The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Florida’s request to allow SNAP recipients – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase groceries online to reduce shopping risk from COVID-19. Previously, SNAP recipients had to appear in person and present their Electronic Benefit Transfer card. On-line purchasing should begin later this month. Nearly 3 million Floridians…… MORE
Category Archives: Uncategorized
VIRUS CASES IN FLORIDA PRISONS
The Florida Department of Corrections said four more inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Blackwater River Correctional Facility, a prison in Milton operated by a private company. That raises the total to 40 people including 34 inmates. Six prison employees also have tested positive for COVID-19. The Milton facility, has a maximum capacity…… MORE
7 MARATHONS IN 7 DAYS
Charity runs to raise money are nothing new, even charity runs by individuals to raise public awareness are often in the news. However, a cross country coach at the University of West Florida seems to be taking the idea to extremes. 35-year-old Caleb Carmichael decided he would run a marathon a day – 26.2 miles…… MORE
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES VIRUS CASES
The Florida Department of Health says there are now 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents or staff of long-term care facilities in Escambia County. The Department of Health has not identified the facilities and Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley said the county is not allowed to release facility names. Escambia County ranks seventh for…… MORE
VIRUS DEATH RATE COULD BE REDUCED
Senior White House medical adviser Doctor Anthony Fauci says the death toll from the coronavirus in the U.S. could be closer to 60,000 rather than the previously projected 100,000 to 240,000 deaths and that social distancing and prevention efforts are having a definite positive effect in 45 states and the District of Columbia. However, five…… MORE
CONGRESSMAN TESTS POSITIVE
Florida Congressman Neal Dunn, who represents the Second Congressional District which includes Bay County, has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The congressman was tested after feeling ill on Monday. His office said he is doing well and is quarantining and working at home, following CDC guidelines and working on Phase IV of the administration’s…… MORE
ESCAMBIA COUNTY VIRUS TESTING
Testing for COVID-19 in Escambia County continues and about two-thirds of those tested have now received the results. 4,786 tests have been performed in Escambia County by Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist Hospital, West Florida Hospital and Community Health Northwest Florida. There have been 2,873 negative tests, and 165 positives, a 5.4%; positive rate. Statewide the…… MORE
DISNEY WORLD
Although Disney World has shut down operations because of the coronavirus outbreak, the amusement park says it will take precautionary measures to prevent guests from getting sick when they do reopen. Disney’s Executive Chairman Bob Iger said temperature screenings are a possibility to meet health guidelines and make visitors feel safe. The precise type of…… MORE
GEICO REFUNDS
GEICO is the latest car insurance company that will be refunding premiums to help customers during the coronavirus pandemic. Those refunds will include a 15% credit to all auto and motorcycle customers, averaging $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy. The company also said it would pause cancellations of policies due to nonpayment…… MORE
I-10 CHECKPOINT
The Florida Highway Patrol is getting some more help manning the checkpoint on Interstate-10 that screens drivers that might be entering the state from COVID-19 hotspots. The Pensacola Police Department and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are assisting. Since Monday, the sheriff’s office has assigned two deputies to help and the Pensacola Police Department has…… MORE
