While governors from California (826 monkeypox cases), New York (1666 cases) and Illinois (547 cases) have all issued declarations of public health emergency due to the current monkeypox outbreak, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came out against what these states are doing and it appears he will not follow suit. “IContinue Reading
The Tampa Bay region consists of six counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas. Through August 1, 37 monkeypox cases have been reported in the area–Pinellas County (20), Hillsborough County (16) and Pasco County (1). Statewide, the Florida Department of Health has reported 480 total cases, fifth most inContinue Reading
On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s June 2022 data indicates that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.8 percent, despite national economic conditions. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has declined or held steady for 23 consecutive months through June 2022. The national unemployment rate remains unchanged over the month atContinue Reading
The Republican leader in the primary race for Florida’s 14th Congressional District was endorsed Tuesday by Roger Stone, the legendary Republican strategist and friend of former President Donald Trump. Stone is a Republican consultant and strategist, described as the man who “made Donald Trump a political figure.” He was an advisorContinue Reading
The Clay School Board muted the microphone of a concerned parent attempting to read pornographic book available to students in the district’s library, according to video footage of a school board meeting as the district’s attorney berated and humiliated the concerned parent. James Bruce Bickner, aka J. Bruce Bickner, isContinue Reading
A brand-new, swashbuckling quest awaits families visiting LEGOLAND® Florida when the Pirate River Quest opens on November 2, 2022. This November, board a family-friendly boat ride to search for Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure through an all-new hilarious adventure. The quest to uncover the lost treasure unfolds brick by brick as familiesContinue Reading
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding Nobb Oak Ave. This is in response to cat that tested positive on 6/13/2022 (Description: Domestic Shorthaired Brown Tabby & White). All residents and visitors in Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies isContinue Reading
According to the CDC Wednesday, 84 total confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases have been reported from 18 states and the District of Columbia. The State of Florida has accounted for nine confirmed or probable cases–four acquired in Florida, four acquired outside the country and one case is unknown. Of the nine cases,Continue Reading
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reestablishment of the Florida State Guard and introduced the new director of this emergency-focused civilian volunteer force, retired Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graham. By bringing back the Florida State Guard, Florida now joins 22 other states and territories with state-level defense forces, andContinue Reading
An argument that started Friday afternoon at the Club Vape kiosk at the Westfield Brandon mall led to one person getting shot outside the mall. Now, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the arrest of the suspect Saturday night. Quran Deandre Johnson, 19, was arrested while operating a stolenContinue Reading
In a follow-up on a report yesterday, the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (DOH-Osceola) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Osceola County. Two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses have been confirmed and there is a heightened concernContinue Reading
On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1421, which takes several measures to improve school safety in Florida. The steps taken by HB 1421 build on legislation over the last three years to implement the additional recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to makeContinue Reading
In a follow-up on the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation in Florida this year, The Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services has reported three additional cases in Orange (1) and Osceola counties (2), bringing the state total to four. No human EEE cases have been reported to date in Florida.Continue Reading
Governor Ron DeSantis signed on Thursday the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget that will go into effect July 1, 2022. The Governor vetoed $3.1 billion, resulting in a total budget of $109.9 billion, an increase of $8.3 billion over current year. “We are grateful to the Governor and the Florida LegislatureContinue Reading
The Florida Departments of Health (FDOH) in West Central Florida are responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 surpasses the 5-yearContinue Reading
In a follow-up on a report this weekend, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) is investigating a second presumptive positive case of monkeypox. The person is isolated, and the risk of exposure remains low. DOH-Broward is working with the Bureau of Epidemiology to notify close contacts andContinue Reading
The Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services reported on a Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) case in a 4-year-old pony from Columbia County in northern Florida. The unvaccinated horse presented with signs of apprehension, depression, fever, muscle twitch, incoordination, inability to stand, and head pressing, and listlessness earlier this month. TheContinue Reading
The Florida Department of Health noted an increase in hepatitis A cases in Florida starting in the Fall of 2021. As of May 14, 2022, Florida has reported a total of 175 hepatitis A cases in residents since September 26, 2021. The majority are males with 145 cases (83%), andContinue Reading
Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) are reporting a presumptive monkeypox case in Broward County, the first such case in Florida. The specimen taken from the person will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. DOH-Broward and the Centers forContinue Reading
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is advising the public to take precautions when enjoying fresh water activities locally or when traveling abroad, especially swimming in warm freshwater lakes, hot springs, rivers, creeks and ponds to avoid Naegleria fowleri. N. fowleri is a naturally occurring amoeba that can beContinue Reading
You’re most likely to notice termites during their swarming activity, but colonies infesting trees and structures are active year-round in Florida. This puts properties at risk for costly damages and trees vulnerable to high winds. Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) want residents,Continue Reading
