BLOG: Coronavirus updates from Friday, May 8

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, May 8. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!

11:00 PM

• NCAA President Mark Emmert says the coronavirus is making it unlikely all schools will be ready to begin competing in college sports at the same time.

10:00 PM

• Roy Horn of "Siegfried and Roy" dies at 75 from COVID-19

6:00 PM

• As of May 7, about 495,000 Floridians have received unemployment benefits, according to DEO.

5:15 PM

• 87 veterans have died at a Massachusetts nursing home.

3:50 PM

• Apple is planning to reopen some stores next week.

3:20 PM

• Governor Ron DeSantis announces that nail and hair salons will be allowed to reopen on Monday, May 11.

3:12 PM

• One more Hillsborough County resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. This brings the number of deaths to 37.

2:49 PM

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) announces it will reopen to the public again on Friday, May 15, after being closed for 60 days.

2:18 PM

• Bars and restaurants in Alabama will be allowed to reopen Monday as long as it follows social distancing guidelines.

2:15 PM

• A member of Vice President Mike Pence's staff tests positive for coronavirus.

2:00 PM

• Several Pinellas Couny beaches at capacity, see the full list here

12:14 PM

• The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through May 15 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

11:46 AM

• Sarasota County opening Humphris Park and the South Jetty point, Jetty Jack’s concessions at the South Jetty, and the Venice Fishing Pier on Monday, May 11. Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

11:30 AM

• DOH reports 371 new COVID-19 cases and 69 more deaths. Bringing Florida's current total to 39,199 cases and 1,669 deaths.

9:55 AM

• Sarasota County opening dog parks Monday, May 11 at 6 a.m.
• Sarasota County opening Turtle Beach Campground Monday, May 18 at 50% occupancy.

8:41 AM

• WestShore Plaza opening today with limited hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for when other local malls are opening.

8:38 AM

• Unemployment hits 14.7%, highest rate since the Depression, as US shed 20 million jobs in April from viral outbreak.

8:00 AM

• China, South Korea see new virus cases as world lockdowns ease.
• Portugal PM laments international fight for medical equipment during outbreak.
• Chancellor of Austria won't play the “blame game” about responsibility for spread of virus.

6:00 AM

• TSA to require employees to wear 'facial protection' at screening checkpoints.

Important updates from Thursday, May 7

• Hillsborough County leaders unanimously vote to extend state of emergency for 7 days.
• Disney Springs to begin phased reopening May 20.
• Frontier Airlines to begin temperature screenings for all passengers and crew starting June 1.
• To view more updates, click here.

Important updates from Wednesday, May 6

• Tyson Foods to resume 'limited production' at largest US pork plant.
• Healthcare workers that volunteered in NY amid pandemic have to pay state income taxes, Cuomo says.
• Trump says coronavirus task force will shift focus to 'safety and opening up our country again'.
• Tampa Pride rescheduled to Saturday March 27, 2021.
• To view more updates, click here.

Important updates from Tuesday, May 5

• Florida Aquarium will re-open on Friday, May 15 with strict limits on attendance and programming and is implementing new standard operating procedures and enhanced health and safety measures to safeguard guests, staff, and animals. Tickets must be reserved in advance starting on May 7 here.
• Three more Hillsborough County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. This brings the number of deaths to 32.
• WestShore Plaza reopening on Friday with limited hours.
• To view more updates, click here.

Important updates from Monday, May 4

• J Crew officially files for bankruptcy amid pandemic
• New numbers show 819 new COVID-19 cases in Florida, 20 new deaths
• Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will direct the state inspector general to investigate Florida's CONNECT system
• MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre launches a refund plan for those who bought tickets.
• Carnival Cruise Line advised guests and travel agents of plan to phase in a resumption in North American service this summer, beginning on August 1
• To view more updates, click here.

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