Episode 45, our final episode, takes a look towards the future at what might be forever changed after this pandemic is over. Eating out at a local restaurant is looking and feeling different now that businesses are adapting to the new normal. Taylor Levesque spoke to local business owners who said there are many aspects of the restaurant industry that are forever changed because of COVID-19 (01:38). Catching a movie or seeing a play. Two such acts that could make for an enjoyable date night or just a fun night out. But thanks to COVID-19 both the big screen and stage have been all but abandoned. Camron Lunn spoke with the director of the Hippodrome in Gainesville and the owner of the Ocala Drive-In to see what the prospects of a night out look like when we are all locked in (05:24). One thing that has changed for almost every adult in Florida is how we work. For those who aren't essential workers, working from home has become the new normal during the pandemic. But will the flexibility of remote work really change the workplace forever? Melissa Feito spoke with Dr. Joyce Bono** professor of management at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business. She recently completed the first phase of a research project called "work and family during the time of Covid," detailing how working parents have adapted to these times (10:06). Historically, epidemics have transformed the public spaces we inhabit. Gabriella Paul spoke with local and national architects, city planners and historians on how a post-pandemic world might look different (15:25). When the pandemic hit the U-S, the cruise industry all but shut down, leaving thousands without work. Anthony Montalto introduces us to two people in the cruise business who share what the pandemic has been like for them (21:37). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 44 checks back in on essential workers to see how they are handling multiple months on the front lines. Gabriella Paul set out to discover what it’s like to be new to the front line in Florida’s hospitals and what that means for the next generation of front line workers in the nation's hot spot for coronavirus (01:28). Kristin Moorehead asks Physician’s Assistant for Florida Women’s Health in Ocala Michelle Shinham about what it’s like to work in the field of obstetrics during COVID-19 (06:22). COVID-19 doesn't seem to impact children's health the same way as other at risk groups but that doesn't mean that there aren't concerns.Taylor Levesque spoke to pediatricians about how COVID-19 is effecting their patients (10:21). Tropical storms and hurricanes may be a routine part of the summer months for most Floridians, but hurricane preparation during COVID-19 may change things. Anthony Montalto spoke with Levy County Assistant Emergency Management Director David Peaton to find out what Levy County officials are doing to prepare as a storm churns in the Atlantic (14:55). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 43 focuses on how teachers and parents feel about school reopening plans for next month as COVID-19 cases rise in the state. Kristin Moorehead talks with Florida Education Association Vice President about the teacher's union lawsuit against the state's mandate to return to brick and mortar school instruction in the fall (01:46). Josh Williams interviews Dr. Chris Curran, one of the Co-Directors at UF's Education Policy Research Center, about what districts are doing to keep students safe. (07:19) Camron Lunn spoke with two teachers about how they feel about about the safety of returning to the classroom (12:06). Taylor Levesque talked with Florida parents and teachers about some of the frustrations they've had with virtual learning (16:16). Melissa Feito takes a look at some of the challenges families that have children with special needs and disabilities and their teachers faced with remote learning (19:37). Anthony Montalto spoke with four parents about how each is considering the decision to send their kids back to school next month (24:53). Gabriella Paul talked spoke with current and former essential workers who have elementary school aged kids about the prospect of schools reopening in person next month (30:04). Melissa returns for a discussion with Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, a pediatrician and epidemiologist at the University of Florida who previously worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 20 years, for a medical perspective of children returning to school (34:51). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 42 focuses on colleges and universities in Florida and their plans for students to return to campus in the fall. A number of state colleges and universities have unveiled plans to bring students back to campus in the fall including the University of Florida. Gabriella Paul spoke with Luis Toledo, a data and policy analyst researching campus responses to COVID-19 through the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College, about the viability of UF's reopening plan (01:26). With colleges and universities unveiling their reopening plans we know how administrators feel about returning to campus in the fall but Anthony Montalto talks to students about how they feel returning to campus (06:29). The fall semester begins in six weeks and University of Florida students are getting ready to return to campus. But for out-of-state students, returning to Gainesville next month is more complicated than for others. Taylor Levesque spoke to a couple of out-of-state students who say that despite the school's plan to reopen campus they have decided to stay home for the fall semester (11:08). It's been a roller-coaster few months for international students as the pandemic has thrown their status into uncertainty. Josh Williams takes us through the highs and lows (15:20). From having their last day of high school in April, to graduating with social distancing in effect in June, the class of 2020 now has to transition to college in the middle of a pandemic. Camron Lunn spoke with two such students who are both navigating this difficult time in different ways (20:21). