Florida's Latest News

Florida breaks record for weekly coronavirus deaths: 1,230 reported in one week

Florida posted 62 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday to bring the resident toll to 7,084, closing out a grim week for reported fatalities since the pandemic broke out in the state.

From Sunday to Sunday, Florida saw a staggering 1,230 deaths, setting a new record for weekly reported deaths. There were also 63,277 new cases reported and 3,086 hospitalizations, the latter falling just short of the previous week’s record.

A record-breaking 257 deaths were reported Friday alone, according to the Florida Department of Health.

In comparison, the week ending July 26th saw 73,808 new cases, 872 deaths and 3,093 hospitalizations.

State Rep. Randy Fine hospitalized for COVID-19

State Representative Randy Fine (R—Palm Bay) was hospitalized on Sunday for COVID-19.

"So I got the X-ray back and it wasn’t what I expected. Doctor said I have some pretty serious damage in my lungs and is ordering me admitted to the hospital," Fine wrote on his Facebook page shortly after 5:30 p.m. 

In a text message to FLORIDA TODAY he confirmed he was at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. 

"I’m not going to lie — I’m pretty scared. I didn’t even see the boys before I left because I figured I’d be back in a couple hours," he said. 

South Florida escapes damage as Tropical Storm Isaias stays offshore, heads toward Carolinas

A disorganized mess of rain and wind, Tropical Storm Isaias churned north parallel to Florida’s coast but its worst winds remained offshore on Sunday night, appearing to largely spare a state already struggling to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The storm, as of 8 a.m. Monday, had sustained winds of 70 miles per hour as it moved about 100 miles east-southeast of Jacksonville Beach. The National Hurricane Center, however, is forecasting the storm to strengthen and be “near hurricane strength” when it reaches the Carolinas for a possible landfall early in the week. A hurricane warning was issued early Monday for portions of the Carolinas coast.

South Floridians felt some effects, for sure.

Homeowner falsely accuses state House candidate of stealing mail while delivering campaign literature

A Pinellas County homeowner accused Florida House District 70 candidate Mark Oliver of stealing mail when he was captured on a Ring camera delivering campaign flyers recently.

Oliver’s campaign believes the young Black candidate was the subject of racial profiling. 

The candidate runs miles every day to deliver campaign literature to constituents in the district, which includes southern Pinellas County as well as parts of Hillsborough and Manatee counties. As part of his campaign, he has been posting videos with the caption “I’m running for office, literally.”