For now, Publix will not offer COVID-19 vaccine to children younger than 5
Publix Grocery Stores Serve As Covid Vaccination Centers In Florida DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Publix grocery store pharmacies will not be offering COVID-19 vaccines to children younger than 5, according to the company. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images/Getty Images)Publix grocery store pharmacies will not be offering COVID-19 vaccines to children younger than 5, according to the company. The company’s website indicates that it is still accepting COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children ages 5 and up. While the company will not administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children younger than 5, it will still offer other vaccinations for children in that age group. In anticipation of approval of the use of COVID-19 vaccines in young children, state health departments were allowed in recent weeks to preorder the vaccines to be sent to various venues.
wftv.comPublix not offering COVID-19 vaccine to children under 5 ‘at this time’
As Pfizer’s and Moderna’s lower-dose COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 are rolled out across the U.S., Lakeland-based supermarket chain Publix confirmed this week that it is not administering the shots to that age group “at this time,” offering little explanation.
Security guard fatally shoots man at Publix in Florida after supermarket closes
Publix shooting: One person was fatally shot after he attempted to enter a Publix supermarket in Hollywood, Florida, late Friday. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images)HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — A security guard at a South Florida supermarket fatally shot a man who was attempting to enter the store after it closed, authorities said Saturday. Investigators said the man, who knew the security guard, was involved in a physical altercation with the guard, WPLG-TV reported. Witnesses told WSVN-TV that an “aggressive man” had tried to enter the store, and that the security guard discharged his weapon, striking the victim. https://t.co/vF7UQ9tE1G — WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) June 11, 2022The security guard was not injured and was cooperating with police, WSVN reported.
wftv.com‘I was smoking my meth pipe’: Tractor-trailer driver totals rig, pickup behind Florida Publix
Big rig Stock photo of a tractor-trailer. A Florida tractor-trailer delivery driver is facing a host of charges after admitting to smoking methamphetamine before crashing into the back of a Publix shopping center in Haines City on Thursday. (vitpho/Getty Images/iStockphoto)HAINES CITY, Fla. — A Florida tractor-trailer delivery driver is facing a host of charges after admitting to smoking methamphetamine before crashing into the back of a Publix shopping center in Haines City on Friday. When officers later asked Calvo, of Cape Coral, if he fell asleep at the wheel, had been drinking or had a medical emergency, he replied, “I was smoking my meth pipe,” WBBH reported. Calvo is facing charges of methamphetamine possession, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest without violence and possession of narcotics paraphernalia, WINK reported.
wftv.comSheriff: Woman left 2 dogs, cat in hot van while she went to the beach
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Kentucky woman has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty after deputies say she knowingly left two dogs and a cat in a hot van while she spent hours at the beach. Deputies say the second dog and the cat also appeared to be distressed and panting heavily. Deputies noted the temperature outside at the time was 86 degrees. They were taken from the van and given to Brevard County Animal Services for emergency care. She’s being held in the Brevard County Jail on a total of $500 bond.
wftv.comOrange County commissioner proposes putting rent control measure up to voters
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Voters could decide whether to put a cap on some apartment and home rental rates in Orange County. Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla is pushing to put a rent control measure on the ballot. Throughout the state of Florida, rent control isn’t allowed unless there’s a housing emergency. Robert Arnold, a landlord in Orange County, said he’s against a measure like this. “Grocery prices are sky-high, but nobody’s talking about capping Publix or Walmart to control their prices.”READ: Orange County looks at rent control measure to ease skyrocketing living costsBonilla said she wants the decision to ultimately become a referendum to be placed on a ballot for voters to decide on.
wftv.comReports: Publix ending free prescription program on June 1
Program ending: Publix, which began offering several prescriptions for free in 2007, is reportedly ending the program on June 1. ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images)LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is ending a program that allows customers access to some prescription drugs for free, according to published reports. The free prescriptions include medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes, according to WFOR-TV. @Publix reportedly plans to end free prescriptions at pharmacies. The free prescription program began in 2007, according to the newspaper.
