The CDC is recommending anyone that’s not vaccinated against COVID-19 stay home during the Labor Day weekend. If you are vaccinated they also say wearing a mask while in public and around larger groups of people is a good idea. There’s also reports of a new coronavirus variant from the World Health Organization, B.1.621, or mu. That variant was first found in South America.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Florida according to figures from the CDC. There were eight days in August with more deaths per day compared to last year at the same time. To date, 45,909 people have died in Florida from the coronavirus.

If you are traveling this holiday weekend, get ready to pay more at the pump. Gas prices are up after 95% of gas production facilities in the south shut down because of Ida. Expect a rise of 5-10 cents in most areas for the short term.

Carnival Cruise Lines have a sailing date set out of the Port of Tampa next Month. The Carnival Pride sails November 14 and anyone on board must have proof they are fully vaccinated and provide a negative COVID-19 test. There are some exemptions which you can see here. Port Tampa will see other ships sailing soon with Royal Caribbean to start sailing in October and other cruise lines in the fall and winter.

The Florida Department of Health will start to issue $5,000 fines against any business, government agency or institution that violates the state of Florida’s ban on “vaccine passports.” Those fines would begin September 16th and violators will be given 30 days to pay. The new law would not affect a business that requites their employees be vaccinated. For a look at the ruling from the Florida Department of Health click here.

Rescues continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida that left millions without power and plenty of damage and flooding. It may be weeks before power is fully restored to areas of Louisiana and Missouri. Power crews from the Bay area including Duke Energy and Florida Power are in the area to help restore power, along with crews from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Donations are being accepted and for a full list please click here. There’s a special story highlighting the work of Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen in Ann Kelly’s Kitchen.

Former Tampa Bay Buc Keith McCants died Thursday of a possible drug overdose. McCants was a first-round pick for the team and had struggled with drugs over the years.

The Tampa Bay Bucs have their 53-man roster set with the season opening next Thursday, Sept. 9th at Raymond James Stadium. Only ten new players made the cut this time, but with four players on injured reserve including kicker Ryan Succop things could still change. Check the moves from the Bucs right here. The team also revealed new food items from vendors that include Aussie Grill, Coppertail Brewing, Little Caesars, Vizzy and Winghouse among others.

Annual passes are returning to Walt Disney World. Starting this Wednesday, September 8th the passes will once again go on sale, with four available that include the Incredi-pass, Sorcerer Pass, Pirate Pass, and the Pixie Dust Pass. For more information please check here.

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