State News

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans make up 22 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Florida, while only representing 18 percent of the population. An analysis done by scholars from Yale reveals Latino’s are nearly twice as likely to die of the virus as white people. Legislators spoke to WFSU about the health disparities, along with a health professional.

A Florida judge is allowing a third of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Foundation’s assets to be used for victim services. A court-appointed receiver is overseeing the finances of the organization after questionable spending by its founder and CEO.

Florida's Ashley Moody is joining other Attorneys General in asking Congress to clear the way for families of first responders who die of COVID-19 to apply for federal benefits. Right now, the family must prove the person caught an infectious disease from a work-related activity. The Attorneys General say that it might be difficult to prove with COVID-19.

A data breach has occurred at Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity. The Department says it notified individuals that were part of the incident associated with unemployment claims. Exactly how many people are impacted has not been released.

The team collected surveys from businesses in the agriculture and aquaculture industries from mid-April to May 15.

The coronavirus death total for those working or living in long-term care facilities in Florida rose by 30 people between Tuesday and Wednesday. Data released Wednesday shows 968 residents or staff at facilities throughout Florida have passed away due to COVID-19. Long term care facility deaths make up nearly half of Florida’s overall deaths. That number sits at 2,096.

According to a DeSantis spokeswoman, Rebeka Jones has until Thursday to resign or be fired.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is deflecting criticism for the state's unemployment system by blaming those who apply for reemployment assistance. He says it's up to applicants to fill out their form correctly and says most claims brought to him by the media are from ineligible applicants. However, some ineligible people still have to go through Florida's system to get federal aid.

The League of Women Voters of Florida is pressing Governor Ron DeSantis to give local elections officials more leeway. The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association sent a letter in April asking for changes. The administration has not responded.

Visitors to Northwest Florida can now stay in beachfront condos and townhomes. Eight counties in the region have received an exemption from the state’s short-term vacation rental ban.