wftv.comMan accused of ‘pummeling’ 73-year-old man outside Publix turns himself in, police say
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of “pummeling” a 73-year-old man turned himself in on Tuesday morning, the Winter Haven Police Department said. READ: Police continue to search for man caught on video pummeling elderly man outside PublixWinter Haven police said the incident happened on Sunday around 2 p.m. at a Publix on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Police said a video showed Walker punching the elderly man on the ground outside the store. WATCH: Elderly man ‘pummeled’ after confronting driver while walking out of Publix, police sayThe two exchanged words before Walker decided to confront the elderly man face-to-face. When the elderly man said he was calling the cops, Walker beat him to the ground, the video showed.
wftv.comPublix removes Russian-made vodka from shelves in support of Ukraine
Publix has become the latest retailer to remove Russian-made vodka from its liquor store shelves in a show of support for Ukraine. BREAKING: @Publix announced it will remove Russian-made vodka from its shelves to show support to #Ukraine. “To show our support, we have decided to remove Russian-made vodka brands from our shelves,” Brous said. Publix joins Total Wine & More and Kroger as retailers who have removed the Russian-made vodka off its shelves. >> Russian vodka removed from shelves in Kansas, MichiganVodka brands removed from Publix include Beluga, Ruskova, Russian Standard and Zyr, according to WTSP-TV.
wftv.comRetailers pull Russian vodka from shelves in support of Ukraine
ORLANDO, Fla. — In a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, several liquor stores have begun pulling Russian-made vodka from store shelves. pic.twitter.com/kQLo1OiUR5 — Total Wine (@TotalWine) February 28, 2022Florida-based Publix has also begun pulling Russian vodka from its stores. To show our support, we have decided to remove Russian-made vodka brands from our shelves.” Brous said. Read: Russian vodka removed from shelves in Kansas, MichiganKroger, one of the U.S.’s largest supermarket chains says they too were removing Russian-produced vodka from stores in support of Ukraine. In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Kroger said it has removed Russian-produced vodka from its shelves.
wftv.com‘Feeding More Together’: Publix collecting donations to help support local food banks
(Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Next time you shop at Publix, you’ll have an opportunity to donate money that will go to local food banks. The grocery chain launched its Feeding More Together campaign this week to support food banks in the Southeast. The customer donations will provide dollar credits, allowing food banks and pantries to select from a variety of nonperishable food items they most need to serve their clients. All donations will support Feeding America member food banks and other local food banks. As a food retailer, we’re committed to helping alleviate hunger in the communities we serve,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones.
wftv.com🔓Ginger Gadsden shares chili recipe for National Chili Day
Thursday, Feb. 24 is National Chili Day, and to celebrate, Insiders who share their favorite chili recipe will be entered to win a $100 Publix gift card and a copy of Rachel Ray’s cookbook called “This Must Be The Place.” In the cookbook, there is a recipe from Rachel for Everything Chili.
Man charged with murder in shooting at Florida grocery store
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Authorities arrested a man on suspicion of murder early Sunday following a shooting at a Publix supermarket in South Florida that left another man dead over the weekend. >> Read more trending newsJail records show authorities booked Osmel Lugo-Gutierrez, 51, on a second-degree murder charge. >> Related: Argument in checkout line leads to fatal shooting at Publix in FloridaThe victim was identified as Franklyn Jose Pineyro, 49, WSVN reported. Other shoppers were in the store at the time of the shooting, though no other injuries were reported, according to WFOR. “Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by this tragedy,” the statement read.
