The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is reporting 282,435 positive COVID-19 cases and 4,277 deaths of Florida residents related to the virus in Monday morning’s update.
Doctors say they know that not everyone has the luxury to be able to buy these masks and protective equipment, or even to stay at home and self-isolate.
SunCoast Blood Centers and the hospitals they serve are putting out an urgent call for convalescent plasma to treat patients with life-threatening cases of COVID-19.
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is reporting 232,718 positive COVID-19 cases and 4,009 deaths of Florida residents related to the virus Thursday. It’s an increase of 8,948 new cases involving Florida residents and 48 additional deaths.
Florida is now implementing even stricter guidelines to make sure that the vulnerable population stays safe - that includes continuing a visitation ban. Meanwhile, the Florida AARP is pushing for the state to loosen those restrictions saying that the impact of isolation is taking a huge toll.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH Sarasota) announced on Wednesday morning that all testing appointments have been filled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announced Wednesday that visitors will not be allowed in Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Inpatient Nursing Units, effective Wednesday, July 8 until further notice.
Several Bank of America branches in Florida will temporarily close due to the spike in coronavirus cases. The decision was made to protect the health and safety of the bank staff.
The order requires school districts and charter school governing boards to open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week for all students in the fall.
Hundreds of children, 17 years and younger, are now testing positive for coronavirus. There are now a total of 11, 515 kids in Florida infected. Here on the Suncoast, there are 332 in Manatee County and 103 in Sarasota County.
Florida’s largest county is again closing its restaurants to sit-down dining, gyms and other indoor venues just weeks after they reopened because a spike in coronavirus cases.
A man photographed fleeing smoke and debris as the south tower of the World Trade Center crumbled just a block away on Sept. 11, 2001, has died from coronavirus.
As we head into the holiday weekend health officials are urging people to remain cautious by washing their hands and wearing a mask when social distancing isn't possible.
Just a week ago, bars were told they could not sell alcohol on their properties, but now, the Florida Department of Businesses changed that amendment saying those that serve alcohol and food can re-open just in time for July 4th weekend.
The Sarasota County Fire Department has confirmed that another employee has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the confirmed case count in the department to four.
The Florida Department of Business amended its order to let places who are licensed to sell both alcohol and food re-open so long as social distancing guidelines are still followed.
Officials in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties are reporting that beach parking lots are quickly filling up as beach-goers kick off their July 4th holidays.
Vice President Mike Pence and Gov. Ron DeSanits held a press briefing Thursday in Tampa to discuss the recent spike in coronavirus cases and reaffirm their commitment to fighting the virus.
The City of Sarasota, the City of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key are requiring masks to be worn inside and outside - with the hope that less people will roam around, shop or even dine in the area. Plus, Long Boat Key has closed its beach parking lots.
While the hospital continues to have very few COVID-19 patients, the virus continues to spread in the community, resulting in a need for extra precautions.
Starting Thursday, July 2, 2020, inpatient visitation at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center will allow only one visitor per patient, per day, age 18 or older to visit patients on the Nursing Inpatient Units from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Sarasota County Government announced on Wednesday morning that all Department of Health (DOH) testing appointments have been filled for Wednesday and Thursday.
The Town of Longboat Key has announced multiple temporary closures that will be taking place starting on Tuesday to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Florida.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced on Monday that starting on Tuesday the Records and Civil Process lobby will be temporarily closed until further notice.
Florida’s ban on serving alcohol to people in bars will be reevaluated daily, the state’s top business regulator said in a series of tweets over the weekend that also offered apologies for the crackdown.
Venice Regional Bayfront Health has also joined Sarasota Memorial in not allowing any visitors. While all other hospitals on the Suncoast are limiting it to one visitor per patient. However, all facilities say this will not impact elective surgeries. All procedures will continue being scheduled.
The Florida Department of Health has reported a jump of nearly 9,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. The DOH is reporting 122,960 cases and 3,366 deaths. Over 1.7 million tests have been administered statewide.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced that starting Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. it will once again activate a “No Visitors” policy, except in special circumstances.
The Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved the University of South Florida’s reopening plan for the fall 2020 semester, a significant step forward in the process of bringing students, faculty and staff back to campuses.
Three police officers with the Sarasota Police Department have tested positive for COVID-19. According to officials with the department, these are the first three positive cases for the agency.
The two latest COVID-19 deaths in the state prison system involved inmates at the South Florida Reception Center, according to information released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Health. The state Department of Corrections in recent days said two inmates had died but did not identify the pr
Workers with the City of Sarasota will be giving away up to 50,000 protective face masks over the next week in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Commissioners agreed to put out a public health advisory to say Floridians should wear face coverings in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.
Researchers found people with Type A blood are at a 45% higher risk of contracting the virus and getting really sick from it. While people with Type O blood have a lower risk. However, this new information does not take away from the fact that both of these patients can spread the virus to others.
After debate over whether to make face masks mandatory in public, the Manatee County Commission released a statement endorsing recommendations from the Florida Surgeon General that state all individuals in Florida SHOULD wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible.
The owner of the Knight’s Pub in Orlando contended Wednesday that the bar is being used as a “scapegoat” after the state suspended its alcoholic beverage license for violating coronavirus reopening guidelines.
Some members of Florida’s Congress are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue an immediate statewide order that would require all people wear masks in public.
"If anyone has some money that they can help meet this urgent need to help feed hungry people and children in our communities. We need help, and we need it now."
