FLORIDA – ABC Action News is committed to providing Tampa Bay area residents all of the updates on the coronavirus, COVID-19, and the impact it's having on our way of life. To help you stay on top of it all, we've compiled all the updates for Friday, March 20. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
9:45 PM
Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried urges Governor Ron DeSantis to issue a statewide "stay-at-home" order for all Floridians.
8:55 PM
An active-duty sailor who is assigned to MacDill Air Force Base tests positive for coronavirus, officials say.
7:44 PM
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota confirms that a physician tests positive for COVID-19.
5:55 PM
Florida Department of Health reports new cases, bring Florida's total to 563.
4:50 PM
Gov. DeSantis says restaurants are allowed to deliver alcohol with meals.
4:45 PM
Gov. DeSantis announced there are now 520 cases statewide.
2:12 PM
Executive Order in Florida directs all restaurants and food establishments within the state to suspend on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers. However, establishments can operate their kitchens for the purpose of providing delivery or take-out services.
1:13 PM
The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Gaming are closing all casinos in Florida at 6 p.m. on Friday, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
12:30 PM
Sarasota Memorial Hospital announces two new COVID-19 cases and new visitor policy. Start at 6 p.m. Friday all visitors are restricted except under exceptional circumstances.
11:45 AM
U.S. and Mexico agree to end all non-essential travel between the border of the two countries
11:20 AM
Florida Department of Health reports 88 new cases, bring Florida's total to 520.
10:30 AM
IRS tax filing deadline moved back until July 15.
10:00 AM
PSTA suspends "park and ride" spring break service.
9:36 AM
Southeastern University moving all classes to remote learning for the rest of the spring semester.
9:32 AM
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice suspends visitation at detention center and residential commitment program statewide until April 15.
9:00 AM
Scripps National Spelling Bee been postponed indefinitely due to the coronovirus.
8:30 AM
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktailsin St. Pete is giving away 150 cases of MADE coffee to first responders, hospital employees, and those who work in hospitality who are no longer to work while they last. The company did the same on Thursday and gave all 150 cases away.
7:17 AM
Wawa is suspending self- service coffee, fountain drinks, icee drinks, iced coffee and cappuccinos. Associates will serve coffee to customers. The chain will also be individually bagging bakery products and changing hours to close overnight from 2-3 a.m. for cleaning, sanitation and restocking.
6:30 AM
Florida Keys closing to visitors starting Sunday, March 22; long-term renters in vacation homes and R/V parks with contracts of 28 days or more, who are presently in the Keys, are the only exception. They are allowed to remain until their contract is over.
6:00 AM
Number of cases in Florida at 432, with 393 of those being Florida residents and 39 non-Florida residents in the state.
Important updates from Thursday, March 19
- Italy surpasses China in COVID-19-related deaths, death toll now above 3,400
- President Trump, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn announce officials are looking into two drugs to treat COVID-19.
- Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the release of 164 "low level, nonviolent" offenders from county jails.
- Officials announce all Manatee County public beaches will close at 6 a.m. Friday. All Sarasota County beaches will close at 6 a.m. Saturday.
- Labor Department says unemployment claims rose by 70,000 last week.
- All beaches in the City of Anna Maria will be closed effective 6 a.m. Friday 3/20/20 until further notice.
- The U.S. State Department issues a level 4 travel advisory, warning Americans to avoid all international travel.
- To view more updates, click here.
→ CORONAVIRUS CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA
Important updates from Wednesday, March 18
- City votes to shut down Clearwater Beach starting March 23 at 6 a.m.
- City of Tampa closes all beaches
- Trump says Department Housing and Urban Development to suspend foreclosures and evictions through April
- Treasury proposal: Deliver $500B in checks to millions of Americans, first round coming April 6
- Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the immediate suspension of evictions in the county
- To view more updates, click here.
→ CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY INTERACTIVE MAP
Important updates from Tuesday, March 17