Tampa City Council reviewed the report from the city’s community task force on policing at Tuesday’s meeting. That report contained suggestions that included the need to build trust between the community and TPD, internal issues and the need for additional funding. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have both pledged to help with part of that funding to creative positive change.

COVID-19 cases increased by 2,541 Thursday. The total number of coronavirus cases is approaching 700,000 at 690,499, with a total of 13,795, Florida resident deaths. For the latest information check the Dove Coronavirus site and the Florida Dashboard that is updated daily at 11 am, including the weekend. The Florida Department of Health also has the COVID-19 Call Center open 24/7 at 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.

Governor Ron DeSantis may be ready to increase the capacity limits for restaurants and bars, and even stop local governments from closing them if they exceed those rules. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation would enforce those changes.

For the first time in ten years, the Tampa Bay Rays have won the AL East and move on to the best-of-three series playoff that will at the Trop starting Tuesday. For the Lightning it was the return of team captain Steven Stamkos who unfortunately left after one period of play with an injury, but not before taking his first shot since February for the score. The Lightning won game three 5-2, and move on to game four Friday night, game five Saturday night.

The Bucs won their home opener at Raymond James Stadium 31-17 over the Carolina Panthers with no fans in the stands. Next game is Sunday in Denver to face the Broncos who are allowing a limited number of fans to be in the stadium. Denver’s Vic Fangio, Seattle’s Pete Carroll and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan were all fined $100,000 for not wearing face coverings last weekend and their teams another $250,000. Any fans allowed at games are also required to wear masks.

After the city of Lakeland’s annual swan roundup next month, you’ll have the chance to adopt one of city’s famed birds. The population is thriving so the city will hold an auction at a date to be announced.

Cox Media Group