COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases in Duval County has risen by 32% in the past month, according to data from the Florida Department of Health.

The bill, SB 252, includes issues such as barring businesses and government agencies from requiring people to take COVID-19 tests or wear masks to enter their facilities.

Black Sheep owner Jonathan Insetta said the restaurant could never recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tampa Bay Times reporter Chris O'Donnell discusses his findings from a report that key data was withheld when Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo recommended that young men not get the shot.

Friday's report from the Florida Department of Health showed more than 86,000 residents have died with COVID-19, with 77 percent involving people 65 or older.

The data showed that 21,949 new cases were reported from Jan. 13 to Thursday, down from 28,252 during the week that started Jan. 6 and from 31,675 during the week that started Dec. 30.

Gov. Ron DeSantis continued his long-running criticism of the federal government and major medical organizations about issues such as COVID vaccinations.

The emergency declaration has been repeatedly extended, "artificially growing our population covered under Medicaid," according to letter sent to President Biden by 25 Republican governors.

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday approved a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate alleged wrongdoing by pharmaceutical companies and others.

The governor also announced a state probe into cardiac-related deaths following vaccinations against COVID-19.