Jan 24, 2021
Legislator proposes sales-tax holiday to prepare for disasters
A Senate Republican on Friday filed a bill that would provide a sales-tax “holiday” around the start of hurricane season for people who buy disaster-preparedness supplies.
Jan 23, 2021
Florida deaths top 25,000; Local two-county tally at 683
More than 25,000 Florida residents have died since the COVID-19 pandemic hit early last year, according to numbers released Friday by the state Department of Health.
The department reported a major increase Friday of 272 resident deaths, bringing the total to 25,011. Florida also passed another troubling milestone this week, when it topped 9,000 deaths of residents and staff members of long-term care facilities — with the vast majority involving seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Jan 22, 2021
Trump administration gives Medicaid gift to Florida
Former President Donald Trump’s administration gave Florida’s health-care system one last parting gift before he left office Wednesday to return to his adopted home state.
Jan 21, 2021
State pandemic chair says businesses will remain open
Businesses will remain open for the economic well-being of the state even as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Florida, the head of a Senate select committee on the pandemic said Thursday.
Jan 21, 2021
DeSantis hoping more federal aid comes to Florida
With Georgia swinging the U.S. Senate to Democratic control, DeSantis expressed disappointment but acknowledged the change could mean more federal aid for Florida.
Jan 21, 2021
Backroom briefing: sewing seeds for 2021
Hours before Wednesday’s presidential inauguration, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz sent social media aflutter by trolling toward the 2022 election cycle.
Jan 21, 2021
By the numbers: COVID-19 vaccinations by county
Through Tuesday, Florida totaled 1,122,405 COVID-19 vaccinations. Here is a breakdown of vaccinations by the recipients’ counties of residence:
— Miami-Dade; 130,156
— Palm Beach: 100,575
Jan 20, 2021
Trump supporters sparse at state capitol
After preparation for potentially large-scale protests, only about 10 supporters of President Donald Trump waved signs to motorists outside Florida’s Capitol on Wednesday as President Joe Biden was sworn into office in Washington, D.C.
Jan 20, 2021
Senate eyes business liability protections
Like the House, the Florida Senate appears ready to move quickly on a proposal that would provide COVID-19 liability protections to businesses.
Jan 20, 2021
DeSantis targets vaccination tourism
Gov. Ron DeSantis is working on guidelines meant to stop COVID-19 vaccination “tourism” in Florida.