DeSantis Praises Orange County For Coronavirus Response
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Orange County is getting praise for its response to the coronavirus. Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday said the county has done a really good job handling COVID-19. The county has had over 12-hundred cases, but DeSantis said with all the theme parks in the area, the number of infections could have been much higher. He also credited Disney World for doing a lot of work behind the scenes before closing last month.
Universal Exec Discusses Reopening
(Orlando, FL) -- Universal Orlando plans to use modern technology to help it reopen safely. Universal exec John Sprouls didn't say yesterday when the park will reopen, but he said when it does, virtual line technology will be used to enforce social distancing guidelines. Virtual line technology is used at Volcano Bay to minimize the amount of time someone has to wait in line, and Sprouls wants to expand it to as many attractions as possible. He also says when the park first reopens, there may be restrictions on how many people are allowed inside.
Sarasota County Votes To Reopen Beaches
(Sarasota, FL) -- Those looking to hit the beach in Tampa Bay will soon have the chance to do so. The Sarasota County Commission voted yesterday to reopen the county beaches, effective Monday. This is the first county in the Bay area to reopen its beaches. Parking lots will not open, and sunbathing will not be allowed, but fishing, swimming and exercising are OK.
Brevard County Hospital Warns Peak Is Yet To Come
(Titusville, FL) -- Medical experts in Brevard County believe talk of the coronavirus peaking may be premature. Parrish Medical Center officials said yesterday predictive models they use show the peak may not come until the middle of next month. County officials are also cautious about determining if a peak has occurred. The county spokesman tells Florida Today no decisions about reopening will be made until after the governor addresses the issue.
TGH CEO Calls For Practical Guidance For Businesses To Reopen
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A board that includes a Tampa medical official could, today, start to finalize its suggestions on how to reopen the state. Tampa General Hospital CEO John Couris [[ CORE-iss ]] is part of the governor's task force that met yesterday to discuss a return to normal. Couris says the board needs to offer very practical rules and guidance for all businesses to follow. State health officials say they'll offer some suggestions today, and the task force is expected to issue its report to the governor tomorrow.
Former Congresswoman Brown Released From Prison
(Jacksonville, FL) -- A former Jacksonville congresswoman is out of prison because of the coronavirus. Corrine Brown was released yesterday from a federal prison in Sumter County, where she's serving a five-year sentence for fraud. Her lawyers argued that her underlying health conditions made it too dangerous to leave the 73-year-old locked up during the pandemic. Brown's pastor tells Action News Jax that Brown will be under home confinement.
Business Booming For Miami-Dade Cookie Maker
(Miami, FL) -- Unlike many others, two businesses in Miami-Dade County are seeing some sweet profits. Andrew Gonzalez owns Night Owl Cookies, and Margo Wolfe owns Doughees. The cookie delivery companies have seen business grow by as much as 50-percent during the pandemic, and both have had to hire more staff. Gonzalez recently donated a thousand cookies to healthcare workers at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and he tells CBS 4 News he got emotional seeing how such a simple gesture made a difference in their day.
Talk Like Shakespeare Day
(Undated) -- If you fancy talking like they did back in the Elizabethan Era then today is your day. It's National Talk Like Shakespeare Day. It was first observed in 2009 by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, with then-Illinois Governor Pat Quinn officially proclaiming the day two years later. If you'd like to try your hand at sounding like the Bard but just aren't quite sure how to, don't fret - there are plenty of English to Shakespearean translators online to help get you going.
TODAY IN HISTORY, April 23rd:
2010, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a controversial immigration bill into law. The bill aimed to prosecute and deport illegal immigrants and gave police broad power to detain anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. Critics, including President Obama, said the bill gave license to harass and discriminate against immigrants.
1985, the Coca Cola Company announced it was changing the 99-year-old secret formula for the world's best-selling soft drink. The move turned out to be unpopular with classic Coke fans and the company soon changed its mind and brought back the original version.
1956, the United States Supreme Court put an end to racial segregation on buses.
1616, dramatist, playwright William Shakespeare died at the age of 52.