Guests are no longer required to wear masks at Walt Disney World unless on park transportation.

Face coverings are still required for all guests on Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner.

“While we will not require proof of vaccination, we expect guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation. Guests must observe current policies on face coverings until June 15,” a statement from Disney said.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/walt-disney-world-covid-masks-policy-transportation/36720568

Clarence Williams III, who played Linc Hayes in "The Mod Squad," died at his home in Los Angeles after battling colon cancer, his manager Peg Donegan said in a statement Sunday.

Williams was 81.

Williams was born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939, according to the statement.

He began his career in a production of "Dark of the Moon," and appeared on Broadway in "The Great Outdoors." His performance in "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground" won him a Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination, the statement said. Along with his theatre performances, Williams also starred in several shows and movies, including: "52 Pick-Up," "Against the Wall," "Reindeer Games," "Purple Rain," "The General's Daughter," "American Gangster," "Half Baked" and "Lee Daniels' The Butler."

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/mod-squad-clarence-williams-iii-dies/36651362

The NFL wants to expand its international series by holding regular-season games in Germany, launching a process Wednesday to identify a partner city.

Germany boasts a strong NFL fan base and is one of the world's largest economies, making the country an attractive partner. The NFL has staged 28 regular-season games in London since 2007 and will play two more in October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. German fans often travel to London to attend games, the league said. "We are very excited about the development of our German fan base, and the time is right to identify a partner who can execute a game at NFL standards as part of our international growth strategy," Brett Gosper, the NFL's head of UK and Europe, said in a statement. The NFL has hired London-based The Sports Consultancy to assist, including working with interested cities to develop their proposals.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/nfl-wants-to-hold-regular-season-games-germany/36674350

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. —

Amazon devices including Echo, Alexa, Ring Doorbell and Floodlight camera will now automatically connect to Amazon Sidewalk. Jim Margolis, the owner of Margolis Technologies Inc, said many Amazon Alexa users are already enrolled in the newest service even though they likely don’t know it.

“That’s what sort of angered a lot of Alexa users and Amazon customers - they didn’t make it an opt-in,” Margolis said. “They made it an opt-out. So unless you actively go and turn it off, you are part of the network already.” Here’s how it works: If your internet goes down and you have Sidewalk enabled, your Amazon devices will still work and can still send you alerts. That’s because those devices will latch on to a nearby internet connection. “It’s turning on a mesh network that Echo and Alexa devices have in them, to extend (where) the Wi-Fi network can go,” Margolis said.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/amazon-sidewalk-feature-is-sharing-your-internet-with-others/36665808

Apple kicked off its annual developers conference on Monday by unveiling new features on iOS 15 that cater to our lives as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, including updates to video calls on FaceTime and digital keys in Apple Wallet. On FaceTime, Apple will offer new options to let users watch movies or listen to music together during a call. It is also introducing a new grid view to better broadcast every face on a call. Android and Windows users will now also be able to join FaceTime calls.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/apple-just-unveiled-a-bunch-of-new-features-heres-a-look-at-them/36651569

ANAHEIM, Calif. —

Delayed but not daunted, Spider-Man, Black Panther and other superheroes from Marvel Comics will debut their new land this week — mere days before California loosens almost all COVID-19 restrictions. The Avengers Campus is scheduled to open Friday at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim — almost one year after its target date.

A mother-daughter team, who say they've seen every one of the Avengers movies, has already bought their tickets for next month. "I mean, who doesn't love the Avengers?" said Vanessa Valdez while visiting California Adventure on Tuesday. "They're incredible movies. Amazing." "She (Vanessa) said let's watch them all and I said, 'I want to be cool,'" her mother, Francis Lundmark, added. "We sat there for like six weeks and watched all the movies, from Captain America to WandaVision."

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/your-first-look-at-avengers-campus-at-disney-california-adventure/36618298

Colorado State University updated its 2021 Atlantic hurricane season forecast Thursday, adding an additional named storm. The forecast remains that people should expect an "above-average season" with:

• 18 named storms, including Ana (average: 14)
• 8 hurricanes (average: 7)
• 4 major hurricanes (average: 3)

Experts at the university attribute this to weak El Niño conditions and warmer than normal subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures.

