Florida News that impacts you – April 12th, 2021
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Florida’s recent surge in new COVID-19 cases continued through the weekend. Florida’s now averaging 6,058 daily cases over the past week. It’s the highest weekly average since February 25th.
- Over 7.2 million Floridians have been immunized with at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes 4.4 million who’ve now completed the series. Starting today Publix is only accepting appointments for the Moderna vaccine on Friday’s. The next opportunity to sign up on the Publix site will be for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday.
- HB 1, or the “Anti-Rioting” bill, passed its final Senate Committee on Friday after nearly eight hours of debate. The bill now goes to the full senate for a final vote. The DeSantis backed bill is in response to the riots which broke out in the wake of George Floyd’s death last year. Notably, a riot broke out in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Sunday night after an officer involved shooting. The timing illustrates how quickly gatherings of protestors now occurs and how quickly they can become violent. The Minnesota National Guard had to called in to quell the rioters. This example likely will be used by supporters of the legislation as they attempt to pass it through the legislature.
- A record setting sawfish was measured near Cudjoe Key. The sawfish measured 16 feet and was a mature female that washed ashore. Cause of death isn’t known and may have been natural. Sawfish are endangered and very little is still known about them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will study the fish as they said they’re still unsure how big they can grow, all habitats they may use and how long they live.
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