ORLANDO, Fla. — Watch our in-depth coverage below:
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11:28 p.m. update
DeLand commissioner hospitalized due to COVID-19
A DeLand commissioner has been hospitalized due to COVID-19, officials said.
The Board of the Minority Elected Officials of Volusia County said that commissioner Jessica Davis has been admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19.
7:58 p.m. update
State approves plan for reopening vacation rentals in Orange, Volusia counties
Florida officials have approved plans for reopening vacation rentals in Orange and Volusia counties.
Vacation rentals across the state have been shut down since the end of March to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Officials said to get state approval, counties are required to submit a plan outlining measures that vacation rentals will follow to ensure the safety of their guests.
5:20 p.m. update
Gatorland to reopen Saturday morning
Gatorland announced it will reopen Saturday at 10 a.m.
Officials said the park all employees are required to wear a mask and guests are encouraged to wear a mask.
To read more, click here.
5 p.m. update
Orange County leaders give COVID-19 update
Orange County leaders are giving an update on the coronavirus pandemic.
>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE<<
4:38 p.m. update
Orlando Starflyer to reopen Friday
The Orlando Starflyer will reopen Friday at 5 p.m., officials said.
3:20 p.m. update
Universal Orlando Resort to welcome guests to parks June 5
Universal Orlando Resort said it is getting ready to reopen and welcome guests to its parks.
The company said Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano will reopen on June 5.
2:10 p.m. update:
Fun Spot America Orlando reopens to the public
Fun Spot America Orlando will be opening at 2 p.m. Friday until 10 p.m.
Starting Saturday, park hours for Orlando will be noon to 10 p.m. until further notice.
Details have not been released regarding the opening of the Kissimmee park.
Officials said the arcade will remain closed until further notice. Guests are asked to use the main entrance located at 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando FL 32819.
Officials said masks are not required but encouraged.
Click here for the latest updates on local theme park’s reopening plans.
2 p.m. update:
Walt Disney World taking July reservations, but says parks, resorts may not open by then
Walt Disney World officials said Friday that they are having to periodically adjust the schedule for the ability to book hotel reservations at resorts.
“While we’re currently accepting reservations starting in July 2020 at both resorts, as this situation evolves, timing may continue to shift,” officials said in a blog post.
“..Please know that if any reservations you may have made need to change, we will work with you to make the necessary modifications.”
11:45 a.m. update:
Orange County mayor endorses Universal Orlando’s reopening plan, seeks final approval from governor
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings endorsed Universal Orlando’s plan to reopen to the public on June 5.
The plan is now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.
11:35 a.m. update:
Florida reports 46 COVID-19 deaths, including 5 in Central Florida, and 776 new cases statewide
Florida health officials reported 776 new coronavirus cases in the state on Friday morning as well as 46 more deaths.
The total number of cases in the state is now 49,451 with 2,190 deaths.
Of the latest deaths reported, one was in Volusia County, one in Lake County and three in Polk County.
See the latest case numbers by county below:
NEW CASES:
Orange: 1,744 (1,726 yesterday)
Seminole: 449 (445 yesterday)
Volusia: 640 (630 yesterday)
Brevard: 380 (376 yesterday)
Osceola: 644 (640 yesterday)
Lake: 266 (264 yesterday)
Sumter: 252 (255 yesterday)
Marion: 233 (233 yesterday)
Flagler: 173 (173 yesterday)
Polk: 840 (822 yesterday)
11:25 a.m. update:
Florida governor says summer camps, youth activities able to reopen
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said summer camps and youth activities are able to open effectively immediately without restrictions.
He said local organizations and governments can put restrictions in place, but that the state will not preempt them.
“We trust parents to use common sense,” DeSantis said.
11 a.m. update:
LEGOLAND announces it will reopen to guests June 1
LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced Friday that it will reopen to guests on June 1.
Park officials said the park will provide complimentary masks and encourage all guests, ages three and above, to wear them.
The park said brick-themed spatial markers and kid-friendly, parkwide signage will help remind guests of social distancing recommendations and hygiene practices.
Park officials said character meet and greets and other select attractions will be suspended at the time of reopening.
Along with the park and waterpark’s reopening, the all-new LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel will debut on June 1.
The resort will initially open with adjusted operating hours. LEGOLAND Theme Park will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and LEGOLAND Waterpark will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
9:15 a.m. update:
Gov. DeSantis to hold COVID-19 briefing
Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a press conference in Jacksonville to provide updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida.
The governor is expected to speak at 11 a.m.
>>>You can watch the briefing LIVE here<<<
7:15 a.m. update:
Senator Bracy to hold food distribution event
Sen. Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee) will host a food distribution event to help families in need amid the pandemic. Senator
Bracy and other volunteers will aim to feed over 500 families. Some of the items to be distributed include fresh fruit and vegetables, water, assorted non-perishable items and more.
The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1450 Citrus Oaks Avenue in Gotha.
5:35 a.m. update:
Orange County Task Force approves Universal Orlando’s reopening plan
The Orange County Task Force has approved Universal Orlando’s plan to reopen to the public on June 5.
The plan will now go to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and if approved, will be sent on to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.
Demings will likely submit the plans to the governor sometime Friday morning if he approves of them.
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