Biden Sweeps Central Florida
(Orlando, FL) -- Joe Biden can thank Central Florida voters for his big win. Biden won the Florida Democratic primary yesterday with over 60-percent of the vote over Bernie Sanders. Biden swept all counties in Central Florida.
Turnout Down In Democratic Primary
(Orlando, FL) -- The coronavirus appears to have had an impact on Florida's Democratic primary. Turnout in Orange County was down about 15 percent from four years ago, and Election Day turnout was in the single digits. Some who voted yesterday took precautions like bringing their own pens and using hand sanitizers. A voter in downtown Orlando tells the Orlando Sentinel if people can find their way to Publix, they should be able to find their way to the ballot box.
Bars Expect Big Losses
(Orlando, FL) -- A statewide crackdown on bars and nightclubs will be tough for owners to swallow. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday that all bars and nightclubs must close for the rest of the month. The announcement came on St. Patrick's Day, which is normally a big night for those businesses. One owner tells News 6 such a large loss in revenue is going to make it tough to pay staff.
Cocoa Beach To Keep Beaches Open
(Cocoa Beach, FL) -- Beaches will remain open but perhaps with smaller crowds in part of Brevard County. The Cocoa Beach City Commission yesterday declared a State of Emergency, but they decided to keep the beaches open for now. The mayor says he's not interested in closing the beach, but he did say he wants to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. City Manager James McKnight could propose ways to restrict the number of people who can use the beach at a given time.
Pinellas County To Keep Beaches Open
(Clearwater, FL) -- One of the few places where masses of people can still gather will stay open in Pinellas County. Yesterday, county officials announced they will not close the beaches. Those who go to the beach are told to do so in groups of 10 or less and maintain six feet of separation. St. Pete Beach Mayor Al Johnson tells the Tampa Bay Times it's better to have people at the beach than in confined quarters where they can spread the virus to each other.
Miami-Dade County Closes Several Businesses
(Miami, FL) -- Miami-Dade County is cracking down on businesses where crowds gather. The county announced yesterday that restaurants, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters and gyms will be closed. County Mayor Carlos Gimenez says such an extraordinary action is the only way to get ahead of COVID-19 and stop its spread. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale announced similar closures yesterday for 30 days, and the city banned all gatherings of more than 10 people.
Florida College Graduations Ceremonies Cancelled
(Tampa, FL) -- The state is telling Florida universities to cancel graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. State education leaders say that the graduation ceremonies in May will be cancelled and universities must develop an alternate schedule, or delivery method. This decision falls in line with the countless events being cancelled throughout the state due to coronavirus.
San Fran Bakery Survives Closure With Quarantine Cakes
(San Francisco, CA) -- Sometimes, cake just makes things better. A bakery in San Francisco is now delivering quarantine cakes and they're a hit. They all come with a PSA on top such as "wash your hands" or "don't touch your face." The owner says she came up with the idea as a way to stay afloat amid the city-wide closures. In fact, the business just had its busiest day ever. She says comfort food is one of the things that will get people through this.
Ohio Customer Leaves $2,500 Tip At Columbus Bar
(Columbus, OH) -- A loyal customer at Coaches Bar and Grill in Columbus, Ohio is leaving a 25-hundred dollar tip for his 30-dollar meal. He did so about an hour after Governor Mike DeWine announced all bars and restaurants in the state would be closing because of the coronavirus pandemic. The tip went to the staff that will not be returning to their jobs for a while. The bar's owner said it changed everything on what was otherwise a bad day.
Cincinnati Zoo Livestreaming Animals To Entertain People In Isolation
(Cincinnati, OH) -- The Cincinnati Zoo is livestreaming some of its animals each afternoon at 3 to people stuck inside their homes during the coronavirus outbreak. The zoo itself is closed to keep the spread of the virus down. However, they launched their Home Safari series on Facebook Live. The first broadcast was of their world-famous hippo, Fiona. Zoo officials said they continue the safari each afternoon for the time being.
New Yorkers Looking For Quarantine Love On Craigslist
(New York, NY) -- Some New Yorkers are looking for lovers to quarantine with amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The New York Post reports residents are posting on Craigslist looking for bunker buddies to share intimacy with at the possible end of the world. Other posters say they will exchange needed goods in order for companionship. Dating sites like OkCupid insist that about 90-percent of people are still dating using normal habits and preferences.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2018, the first death as a result of a self-driving Uber occurred in Tempe, Arizona.
1986, the United States Treasury Department announced it would begin weaving polyester threads into bills in an effort to combat counterfeiters.
1931, Schick Incorporated displayed the first electric razor.
1852, Henry Wells and William Fargo launched their shipping and banking company. The coast-to-coast express business was first called the American Express, but later changed to Wells Fargo.