COVID-19

A settlement has now been reached requiring the Florida Department of Health to release COVID-19 data withheld from the public during the height of the pandemic.The Florida Center for Government Accountability and former State Representative Carols Guillermo Smith fought for release of the data in a two-year legal battle. We take a closer look at the settlement and what release of the hidden data will mean going forward in a conversation with Smith and the Florida Center for Government Accountability’s Michael Barfield.

After winning a decisive appellate court battle that required the Florida Department of Health to turn over COVID-19 data withheld from the public during the height of the pandemic, the legal battle over the records has ended with a settlement agreement.

The number of Florida residents who have died of COVID-19 since early 2020 is nearing 91,000.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommend healthy children and adults under 65 avoid receiving the newest COVID-19 vaccine, which contradicts guidance from federal health officials that anyone six months or older should get the shot. Meanwhile, Lee Health plans to proceed by continuing to follow CDC guidance.

RSV and Covid cases are expected to be on the rise in coming weeks. Learn more about vaccines.

A new study found a dramatic difference by political party in deaths from COVID.

Some experts say there is a largely hidden group — full-time college students struggling with serious food insecurity — that is an issue which came out of the shadows during the pandemic with at least 30% of college students suffering from being food insecure.

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.