Florida Legislature

State health officials reported 7,537 COVID-19 cases Wednesday and 160 deaths. Despite warnings from health officials about the more contagious COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7, Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissed those concerns during a news conference at a new pop-up vaccine clinic in Venice. The new pop-up clinic increases vaccine access for residents in southern portions of Sarasota County. The City of Marco Island has a new vaccine registration system. Publix locations in Manatee and Sarasota Counties began administering vaccine doses this week. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is working to track coronavirus cases related to the Super Bowl and celebrations surrounding the game.

State health officials reported 13,900 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday for a total of 1,517,472 infections. The Florida Department of Health also reported 169 coronavirus-related deaths, Jan. 13, increasing the statewide death toll to 23,759 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic.

State health officials reported 7,925 COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, for a total of 905,248 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 87 new coronavirus-related deaths, Nov. 18, increasing the statewide death toll to 17,949 fatalities.Over the past seven days, the single-day average number of new infections reported has increased to nearly 6,735 cases. The average number of daily deaths reported over the past week now stands at nearly 56 fatalities a day.

State health officials reported 4,423 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, for a total of 821,123 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 88 new coronavirus-related deaths Nov. 4 increasing the statewide death toll to 17,131 fatalities.Over the past seven days, the single-day average number of new infections reported stands at 4,385 cases. The average number of daily deaths reported over the past week comes to nearly 59 fatalities a day.

Republican candidates in Tuesday’s election won every Florida House and Senate race covering a district in Southwest Florida.

State health officials reported 2,590 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, bringing Florida's total to 690,499 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 203 new coronavirus-related deaths, Sept. 23, increasing the statewide death toll to 13,782 fatalities. Wednesday's reported number of deaths is the highest it's been in nearly two weeks.

Bars in Florida will be permitted to reopen at 50% capacity starting Monday, Sept. 14. The AP reports, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears issued the emergency order, Thursday, at the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Tuesday’s Primary election results for Southwest Florida’s state legislative districts did not yield any absolute results, but voters have now set the stage for a number of general election races

State health officials reported 509 new cases of COVID-19, Tuesday, bringing the statewide total of 52,255 confirmed cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported seven new deaths, yesterday, for a total of 2,252 fatalities including 1,089 deaths associated with long-term care facilities.The total number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations in Florida now stands at 9,482 patients.Of the 924,920 test results that have been reported in Florida so far, 5.6% have been positive for the virus. The rate of positive tests has been trending downward for weeks.

As we approach the end of Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which are largely considered a sentinel catalyst to the gay rights…