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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.
Stories that require more in-depth coverage will be posted on WTSP.com/coronavirus.
Key Facts
- 71 deaths reported in Florida, with 5,704confirmed cases
- Florida is setting up more checkpoints along the border to check travelers coming from other states. Drivers coming from New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Connecticut are now required to self-isolate for 14 days upon entering Florida
- Gov. Ron DeSantis said he's signing an executive order to allow retired law enforcement and medical professionals to return to work to help fight COVID-19
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8 p.m. (March 30)
Pasco County closed all of its parks and nature preserves at 8 p.m. Monday until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, according to a news release.
The county's boat ramps and Suncoast Trail will stay open.
7:28 p.m. (March 30)
The Florida State Emergency Operations Center said it fielded 130,015 COVID-19 coronavirus-related calls from March 18 through March 29.
Many of the questions to the center included those regarding coronavirus symptoms and who should get tested.
6:19 p.m. (March 30)
The Florida Department of Health reports there are 5,704 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus statewide Monday evening, which is an increase of 231 cases since the morning update.
A total of 71 people have died from the virus; an increase of eight people. Florida Health said the people who died were in Broward, Citrus, Clay, Dade, Duval, Osceola and Palm Beach counties.
The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County said it was an 87-year-old man who died, the county's second death.
6:12 p.m. (March 30)
Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill announced the county has signed leases for two hotels to use for COVID-19 coronavirus quarantine and isolation facilities should they be necessary.
While details of these hotels will be announced at a later time, the county said, they are for six months and 360 rooms.
The Yuengling Center on the campus of the University of South Florida also can be considered as a location to care for patients should area hospitals become overwhelmed, the county said.
5:56 p.m. (March 30)
School closures across the state have been extended through May 1 because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Hillsborough County Public Schools said state leaders made the announcement Monday.
The closure includes all schools, including traditional and charter. All extra-curricular activities also are canceled.
"This is a trying time for everyone across our community. The one thing that remains constant is the love and care we must provide for our children," Superintendent Addison Davis said in a news release. "Our district stands ready to support our students through their educational endeavors, by providing nutritious meals, and extending comfort to our students and staff.
"We are here for our families and we appreciate their continued flexibility as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory."
5:07 p.m. (March 30)
The state shared images of about 15,000 testing kits being delivered Monday. They will be distributed to testing locations statewide.
4:40 p.m. (March 30)
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has bonded out of jail. He paid $500 bail and was released from the Hernando County Jail.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said River at Tampa Bay Church violated the county's order related to large gatherings and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. A live stream from the church on Sunday showed the building packed with worshippers.
4:36 p.m. (March 30)
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor reminded city residents to be mindful of scammers: They are out there and willing to take advantage of people during these trying times.
In particular, she said there have been people asking for the personal information of some residents in order to receive the government stimulus checks.
"Don't take the bait," said Castor, because the stimulus money is free from the government.
4:19 p.m. (March 30)
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said the city is dealing with at least 124 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus, with ages ranging from 15-83 years old.
Starting today, in-person city services have been suspended with online and phone services still supported.
The mayor said while city parks are open, "don't push it, folks": He wants people to out to exercise and get some sun, but they need to be practicing social distancing.
3:41 p.m. (March 30)
Hillsborough County canceled its April 1 public hearing to consider amending fees and charges the county may assess its customers for potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water services, it said in a news release.
2:51 p.m. (March 30)
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, or HART, announced it will reduce its bus and van service levels starting Wednesday, April 1.
All modes of transit will be operating on a Sunday service schedule with regular fares, it said in a news release.
2:50 p.m. (March 30)
An arrest warrant for a Tampa Bay pastor was issued Monday, and the pastor was taken into custody after the sheriff said the church violated a countywide "safer-at-home" order.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the River at Tampa Bay Church violated the county's order related to large gatherings and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. A live stream from the church on Sunday showed the building packed with worshippers.
