florida Gov. DeSantis, VP Pence offer assurances as cases surge

by Christine Sexton, News Service of Florida on July 3, 2020 at 12:26PM

DeSantis has downplayed the rising COVID-19 numbers and inpatient hospitalizations, but Pence announced that the state had asked the federal government for help with “medical personnel.” “The governor and I talked today about personnel, and we’ll be considering a request from the state of Florida about medical personnel that we will be processing in very short order,” Pence said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' net worth was up in his first year as governor

by Jim Turner, the News Service of Florida on July 3, 2020 at 8:57AM

Gov. Ron DeSantis saw his net worth increase nearly 3 percent in his first year residing in the governor’s mansion. DeSantis reported a net worth of $291,449 as of Dec. 31, 2019, up from $283,605 at the end of 2018, according to a new financial disclosure posted on the Florida Commission on Ethics website.

VP Mike Pence 'excited' about coming to Jacksonville for Republican National Convention

by The News Service of Florida on July 2, 2020 at 8:00PM

The risk “of a serious outcome with the coronavirus is fairly small” for young adults, said Pence, the head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. “But no young person would ever want to unintentionally infect a mom, a dad, a grandmother, a grandfather, or an elderly friend,” he added.

Orlando Sentinel and parent company Tribune Publishing being sued for unpaid rent

by Matthew Moyer on July 2, 2020 at 4:52PM

Tribune Publishing – which owns multiple newspapers around the country including the Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun and the South Florida Sun Sentinel – had earlier noted in a June SEC filing that it was withholding rent payments for a "majority of its facilities" amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. _ Please follow CDC guidelines and Orange County advisories to stay safe, and please support this free publication.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens socially distanced version of their Serengeti Safari tour

by Colin Wolf on July 2, 2020 at 4:37PM

This story originally appeared in our sister paper Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. _

Jacksonville protesters prepare for the Republican National Convention

by Casey Craig on July 2, 2020 at 4:16PM

As the convention date rapidly approaches, tensions continue to rise. Mayor Curry insists that city officials “will adapt and react accordingly and make sure this convention is a smooth, secure and safe event for everyone,” in partial response to protest and riot related fears.

Dr. Phillips Charities to award $1 million in grants to local nonprofit groups engaged in coronavirus relief work

by Matthew Moyer on July 2, 2020 at 2:45PM

The Orlando philanthropic organization Dr. Phillips Charities announced on Wednesday that it will be making available $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Orange and Osceola County engaged in local coronavirus relief efforts and projects. The deadline for organizations to apply is Friday, July 31.

Workers at over 20 Central Florida Publix stores test positive for coronavirus

by Matthew Moyer on July 2, 2020 at 1:33PM

Employees at more than 20 of Central Florida area Publix stores have tested positive for COVID-19. The list of stores was released Wednesday with more stores added through Thursday.

Florida reports over 10,000 new coronavirus cases, a record number

by Colin Wolf on July 2, 2020 at 12:23PM

This story originally appeared in our sister paper Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. _

OUC flips the switch on new solar farms in Orange and Osceola County

by Matthew Moyer on July 1, 2020 at 8:12PM

On Tuesday, Orlando Utilities Commission activated two new solar farms in Orange and Osceola County that added 108.5 megawatts – enough to power 20,000 homes – to the power grid as durable new sources of renewable energy. These two solar facilities, Harmony Solar Energy Center in St. Cloud and Taylor Creek Solar Energy Center in east Orange County, house approximately 600,000 rotating solar panels and will supply power to six Florida cities including Orlando, Kissimmee and Ocala as part of the Florida Municipal Solar Project.

On July 4, a day of Black Lives Matter protests planned at Lake Eola Park

by Matthew Moyer on July 1, 2020 at 3:48PM

"Blackout" references a movement for Black communities and allies to exercise their economic power as a means of protest. On a Blackout Day, participants are urged to not spend any money at stores or online, and if they do, for the recipient of their money to be a Black-owned business.

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» topic: Bloggytown

Gov. DeSantis' veto of $225 million in affordable housing funds could leave Orange County in need

Visit virtually: Popular Florida parks and attractions adjust to COVID-19

Florida added 59,000 new coronavirus cases in the past week alone

Florida surpasses 200,000 total coronavirus cases over July 4 holiday

Hey snowflakes, just stay home if you're too scared to wear a mask

Florida sheriff who said he would deputize 'every lawful gun owner' against protesters now says he legally can’t do that

On same day as new record for COVID-19 cases, Sen. Rick Scott tells Fox News that Florida doesn’t need a statewide mask order

One month after second phase of reopening, Florida hits new record-high for coronavirus cases

Another record-high day for coronavirus in Florida, as cases jump more than 11,400 on Friday

Florida Gov. DeSantis, VP Pence offer assurances as cases surge

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' net worth was up in his first year as governor

VP Mike Pence 'excited' about coming to Jacksonville for Republican National Convention

Orlando Sentinel and parent company Tribune Publishing being sued for unpaid rent

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens socially distanced version of their Serengeti Safari tour

Jacksonville protesters prepare for the Republican National Convention

Dr. Phillips Charities to award $1 million in grants to local nonprofit groups engaged in coronavirus relief work

Workers at over 20 Central Florida Publix stores test positive for coronavirus

Florida reports over 10,000 new coronavirus cases, a record number

OUC flips the switch on new solar farms in Orange and Osceola County

On July 4, a day of Black Lives Matter protests planned at Lake Eola Park