wftv.com3 hospitalized after Sunday night shooting in Marion County, deputies say
3 hospitalized after Sunday night shooting in Marion County, deputies sayMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies and detectives are investigating after three people were hurt during a Sunday night shooting in northern Marion County. READ: Argument in checkout line leads to fatal shooting at Publix in FloridaDeputies said they responded to a shooting at Northwest 145th Street and Highway 441. Three people were taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries, deputies said. WATCH: Police search for gunman after deadly overnight shooting at Orlando nightclubDrivers are asked to avoid the area and to divert at Northwest 21st Court to go around the scene. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comMulti-vehicle crash involving 2 semitrucks shuts down I-75 early Sunday, firefighters say
OCALA, Fla. — One person was hurt after a major traffic crash shut down Interstate 75 early Sunday in Marion County. READ: Argument in checkout line leads to fatal shooting at Publix in FloridaOcala Fire Rescue said five vehicles, including two semitrucks, were involved in a crash at around 5 a.m. on southbound I-75 near exit 350. Photos: Multi-vehicle crash involving 2 semitrucks shuts down I-75 early Sunday, firefighters sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Multi-vehicle crash involving 2 semitrucks shuts down I-75 early Sunday, firefighters sayThe incident started with a single-vehicle crash in the area, but several drivers crashed as first responders were on the way. WATCH: Police search for gunman after deadly overnight shooting at Orlando nightclubFirefighters said one of the two semis involved also jackknifed on the highway. Although damages ranged from major to minor, only one person was injured and taken to the hospital.
wftv.comArgument in checkout line leads to fatal shooting at Publix in Florida
Publix shooting: One man was killed after an argument broke out in the checkout line of a South Florida Publix supermarket. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL GABLES, Fla. — One man was killed after an argument escalated into a deadly shooting Saturday night at a South Florida supermarket, authorities said. >> Read more trending newsAccording to the Miami-Dade Police Department, the shooting occurred at a Publix in Coral Gables, the Miami Herald reported. Police said two men were arguing in the store’s checkout line when one man pulled out a gun and fatally shot the other, the newspaper reported. One man is dead after a checkout line dispute escalated into a Saturday night shooting inside a Coral Gables Publix, Miami-Dade police say.
wftv.comPublix grocery chain starts offering paid parental leave
LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — The Publix grocery store chain will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents, company officials announced Wednesday. READ: Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett dead at 65The change in benefits was first reported by Florida Politics. The new benefits come as retailers across the U.S. are facing a worker shortage, and some are offering new benefits to attract or retain workers. St. Louis-based Schnucks recently gave its grocery store workers a one-time retention bonus of $600. The email didn’t offer details on how much paid time off new parents would get.
wftv.comPublix to offer eligible workers paid parental leave
Publix employees have something to look forward to next year. >> Read more trending newsPublix will offer eligible full- and part-time employees paid parental leave within the first year after birth or adoption, Action News Jax reported. Employees must have worked for the company for at least a year with the amount of paid parental leave granted dependent on the length of service with the company and if the employees are hourly or salaried at the time. Five years of employment will get part-time employees up to 4 weeks off while full-time workers will get up to 6 weeks off, Action News Jax reported. Part-time workers need to have a weekly average of 24.04 hours in the 52 weeks leading up to the leave.
wftv.comPublix pharmacies to begin offering free Moderna, Pfizer COVID vaccine booster shots
ORLANDO, Fla. — Publix pharmacies are now offering free Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for all eligible adults. For those who have received a one-doze Johnson & Jonson vaccine, the CDC recommends a booster dose two months after being fully vaccinated. If you got an mRNA vaccine, you may get a booster dose 6 months after being fully vaccinated. If you got a one-dose vaccine, you may get a booster dose 2 months after being fully vaccinated. https://t.co/h0qVLjSlKN pic.twitter.com/thVFQgcTK1 — CDC (@CDCgov) November 19, 2021To find out if a Publix pharmacy is offering your preferred vaccine dose, click here.