The updated forecast only changes from the original forecast by adding a single named storm to the season. The number of hurricanes and major hurricanes remains the same, according to the university.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/hurricane-florida-season-forecast-weather-atlantic/36620738

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski gestures toward his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Elon in Durham, N.C., Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) 

SOURCE: Ben McKeown

Duke Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski will coach his final season with the Blue Devils in 2021-22, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person said former Duke player and associate head coach Jon Scheyer would then take over as Krzyzewski's successor for the 2022-23 season.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/duke-hall-of-fame-basketball-coach-mike-krzyzewski-to-coach-last-season-in-2021-22-sources-say/36610180

GREEN BAY, Wis. —

As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipped the first day of team practices at Lambeau Field. Instead, the 37-year-old, three-time NFL MVP is on vacation with his fiancee in Hawaii.

Video posted on Instagram Monday shows Rodgers and actress Shailene Woodley singing karaoke. In the video, Rodgers played the guitar while others sang "Wagon Wheel" by Bob Dylan. Actor Miles Teller and his wife also appear to be vacationing with Rodgers and Woodley.

Click Here To see Video

https://www.wpbf.com/article/green-bay-quarterback-aaron-rodgers-skips-first-team-workouts/36531234

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

After capturing the hearts of thousands nationwide, Ethan can add "Chief Tasting Officer" to his ever-growing list of accomplishments.

Just four months after he was found emaciated in the Kentucky Humane Society's parking lot, he will now serve as one the faces for a major brewing company: Busch. Last year, Busch released its first-ever product for dogs: Busch Dog Brew. The alcohol-free, bone broth brew gives owners the chance to crack a cold one with their favorite furry companion. Bush said the initial response from customers was overwhelming, selling out just 24 hours after its initial launch.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/ethan-lands-job-buschs-first-ever-chief-tasting-officer-dog-brew-louisville-kentucky-humane/36507255

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

NOAA, the organization which oversees the National Hurricane Center, is predicting an active hurricane season for 2021.

The forecast was released Thursday. NOAA is predicting 13-20 named storms. Fourteen named storms are expected on an average year. Six to 10 hurricanes are predicted in 2021, with seven storms being the average. Three to five major hurricanes are expected, with three storms being the average. The announcement comes as the National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring a disturbance near Bermuda, which is expected to strengthen, and possibly become the first named storm of 2021 - well before the start of hurricane season, which is June 1.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/noaa-predicts-an-active-2021-hurricane-season/36490718

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —

Jason Kozuszko said his dog, Kai, was known as the mayor of his Port St. Lucie neighborhood. He was everybody’s friend.

And that’s why everybody is so hurt that Kai was killed by a coyote in his own front yard. “I heard him growl a little bit,” Kozuszko said. “And then I heard him screaming.” It was a week ago Sunday, around 5:30 a.m. Kozuszko was drinking his coffee on the front patio. Kai was in the grass right in front of him.

And just like that, so was the coyote. “I stood up, came over here,” Kozuszko said, pointing to a spot in his front yard. “I yelled, ‘Kai!’ At that point, the coyote had the dog in his mouth.” Kai got away but later died from his injuries. A local trapper said attacks like that are becoming more and more common.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/coyote-kills-pet-dog-with-owner-close-by/36468444

Post Date: 05/19/2021 11:06 AM

VACCINES:

• Health Care District Offers Walk-up Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations at Lantana Clinic for Ages 12 Years and Older: To expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations for all eligible ages, including adolescents 12 through 15, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County will provide walk-up vaccinations this week with one of its mobile units in the parking lot of its Lantana clinic located at 1250 Southwinds Drive in Lantana, Florida. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, May 21, 2021. A parent or guardian must be present at the vaccination appointment of those who are 17 years old and younger. The Health Care District is also offering COVID-19 vaccinations to patients during regular doctor's office visits at all of the nine C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic sites throughout the county, which are located in areas of need.

• City of West Palm Beach Vaccine Site (ProtectWPB): Click here for information www.ProtectWPB.com!