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 41 looks at the sports, while not the most important thing during a pandemic, they sports serve many functions in Florida. They provide recreation, distraction, employ thousands and impact local economies. One pro sports league made its comeback this week. Camron Lunn has more on Major League Soccer's MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando (01:38). The news isn't all good for some sports. While Major League Baseball will attempt to come back this month, Minor League Baseball had to cancel its season. Taylor Levesque spoke to players who told her the decision was upsetting (06:08). While the pros and semi-pros come to grips with their stunted or lost seasons, Gabriella Paul gives us a look inside how Florida athletes at the amateur levels of high school and college plan to navigate a fall sports season amid the curve ball coronavirus has thrown their way (09:21). In some counties, high school sports like football are still up in the air for the fall. But Anthony Montalto ask if there’s no football, what about the marching band (15:27)? While high schools work out the kinks on their return plans some youth sports are already making a comeback. Taylor Levesque spoke to Gainesville Soccer Alliance Recreational Director, Sandi Rivera, who says she is excited for the kids to take the field again but wants everyone to know there will be changes to the upcoming soccer season (20:12). And what about casual athletes missing their gym routines. Most gyms are open but gyms in Miami, a hotspot for the virus, are now having to adapt as they stay open under new safety protocols. Melissa Feito spoke to Tongelia Milton, executive director of communications for the YMCA of South Florida, which includes 10 locations across Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties about getting their gyms back up and running after several months of closure (23:19). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 40 explores if the state is moving backward in its fight against the coronavirus. Gabriella Paul speaks with an epidemiologist to find out if all the state's COVID-19 data is what it's cracked up to be (01:46). Camron Lunn talks with Floridians in their twenties about being something they never thought that they would be during this pandemic...at risk (08:11). Josh Williams is quarantined in South Florida, staying with immediate family after half-a-dozen extended family members tested positive following a Father's Day lunch. He explains what it's like when the virus hits home (12:34). Melissa Feito looks at cities and counties in Florida that are mandating facial coverings in public places and why wearing one is a good idea (18:12). The 4th of July will look a little different for some Floridians this year as some counties have closed their beaches to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Anthony Montalto checks in from South Florida (23:19). And with the surge in cases and stricter regulations from cities and counties, local restaurants and bars are finding it more difficult to operate. Taylor Levesque spoke to local business owners who say they are struggling (27:47). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 39 revisits some of the topics we've covered and people we've talked to over the past three months as Florida faces an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Taylor Levesque checks back in with University of Florida professor in the department of food science and human nutrition, Keith Schneider, about what cautions we should be taking when in public and any new advice as coronavirus cases rise in Florida (01:02). Kristin Moorehead has a story about what state universities are doing to bring faculty, staff, and students back safely on campus in the fall (05:59). Camron Lunn catches up with Alachua County School’s Director of Food and Nutritional Services Maria Eunice to discuss the meal program's transition for the summer (11:03). Anthony Montalto talks with Florida Virtual School Chief Operations Officer Sam Verghese to see what the school has planned for the summer and the upcoming school year (13:49). Taylor last spoke to Lindsey Magness in May when her new business, Arvo Surf & Coffee’s grand opening was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, her business is now open. We hear how she's doing (20:28). Melissa Feito discusses what services the Alachua County Library District can provide during the pandemic with their public services division director Joyce West (24:21). And Josh Williams talks with Oragenics Incorporated President and C-E-O, Alan Joslyn whose company purchased a company previously featured on the cast that was developing a COVID-19 vaccine in Alachua County (29:24). