Florida judge rules CDC mask mandate for planes, trains as ‘unlawful’

Mask Mandate Protest — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Steve Sanchez Photos On Monday, a federal judge from Florida struck down the Biden administration’s mandate that masks be worn aboard buses, trains, planes, and other public transportation, leading to an immediate change in policy for air travelers and rail customers. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle for

Florida sees major decline in COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Testing Site — Courtesy: Shutterstock — YES Market Media There has been a sharp decrease in coronavirus cases during the month of February. According to a report released by the Florida Department of Health, cases in the Sunshine State decreased by nearly 60 percent last week. Leon County’s cases also dropped by nearly 70

Florida could see an alarming doctor shortage by 2035

Doctor-Patient Discussing — Courtesy: Shutterstock — S_L The coronavirus pandemic has caused supply chain issues and shortages, and the medical field is no exception.  Even though Florida’s coast population continues to grow, the Florida Hospital Association reports a significant shortage of primary care physicians by 2035. The growing population paired with retirement projections show that

South Florida produce growers face major obstacles in 2022

Farmer holding produce — Courtesy: Shutterstock — ABO PHOTOGRAPHY Produce growers are facing several challenges as they make their way into the new year. These hurdles include inflation, a labor shortage, supply chain and market disruptions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “There’s just so much unsureness with the future of the market,” said Jeffrey

Dozens of flights canceled in South Florida, leaving plenty of travelers stranded

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Affect Flights — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Image by: Dima Berlin Major airlines have canceled hundreds of flights across the country as the omicron variant has jumbled schedules and drew down staffing levels during the busy holiday season. Dozens of flights were canceled on Saturday morning at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood

Florida’s largest school districts ease up on masks

Running at School – Face Mask: Shutterstock — Monkey Business Images ORLANDO, Fla. — Two of Florida’s largest school districts are easing up on mask requirements this week. Beginning Monday, Orange County students will not be required to wear a face mask if their parents provide a note opting them out. High school students in

COVID-19 cases decline in Florida: Health experts are optimistic we are reaching the end of the Delta wave

COVID-19 Vaccine – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Prostock-studio The COVID-19 case positivity rate has continued to decline for the eighth week in a row in the Sunshine State. It is now sitting at 3.8% for the week of October 8. Just this week, the FDA vaccine advisory panel unanimously recommended booster shots for those

Florida will begin enforcing $5,000 fine for seeking COVID vaccine proof

Vaccine Card – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by vovidzha According to a Department of Health rule issued last Friday, Florida will begin to issue $5,000 fines to schools, businesses, and government agencies that require visitors or customers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this year that

More than 10,000 students in Hillsborough County isolated or quarantined a week into new school year

COVID-19 Quarantine – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Halfpoint Just a week into the 2021-2022 school year, over 10,000 students and staff in the Hillsborough County Public Schools district have been either quarantined or isolated as districts throughout the entire state struggle throughout the fight against COVID-19. With more than 213,000 students, Hillsborough is the

As COVID concerns continue to grow in South Florida, two universities are requiring faculty and staff to get the vaccine

Donna E. Shalala Student Center University of Miami Campus – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by YES Market Media Nova Southeastern University has now joined the University of Miami in requiring both faculty and staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. NSU is requiring all faculty and staff, full and part-time, adjunct faculty, and temporary employees to