Covid-19

A state investigation into allegations that the Florida Department of Health fudged COVID-19 case numbers to support Gov. Ron DeSantis’ effort to reopen the state after a shutdown in April 2020, has found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Florida attracted a record number of tourists during the first three months of 2022, surpassing totals from similar quarters before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the hospitality and leisure industry.

Dr. Scott Rivkees contradicts much of the evidence given by Florida’s health department in recommending that healthy children need not be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Wednesday a measure intended to ensure patients and residents of hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care facilities can have contact with visitors.

Costumed characters haven’t been able to give hugs, sign autographs, or interact up close with fans because of the pandemic.

The AAA study says declining COVID rates and increased eagerness about traveling have contributed to these statistics.

Two years ago, Florida schools sent students home for what they thought would be a two week spring break. Instead, schools stayed closed for the rest of the year. It's a decision that school counselors say significantly affected students' mental health.

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a batch of new funding to address student learning loss. The money comes from federal COVID-19 relief funds. It will be used for after-school programs, reading intervention, and the creation of regional mental health teams.

Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna addressed Florida lawmakers Tuesday as they discussed education funding. He asked them to reconsider a plan to cut $200 million from a dozen school districts that defied the state’s rule against mask mandates.

Legislative leaders are monitoring the spike in COVID-19 infections across Florida but haven’t made plans to reimpose restrictions on public access that were used during the last legislative session. With the 2022 session starting January 11, people will be allowed to roam most of the Capitol complex and address lawmakers in person.