FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

A human case of West Nile virus was identified in Daytona Beach amid an increase in mosquito-borne diseases across Volusia County, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Starting Thursday, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County will open its Monkeypox Vaccination Appointment system at 8:30 a.m.

The numbers of Florida residents testing positive for COVID-19 have decreased the past two weeks, but the coronavirus has killed more than 78,500 residents since...

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for Fish Lake near Kissimmee. Video: WATCH: Momma bear and cubs break into back porch of Orlando homeOn Tuesday the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a heath alert after water tests showed the presence of the harmful toxins. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination Aug 4. Read: ‘Trying to be a good citizen’: Woman fined $500 after taking lost dog to Lake County Animal ShelterBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. Read: Mental health problems to plague schools again, counselor saysMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

The Florida Board of Medicine voted Friday to adopt state guidelines that would ban and restrict gender dysphoria treatments for children and adolescents.

Back to school Here are some Central Florida back-to-school events happening this weekend. Whether families are preparing for their child to return to the classroom or start school for the first time, we collected a roundup of the following back-to-school events happening this weekend. The Salvation Army of Osceola County will host a free back-to-school backpack giveaway on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Volsuia Mall Back-to-School Bash is hosted by Liberty Dental Plan of Florida and Touch of Magic Events. The free event on Saturday will offer arts and crafts, face paintings and contests.

Health officials in Marion County are hosting a free vaccination event for students Saturday ahead of the upcoming school year.

Florida Department of Health to host free school immunization event in Orange County (OCPS)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health will hold a free school immunizations event in Orange County Saturday. The event is for Orange County Public Schools children who are entering kindergarten and for seventh grade students still needing their required tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis immunizations. Florida requires students to have all required immunizations before school starts. Read: OCPS ready to open 5 new schools in Orange CountyImmunization consent forms can be found here. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s Call Center at 407-723-5004.

The Florida Board of Medicine is set to discuss state guidance against gender-affirming treatments for children at its upcoming meeting.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is now offering the monkeypox vaccine by appointment only.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is offering free school immunizations for kindergarteners and seventh graders at an event on Saturday.

Florida is closing in on 400 monkeypox cases as of Friday, with the largest number of cases in South Florida and other urban settings.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County announced it will host a cooking class for pregnant mothers and mothers of infants.

Monkeypox is now being called a “global emergency.”READ: Two children diagnosed with monkeypox in U.S., officials sayMore than 16,000 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in 75 countries and territories. However, the Florida Department of Health said a limited number of vaccines are available. Health officials said they want to ensure monkeypox vaccines end up in the hands of those who need them most. In a virtual press conference last week, officials with the Florida Department of Health said the state has received 25,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine. In Central Florida, there have been 20 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in May.

Video: Osceola County to host free back-to-school vaccine events for students this week The Florida Department of Health will offer immunizations for Osceola County students at several upcoming events. (WFTV)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health will offer immunizations for Osceola County students at several upcoming events. READ: Florida woman holding pitchfork, whip, arrested outside Publix during rainstormT-dap, or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis shots, will be provided at four St. The health department will also offer events for all required school immunizations at FDOH Osceola’s main campus at 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee. WATCH: Orange County first responders train during simulated mass casualty eventCOVID-19 vaccinations and 6-80 forms will also be offered.

The Florida Department of Health is investigating trash issues in an Orange County neighborhood.

The Florida Department of Health is asking for more vaccines from the federal government to combat a monkeypox outbreak.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for Fish Lake near Kissimmee. Read: Would-be record hammerhead shark released out of respect, South Carolina captain saysOn Tuesday the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a heath alert after water tests showed the presence of the harmful toxins. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination July 14. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. Cloud business owners say downtown construction is costing them customersMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

Newsom said he had an "emotional response" to reports of DeSantis' threat and that he wanted to do "something a little bit more expressive."

Now is the time for parents to get their children immunized before school starts, according to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

Less than eight weeks ago, the Florida Department of Health reported the state’s first presumptive case of monkeypox — a viral disease that was once rare in the United States.

The Florida Department of Health is teaming up with the Center Orlando and SAVOY to prevent the spread of meningitis and hepatitis a. Last week,...

Orange County has the most cases, with 13.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that it is working with the Florida Department of Health to investigate “one of the worst” outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in Florida.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health are investigating what is being called one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease in U.S. history.

