Florida News that impacts you – June 17th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- With nearly 2,800 new diagnosed cases of COVID-19, Tuesday produced the most new cases to date. With six new hot spots emerging in South Florida Tuesday, there are now 41 hot spots in the tri-county. Each of the past six days has produced more new cases than any prior day during the pandemic. Florida’s positive test rate also increased to 5.5% Tuesday after having recently reached a low of 5.2%
- Governor DeSantis stated Florida won’t lockdown again amid an increase in COVID-19 cases. He said the initial lockdowns were to ensure the hospital system wouldn’t be overwhelmed. Hospitalizations are below peak levels despite Florida’s highest case count to date.
- DeSantis also indicated he’ll make significant vetoes with this year’s record state budget prior to signing it into law. The budget passed in this year’s session prior to the impact of the pandemic taking effect.Florida has a balanced budget amendment, so any excess spending would come out of the state’s reserves and would have to be accounted for in next year’s budget.Florida’s revenue drop was 29% in April and May’s report, due out by the end of June is expected to have a steeper drop.
- The Broward School District announced schools will reopen August 19th. The District will consider using a hybrid model to stagger attendance with all students at school a minimum of two days per week.