Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed a moratorium on evictions to expire this week, despite the multiple attempts of many Florida advocate groups to prevent it.
As an alternative for not providing state aid, DeSantis cited the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that allows people to apply for an eviction extension. Renters are required to fill out a declaration form that must prove that they have been affected by the pandemic financially and submit to their landlords. They must, however, have federally backed mortgages in order to be eligible.
Housing advocates scrambled to warn renters.
“The Order covers all standard rental housing, including mobile homes or land in a mobile home park, but does not cover individuals renting hotels, motels, or other guest homes rented temporarily,” the Florida Housing Coalition warned in an advisory issued Thursday. “The Order does not waive rent or late fees associated with a rent payment”
The CDC’s eviction program will last until Dec. 31.
Semifinalist COVID-testing technology awarded to USF
A new COVID detector technology has been named a semi-finalist in the XPRIZE competition.
“The Bull Nose” is a breathalyzer that is able to detect COVID rapidly, through the recognition of biochemicals. This new test was created by a selected team at the College of Engineering, led by Professor Sal Morgera.
“We were then able to develop a device with sensors, and these are basically gas sensors, that would look for the elements we knew were important that differentiated COVID from, you know, other diseases,” Morgera said.
The new detector will be more accessible, quicker and more affordable for the average person needing a test.
The device will be first tested in USF clinics. The winning team for the XPRIZE will receive $500,000.
Empower Florida to donate supplies to protect workers against coronavirus
Empower Florida will donate personal protective equipment to front line workers Saturday, October 3.
Anyone who needs PPE can pick up free supplies at the Big Storm Brewing Company in Clearwater from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located at 12707 49th Street N.
The nonprofit collected masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Organizers expect to serve 500 caretakers. Organizers ask that people RSVP before they arrive.
CREDITS
Anchors: Payton Kirol, Caylee Cottrell
Reporters: Gabriel Castro, Nicholas Cousineau
Producer: Ta’Bria Snowden
Writers: Diana Halum, Bryony Deighton, Zachary Brown
Graphics Editor: Carla Ibanez
Video Editors: Diana Halum, Bryony Deighton, Zachary Brown
Show Editors: David Jones
Web Editor: Carla Ibanez
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Adviser: Jeanette Abrahamsen, Wayne Garcia