The Florida Department of Health's website now shows there are at least two cases of monkeypox in Orange County and at least one in Seminole County.

Last week, the Florida Department of Health confirmed the second case of monkeypox in Central Florida. The FDOH reports that the case came from a...

Following the announcement of a COVID-19 vaccine aimed at children five years of age or younger last month, the Florida Department of Health has stated that it has not preordered any of the pediatric vaccine for Florida doctors and hospitals.

As the temperature rises, the Florida Department of Health provides some tips to help beat that summer heat. ORLANDO, Fla. — The summer season can bring a lot of sunshine but it can also bring high temperatures. The Florida Department of Health is warning residents and visitors about the dangers of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. But they have some tips to help beat the heat and stay cool:Stay hydratedThose who are at high risk of heat-related illness, including the elderly and young children, should stay in an air-conditioned environment (a shopping mall or a public library are good alternatives)If you need to work or exercise outside, take breaks and pace yourselfDo not leave children or pets in parked cars, even if the windows are left openUse sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higherWear a hat and lightweight, light-colored clothingLeave your pets with plenty of water in shady areasCheck local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tipsRead: ‘It’s Hot’: Outdoor workers see an increase in heat-related hazards in Central FloridaHeatstroke symptoms include any of the following:Extremely high body temperature, 103ºF or higherHot, red, dry or damp skinNo sweatingHallucinationsChillsThrobbing headacheConfusion/dizzinessSlurred speechIf someone does experience heatstroke:Call 911 right awayMove the person to a cooler placeHelp lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bathDo not give the person anything to drinkRead: How gas prices are impacting summer travelHeat exhaustion symptoms include:Heavy sweatingExtreme weakness or fatigueDizziness/confusionNauseaCold clammy/moist skinPale or flushed complexionMuscle crampsSlightly elevated body temperatureFast/shallow breathingRead: Heat wave forces more than 50 million Americans under heat advisoriesWhat to do for heat exhaustion:Move to a cool placeLoosen your clothesPut cool, wet towels/cloths on your body or take a cool bathSip waterGet medical help right away if:You are throwing upYour symptoms get worseYour symptoms last longer than 1 hourClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Harmful blue-green algal toxins were found in Lake Weir in Ocklawaha, according to a health alert issued by the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is notifying residents of blue-green algae bloom caution for two Orlando lakes. Read: The super moon is back; here’s when to look upOn Monday the Florida Department of Health in Orange County a heath alert for the harmful toxins in Lake Ivanhoe. See map of area below:Officials learned of the blooms after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination May 26. See map of location below:Because blooms have the potential to produce toxins, health officials advise people to take the following precautions:-Do not drink, swim, wade or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is notifying residents near Lake Weir of a blue-green algae bloom. Read: The super moon is back; here’s when to look upOfficials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination June 7. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. READ: OIA releases statement after CDC lifts COVID-19 test requirement for international travelBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. READ: How to cool down when the temperatures climbMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

262 people have died since the Florida Department of Health released their bi-weekly COVID data reports on June 3, according to data from John Hopkins....

The Florida Department of Health for Seminole County has just extended an algae bloom alert for three Central Florida lakes. Swimmers are warned from taking...

Florida agency shares photo of 1 million mosquitoes (NCD)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health for Osceola County issued an alert Tuesday warning residents of a recent increase in mosquito-borne disease activity. Health officials say cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been confirmed in two horses in the area. The health department is also monitoring for the presence of other mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, and malaria. Mosquitoes: What you need to know (NCD)READ: 10-year-old girl facing murder charges for Memorial Day shooting of neighborIt’s important to drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying. The health department recommends keeping windows and doors covered with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

After the state threatened to impose a $27.5 million fine, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that the Special Olympics USA Games will not have a...

This is in response to a water sample taken on June 1. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Marian.

A state investigator’s report says there’s nothing to indicate the Florida Department of Health told an employee to falsify COVID-19 data and she wasn’t fired out of retaliation.

SANFORD, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is notifying residents near Lake Dot of a blue-green algae bloom. Read: Neighbors worry bird flu to blame for dozens of ducks found dead in Sanford-area lakesOfficials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination May 19. -Avoid getting water in your eyes, nose or mouth-Keep pets and livestock away from the waters where there is a bloom. READ: Florida lawmakers look to increase penalties for animal crueltyBlue-green algae is a common occurrence in freshwater environments throughout Florida and can appear year-round. READ: Florida lawmakers look to increase penalties for animal crueltyMore information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here.