wftv.comPublix grocery stores put purchase limits on holiday food items
Shoppers preparing for the holidays will have to put a cap on their purchases at Publix supermarkets. The chain has put purchase limits in place across all stores for certain items, WFLA reported. The restrictions are necessary because of ongoing supply chain issues as well as increased demand for the holidays, WPBF reported. Publix said the restrictions will be in place in all of their stores, and said there is no timeline for when they will be lifted. ©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comParents may have to wait another month for COVID-19 vaccines for kids
ORLANDO, Fla. — Pediatricians in Central Florida said they don’t have vaccines for kids yet and may not be able to administer them for another month. “They said they didn’t have any, and they didn’t know when they would get them,” Taylor said. Video: See where your child can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange CountyOn Thursday Gov. DeSantis has long pushed against mask mandates and vaccinations, saying there is no way he will allow Florida to require kids to get vaccinated. Video: AdventHealth doctors encourage parents to get newly eligible children vaccinated for COVID-19Elsewhere, states like Arkansas preordered thousands of child vaccines, while others are setting up large sites to get kids vaccinated.
wftv.comMan accused in co-worker deaths tells deputies he was raped
“I want to underscore there is absolutely unequivocally zero evidence," said Judd, whose county is located between Tampa and Orlando. According to the sheriff, Runyon and his colleagues were in central Florida to perform work for a Bethlehem, Pa.-based electrical contractor that had been hired by the Publix grocery chain. Deciding to use a baseball bat instead of the crossbow, Runyon first attacked the supervisor who was sleeping and later died at a hospital. Runyon explained his bloodied condition to the Publix employee by saying he had been raped, and the Publix employee urged Runyon to go to a local hospital, which he did. The Publix employee then called the sheriff's office, and deputies arrested Runyon at the hospital, the sheriff said.
wftv.comNow hiring: Publix looking to fill 30K jobs by end of the year
Publix plans to hire about 30,000 associates across the company’s seven-state operating area through the rest of the year, the Lakeland-based grocery store chain announced Monday. Publix said it will hire associates to work in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities for nonseasonal positions. Associates have the opportunity to become company owners through its employee stock ownership and purchase plans. Publix also provides tuition reimbursement and are “encouraged to prepare for opportunities to advance their careers with the company,” it said in a news release. 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.
wftv.comMan accused in co-worker deaths tells deputies he was raped
An electrician accused of killing three co-workers on assignment in central Florida told detectives he did it because his colleagues had raped him, but a Florida sheriff on Monday said there was no evidence to support the claim. Shaun Runyon, 39, confessed multiple times to the murders during interviews with detectives, telling them that the co-workers had raped him, and “he hated all three of them," but a sexual battery test failed to confirm the allegation, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a news conference. “I want to underscore there is absolutely unequivocally zero evidence," said Judd, whose county is located between Tampa and Orlando.
news.yahoo.comPublix to open in Orlando’s Packing District next year
ORLANDO, Fla. — Dr. Phillips Charities, the builder behind the $700-million Packing District project in Orlando, announced on Wednesday that a Publix will occupy the supermarket space in the Packing District. The 27,512 square foot store will be located at the northeast corner of Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail. READ: 9 facts about Orlando’s new Packing District“When we began looking at the Packing District we defined success by one simple measure, bringing Publix into the district. We knew that if we had their commitment the project would be a success,” said Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. The Publix sits on the same location as the original Dr. Phillips packing house.
wftv.comOCPS offering vaccination incentives to all employees
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools is offering incentives to its employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases continue to rise in the area. OCPS will use the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief II federal funds to pay $200 to any full-time, part-time or hourly employee who provides proof of full vaccination by Oct. 31. READ: Florida back-to-school sales tax holiday: How you can save starting this weekendThe plan was urged by President Joe Biden. The district said this would cost about $5 million for about 23,000 employees. READ: Publix announces updated COVID-19 face mask policy: Here’s who it impacts©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comSurge in COVID-19 cases fueling slight increase in Orange County vaccination numbers
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As COVID-19 case numbers continue to surge across Central Florida, officials are finding one small glimpse of hope coming from the otherwise discouraging situation: a slight increase in vaccination numbers. Orange County’s health department is seeing a slight increase in vaccination numbers as the delta variant continues to push virus case numbers to record highs. READ: Publix announces updated COVID-19 face mask policy: Here’s who it impactsHealth Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the vaccination numbers are still not as high as they need to be, but it’s encouraging. READ: Here’s where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Orlando in August“I feel a lot better, I feel safer,” Sutton said. Her mother, County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, said when they saw how high the cases were going again, they knew it was time.
