Here's your morning news for Monday, Jan. 31
COVID update
Florida reported 1,192 new COVID-19 deaths Friday, up from 605 the previous week and the most in one week since the deadly delta variant surge. The total number of deaths is 64,955.
New cases fell to 198,719 for the week ending Thursday, down from 289,204 the previous week, according to the Florida Department of Health. The total number of reported cases is 5,478,671.
The statewide positivity rate for new infections also fell from 26.8% to 23.5%.
I-110 homeless campers to relocate by this evening
The clock is ticking on the City of Pensacola's Monday, 5 p.m. deadline for homeless individuals camping under I-110 in Pensacola to collect their belongings and vacate the property. To meet the target time, relocation efforts kicked into high gear over the weekend with volunteers moving items to shelters and a new campsite.
Capt. Shashaty returns to NAS Pensacola, this time as the boss
Naval Air Station Pensacola’s new commanding officer, Capt. Terry Shashaty, is getting settled into his new duty station, after the change-of-command ceremony two weeks ago. WUWF's Dave Dunwoody caught up with Shashaty as he was still moving into his new office. Read the story here.
DeSantis' algae task force falls short, says expert
A task force assembled by Gov. Ron DeSantis to study algae blooms recently released a red tide report on its progress and recommendations, but some advocates think the document is lacking. Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director for the Center for Biological Diversity, said rather than looking into acquiring funds for more research, the task force missed a chance to identify policies that are already in place but not being enforced. Read the story here.
Florida senators to take up abortion limit this week
Florida senators will start considering a proposal that would prevent physicians from performing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy — one of the most controversial issues of the 2022 legislative session. The Senate Health Policy Committee is scheduled Wednesday to take up the proposal (SB 146), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland. Read more about the bill here.
Can you get COVID from your pet?
The latest Coronavirus FAQ from NPR tackles pets and when it's safe to visit someone who's had COVID.
If you follow sports...
Rafael Nadal wins the Australian Open and the 2022 Super Bowl is set.