Carolyn Price empties a fridge on the lower level of her property in Matagorda, Texas before Hurricane Harvey makes landfall Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. With power out to tens of thousands in the area, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County offers these food safety tips:Thaw foods in the refrigerator before cooking or serving-- Keep cold foods at 41 degrees F or below-- Cook foods for a minimum of 15 seconds as indicated below-- Chicken and other poultry and stuffed meats - 165 degrees F-- Ground beef and other ground meats - 155 degrees F-- Pork, beef, eggs, and other meats - 145 degrees F-- Once cooked, keep hot foods at 140 degrees F or above-- Cool hot foods rapidly to 41 degrees F, or below, within 4 hours of servingHandling foods-- Do not touch ready-to-eat foods with bare hands-- Use utensils to handle food, whenever possibleShould I keep it? -- If possible, do not keep leftovers. When in doubt – throw it out! Wash hands frequently with soap and running water-- After using the bathroom-- Before handling food-- When switching between raw and cooked foods-- After eating, drinking, or smoking-- After changing a diaper-- Whenever hands become contaminated-- Between changing gloves-- Make sure to keep soap and paper towels at all handwashing sinksWear gloves properly-- Wash hands and put on new gloves before handling food-- Never re-use or wash gloves-- Change gloves once they become soiled or discolored-- Change gloves when switching between raw and cooked foods-- Change gloves whenever hands become contaminated-- Always wash hands before changing into a new pair of gloves-- Remove gloves before eating, drinking, smoking, or taking out the garbageFor more information, contact your county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

A presumptive case of monkeypox is being investigated in South Florida.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Parks and Recreation provides their residents with the space to get outside and stay active, which they say is imperative when striving to create a healthier and more vibrant community. Now, the Marion County Florida Department of Health wants to help them learn which health and wellness issues are most important to them to help create a stronger, healthier Marion County. Responses to the survey are anonymous and the information will be used to help community leaders create strategies to make all of Marion County healthier. “Our partnership with AdventHealth in conducting the Community Health Assessment is a force multiplier in working toward a healthier Marion County,” said Mark Lander, administrator of the Department of Health in Marion County. The assessment is like a GPS system guiding us on how to improve the health and wellness of all of Marion County.

Lake Ivanhoe Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a health warning for the lake on Tuesday after blue-green algae was detected in the lake by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Department of Health Orange County)ORLANDO, Fla. — Now is not the best time to launch your boat or dip your toes into Lake Ivanhoe. Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a health warning for the lake on Tuesday after blue-green algae was detected in the lake by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Health CAUTION issued for Lake IVANHOE b/c of the presence of blue-green algae based on a site visit & sample by @FLDEPNews on April 25.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — This week is National Infant Immunization Week, and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is promoting the benefits of immunizations for children from birth to two years old. NIIW focuses on educating parents, caregivers, and health care providers on the importance of childhood vaccinationsA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released in 2020 showed a significant drop in childhood vaccinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, the downward trend continues and suggests staying up to date with your children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccine schedules. Read: Pfizer recalls Accupril tablets due to presence of cancer-causing impurityIn a news release, the FDOH in Orange County said there are 14 serious childhood illnesses that children should be vaccinated against. According to the release, the FDOH in Orange County said it is committed to increasing the rate of immunization among Florida’s children under two years old and encourages parents and caregivers to contact their doctor to schedule their child’s vaccinations.

The FDOH is going against the guidance released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, regarding treatment.

The Florida Department of Health released guidance barring as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy for transgender youths.

The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday released guidance that said treatment such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy should not be used for transgender youths, clashing with federal officials over the issue.

The Florida Department of Health released new guidance about gender dysphoria treatment for children and teenagers. Here are the new guidelines:Social gender transition should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents. Gender reassignment surgery should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents. Health leaders said Sweden, Finland, France and the United Kingdom are reviewing, reevaluating, stopping, or advising caution on the treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

This spring, the Florida Department of Health did something that had seemed like it might never happen: It opened up a five-day window for Black...

