The United States reached a milestone of 500,000 coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday.
Florida has seen some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases. The state seems to still be struggling to vaccinate people in need of it. Problems with disorganization following a rollout of vaccines at the University Mall forced the Florida Division of Emergency Department to move the site to Raymond James Stadium beginning March 1.
Also this weekend, President Joe Biden honored the lives lost to coronavirus. His speech was met with strong approval online. During his speech, he drew on his own personal grief and expressed the magnitude of this deadly disease.
“But as we acknowledge the scale of this mass death in America,” said Biden. “We remember each person and the life they lived.”
Biden’s speech is available on the White House video feed.
In Manatee County, the uproar over a vaccination site in wealthy Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods is seeing calls for a county commissioner to resign.
Vanessa Baugh, the Manatee County chairwoman, acknowledged that she selected the site, which is in a development built by a supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis, and said put herself and others on the vaccine list.
“I take full responsibilities for it all,” she said.
LGBTQ rights to be enforced by Florida commission after court ruling
Fifty-five Florida counties will start enforcing human rights laws now that the state says it will assist.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations announced last week it will enforce a Supreme Court ruling to make discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation illegal.
Tampa has had such an ordinance for 30 years. This move brings protections for all LGBTQ people in those 55 out of 67 Florida counties.
RuPaul Drive ‘N Drag cast members live in Brandon next two nights
RuPaul Drag Race is starting 2021 off with a bang and bringing an experience of a lifetime to Tampa Bay tonight and Wednesday.
Popular cast members from the show will be performing at Westfield Brandon today and tomorrow only. For those worried about COVID precautions, the event allows for you to enjoy the experience from the safety of your own car.
The LGBTQ+ community has been hit hard by Covid-19 and have experienced issues like job losses and financial problems. Gay clubs served as a safe escape for people in the LGBTQ+ community, but due to the coronavirus many clubs had to shut down.
The Drive “N Drag Race event could bring a positive impact for the LGBTQ community in Tampa, allowing drag culture to be celebrated once again. The shows are scheduled for the Brandon Westfield Mall on State Road 60 and I-75.
For information or tickets, go to vossevents.com.
Credits
Anchor: Demi Asensio
Reporters: Hannah Halili, Carla Ibanez
Producer: Niamh Larkin
Writer: James Birmingham, Courtney Patterson
Graphics editor: Sean Stover, Bryony Deighton
Video Editors: James Birmingham, Courtney Patterson
Show Editor: David Rose, Dylan Zuccarello,
Web Editor: Stephanie Vives
Associate Producer: Carla Ibanez, Chloe Benjamin
Executive Producer: Gabe Castro
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Adviser: Jeanette Abrahamsen, Wayne Garcia
