Second Volusia County Resident Has Coronavirus
(DeLand, FL) -- There's a second coronavirus case in Volusia County. The Florida Department of Health announced last night that a 60-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19. She recently traveled outside the U.S., but there's no word on where. The DOH says she'll remain in isolation until she's medically cleared. A 66-year-old woman was the first in the county to test positive for the coronavirus, and she also is in isolation.
Two Central Florida Lawmakers Self-Quarantine Over Coronavirus Scare
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Two Central Florida lawmakers are taking precautions because of the coronavirus. State Reps Thad Altman of Indialantic and Howey-in-the-Hills' Anthony Sabatini are in self-quarantine. House Speaker Jose Oliva said yesterday the two recently attended an event in Washington, DC that was also attended by someone with COVID-19. Three other state lawmakers are also self-quarantining and being tested for the virus. After learning four House members attended the Conservative Political Action Conference, the chamber suspended its afternoon session.
Brevard Public Schools Issues Travel Reminder
(Titusville, FL) -- Parents in Brevard County are being asked to carefully consider their spring break plans because of the coronavirus. The school district yesterday sent parents a letter reminding them of the dangers of traveling to countries with lots of COVID-19 cases. If students do travel to one of those countries, parents are asked to isolate them for 14 days upon their return to the US. Spring break in the district begins on the 16th.
Tampa Bay Churches Make Changes Amidst Coronavirus Scare
(Tampa, FL) -- At least one Tampa Bay church is open to taking an extreme measure to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Andy Oliver is reverend at St. Petersburg's Allendale United Methodist Church. He has already implemented some changes, like using tongs to hand out communion, but he has even considered suspending services after six churches in Seattle did so recently. He tells 10News he'll continue to monitor the CDC's recommendations, and those worried about attending services can view them on the church's website.
Publix Limits Items For Coronavirus Protection
(Lakeland, FL) -- Because of high demand, Lakeland based Publix is putting limits on how many of certain items customers can buy for coronavirus related protection. At its stores here and in other states each person can only buy two hand soaps & sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, face masks & gloves, disinfectant wipes and spray, aerosol disinfectant sprays, facial tissues, cups, plates, utensils and bleach. It's not clear how long the policy will remain in effect.
Job Offering $1,000 To Watch Disney Movies
(Undated) -- A website is looking for somebody with an "overall enthusiasm for Disney." That is in the description of a job posting by UpgradedPoints.com. It is offering candidates one-thousand dollars to binge-watch 12 Disney animated classics and their remakes. But, you'll have to complete a worksheet for each movie and document your binge-watching journey on social media. If selected, you'll have until the end of April to complete the tasks. Some of the movies include 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, Cinderella and Aladdin.
Sesame Street's 'Count' In New Census Ads
(New York, NY) -- Sesame Street is using its purple puppet to make sure kids get counted in the census. The number-obsessed vampire "Count von Count" reminds families how important it is in new ads that began airing today. Children under five are believed to have been the most left out segment in the 2010 Census. The new head count starts for most people on Thursday.
Pig Poops Pedometer, Starts Farm Fire In England
(England) -- There are no injuries after one pig's diet sparked a fire on a farm in England. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service officials says crews responded to the blaze at four pig pens on a local farm. After putting out the flames, firefighters discovered that a battery-powered pedometer likely caused the fire. Upon further investigation, it appeared that a pig ate the pedometer it was wearing and then passed it. Copper from the device's battery sparked with the pig feces and dry hay to ignite the fire. The fire crews said they arrived just in time to "save the bacon."
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1995, after sitting out the 1993-1994 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball with the Chicago White Sox, basketball superstar Michael Jordan announced his retirement from baseball. He returned to basketball later in the year.
1969, James Earl Ray pled guilty to the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison for the murder.
1876, Alexander Graham Bell sent the first clear telephone message.
1862, the United States government issued its first paper money. The denominations were five, ten and 20-dollars.