New numbers released by the Florida Department of Health this morning indicate one new case of the Corona virus here. There were, however, 76 more negative tests reported. So far, 2,136 tests have been conducted locally. There have been 2,035 negatives and now 100 positive cases.
In all, 33 people have been hospitalized at some point during their illness and there have been eight fatalities tied to the Corona virus locally.
Another drive-thru testing for the Corona virus will be held at the Florida Department of Health location tomorrow from 9-11am. Some 90 people reportedly were sampled there yesterday.
The debate continues about how to give a stimulus to businesses and residents in Avon Park who have been affected by the Corona virus. Avon Park city councilwoman Maria Sutherland has suggested she’s found enough money in the city coffers to make a direct payout.
Mayor Garrett Anderson has held firm, saying he would rather see the city give them in-kind services such as relief on water & sewer bills.
The matter was put off after staff members said they were having a tough time finding out what businesses actually are located in which Community Redevelopment Agency districts.
Local firefighters were called out yesterday to work with Florida Forest Service crews in putting a down a brush fire. That two acre blaze occurred near the intersection of Holmes Road and Boots Road in Lake Placid.
Reportedly, two homes were evacuated for safety reasons. No injuries or property damage have been reported at this time. No cause for the blaze was released.
Highlands County remains under a burn ban.
At least one person was injured yesterday in a single vehicle rollover accident off Arbuckle Creek Road. Apparently, it went out of control near the Rafter T Ranch yesterday afternoon.
Officials say the driver was ejected as the vehicle overturned. They were airlifted out by the Aeromed helicopter.
You might want to keep your eyes to the skies. Officials of the Avon Park Bombing Range advise there will be some increased activity there. AC-130s will be training there all week.