After facing more than 3,000 coronavirus cases linked to cruise ships, the Centers for Disease Control sent out an order that forced all cruises to be stopped from setting sail.
Now, Gov. Ron Desantis is pushing for the federal government to lift the no sail order put in place because of the pandemic.
“We have one of our major industries that has been idled by the federal government for over a year, the cruise line industry” said Desantis.
The cruise line industry has a big impact on Florida’s economy and since the shutdown, the state has suffered a decline in revenue and many job losses. The International Association of Cruise Lines estimates a $32.7 billion loss in revenue for Florida since the shutdown.
As life slowly adjust back into a some normalcy, ships across the globe are finally beginning to set sail once again. To continue the safe return, many cruise lines are requiring passengers to be vaccinated before boarding.
Alligator mating season in full swing this Spring
Spring is here, and alligators in Florida are ready for their mating season.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says alligator courtship starts in April and is shortly followed by mating season in May or June.
Florida’s high temperatures means an increase in alligators’ metabolism, which causes them to develop more of an appetite. That might sound scary, but Busch Gardens Zoo Aide Kaelin Kneen wants people to know that alligators are not likely to attack a human unless they feel highly threatened.
“It’s just kind of about respecting their space. If they’re obviously in your backyard, then you need to call for help, but out in the wild, I think you really shouldn’t run into an alligator unless you’re looking for one,” said Kneen.
The FWC asks of residents to keep a safe distance and to never feed an alligator. Tampa resident Michael Patch doesn’t feel he has to worry much about crossing paths with an alligator where he lives.
“Yeah, you know, I think that’s one of perks of living downtown with all the buildings and population, that there’s no alligators down here, so fortunately I don’t have to worry about it too much with him,” Patch said.
Though some residents live in more populated areas where there are little to no alligator sightings, the FWC still advises to not walk dogs off the leash and keep them away from the water because they may become prey to a nearby alligator.
St. Petersburg showcases mural art on the move
Tampa Bay’s second-largest city has a new way to view art, and that’s to take a ride for it.
The first Saturday of every month, a bike tour is held in downtown St. Petersburg that rides past over 30 murals across the town. The guided ride stretches 10 miles and begins at Central Avenue and covers the back streets and alleys of four art districts.
Riders can bring their own bikes for $20 or hop on a coast bike share rental for $25. Each group is limited to 15 riders, and masks are a requirement for each art stop.
To find out more information on the tour and how you can get out to enjoy the fresh air while also seeing beautiful art, visit the tour’s website.
Credits
Anchors: Dylan Zuccarello, Ginette Troya
Producer: Brad Haft
Reporters: Niamh Larkin, Lauren Siegal
Writer: Gabriel Castro
Graphics editor: Courtney Patterson, Payton Kirol
Video Editors: Demi Asensio, Gabriel Castro
Show Editor: Demi Asensio
Videographer: Lauren Siegal, Niamh Larkin
Associate Producer: Demi Asensio, Carla Ibanez
Web Editor: Stephanie Vives
Executive Producer: Payton Kirol
Graduate Assistant: Emmanuel Maduneme
Faculty Adviser: Jeanette Abrahamsen, Wayne Garcia
