Tom Brady Caught Violating Safer-At-Home Order
(Tampa, FL) -- Safer-at-home orders apply to everyone in Tampa Bay, even Tom Brady. The new Buccaneers quarterback was seen yesterday exercising in a closed downtown Tampa park. Mayor Jane Castor says a parks employee had to inform him the park was closed.
6% Of Florida Unemployment Claims Paid
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The State of Florida says six-percent of the unemployment claims it has received so far have been paid. That's a slight improvement over the four-percent it announced last week, but nowhere near what's needed by the many Floridians who are jobless and who have also still not received stimulus payments. The state also has created an online unemployment dashboard that will show updates on claims received and paid.
Gimenez Discusses Reopening Public Spaces
(Miami, FL) -- Steps are being taken to reopen Miami-Dade County. Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced details yesterday on how he plans to reopen public spaces, including parks and golf courses. Beaches, dog parks and picnic areas will still be closed. No timeline was announced, though, so as of now, shutdown orders are still in place.
Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell Criticizes Move To Reopen County
(Miami, FL) -- A prominent elected official says it's too soon to reopen Miami-Dade County. Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell yesterday criticized Mayor Carlos Gimenez for considering lifting some closures of public spaces. Mucarsel-Powell says huge numbers of people out and about could lead to more people getting sick and overwhelming our healthcare system. The Republican mayor has already announced plans to challenge the Democratic congresswoman in November's election.
Monroe County Keeping Tourism Restrictions In Place
(Key West, FL) -- Don't expect the Keys to reopen to tourists anytime soon. Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said yesterday she'll wait until Miami-Dade County and other areas start to reopen. She says she's worried if the Keys open first, it'll lead to a rush of people crossing the county line. Last month, the county installed checkpoints to make sure only those who live or work in the area can get in.
Union Votes No Confidence In Broward County Sheriff
(Plantation, FL) -- For those who work at the Broward County Sheriff's Office, morale is in the toilet. That's what a union official said yesterday after announcing 88-percent of those who cast ballots voted no-confidence in Sheriff Gregory Tony. Their concerns include a lack of protective equipment during the pandemic. After the vote, Tony said it's time to unite to continue providing the highest level of professional public safety services to the community.
Jeter Gives Up Salary
(Miami, FL) -- Derek Jeter is doing his part to ensure Miami Marlins employees can keep their jobs. The Marlins CEO announced yesterday he's giving up his salary indefinitely. He also announced team employees will continue to be fully paid through the end of May. Jeter reportedly makes five-million dollars a year.
Japanese Sex Workers To Get Coronavirus Aid
(Japan) -- Sex workers in Japan can get some financial help from the government amid the coronavirus pandemic. The government passed a nearly trillion dollar stimulus plan to bolster the nation, but left out legal sex workers. After some pushback, government officials announced that those operating professionally in the sex industry, excluding prostitution, will be able to receive financial aid. Aid guidelines for sex workers include cash handouts for lost wages and subsidies for those caring for children during school closures. Some say that they are fearful that if they apply for the money, their profession will be outed.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2018, Football player Colin Kaepernick was awarded Amnesty International's highest honor. The global human rights organization gave him the 2018 Ambassador of Conscience Award in Amsterdam.