Clearwater City Council voted to close the beach at an emergency meeting yesterday. But that will not go into effect until Monday morning at 6 am. The city is under a local state of emergency and the closure will be in effect for at least the next two weeks. That does not apply to businesses or restaurants which operate under another set of rules.
The city of Tampa has also closed some beaches. Those affected include Ben T Davis Beach, Cypress Point Beach, Davis Islands Beach and Picnic Island Beach. the boat ramp on Picnic Island is open.
Students in Florida will not be back in class until at least April 15th. Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran made the announcement Tuesday along with other changes that include any scheduled tests for school readiness, voluntarily pre-K and grades K-12 will be canceled. Traditional graduation ceremonies for Florida state universities have also been canceled.
Add BayCare to the list of locations for coronavirus testing for people who meet the CDC criteria. They are drive-through. There are seven locations that will be open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week. For a list of those location check here. Testing for COVID-19 is expanding in the Bay area. Tampa General Hospital has what they call a modified form on the test and is available for those who meet the CDC criteria as well as physicians, patients and team members at TGH. AdventHealth is also starting to test. at three locations but you must had a doctor's not. For additional information check here.
Rides will be free on PSTA as of this morning, and for the near future. They're hoping this will speed things along and lighten up any over-crowding. Riders are being asked to use the back doors to keep drivers safe,
For the latest on coronavirus please check in with us here, and for all the day's top news take a look at the Dove Daily Update.