• Vaccines for Homebound Seniors: The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is providing vaccine appointments for homebound seniors. The state encourages homebound individuals to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their home by filling out the survey available here, emailing HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com or by calling 866-779-6121. Someone from the Florida Division of Emergency Management will contact you within 72 hours to collect more information and schedule your appointment.
• CDC Vaccine Finder, Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You!
• Interactive Vaccination Locator Map, click here!
• Where to get the vaccine: Person 18 years of age and older (16 years and up for Pfizer vaccine) You can get vaccinated here:
  • Vaccines for Homebound Seniors E-mail HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com
  • Health Care District of PBC http://vaccine.hcdpbc.org/
  • Florida Department of Health myvaccine.fl.gov
  • Publix Pharmacies www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/
  • CVS Pharmacies www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
  • Walmart/Sam’s Club Pharmacies www.walmart.com/cp/1228302
  • Winn-Dixie Pharmacies www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
  • Walgreens Pharmacies https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
  • Federally Supported Vaccine Sites www.floridadisaster.org/vaccine (No appointment needed)

• For a listing of vaccination sites in Palm Beach County, click here!

• Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine: According to the CDC, “COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.”Visit the CDC website for more information by clicking here!

• Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: Eligible vaccination populations have been expanded in Florida, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders 21-46, 21-47, 21-62, 21-67 and 21-79, effective April 5, 2021, all Floridians shall be eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. PERSONS AGES 16-17:The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 16 and up. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons age 18 and up. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form. To download a copy of the consent form, click here. For more information and to read the Governor’s executive order, click here!
• West Palm Beach VA Medical Center Offering COVID-19 Vaccines: To get your vaccine at a VA health facility near you:
  • Go to the facility's vaccine clinic during walk-in hours. Be sure to check the walk-in hours before you go. When you arrive, you may need to wait for the staff to prepare your vaccine.
  • Or call the facility to schedule an appointment. VA staff will help you find a time that’s convenient for you.

Here’s what to know before you arrive:

• If you don't receive care at VA, you are encouraged to pre-register online at least 1 hour before you go to a walk-in clinic. This will save you time when you arrive.

Sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine at VA

• Everyone who enters a VA facility must wear a mask and complete our COVID-19 symptom screening.

Find VA facilities near you that offer COVID-19 vaccines

RESOURCES:

• Mortgage Assistance for Palm Beach County Homeowners: The Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability announces the availability of the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Mortgage Assistance funds.  This program will provide emergency financial assistance to <80% (or less) AMI homeowners who suffered adverse financial impact from COVID-19 and are delinquent in their first mortgage and escrow payments (PITI).  Additionally, providing the homeowner is delinquent, funding may assist with second mortgages, late fees, condominium and homeowners’ association payments, special assessments, and other mortgage associated costs related to COVID-19. Up to 6 months of assistance (not to exceed $10,000) will be provided to income eligible households who are at least one-month delinquent (after February 29, 2020) in their home mortgage, escrow payments (PITI) and/or condominium and homeowners’ association payments.  Assistance cannot be used to cover payments already made; and will be provided as a grant or a forgivable loan. All requests for assistance will be reviewed based on approved criteria.  To qualify, all homeowners must demonstrate that the costs are directly tied to COVID-19.  Additional criteria include but is not limited to:  income eligibility, residence must be owner occupied, not under contract or listed for sale within the past 60 days, property must be in Palm Beach County, and the assessed value cannot exceed $331,888. All applications must be submitted online and will be processed on a first come, first eligible basis. The online application will open on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., and close Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:59pm.  Applications can be accessed at the County’s Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability’s website: http://pbcgov.com/hes.
• PBC Community Services Emergency Rental Assistance Lunch-n-Learn: Every Tuesday starting May 4 from noon to 1 p.m., the Palm Beach County Community Services Department (CSD) is hosting an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Lunch-n-Learn for Palm Beach County residents.  During the sessions, staff will cover what the ERA application process entails, how to complete an application, and what the eligibility and documentation requirements are.  Staff will also answer frequently asked questions. Residents may join via WebEx at http://bit.ly/ERALunch-n-learnwith meeting ID 157 444 3885 and passcode 1234 using any electronic device. The meeting works best when accessed using Google Chrome. The option to join via phone is available by calling 1 (904) 900-2303 or 1 (844) 621-3956 with the access code 157 444 3885. The ERA application portal will open May 3 at 8 a.m. Applicants will be required to provide more documentation than for previous COVID-19 funding applications. Therefore, CSD encourages residents to register for the“Lunch-n-Learn” (Spanish, Creole) webinar, read the ERA FAQ, and/or view the ERA videoto confirm eligibility and ensure that all required documentation is submitted successfully. For additional information, please visit www.rentalassistancepbc.gov. For questions, contact mailto:CSDCares@pbcgov.orgor call (561) 355-4792.

