:format(webP)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/G6QTTLCAPFEHTFVUVQTQGUAKJM.JPG "Danny New, 24, reaches for the frisbee while playing on the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park on New Years Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 in Dunedin.")
Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. Sign up for our DayStarter newsletter to receive updates weekday mornings. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe.
• • •
All Florida state parks will officially close Monday amid the coronavirus pandemic, state officials announced late Sunday.
At the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said all state parks wouldn’t welcome any visitors in order to “successfully uphold [Centers for Disease Control] guidance to maximize social distancing and avoid gatherings larger than 10 people.”
Over the past few weeks, the state limited operating hours and reduced visitor capacity at popular parks.
“Unfortunately, this has not resulted in the reductions needed to best protect public health and safety as Florida continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the Florida DEP said in a statement. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding as we work to prioritize the welfare of our communities and staff.”
Click here for a map of all Florida state parks.
• • •
Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage
EVENT CANCELLATIONS: Get the latest updates on events planned in the Tampa Bay area in the coming weeks.
STORES REACT TO VIRUS: Some businesses adjust hours or announce temporary closings.
BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.
STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY: Foods that should always be in your kitchen, for emergencies and everyday life.
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: See updates and tips posts, and ask questions of our journalists.
FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Reddit.
LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters
HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips.
We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the 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.
/www.tampabay.com/resizer/RoPSCzSmlpXVr0VwuQuaN8eI9rM=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JYN2HB5N7FBHBCVT3ZVMDONBZU.JPG "DeSantis’ office pledged to investigate bid-rigging case. It didn’t get far.")
/www.tampabay.com/resizer/s_1zzJfjsNbu5Y5IRmYG3ehNgkk=/1200x675/filters:focal(965x625:975x615)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/QNGW2GRGMG5LBK4RCDLGRNT5M4.jpg "Why ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic is mad at Florida State star Jordan Travis")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/DSPRAUQ5XVH3VEQRGA7GQIXW7Q.jpg "As COVID infections rise, nursing homes are still waiting for vaccines")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/NY4BGAC5QGYXS3OXJD32JUUJYE.jpg "Toni Says: What changes can I make during Medicare’s annual enrollment period?")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/R5NHKAXFCJBGRD3XPVS53Z2AHU.jpeg "6 people died by suicide in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Experts fear more.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XYQ4CUY5RFEQDKCXXHFMIJEUVA.jpg "Feds: Florida’s poor oversight of psychotropic meds puts foster kids at risk")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XBBRM7MHLNBGVHFKXVVBHU3YGU.JPG "Is hot water hurting seagrass recovery in Tampa Bay? A new study aims to find out.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/YM2Q53EDIRCFDOUVRK6IRFASY4.JPG "Luna accuses FDA of ‘hiding what’s in our food’")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/A4JZIBZMJBAJ5CLPNK2IN52ELY.jpg "Biden administration to ban medical debt from Americans’ credit scores")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3BHIPGJH7JC4PEXLOKTUXI6XDE.jpg "Attorneys for All Children’s make hospital’s case in ‘Maya’ lawsuit")