The first $600 stimulus checks could start showing up in direct deposit accounts today, with paper checks going in the mail today as well. The legislation to increase those payments to $2,000 was defeated. To check the status of your payment go to the IRS site.

The University of South Florida Health and Tampa General Hospital are working together on a clinical trial with Novavax and the are asking for volunteers for the large-scale trial of their COVID-19 vaccine. 250 volunteers are needed with the focus on seniors and those at highest risk. For more information on how to sign up please click here.

The first case of the transmissible variant of the coronavirus which was first identified in the U.K. has been confirmed in Colorado. The variant is considered highly contagious. Florida’s COVID-19 numbers jumped another 12,075 cases Tuesday, taking the state total to 1,292,252 with 21,409 Floridians dying from the virus. If you have questions or need more information from the Florida Department of Health, the COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 be calling 1-866-779-6121. You can also reach them by email at covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours. 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. The newest locations for free, drive through shots are at five Hillsborough County school locations which will require a reservation. You can take care of that by calling 813-307-8085 Monday through Friday from 8-5 pm. Other Free COVID-19 tests are available in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. For more please check in with us daily here.

There are some new laws going into effect this week, one of which carries penalties for public officials and employees who abuse their power, one with fines for passing a stopped school bus and Amendment 13 which ends greyhound racing at pari-mutuel facilities. Derby Lane in St Petersburg had their last day of racing this past Sunday. More new laws are on the books which you can check into here.

It took 13 years but with the Bucs win over the Detroit Lions 47-7 Saturday, the Bucs are in the playoffs. Tom Brady had four touchdowns in the first half alone and the team had a franchise record 588 yards. The final regular season game is this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium against Atlanta at 1 pm.

First Night St Petersburg will be a virtual event this year, but with your sponsorship, or purchase of the First Night buttons you can support the work of local artists and create a bigger and better event for 2021. Please click here for additional information special events throughout the night like the Bubble Stomp for the kids.

The Dove Daily Update will be on hiatus for the New Year’s weekend. Download the Dove App here, or in Google Play and App store for breaking news and weather updates. Stay safe, and Happy New Year from The Dove!

Cox Media Group