• NEW - Emergency Rental, Relocation and Utility Assistance: The Palm Beach County Community Services Department’s online portal for Emergency Rental Assistance, Relocation Assistance and Utility Assistance is currently open. For more information, click here.

• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance: According to FEMA’s website, they began accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on April 12, 2021. For more information, click here. To apply call 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. Multilingual services will be available. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process on the Funeral Assistance FAQ page.

• Crisis Counseling Health Services: The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched www.turnto211.com, a new website that provides access to crisis counseling health services. This site contains useful links, helplines, and tips for coping with traumatic events. COVID-19 has affected everyone. 211 is here to help when you do not know where to turn or you just need a friendly, listening ear. Through a network of compassionate and highly trained experts, 211 connects you with local or state resources and services to match your unique needs. 
• Restaurant Revitalization Fund to begin taking applications 4/30/2021: Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will begin Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m. EDT and SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portalon Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include: Restaurants, Food stands, food trucks, food carts, Caterers, Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns, Snack and non-alcoholic beverage bars, Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts), Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts), Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts), Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts), Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts), Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products. For more information, visit the website.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at Palm Beach County Library (Per Palm Beach County): The Palm Beach County Library System is partnering with the Palm Beach County (PBC) Food Bank to offer assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Benefit specialists from the PBC Food Bank will assist with the SNAP application process and conduct the food stamp interview. Specialists can also help with other benefit applications available through the ACCESS Florida system including Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Applicants must call to schedule an appointment at the following locations:
  • Mondays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Greenacres Branch - 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres 33467
Contact: Benefits Specialist Mario Mendez, 561-345-5085 (English/Spanish/Q’anjob’al)

• Mondays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Jupiter Branch - 705 Military Trail, Jupiter 33458 Contact: Benefits Specialist Gustavo Amador, 561-329-5931 (English/Spanish)
• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Hagen Ranch Road Branch - 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach 33446
  Contact: Benefits Specialist James Vil, 561-894-7500 (English/Creole)
• 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Glades Road Branch - 20701 95th Avenue South, Boca Raton 33434
  Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-482-4554 (English/Creole)
• 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Okeechobee Boulevard Branch - 5689 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33417 Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-233-1880 (English/Creole)
• 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Royal Palm Beach Branch - 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach 33411
  Contact: Benefits Specialist Riquet Lucien, 561-790-6030 (English/Creole)
• Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Main Library - 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach 33406
  Contact: Benefits Specialist Mario Mendez, 561-345-5085 (English/Spanish/Q’anjob’al)

• ELC Childcare Scholarships program available -- To learn more, click here!
• PBC, Legal Aid Society establish FREE legal assistance program with for COVID-19 landlord/tenant disputes: Click here to learn more!
• Interactive Map of Palm Beach County Food Sites: Click here!
• SNAP Application Assistance: The City’s Housing and Community Development Department will help residents with food stamps applications. Call (561) 822-1274 (TTY: 800-955-8771) to schedule an appointment.

CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH OPERATIONS, REOPENINGS:

• City of West Palm Beach Parks Amenities – OPEN
• Grassy Waters Preserve (select facilities) – OPEN
  • Cypress Boardwalk
  • Hog Hammock Trail,
  • Eagle Trail (fishing pier remains closed for maintenance),
  • Owahee Trail,
  • Watershed Management Entrance, 8537 Northlake Boulevard, and
  • Apoxee Entrance, 3125 Jog Road
  • Nature Center remains closed, and no on-site programs are currently being offered.
• Public Meetings: The City of West Palm Beach has resumed in-person Commission and CRA meetings. In keeping with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines as well as PBC’s directive on face coverings, face coverings will be required for entry into City Hall and Commission Chambers. Social distancing protocols are to be followed. Temperature checks are conducted upon entry to City Hall.While the public may be present to provide comment during in-person City Commission and CRA meetings, the public will still have the option of providing their comments electronically. To submit a typewritten public comment electronically, please visit the City’s public comment portal on the City’s website. Please visit: https://www.wpb.org/i-want-to/public-comment. City Commission meetings, CRA meetings and other select City public meetings are broadcast on WPB-TV, which may be viewed on Comcast’s Channel 18, on the City's website, or on social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter).
• Mandel Public Library: The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is open to business with limited in-person services and reduced hours. Patrons will be able to browse the library’s collection. Library materials that are checked out and used will be subject to quarantine before being returned to library shelves. Computer use will be limited to three hours per day based on availability.For more information, click here!
• Trolley Service: City of West Palm Beach trolley service has been suspended until further notice.

