Governor: SF Residents Stay Inside Until Mid-May
(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- With most Florida coronavirus still being found in South Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is issuing new restrictions. He's telling residents to South Florida stay in their homes until the middle of May. However he has still not issued a similar statewide Safer-At-Home order. The move affects residents in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties.
Winter Park To Close Golf Course And Boat Ramps
(Winter Park, FL) -- A city in Orange County hopes a recent decision shows how seriously it's taking the coronavirus. The Winter Park City Commission yesterday voted to close the golf course and boat ramps indefinitely. Mayor Steve Leary says keeping the facilities open is almost like the city is encouraging bad behavior. Commissioner Carolyn Cooper says we're at war with the virus, and the closures send the message that the city is committed to winning that war.
St. Pete Mayor Warns Of Further Crackdown To Enforce Social Distancing
(St. Petersburg, FL) -- St. Petersburg's mayor is threatening further action to enforce social distancing. Mayor Rick Kriseman said yesterday too many people are ignoring orders to not gather in crowds of 10-or-more at city parks, and some have even climbed fences to access restricted areas. He says he understands people are restless, but if people don't follow the social distancing rules, he may have no choice but to close the city's parks.
Miami Mayor Out Of Quarantine
(Miami, FL) -- Miami's mayor is celebrating what he calls a small victory in the battle to beat the coronavirus. Mayor Francis Suarez announced yesterday he tested negative for COVID-19 a second time, and he's no longer in quarantine. He was diagnosed almost three weeks ago after coming into contact with an infected person who was traveling with Brazil's president. Suarez will hold a press conference this morning to discuss the city's actions to combat the virus.
Miami-Dade Mayor Orders More Closures
(Miami, FL) -- Miami-Dade County is taking further steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced yesterday he's ordering all gyms and pools at condos or apartments to close. Gimenez says the move was necessary because some people aren't taking social distance guidelines seriously. He also threatened to close businesses that don't comply with an order to enforce social distancing.
HillsCo Sheriff To Address Missing Person Case Tied To Netflix Series
(Tampa, FL) -- A popular Netflix series is shining a light on a missing persons case in Hillsborough County. The Netflix 'Tiger King' documentary features Big Cat Rescue owner Carole Baskin whose ex-husband, Don Lewis, hasn't been seen in over 20 years. Sheriff Chad Chronister yesterday called for new leads in Lewis' case.
Two Cruise Ship Workers Medically Evacuated
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Two cruise line workers are so sick they had to be evacuated from their ships at Port Everglades. The Royal Caribbean employees were medically evacuated yesterday from the Symphony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean says they have respiratory issues, and an Oasis of the Seas crew member tells the Miami Herald the employee on their ship does not have the coronavirus. The paper reported this weekend, though, there are 14 people onboard who do have the virus.
Disney Executives Take Pay Cuts During Pandemic
(Orlando, FL) -- Disney executive Bob Iger will give up his salary starting today and new CEO Bob Chapek will take a 50-percent pay cut. The park is shut down indefinitely as the company deals with the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the Disney workers are still being paid for the time being, but at SeaWorld most staff are laid off.
Supermarket Shopping Times Can Now Be Reserved At OpenTable
(San Francisco, CA) -- OpenTable is taking reservations again, but not for restaurants. The app will let shoppers choose times slots at supermarkets and retailers. The goal is to decrease overcrowding and avoid long lines in a time of social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak. Last week, OpenTable reported a 400-percent surge in delivery and take out orders in the across the nation.
New Dating Site Promotes Social Distancing
(Undated) -- A new dating site and app is promoting social distancing amid the COVID-19 crisis. Quarantine Together connects users staying at home during the outbreak. Every day the app will ask if you've washed your hands and with the correct response will connect you with another person via text messaging. Users are given the option to video chat if they've been texting for 15 minutes.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1996, Phil Collins announced he was leaving Genesis after 21 years as the group's lead singer and drummer.
1975, UCLA head coach John Wooden won his tenth and final NCAA championship with the Bruins by defeating Kentucky, 92-to-85.
1954, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs was established.
1889, the Eiffel Tower opened in Paris.