Thursday, May 14

BREAKING as of 2:58 p.m. 

From Gov. DeSantis’s Facebook Page 

• Gov. Ron DeSantis posted a graphic for the next steps for Phase One recovery. This full Phase One reopening will be applicable statewide starting 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 18.
• The following changes were made: 
  • The indoor capacity for restaurant and food establishments may be increased to 50% capacity with proper social distancing. 
  • All retail may reopen with 50% capacity indoors.
  • With permission from local governments, museums and libraries may operate at 50%. 
  • Gyms and fitness centers may operate at 50% capacity.
  • Professional sports teams are permitted to enter Florida and professional sports venues may be open for games, competitions, events, and training. 
  • Visitors for long-term facilities are prohibited.
  • All patients must be tested before discharging them to long-term care facilities, and long term care facilities are required to transfer patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 if the facility is not equipped for appropriate care. 
  • Theme parks may submit plans for reopening.

Additional Updates as of 5/15

Thursday, April 14

7:38 a.m. 

Live Video from FoxNews.com

• Gov. DeSantis spoke with Fox & Friends about reopening Florida’s economy and the education system. 

8:36 a.m. 

Information from Florida Government 

• Gov. DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-121, which is an extension of Executive Order 20-94. This executive order issued for mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief for COVID-19 to be effective until 12:01 a.m. on June 2.

9:44 a.m. 

Information from Florida Government 

• Gov. DeSantis also issued Executive Order 20-122. This Executive Order allowed for Broward and Miami-Dade counties to follow Phase One recovery starting Monday, May 18 at 12:01 a.m. 

10:30 a.m. 

Information from Publix’s website 

• Publix announced that starting Saturday, May 16, Publix is extending store hours and no longer keeping shopping hours for senior customers, first responders, and hospital staff. Publix will be open daily from 7 a.m to 9 p.m. 

Friday, May 15

12:10 p.m. 

Live recording from Gov. DeSantis’s Facebook Page 

• Gov. DeSantis held a press conference in Jacksonville to update statistics for immunizations and test results, provide information on improvements among medical staff and healthcare workers, provide information in regards to safety for visitations, and remind everyone to wear masks in public. Gov. DeSantis also announced additional Phase One steps for a full economic statewide recovery. 

2 p.m. 

Live recording From Volusia County Emergency Management 

• A press conference was held at the Emergency Operations Center with updates on safety precautions for beaches and rivers due to hurricane season approaching and guidelines for testing sites. 

4:53 p.m. 

Data From Wesh 2 News Station 

• Total cases in Florida: 43,210 
  • Orange County: 1,577 
  • Volusia: 576 cases 
• Total deaths in Florida: 1,875 
  • Orange County: 36
  • Volusia: 30