FL COVID-19 News: FL May Sue Biden, School Boards Relax Policies

FLORIDA — As COVID-19 cases remain high and the debate about masks and vaccines continues to rage, here are some headlines from around Tampa Bay you may have missed:

COVID-19 Antibody Drug Purchased By Florida From Manufacturer

Making an end run around the Biden administration, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that the state has purchased 3,000 doses of a monoclonal antibody drug directly from the pharmaceutical company after the federal government began restricting Florida's supply of the drug.

FL May Sue Biden Over Vaccine Mandates: Attorney General

In the seemingly ceaseless battle over vaccine mandates, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a Republican, and 23 other GOP attorneys general have lobbed the latest salvo, demanding that President Joe Biden drop his vaccine mandate for businesses or risk legal action.

Mask Mandate Discussion Plea Rejected By Pinellas School Board

A contingent of parents on hand at the Pinellas County School Board meeting to urge school board members to consider a school mask mandate walked away disappointed when the board refused to discuss the issue.

32-Year-Old Manatee County Sheriff’s Mechanic Dies Of COVID-19

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office announced that Fleet Mechanic Christopher Osborne, 32, died of COVID-19. Osborne left behind a wife and four children.

Sarasota School Board Updates Mask, Contact Tracing Policies

The Sarasota County School Board relaxed both its mask mandate and contact tracing policy Tuesday night. Effective immediately, face masks are now optional for students and employees outdoors.

17-Year-Old Palmetto HS Student Dies Of COVID-19

The Palmetto community is mourning the loss of Aryana Santana, a 17-year-old high school senior who died Tuesday of COVID-19 complications.
"She was only 17 – she is still supposed to be here," Linda Benavides, Santana's aunt, told WFLA News.