Florida Counts Over 500 New Coronavirus Cases
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida continues to see a surge in coronavirus cases. The Florida Department of Health counted another 507 cases yesterday. Overall, the state now has two-thousand-four-hundred-84 cases. Miami-Dade County has the most cases with 654.
Brevard County To Partially Close Beaches
(Titusville, FL) -- Brevard County's latest step to stop the spread of the coronavirus could affect your weekend plans. The County Policy Group voted yesterday to restrict beach access this weekend. The beaches will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today through Sunday. The county commission will meet this morning to discuss the closure.
Seminole County Resists Shutdown
(Sanford, FL) -- Stay-at-Home orders are in effect in Orange and Osceola counties, but a neighboring county is refusing to follow along. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said yesterday it doesn't make sense to impose restrictions on a problem that doesn't yet exist in the community. The Florida Department of Health counts 40 coronavirus cases in Seminole while Orange and Osceola have a combined 164. Seminole County Commission Chair Jay Zembower tells the Orlando Sentinel a stay-at-home order would have so many exceptions it wouldn't be effective.
Broward County Issues Shelter In Place Order
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Broward County is taking further steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus. County Mayor Dale Holness announced yesterday that a Shelter in Place order has been signed. Only essential travel will be allowed, which includes trips to grocery stores and doctor's offices. The Florida Department of Health counts 505 coronavirus cases in Broward, which is the second most in the state behind Miami-Dade's 654.
Zoo Staff Careful Not To Transmit Virus To Apes
(Tampa, FL) -- Steps are being taken around the world to limit human-to-human contact, but staff at a Tampa zoo have a different concern. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is taking steps to ensure great apes and orangutans don't get the coronavirus. Associate Curator Tiffany Burns says extra precaution is needed because humans and apes have a history of shared diseases, which she says is because we are so close in our DNA. She tells ABC Action News staffers make sure to keep their distance, and they wear gloves and masks around the animals.
Krispy Kreme Giving Healthcare Workers Free Donuts
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Krispy Kreme is giving back to those battling the coronavirus pandemic in the best way they know how - one donut at a time. All healthcare workers can get an unlimited amount of glazed donuts from any drive-thru. The promotion starts Monday for National Doctor's Day and will continue every Monday after that through National Nurses Week on May 6.
China Divorce Rates Soar Amid Coronavirus Quarantine
(Undated) -- Maybe spending too much time together isn't the best thing for a marriage. Divorce rates in China are soaring after couples spent weeks together in isolation because of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. One Chinese marriage registry manager said more than 300 couples have scheduled appointments in the past month. Other registration offices in China have seen an unprecedented spike in appointments since reopening on March 1st. The city of Fuzhou [[ foo-CHOO ]] has also put a daily limit of 10 couples who can divorce per day. Despite the trend, confirmed cases of the virus appear to be slowing in China.
Brevard Man Steals Hundreds Of Dollars In Lingerie
(Merritt Island, FL) -- A local man is in custody for allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars' worth of lingerie from Dillard's. Police say 29-year-old Ray Ray Long went inside of the Merritt Square Mall location and stuffed more than 800-dollars' worth of lingerie into his backpack while in a fitting room. A deputy inside of the Dillard's tried to stop Long, causing a chase throughout the store until he was caught and arrested. Long now faces charges of grand theft and resisting arrest. No word on why Long decided to steal those items.
Spanish Police Arrest Orgy Group Amid Lockdown
(Spain) -- Eight people are under arrest after allegedly planning an orgy during the coronavirus lockdown in Spain. Undercover cops say the group organized the sex party online despite the country's strict stay inside orders. One of the people involved reportedly had a change of mind and led those officers to an apartment, where cocaine and liquid ecstasy was allegedly found along with the party planners. Reports say at least 20 other people intended to show up for the event. Prosecutors are expected to fine the group for violating lockdown rules.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1998, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-made drug Viagra, hailing it as a medical breakthrough for men who suffered from impotence.
1989, "Sports Illustrated" exposed Pete Rose's gambling activities. The eventual investigation led to Rose's banishment from baseball.