Florida hit with first confirmed cases of coronavirus
A public health emergency was issued Monday in Florida after two people tested positive for the coronavirus in Tampa Bay.
The patients, who are residents of the Hillsborough and Manatee counties, remain in isolation pending clearance from public health officials. Despite these cases, the immediate threat to the public is minimal, authorities said.
Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at a press conference held at USF’s Tampa campus, where he was joined by other officials, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
“The dedicated professionals at our county health departments, as well as those working at local medical providers, are well equipped to address these and future cases,” DeSantis said.
The health department urges everyone to remain vigilant by washing hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Early voting kicks off in Hillsborough County
Early voting has officially begun in Hillsborough and Polk County and will continue through March 15.
The Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections office asks that voters bring at least one form of photo identification. This may be any of the following:
- Florida Driver License
- Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- U.S. Passport
- Debit or Credit Card
- Military ID
- Student ID
- Retirement Center IDÂ
- Neighborhood Association IDÂ
- Public Assistance ID
- Veteran Health ID (issued by VA)
- Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06)
- Government Employee IDIf your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.
Voters should also be aware that some of the candidates on the ballots are no longer in the race.
Pinellas County battles pollution with beach cleanup
The Great American Beach Cleanup in St. Petersburg began Monday through June 31.
According to the Ocean Crusaders Organization, over 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris are found in the oceans across the world.
The Keep Pinellas Beautiful Organization, with the help of volunteers, collected over one hundred thousand pounds of litter on Pinellas County beaches in 2018.
This year, Keep Pinellas Beautiful is teaming up with Keep America Beautiful to curb pollution on beaches in the county. You can find more information online to participate in the cleanup.
Supplies will be provided on site for all volunteers.
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