Florida News – Highlights from around the state – March 18th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Joe Biden’s 40 – point win over Bernie Sanders has him in commanding position in the Democrat’s presidential race. President Trump has clinched the Republican nomination for President with his win in his new home state.
- Numerous counties experienced poll worker shortages amid COVID-19 concerns. The greatest shortage occurred in Palm Beach County where a net shortage of 700 poll workers who were originally scheduled to work polling sites led to a series of challenges for voters in at least five polling locations in the county. The problems ranged from not opening on time to confusion over the use of NPA ballots for municipal elections.
- Governor Ron DeSantis, in his latest executive actions to curb the spread of COVID-19, ordered the closing of all bars and nightclubs for 30 days beginning today. If you’re looking for an early timetable of a return to any sense of normalcy,30 days might be it.
- Additionally, the state’s new guidelines limit in-person dining to 50% of capacity with social distancing of 6 feet being used along with all food service employees having to be screened prior to serving. Other actions included Florida’s beaches not being allowed to have groups of larger than ten people until further notice.
- The Governor also extended the closure of all grade schools through at least April 15th. This after having already ordered virtual education for Florida’s colleges.
- Miami Dade’s State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced she’s crafting a plan that’d release non-violent criminals from county jails amid coronavirus concerns.