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 15. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
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7:37 PM
- Department of Health reports 44,138 positive COVID-19 cases, death toll is at 1,917
7:14 PM
- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed troubled department store chain J.C. Penney into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It is the fourth major retailer to meet that fate.
6:37 PM
- NFL teams can begin reopening their facilities on Tuesday if state and local governments will allow it.
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2:50 PM
- Charges against Hillsborough County pastor arrested for holding church service during safer-at-home order dropped
1:14 PM
- Beginning Monday, the City of Tarpon Springs will reopen some of their facilities, as long as social distancing is practiced.
- The sports fields at Sisler Field, Jasmine Sports Complex, Riverside Field, Rotary Park and Dorsett Park will open for recreation, exercise and free-play.
- Dog parks open with capacity limits
- Richard Erwin Park and Highland Nature Park will be open.
1:06 PM
- Gov. DeSantis announced that Florida was moving into a full Phase 1 on Monday.
- Restaurants, retail stores, museums and libraries can be at 50% capacity
- Gyms can begin operating on Monday - as long as they are practicing social distancing
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11:52 AM
- Pinellas County closing COVID-19 tip line and email.
5:25 AM
- MacDill Air Force Base performing flyovers today starting at 9:30 a.m. to honor front line heroes. Click here for a map of the route.
5:11 AM
- Free walk/drive-up COVID-19 testing event with FDOH taking place at New Bethel AME Church in Lakeland on Saturday at 12 p.m.
- Call 863-687-1994.
5:00 AM
Important updates from Thursday, May 14
- Gov. Ron DeSantis suspends foreclosures, evictions until June 2.
- Starting Saturday, May 16, Publix stores will open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the pharmacy will return to regular operating hours.
- Hillsborough County votes to extend safer-at-home order for another 7 days.
- City of Tampa reopening all parks, dog parks and beaches Saturday, May 16.
- The CDC is warning doctors and health care professionals across the country of an inflammatory syndrome that affects children. It could be linked to COVID-19 infection.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Wednesday, May 13
- Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg rescheduled for October 23-25, 2020.
- Gov. DeSantis says he welcomes all professional sports to Florida for practices and games.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Tuesday, May 12
- Broadway shows canceled through summer due to coronavirus.
- Pelosi unveils $3 trillion coronavirus aid package for Friday vote.
- MacDill Air Force Base to perform flyovers on Friday to honor front line heroes.
- Universal Orlando reopening CityWalk with limited operations on May 14.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Monday, May 11
- Florida barber shops, hair and nail salons reopen.
- MLB owners approve giving players' union plan to start season around Fourth of July in ballparks without fans.
- Steak 'n Shake permanently closes 57 restaurants as company suffers during pandemic.
- 15 residents were evacuated from 2 Pinellas nursing homes due to a COVID-19 outbreak, a county official confirms.
- To view more updates, click here.