Florida ended last week with the lowest weekly trend of new COVID-19 cases in nearly a year. The average of 2,280 new daily cases, is the lowest weekly trend total since June 17th of last year.
On a related note, Florida’s weekly filings for unemployment benefits reached pre-pandemic levels. Last week, 8,864 Floridians filed for unemployment, the first weekly total below 10,000 since the onset of the pandemic and the best total since March 14th. Additionally, there are widespread reports of an increase in job searches for those on unemployment following Florida’s decision to end the extending of federal unemployment benefits later this month.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, more manatees have died this year than all of last year. FWC says 738 manatee deaths have been recorded compared to 637 in 2020. The top reason cited for deaths is the loss of seagrass due to polluted waterways.
According to AAA, Memorial Day weekend travel rose 60% over a year ago and Florida was the top destination in the country for those who traveled 50 miles or more from home. Orlando was the top overall destination. Total travel was 87% of 2019’s record total.
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