The director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County resigned from his position.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There’s a health alert in effect for an Orange County lake after the presence of a harmful toxin was detected on April 6. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County said harmful blue-green algal toxins were found in Lake Mann by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Waters with algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is notifying residents near Lake Sue of a blue-green algae bloom. Officials learned of the bloom after water samples showed evidence of the possible contamination March 21.update: Health ALERT issued for Lake SUE b/c of the presence of blue-green algae. - Keep pets and livestock away from waters where there is a bloom. More information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications can be found here. To report an algae bloom, contact FDEP at 855-305-3903 or online.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a health caution alert for the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Sue on Monday. Officials said the algae was detected in a sample taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on March 21. The alert means that the public should exercise caution in and around Lake Sue. Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae-contaminated water. READ: 2 Central Floridians win $1M in new scratch-off gameIf you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Algal Bloom Information Line at 407-723-5216.

A University of Florida investigation has found no merit to allegations that state or university officials pressured researchers to suppress or destroy COVID-19 research data.

The milestone comes as COVID-19 cases wane across the United States and in Florida.

Dr. Raul Pino returns to work Friday as the head of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County following an investigation by Florida's inspector general into an email the doctor sent to staff about the rate of vaccinations within his department, according to FDOH.

A Gainesville radiologist working in Miami committed malpractice in handling the results of an ultrasound on a mass in a woman’s left breast, a Florida Department of Health administrative complaint said.

It’s been a month and a half since the Florida Department of Health relieved its top official in Orange County, pending an investigation the agency says it handed over to the Office of the Inspector General.

A new plan spells out initiatives and investments to continue to drive down serious illness and deaths from the virus, while preparing for potential new variants and providing employers and schools the resources to remain open.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is announcing a change to the metrics used to determine whether to recommend face masks in indoor public settings.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lake County will offer COVID-19 vaccinations to district employees, community members and eligible students at an elementary school on Thursday. The event will take place at Cypress Ridge Elementary School’s Media Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The health department will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. READ: Despite recent drop in COVID-19 cases, experts continue to prepare for future variantsPfizer boosters also will be available for those who completed the initial series at least six months ago. Organizers said participants are asked to bring completed consent forms with them to the vaccination event to save time.

The number of Florida hospital inpatients with COVID-19 continued dropping during the past week. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services posted data Monday...

The Food and Drug Administration delayed its meeting next week to review Pfizer’s vaccine for children under 5 because they would like to see more data.

Flagler County Fire Rescue has an additional 400 doses of Narcan, stocking each rescue truck, thanks to the Florida Department of Health.

The Florida Department of Health has gone to an appeals court in a battle about whether it should provide daily COVID-19 data, as it seeks...

The Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against a Tampa area doctor after a patient he treated for left knee pain and swelling suddenly died.

AdventHealth in Orlando continues to offer a preventative monoclonal antibody treatment for people who’ve been exposed and have not tested positive. The treatment is aimed to help high-risk individuals reduce their chance of contracting the virus.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced it is offering an additional day of COVID testing at a local drive-thru site.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' strategy to fight COVID-19 hasn't been to fight it at all. The chief executive and rising Republican star placed on his...

With new COVID-19 cases decreasing, the number of Florida hospital inpatients with the virus dropped below 11,000, according to data reported Monday by the U.S....

(Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File) (Joe Cavaretta)Monoclonal antibody treatment sites will be closed until further notice following the Food and Drug Administration’s abrupt decision to remove its emergency use authorization for two monoclonal antibodies, the Florida Department of Health said late Monday. State officials said the FDA “without any advanced notice” revised emergency use for bamlanivimab/etesevimab and REGEN-COV. The revised emergency use does not allow providers to administer the treatments within the United States. As a result of the @US_FDA's abrupt decision to remove the EUAs for two monoclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibody treatment sites will be closed until further notice. “This indefensible edict takes treatment out of the hands of medical professionals and will cost some Americans their lives.

The Florida Department of Health is investigating a health officer for the department in Orange County pending an inquiry involving COVID vaccines.

Health department statement mentions state ban on vaccine mandates for government workers

Monoclonal antibody treatment: What you need to knowORLANDO, Fla. — Florida will open five new monoclonal antibody treatment sites on Tuesday. It is located at the former Walgreens location on State Road 436. Monoclonal antibody treatments are free and vaccination status does not matter. READ: Coronavirus: Total US COVID-19 cases top 65M; Florida becomes 3rd state to top 5M infectionsHealth officials said the monoclonal antibody treatment showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death in clinical trials. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Monoclonal antibody treatment Here are nine things you need to know about the treatment, according to Tampa General Hospital’s Global Emerging Diseases Institute.

