ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you arrived on this page by clicking a push alert on your phone, please scroll down for links to live streams.
Live blog:
As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic grips the globe, it can be difficult to find reliably factual information about what's going on here in Florida.
This blog is a resource to address that crucial need. 10News reporters and producers will use it to share the latest headlines, while actively focusing on facts not fear.
Key Facts
- Sarasota County Commissioners vote to reopen the county's beaches with restrictions.
- The Florida Department of Health is reporting 28,309 cases and 893 deaths in the state.
- Hillsborough County opens three new testing sites
----------------
10:39 p.m. (April 22)
The Pinellas County Medical Examiners Office has confirmed to 10Investigates that the total COVID-19 related deaths at Freedom Square of Seminole have climbed to five residents.
The most recent passing was a 96-year-old on Tuesday. The medical examiners office said none of the reported deaths occurred at the facility.
9:08 p.m. (April 22)
Hillsborough County announced another resident has died from COVID-19 Wednesday night. This brings the county's total deaths to 21.
"The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County expresses our condolences to their loved ones.," county leaders said in a release.
6:46 p.m. (April 22)
In an additional step to help keep shoppers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, Walmart is implementing one-way aisles for customers.
The one-way aisles are designed to help with social distancing efforts and will allow shoppers to keep more space between them.
All store aisles will be marked with floor decals to help indicate the correct flow of foot traffic. Customers will see green "Shop This Way" decals highlighting the correct way to walk through the aisles and red decals reading "Do Not Shop This Way" if they are going the wrong way.
6:18 p.m. (April 22)
Twenty-three people at two Manatee County senior living facilities have died because of coronavirus, 10Investigates confirmed Wednesday.
Braden River Rehabilitation in Bradenton said 11 people died at its facility and 27 people tested positive for COVID-19. Riviera Palms Rehab, which is owned by the same company, said 12 people had died and 19 residents had tested positive.
The company that operates both facilities had previously refused to release the numbers of deaths and cases.
Manatee County has the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Tampa Bay. The county ranks fourth in the state.
6:05 p.m. (April 22)
Pasco County's Emergency Business Grant is no longer accepting new applications. The grant, which was launched yesterday has met its capacity with over 1,400 applications being submitted, according to government leaders.
“We are proud to have offered this resource to the Pasco County business community,” said Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “The response we have received over the past day and a half shows us there was a need and we are glad to be able to partner with the county to step up and help.”
All applications currently submitted are going through the vetting process. Applicants will be notified of their status in the "near future."
6:00 p.m. (April 22)
The Florida Department of Health is reporting 28,576 cases of COVID-19 in the state. As of Wednesday night, a total of 927 deaths have been reported.
3:44 p.n. (April 22)
The City of North Port announced Wednesday that starting April 27 all city parks will be re-opened for public use, this includes parks, playgrounds and restrooms.
But, certain centers will remain temporarily closed: the Community Centers, Warm Mineral Springs Park, and the North Port Aquatic Center.
The city says the phased re-opening plan will continue to be evaluated on the "Guidelines for Opening Up America Again.”
Restrooms in these areas will be cleaned at least once daily, playgrounds will be cleaned one per week and those attending the parks are asked to maintain appropriate social distancing.
3:34 p.m. (April 22)
Sarasota County Schools has set a delayed graduation date for the 2020 graduating class. The district said they will move an in-person graduation in July due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"In an effort to preserve some normalcy, and ensure that graduating seniors receive the safest, most celebratory commencement season possible, Sarasota County Schools will be working with each traditional public high school in the district to schedule an in-person graduation ceremony in late July," the district said in a release.
Exact dates are still pending and will be released closer to July.
2:15 p.m. (April 22)
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Re-Open Florida task force have been holding meetings all day. The latest began at 2 p.n. with the Executive Committee.
11:55 a.m. (April 22):
The Florida Department of Health is now reporting a total of 28,309 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. As of this hour, a total of 893 Florida residents have died.
10:48 a.m. (April 22)
Sarasota County Commissioners voted in favor to reopen the county's beaches with restrictions starting Monday, April 27. People will be allowed to walk, run, bike and swim along the shorelines.
Leaders said large groups will not be allowed to gather.
Commissioners said the parking lots will remain closed.
10:20 a.m. (April 22)
Manatee County Schools say they have 8 confirmed cases in district schools. The district says the last confirmed cases were four individuals associated with Daughtry Elementary. The cases were confirmed more than a week ago, according to the school district.
6:50 a.m. (April 22)
To keep the Tampa Bay community informed on important matters related to COVID-19, the City of Tampa has teamed up with USF Health for a new Instagram live series, called Medical Matters.
The series airs Monday and Wednesday mornings on the City of Tampa’s Instagram account (@CityOfTampa). Medical Matters will invite esteemed USF Health healthcare providers to share their insights and expertise on COVID-19. Each segment will feature a COVID-19 Q&A session.
5:50 a.m. (April 22)
Pasco County will reopen some of its parks Wednesday with limited access.
The select locations will allow essential recreational activities like walking, biking, hiking, fishing or running.
People at the parks will still have to follow social distancing guidelines and keep six feet apart. Groups of 10 or more will not be allowed.
You can find a full list of what parks will reopen here.
4:20 a.m. (April 22)
Hillsborough County opens three new COVID-19 testing sites.
- Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
- Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City
- SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Avenue SE, Ruskin
6:10 p.m. (April 21)
The latest data from the Florida Department of Health indicates 867 people have died of COVID-19, and there have been a total of 27,869 cases in the state.
6 p.m. (April 21)
As of Tuesday evening, a total of 54 residents of Freedom Square of Seminole had tested positive and 94 residents of the long-term care facility had tested negative for COVID-19. Additionally, 22 employees have tested positive and 56 tested negative.
5 p.m. (April 21)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says, "We have flattened the curve."
"You go back a month, a month and half and you hear that it’s only a matter of time before the Florida hospitals could be overwhelmed. Those predictions have been false. Our work is succeeding. We have flattened the curve. Available hospital beds have increased since the pandemic started," DeSantis said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
He also said, "I was in college when 9/11 happened. I don’t think the amount of fear and panic of today is what it was then. Nobody predicted we would be in the spot we’re in today. It’s because Floridians really pulled together regardless of party. I’m hopeful we’ll come out of this strong.