TESTING & HEALTH:

• FDOH Palm Beach County C. L. Brumback Health Center

38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (near the county jail)
Drive-through site
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. (unless closed for a holiday)
Any age; with or without symptoms

• Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (Last day of operation is 5/22)

5444 Haverhill Rd., West Palm Beach, 33407
Drive-through site
Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Any age; with or without symptoms
Testing in the order of arrival; no appointment needed
PCR/Molecular Testing
Rapid Antigen Testing

To preregister with your information for testing go to: https://ops.patientportalfl.com/s/?language=en_US

• FAU Tech Runway at Florida Atlantic University (Last day of operation is 5/21)

901 NW 35th Street, Boca Raton, 33431
Walk up site, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Any age, with or without symptoms
PCR/Molecular and Rapid Antigen Testing 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. No appointment necessary

• Town Center at Boca Raton Mall (Last day of operation is 5/21) 6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, 33431, at the Sears parking lot

Walk up site; every day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Any age; with or without symptoms
No appointment necessary.
PCR/Molecular and Rapid Antigen Testing

• Homebound Resident Testing

Residents eligible include homebound elderly or individuals with disabilities who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and cannot leave their homes to access one of the drive-up or walk-up test collection sites. Residents who believe they are eligible for the in-home testing option should call 561-712-6400 for a pre-qualifying assessment. The testing line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS & LINKS

• Questions: Questions for the City can be emailed to 822@WPB.ORG. The Mayor’s Special Response Hotline is (561) 822-2222.
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: The Florida Health COVID Call Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID19@flhealth.gov.
• Text updates: For updates about the vaccine and distribution from Governor Ron DeSantis test FLCOVID19 to 888777.
• Helpful links/phone/text updates:
  • PBC Vaccine FAQs
  • Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County
  • Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Vaccination Info
  • Florida Department of Health Learn More about COVID-19 Vaccines
  • PBC: Additional updates on local vaccine distribution will be communicated through palmbeach.floridahealth.gov, twitter account @HealthyFLPBC, and local media.

• Palm Beach County Health Care District Vaccine Information Page
• Publix Pharmacy Vaccine Information Page
• Senior Hotline: 866-201-6754
• FDOH COVID-19 Statistical Data: To view data, click here!

EXECUTIVE ORDERS:

To view City, County and State executive orders pertaining to the public health emergency, click here!

Nationwide labor shortages at food processing plants and transportation companies are causing local restaurants to have food shortages and pay higher prices. "We’ve been here 74 years and we’ve never seen anything like this," said Okeechobee Steakhouse owner Ralph Lewis.

Lewis said there is not a food shortage, but a supply chain problem. "A big part of this comes back to the labor problems, there is a very, very serious labor shortage," he said. Lewis said plants that supply meat and seafood and farmers supplying produce are having trouble hiring workers. And food transportation companies said they are having trouble finding drivers to deliver the food - causing scarcity and price hikes. "Every day we are seeing prices going up from a dollar to ten dollars a pound on some items and others we’re being told you just can’t get them," said Lewis, who had to take crab off his menu along with some type of lobsters. Getting filet mignon has also been difficult.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/restaurants-struggling-with-supply-chain-problems-rising-prices/36452482

Kobe Bryant was officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2020 on Saturday night.

"I wish my husband was here to accept this incredible award," Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, said at the ceremony, as she was joined onstage by basketball legend Michael Jordan. "He and Gigi deserved to be here to witness this. Gigi would be so proud to watch her daddy get enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame."

