Tonight marked the anniversary of the first reported death to COVID-19 in the city of Tampa.
Since then, over 33,000 people have died, and over 2 million people have been infected throughout the state of Florida.
While a massive vaccine rollout is giving people hope that normalcy may one day return, experts are warning that it may take longer than anticipated. Florida also leads in the number of cases of the more infectious COVID-19 strain first discovered in the United Kingdom than any other state of America.
While many people have been vaccinated, it still may be a while before the devastation stops.
Manatees dying at alarming rates while cause remains unclear
A new report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife stated that 430 manatees died across the state this year.
Rep. Charlie Crist called for an investigation into the matter.
In 2017, manatees were moved off the endangered species list. However, the alarming increase in mortality rates is cause for concern.
Many of the manatees starved to death after their seagrass disappeared.
While the cause of the seagrass disappearance remains unclear, wildlife experts say the most likely causes are boaters, construction and pollution.
The seagrass supply will need time to regenerate, so it’s up to the state to protect the manatee population before it’s too late.
Humane society adoptions surge amid pandemic
A year after the COVID-19 pandemic has made Humane Societies across the country see a surge in pet adoptions, some shelters have reported not having enough animals to meet demand.
The Tampa Bay Humane Society is also experiencing a record amount of adoptions, averaging over 200 per week.
“Our goal really is just to save as many animals as possible, getting them out of bad situations,” said Maria Matlack, director of marketing at the Tampa Bay Humane Society. “Or if they’re homeless, you know, just getting them into a good home and completely changing their lives for the better.”
All animals dropped off at the shelter are examined for any medical or behavioral issues before they are placed up for adoption.
Krispy Kreme offers free doughnuts for COVID-19 vaccine recipients
Krispy Kreme announced a new program to incentivize the public to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
By bringing in the COVID-19 vaccination card, customers can get a free doughnut everyday of the year.
Hopefully this movement sweetened the deal for those hesitant to get vaccinated.
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Anchors: Payton Kirol, Dylan Zuccarello
Producer: Brad Haft
Writer: Gabe Castro, Bryony Deighton, Nova Charles
Graphics editor: James Birmingham
Video Editors: Gabe Castro, Bryony Deighton, Nova Charles
Show Editor: Demi Asensio
Videographer: Gabe Castro, Niamh Larkin, David Rose, Caylee Cottrell
Associate Producer: Deanna Lampasona, Niamh Larkin
Web Editor: Dylan Cohen
Copy Desk Chief: Austin Federau
Executive Producer: Payton Kirol
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Adviser: Jeanette Abrahamsen, Wayne Garcia
