The News You Need To Know Today

Here's the news you need to know this morning:

BRACE Grant To Aid In Sally Recovery
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Sally one year ago will continue, for the next two years, thanks to a $300,00 grant awarded to BRACE (The Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies.) Read more here.

UWF's MyStory Griot Project
Earlier this year, the University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CASSH)and the CASSH Workgroup on Race, Ethnicity and Belonging launched the MyStory Griot Project in an effort to create a space for the campus community to share and discuss their experiences. Listen to Nicole Allan's story here.

Styrofoam May Soon Be Banned From Florida Grocery Stores And Markets
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Secretary Nikki Fried announced she will direct all grocery stores, markets, and convenience stores they regulate across the state to begin phasing out the use of polystyrene products like Styrofoam. Read more about it here.

New York May Use The National Guard To Replace Unvaccinated Health Care Workers
New York state officials are bracing for staffing shortages when the state's health care worker vaccination mandate takes effect today. The National Guard — as well as medical professionals from other states and countries — may be called in to help. Read more from NPR here.

Weekly COVID Update
Florida reported 56,325 coronavirus cases over the seven-day period from Sept. 17-23 in its weekly COVID report. The average is about 8,000 infections per day. There was a 26% drop in cases from the week before and the lowest weekly infection rate since early July. The state saw 2,340 COVID deaths over the past week although FDOH only reports Florida resident deaths and exclude non-resident data.

Hurricane Sam
Hurricane Sam reached category 3 status over the weekend and is forecast to stay over the open Atlantic through Friday. It's not expected to be a major threat to Florida. Be sure to follow Florida Storms for updates.