Sarasota County

The virus has shown up in Sentinel chickens near North Port.

A survey of Sarasota and Manatee health professionals and first responders reflects how the COVID pandemic has deeply affected people who help others and the need for more trauma-based services.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s lawsuit contends five hospital districts, by pursuing separate claims against pharmaceutical industry companies, are jeopardizing settlements her office has reached.

The settlements left Walgreens as the sole defendant in a lawsuit that targeted businesses involved in all aspects of the opioid industry. A Pasco County judge is scheduled to begin jury selection next week.

Before the Sarasota County School Board's repeal, masks were required if the positivity rate rose to about 10 percent, and optional if it fell below 8 percent for three consecutive days.

The positivity rate for COVID-19 within Sarasota County dropped below 8% for three consecutive days, and masks are now optional. The mask requirement will reactivate if the positivity rate goes above 10%.

The mandate allows opt-outs only for medical reasons or for special needs students on Individual Education Plans who can't wear masks.

Fish kills continue to pollute the waters around downtown St. Petersburg and smaller die-offs were reported in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Sarasota Board Chair Shirley Brown said the ruling also "makes clear that somebody is not to be harassed if they are wearing or not wearing a mask.”

Tons of dead fish have washed ashore in the wake of Tropical Storm Elsa. On Sunday, Pinellas health officials recommended that anyone with respiratory problems consider avoiding county beaches.