The Bucs now head to the Divisional Playoffs after a Saturday night win over Washington 31-23 in the wild-card game. Their next opponent will be the New Orleans Saints Sunday at 6:40 am, the third time the two teams will meet this season.

Over 12,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded Sunday in the Bay area with another 12,313 added to the state total now at 1,477,010. 22,912 Florida residents have now died from the virus, If you have questions on who is eligible to receive the vaccination and where to sign up check with the Florida Department of Health here. The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 by calling 1-866-779-6121. You can also reach them by email at covid-19@flhealth.gov. BayCare is offering rapid result tests at nine Urgent Care Centers for asymptomatic individuals. This is one you’ll have to pay for up front at $150 and can make an online appointment for on the BayCare web site.

Social workers from Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services will soon be with St Petersburg Police officers on nonviolent, non-criminal 911 calls. The pilot program had unanimous approval from City Council last week and is scheduled to run through fall.

The seats will be empty when the Lightning begin their defense of their Stanley Cup title thanks to the rise in COVID-19 cases. The decision was made by the Vinik Sports Group, LLC, the parent company of the Tampa Bay Lightning who said Amalie Arena will be closed to fans through at least February 5th, which will also impact the Toronto Raptor’s basketball games. The Lightning will open the season at Amalie Arena Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers players John Lynch and Ronde Barber are on the lists of finalists for the Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. Both have been finalists before but this is the eight year in a row that Lynch has been a finalist. Peyton Manning, is also one of 15 finalists in his first year of eligibility. The Hall of Fame class will be announced just before the Super Bowl in Tampa on Feb. 6th.

Cox Media Group