The NBA legend was posthumously elected into the Hall last April in his first year of eligibility -- just months after Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people were killed in a helicopter crash.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/kobe-bryant-class-of-2020-officially-inducted-basketball-hall-of-fame/36439530

Starting May 15, Publix supermarkets will no longer require fully vaccinated employees or customers to wear face coverings unless required by a state, local order or ordinance. The mass grocery chain made the announcement Friday following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated mask policy.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/publix-makes-masks-optional-for-fully-vaccinated-customers/36435359

Hurricanes can be less stressful if you and your loved ones develop a plan to be prepared. Here's what you should do if a Hurricane Watch has been declared in your area.

Planning:

• Review Your Family Plan
• Screenshot This: Hurricane Supply Shopping Guide

Communications:

• Charge up your cell phones, keep a car charger handy and keep battery backups on hand.
• Have a conventional cord telephone that will work in case of a power outage.
• Download the WPBF 25 News app for weather updates and evacuation orders.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/hurricane-watch-prepare/35970694

ORLANDO, Fla. —

New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance has led Disney to make a major announcement.

It's boosting the parks' capacity.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/disney-increasing-capacity-at-its-parks/36431643

In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places.

The new guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools, and other venues — even removing the need for masks or social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. The CDC will also no longer recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks outdoors in crowds. The announcement comes as the CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people — people who are two weeks past their last required COVID-19 vaccine dose — in part to highlight the benefits of getting the shot.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/cdc-mask-guidance/36421451

Ellen DeGeneres will end her namesake talk show next year — at the conclusion of its 19th season, according to a report.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is currently in production of Season 18. DeGeneres will discuss her decision to end the show in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, scheduled to air on Thursday.

Nielsen data shows "Ellen" viewership dropped by 1.1 million people this season, from 2.6 million viewers to 1.5 million viewers.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/ellen-degeneres-talk-show-ends/36408222

Hundreds of cars were turned away Wednesday morning from Marathon gas station along Donald Ross Road and Military Trail.

Hundreds of cars circled Marathon gas station along Donald Ross Road and Military Trail in Jupiter Wednesday morning as people searched for an open gas pump. A gas station attendant told WPBF 25 all 16 pumps were closed until their anticipated fuel delivery was able to arrive.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/fuel-shortage-jupiter-gas-station-closed/36407887

BALTIMORE —

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit was treated with an antifungal ointment containing the steroid betamethasone that caused the horse to fail a postrace drug test, trainer Bob Baffert said Tuesday. In a statement issued by his lawyer, Baffert said Medina Spirit was treated for dermatitis with the ointment once a day leading up to the May 1 race and that equine pharmacology experts have told him this could explain the test results. Baffert said the horse tested positive for 21 picograms of the substance, which is typically given to horses therapeutically to help their joints and is a violation even at a trace amount on race day in Kentucky.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/medina-spirt-kentucky-derby-bob-baffert-drugs/36396731

If you want to know the impact of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain left after his death — just look, well, everywhere. Kid Cudi paid tribute to the rocker on Saturday Night Live! just a month ago. His old cardigans sell for six figures. And more than 25 years after his 1994 suicide, fans are still hoping to unearth new information about his death — which some believe involved foul play.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/kurt-cobain-death-fbi-records-2021/36369490

NEW YORK —

Many Broadway productions are scrambling to resume ticket sales in the coming days to welcome theater-goers this fall after city and state leaders have green-lit a reopening of the Great White Way at full capacity by mid-September. "We remain cautiously optimistic about Broadway's ability to resume performances this fall and are happy that fans can start buying tickets again," Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, said in a statement Wednesday.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/broadway-preparing-for-ticket-sales-for-a-fall-reopening/36345047

BURLINGTON, Vt. —

Running and jumping have been a staple in every Summer Olympics, and now — climbing.

"Such a natural fit from the beginning of time, humans have been climbers to escape danger, and or a variety of reasons, and it's really fun," said Andrea Charest, the owner of Petra Cliffs Indoor Climbing Center in Burlington, Vermont.

Read More:

https://www.wpbf.com/article/olympic-climbing-will-be-part-of-this-years-games-heres-what-itll-take-to-bring-home-gold/36353607