FL COVID-19 News: School Mask Argument Ongoing, Hillsborough County GOP Official Dies

FLORIDA — As COVID-19 cases surge in Florida, here are some Patch headlines you might have missed this week.

DeSantis Ban On School Mask Mandates Allowed By Court

A state court's decision to reinstate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order preventing school districts from mandating masks has put 13 Florida school districts in legal limbo.

Also Read:

FL Mask Mandate Fight Not Over, Feds Investigate Schools

Mask Mandate Discussion Plea Rejected By Pinellas School Board

Major Tampa Bay Fests To Require Vaccinations, Negative Tests

While they're not ready to cancel events this year, the organizers of two of Tampa Bay's most popular fall events are taking steps to ensure they don't contribute to the area's rising coronavirus rates.

Retailer Sues FL Surgeon General Over Vaccine Passport Ban

A Sarasota retailer has filed a lawsuit in Leon County against Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Scott Rivkees, over the state's so-called "vaccine passport" ban.

COVID-19 Detector Dogs Tested At Miami International Airport

As part of its effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Miami International Airport is now getting help from detector dogs specially trained to sniff out the virus at an employee security checkpoint.

Fauci Critic, Hillsborough County GOP Official, Dies Of COVID-19

The sudden COVID-19 death of the Hillsborough County Republican Party's accountant and chairman of the committee for election integrity has left the organization in a financial tangle, and has friends of the victim leveling baseless accusations of poor medical care at a Tampa hospital.

Also Read:

• COVID-19 Claims Life Of 7th Tampa Bay Law Enforcement Officer
• Pinellas Jail Inmate Tested Positive For COVID-19 Before Death

Vaccine Mandates Would Put Thousands Out Of Work: Gov. DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody support more than 200 city of Gainesville employees who oppose the city's mandate that all employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Other COVID-19 news:

Venice Chalk Festival Postponed Until April 1 Due To COVID-19

After Biden's Vaccine Order, Sarasota Memorial Unsure Of Impact

COVID-19 Testing Site For Students, School Staff Opens

Driver Shortage Shuts Down Volunteer-Run Senior Ride Services