Coronavirus

The Florida Department of Health announced Thursday that it is sending $138 million in federal pandemic funds to county health departments to hire epidemiologists, nurses and contact tracers.

Episode 41 looks at the sports, while not the most important thing during a pandemic, they sports serve many functions in Florida. They provide recreation, distraction, employ thousands and impact local economies. One pro sports league made its comeback this week. Camron Lunn has more on Major League Soccer's MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando (01:38). The news isn't all good for some sports. While Major League Baseball will attempt to come back this month, Minor League Baseball had to cancel its season. Taylor Levesque spoke to players who told her the decision was upsetting (06:08). While the pros and semi-pros come to grips with their stunted or lost seasons, Gabriella Paul gives us a look inside how Florida athletes at the amateur levels of high school and college plan to navigate a fall sports season amid the curve ball coronavirus has thrown their way (09:21). In some counties, high school sports like football are still up in the air for the fall. But Anthony Montalto ask if there’s no football, what about the marching band (15:27)? While high schools work out the kinks on their return plans some youth sports are already making a comeback. Taylor Levesque spoke to Gainesville Soccer Alliance Recreational Director, Sandi Rivera, who says she is excited for the kids to take the field again but wants everyone to know there will be changes to the upcoming soccer season (20:12). And what about casual athletes missing their gym routines. Most gyms are open but gyms in Miami, a hotspot for the virus, are now having to adapt as they stay open under new safety protocols. Melissa Feito spoke to Tongelia Milton, executive director of communications for the YMCA of South Florida, which includes 10 locations across Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties about getting their gyms back up and running after several months of closure (23:19). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran on Monday ordered public schools to reopen in August and offer “the full panoply of services” to students and families.

As of Monday, eight inmates tested positive for coronavirus.

Episode 40 explores if the state is moving backward in its fight against the coronavirus. Gabriella Paul speaks with an epidemiologist to find out if all the state's COVID-19 data is what it's cracked up to be (01:46). Camron Lunn talks with Floridians in their twenties about being something they never thought that they would be during this pandemic...at risk (08:11). Josh Williams is quarantined in South Florida, staying with immediate family after half-a-dozen extended family members tested positive following a Father's Day lunch. He explains what it's like when the virus hits home (12:34). Melissa Feito looks at cities and counties in Florida that are mandating facial coverings in public places and why wearing one is a good idea (18:12). The 4th of July will look a little different for some Floridians this year as some counties have closed their beaches to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Anthony Montalto checks in from South Florida (23:19). And with the surge in cases and stricter regulations from cities and counties, local restaurants and bars are finding it more difficult to operate. Taylor Levesque spoke to local business owners who say they are struggling (27:47). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

State laws, including in Florida and neighboring states, are a patchwork of regulations that tend to land on the side of corporate secrecy, more often than not.