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Amid coronavirus fears, Clearwater’s Wild Splash adding hand-washing stations

The city will help Wild 94.1 make sure fans are aware of precautionary health guidelines.
DaBaby performs with Shaquille O' Neal at Shaq's Fun House on Feb. 1 in Miami. [LYNNE SLADKY | AP]
DaBaby performs with Shaquille O' Neal at Shaq's Fun House on Feb. 1 in Miami. [LYNNE SLADKY | AP]
By Jay Cridlin
Published Mar. 3

Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Tampa Bay area. For the latest news on the outbreak, go to our coronavirus page, which we are updating regularly. You also can sign up for our DayStarter newsletter to have the day’s news sent right to your inbox each morning for free.

• • •

One of Tampa Bay’s largest events since coronavirus hit the area this week is taking precautionary steps to protect patrons.

The city of Clearwater is working with hip-hop station Wild 94.1 to inform and assist ticketholders for this year's sold-out Wild Splash festival, coming Saturday to Coachman Park.

The station expects to place additional city hand-washing stations equipped with sanitizer throughout the park, said Tom Davis, promotions director for Beasley Media Group, which owns Wild 94.1. The exact number of new stations has yet to be determined.

Related: Wild Splash, Gasparilla Music Festival collide on major music weekend

The city, which will have about 100 employees working the festival, will serve as something of an intermediary between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the station, said city spokesman Jason Beisel. That includes referring Wild to CDC guidelines to post on its website and social media. Those who purchased tickets online should receive an email with those CDC guidelines.

As for the show itself, "we let Wild take the reins of the concert, because it's basically their concert," said city spokesman Jason Beisel.

The sold-out show is expected to draw 14,000 fans for performances by Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, YBN Cordae and more. Click here for details.

Related: Wild Splash 2020 drops schedule, set times, after-party info

• • •

Tampa Bay Times coronavirus guide

Q&A: What you need to know after Florida’s first positive coronavirus cases.

PROTECT YOURSELF: Household cleaners can kill the virus on most surfaces, including your phone screen.

BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.

FACE MASKS: They offer some protection, but studies debate their effectiveness.

WORKPLACE RISK: A list of five things employers could be doing to help curb the spread of the disease.

READER BEWARE: Look out for bad information as false claims are spreading online.

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.

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