When Chronister saw images from a crowded Sunday service at the church posted online, he was furious.
“We received an anonymous tip that Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne refused a request to temporarily stop holding large gatherings at his church,” he said. “And instead, he was encouraging his large congregation to meet at his church.”
1:30 p.m. (March 30)
Hillsborough County's Emergency Policy Group is discussing the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
Watch live here:
1:15 p.m. (March 30)
Sheriff Chad Chronister said he obtained a warrant after he said a Tampa church violated Hillsborough County's "safer-at-home" order. The River at Tampa Bay Church had a large group of people attend services on Sunday.
Chronister said Pastor Dr. Rodney Howard Brown refused requests to stop gatherings at the church and even encouraged people to meet at the church.
12:30 p.m. (March 30)
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister will speak at 1:00 p.m. about a church that violated the county's "safer at home" order by having a large group of people in the same place for Sunday services.
The River at Tampa Bay Church said it's important for it to give people who need prayer a place to go for healing or comfort.
The sheriff's office said it told church leaders about the danger they are putting themselves and their congregation in by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, at a time when COVID-19 cases are unfortunately still on the rise in Hillsborough County.
11:00 a.m. (March 30)
The Florida Department of Health said there are now 5,473 cases of coronavirus in the state. There are also three more deaths, bringing the total to 63 in Florida.
10:30 a.m. (March 30)
Gov. Ron DeSantis called it a mistake for the Holland America cruise ship Zaandam to return people to South Florida. Speaking during a news conference, DeSantis said medical staff should care for passengers at the port instead of putting passengers in local hospitals.
Holland America said Monday that the ship got permission to travel through the Panama Canal on its way back to Florida from a canceled South America cruise. On Friday, the cruise line confirmed four people on board had died.
And, as of Friday, the cruise line said almost 150 people on board have flu-like symptoms.
10:20 a.m. (March 30)
Gov. Ron DeSantis is signing an executive order that allows recently retired law enforcement and health care professionals to return to work and help fight the spread of COVID-19.
10:00 a.m. (March 30)
Citrus County has activated the Citizen Information Lines in partnership with the Florida Department of Health. The information line is for residents who have questions and concerns about COVID-19 in the area.
- Citizen Information Line: 352-249-2775
- Medical question? Call DOH-Citrus County: 352-527-0068
- COVID-19 general hotline: 1-866-779-6121
8:30 a.m. (March 30)
The Florida Department of Transporation said it's adding another checkpoint near the state border with Georgia along Interstate 95. This new one is part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order from March 27 that established checkpoints along the Florida border for drivers entering the state.
It's part of an effort to deter people from coming to the state from areas with substantial community spread of COVID-19.
And, FDOT said all drivers coming from Louisiana, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will be required to self-isolate for 14 days when they get to Florida.
The checkpoint at I-95 at the Florida/Georgia border will be staffed 24 hours a day with more than a dozen troopers.
5:45 a.m. (March 30)
Florida Department of Health is reporting 60 people have died from COVID-19 in Florida. There are 4,950 cases.
You can click here to see the latest statistic on the virus in Florida.
4:30 a.m. (March 30)
Authorities say a Florida man is facing charges that he threatened and assaulted an officer after he coughed on a deputy and said he had the coronavirus. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said Sunday that 23-year-old Christian Perez was initially stopped for reckless driving when he claimed to have COVID-19.
4 a.m. (March 30)
Students across the Tampa Bay area will have to adjust to a new normal beginning today, attending classes and completing coursework online as school closures continue because of COVID-19.
7:00 p.m. (March 29)
The Florida Department of Health reports 60 COVID-19 related deaths in the state.
6:40 p.m. (March 29)
President Donald Trump extends the country's social distancing guidelines through April 30.
6:11 p.m. (March 29)
The Florida Department of Health is reporting 704 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the state. The total number of positive cases is now 4,950. The department reported three new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 59.