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Governor DeSantis is disputing the latest reporting of Florida’s new COVID-19 cases by the CDC and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. According to the Florida Department of Health and confirmed by the CDC, an error was made in which three days' worth of reporting was included in just two days. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried reported the false information further confusing the inaccurate daily reporting.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed Fried’s office hasn’t been in touch to verify reporting at any point since she recently began regular briefings on COVID-19 data. Moreover, the Florida Department of Health indicated that they keep the updated information available at FloridaHealth.gov, however, Fried opted not to report the accurate state information in lieu of the erroneous CDC data.
In similar news, Broward’s School District voted to retain a mask mandate without a parental opt out in violation of state law. The Florida Department of Education in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health established the policy which states parents are to have the option to opt their children out of mask mandates. This sets up a legal showdown between the school district and the state. Broward’s school year starts on August 18th.
Moving to the tropics, Tropical Storm Fred has formed to the east of Hispaniola. It’s expected to weaken into a depression prior to regaining tropical storm status as it approaches the Florida straights. While much of the state remains in the cone, Fred is expected to be a weak tropical storm as it makes a pass through the Keys and into the Gulf.
Lastly, Governor DeSantis announced the $1,000 bonus checks allocated to first responders and educators in the state’s budget have begun to roll out. First responders began to receive them yesterday and educators should see them soon.