wftv.comDisney to require all salaried, non-union hourly employees to be fully vaccinated
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Walt Disney Company announced Friday it is requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S., working at any of its sites, be fully vaccinated. READ: Walt Disney World to require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status beginning FridayAll new hires with the company will be also required to be fully vaccinated before beginning employment, Disney said. “Vaccines are the best tool we all have to help control this global pandemic and protect our employees,” Disney said. READ: Publix announces updated COVID-19 face mask policy: Here’s who it impactsEarlier this week, Walt Disney World announced it will require all guests regardless of vaccination status to wear face masks indoors and other locations. DeSantis to sign executive order against rules to make children wear masks in schools©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comPublix announces updated COVID-19 face mask policy: Here’s who it impacts
ORLANDO, Fla. — All Publix workers will be required to wear face masks inside Publix stores starting Monday, the grocery chain announced Friday. Publix officials said the change applies to all Publix associates, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. READ: Here’s where & when face masks are required, recommended in Central FloridaThe change comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended earlier this week that people in areas of substantial or high-transmission risk wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public or indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. READ: AdventHealth moves to ‘black’ status, rerouting some abulances as COVID-19 hospitalizations surge“We encourage all to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” the chain said in a statement. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.
wftv.comCondo collapse street closings hurt the business district. Then, the power went out
A Surfside business district already suffering as the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse aftermath limits customer traffic and occupies nearby residents found itself without power Wednesday afternoon.
news.yahoo.comUS jobless claims tick down to 411,000 as economy heals
(AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped last week, a sign that layoffs declined and the job market is improving. The Labor Department said Thursday that jobless claims declined just 7,000 from the previous week to 411,000. The number of weekly applications for unemployment aid has fallen steadily this year from about 900,000 in January. Economists at Bank of America have estimated that those who earned less than $32,000 a year at their previous jobs can receive more in jobless aid with the extra $300. All but Alaska also cut off the two programs that covered the self-employed and the long-term jobless.
wftv.comGrandmother tried to fight off Florida Publix shooter in seemingly random attack, deputies say
Detectives believe the Publix murder-suicide was a random act by a mentally ill man who had made online threats, and that a grandmother fighting back may have saved other lives, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
Florida supermarket shooter made Facebook threats, sheriff says
Publix shooting The gunman who killed a woman and her grandchild at a Florida supermarket posted threats on social media, authorities said Friday. (Greg Lovett /The Palm Beach Post via AP)ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — The man who fatally shot a woman and her 1-year-old grandson inside a Florida supermarket had been posting threats on social media about killing people, including children, but no one reported him, authorities said Friday. Wall, 55, who killed the 69-year-old woman and her grandson inside a Publix supermarket in Royal Palm Beach on Thursday morning, had been making threats on Facebook as recently as a day before the shooting, WPTV reported. Detectives have found no connection between Wall and the woman, Bradshaw told reporters. The day after the Publix shooting in Royal Palm Beach.
wftv.comSheriff: Florida supermarket shooter made Facebook threats
Supermarket Shooting Florida Police gather at the Publix shopping center at the scene of a shooting in Royal Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Authorities say a shooting inside a Florida supermarket has left three people dead, including the shooter. “This didn't have to happen.”The ex-wife's family told the Palm Beach Post she did try to get Wall help, but no one listened. She divorced him in 2018 and he had signed over their house to her in 2019, Palm Beach County court records show. Royal Palm Beach is a middle-class suburb of 40,000 residents, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) inland from Palm Beach.
wftv.com3 dead at Florida supermarket include grandmother, grandson
A man fatally shot a grandmother and her 1-year-old grandson inside a Florida supermarket before killing himself, authorities said, causing dozens to flee the store in panic. The shooting happened shortly after 11:30 a.m. Thursday at a Publix located in a strip mall that also houses small shops and restaurants. A later update from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said there was no known motive or relationship between the suspect and the victims, but detectives were still investigating.
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