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a federal vaccine requirement Thursday pushed by the Biden Administration for employees at large businesses to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test regularly while working.

With the continuation of long lines for COVID-19 testing, one local leader is calling on the state to help Osceola County residents.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County held its first COVID-19 briefing of the year, and cases are on the rise. There are still 100,000 to 150,000 people in the county who have not been vaccinated. However, the location does close for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.READ: COVID-19 testing site to open at Camping World Stadium next weekCounty officials said COVID-19 is pervasive throughout the county. The Florida Department of Health said Friday it is seeing 150 cases a day in school-age children, and the omicron variant may not have peaked yet. Health officials said it’s still a smaller number than what was seen during the height of delta variant infections this past summer.

Florida continues to break its records as the number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

The county has contracted with Family Health Source to manage the testing site at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand starting on Monday.

The Florida Department of Health has a novel solution for the increased demand of COVID-19 tests: asking people not to find out if they are...

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday the state is shipping about 1 million at-home coronavirus tests to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the kits...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health released updated guidelines on who officials say should get tested for COVID-19 and when. These private facilities are offering COVID-19 testing by appointmentHere’s who the department recommends should be tested and when:Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 and who are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:Should get tested for COVID-19 soon after symptom onset. Should seek early monoclonal antibody or antiviral drug treatment and seek other medical treatment as necessary. READ: Coronavirus: CDC clarifies isolation guidanceIndividuals with symptoms and who are not at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:Consider getting tested for COVID-19 soon after symptom onset. Seek medical treatment only as necessary.

Saying that the “federal government is not going to come through” on a plan to distribute at-home coronavirus tests, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said...

Saying that the “federal government is not going to come through” on a plan to distribute at-home coronavirus tests, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said the state is honing its own strategy to send tests to vulnerable Floridians.

For the first time since Dec. 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on the state's response to the omicron surge in Florida.

At least 62,504 Florida residents have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in early 2020, according to a report released Friday by the Florida Department of Health.

At least 62,504 Florida residents have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in early 2020, according to a report released Friday by the Florida Department of Health.

Lake County to offer vaccines and boosters at select schools as COVID-19 cases riseLAKE COUNTY. Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lake County will continue offering COVID vaccines and boosters at select schools for eligible students, staff and community residents starting Tuesday. Students return to school on Tues, Jan. 4, amid heightened concerns about the increasing number of positive COVID cases in Florida and around the country. Here are a few things you should know before classes resume: https://t.co/MiQ1eBYBn3 pic.twitter.com/pM7L7Skvcy — Lake County Schools (@lakeschools) December 30, 2021FIRST DOSEJan. 4: Leesburg Elementary Cafeteria, 4-6 p.m.Jan. 6: Triangle Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.Feb. 15: Sawgrass Bay Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.Feb. 17: Cypress Ridge Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.SECOND DOSEJan. 25: Leesburg Elementary Cafeteria, 4-6 p.m.Jan. 27: Triangle Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.March 8: Sawgrass Bay Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.March 10: Cypress Ridge Elementary Media Center, 4-6 p.m.READ: Coronavirus: Isolate or quarantine? LCS employees return to work on Monday, Jan. 3, and students to school on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Florida continues to break its records as the number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to rise.

An event giving away at-home test kits hit capacity early Wednesday.

The state health department reported 125,201 new cases on Friday in a one-week period as the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread.

Advisory signs are posted on six areas of beach on the Space Coast for high levels of bacteria, according to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

After a second week of increasing COVID-19 cases, the Space Coast once again became a community of 'substantial transmission', according to data released by the Florida Department of Health on Friday and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicators.

Osceola County reports an increase in people seeking boosters as the omicron variant continues to spreads.

As more cases of the new omicron variant of COVID-19 continue to be identified, the U.S. expanding booster shot eligibility of the Pfizer vaccine Thursday.

Orange County Public Schools is doing its part to help the county reach its goal to get at least 50% of students vaccinated by January 2022.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County said in the last couple of weeks they’ve seen an increase when it comes to people wanting COVID-19 booster shots.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday doctors have identified the first confirmed instance of the omicron variant in the state.