Case count
Florida’s Department of Health has disturbing news about COVID-19: The number of new cases went up by 60% last week, but don't worry. Ron DeSantis says those counts don't count.
Also on today’s Sunrise:
— The number of fatalities was also up by almost 44%. Those numbers do count.
— Yet, DeSantis is still pursuing his strategy of downplaying the threat and inviting tourists to come on down because Florida is open for business. Except, of course, for those 38,670 Floridians who have been killed by COVID-19.
— So, how do you encourage people to get vaccinated? FAMU President Larry Robinson is making a video appeal to students who are returning to campus. Just in case that doesn't work, FAMU will also be giving away a million dollars’ worth of merchandise for staff and students who get the shot.
— In the aftermath of the Surfside tragedy, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried wants the Legislature to update condo regs and create a statewide commission to hear complaints.
— Florida’s Chief Financial Officer gets down to the business of reforming NICO (the Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association). His appointment to the new board is a good sign.
— And finally, two Florida Men: One is going to the federal pen for child pornography; the other went to the hospital after showing off with a gun.