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 38 looks into how Florida's second largest industry, agriculture, is faring during the pandemic. Melissa Feito has a story about the agricultural workers risking their lives to harvest our food (01:36). Josh Williams talks to Christa Court, the Director of IFAS' Economic Analysis Impact Program, about how the pandemic is hurting different parts of the industry and what dangers lurk around the corner (06:57). Florida Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, Deborah Tannenbaum speaks with Gabriella Paul about growers' concerns statewide and how the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is working to keep them afloat (12:59). Anthony Montalto spoke with two Florida blueberry growers to find out how they're situation is different from other farmers during this pandemic (18:24). And Taylor Levesque visits a farmers market in Gainesville that never closed because of COVID-19 (23:20). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 37 explores how a pandemic is not the same for everyone and where race intersects with public health. Three audio post cards from Gainesville residents about being black during a time of protests and a pandemic (02:00). Anthony Montalto talks with Tonja Smith, Deputy Chief of the Tallahassee Police Department and President of the North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (10:01). Taylor Levesque speaks with black business owners in Gainesville about the messages they plan to spread throughout the community during this time of unrest and uncertainty (16:26). Camron Lunn listened to leadership and professors from Florida’s two most prominent historically black colleges and universities as they discussed the challenges facing their student populations (20:45). Melissa Feito talks with faith leaders to discuss their role in guiding their communities through two tough challenges (24:27). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 36 explores how Florida's tourism industry is faring during this pandemic. Josh Williams talks with Rebecca Shireman, Communications Manager for Kennedy Space Center, about the extra steps being taken to protect guests.. and the center's impact on the local economy (02:21). Melissa Feito looks into how Orlando's local tourism industry has been impacted by coronavirus and how they're planning to welcome visitors back safely (08:51). Taylor Levesque talked to water parks to find out how closure due to the pandemic has hurt business (14:25). Anthony Montalto takes a stroll along Hollywood Beach which has recently reopened and caught up with visitors and businesses about how things are going (18:56). Camron Lunn looks into how social distancing and a preference for being outdoors during the pandemic could be a boon for ecotourism in Florida (24:01). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 35 takes a look at how COVID-19 is impacting preparations for hurricane season in Florida. Josh Williams talks to University of Florida Meteorologist Ray Hawthorne about prediction for this years hurricane season (01:42). Camron Lunn takes a look at how preparing hurricane kits this year may be a little tougher during a pandemic (08:27). Melissa Feito reached out to emergency management officials to find out how staying at home during a pandemic could turn into sheltering at home during a storm (12:05). Anthony Montalto checked in with universities around the state to see what they are doing to keep their campuses safe from hurricanes while also stopping the spread of COVID-19 (17:25). Taylor Levesque first checks in with businesses to see how they are preparing for the potential double blows of coronavirus and a hurricane (22:03). Then she chats with former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate about how to keep yourself, your employees, and your business safe this hurricane season (25:03). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 34 takes a look at how the COVID-19 is impacting people looking to start careers, just looking for a job, and trying to run their businesses. Taylor Levesque learned more about the kind of struggles many young adults are facing when it comes to jump starting their careers during a pandemic (01:47). Camron Lunn spoke with CareerSource Citrus, Levy, Marion's Communications Manager Laura Byrnes about how the they're providing aid to those in need and who's still hiring in the area (06:36). Josh Williams spoke with the President and Owner of Temp-Force Gainesville, Carolynn Buchanan, to discuss changes being made to hiring processes.. and to find out the industry that is currently hiring the most (10:10). Anthony Montalto spoke with two business owners in South Florida about how their businesses have been uniquely effected by closures and restrictions (13:08). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 33 explores when and how schools will reopen in the state of Florida amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniella Mora talks with Flagler County Public Schools Superintendent about a unique way to graduate (01:49). She then checks in with school districts around the state to see what their plans are for reopening in the fall (07:15). Melissa Feito spoke with researchers at the University of Florida's College of Education about the challenges students may face when they head back to school (09:40). Camron Lunn looks at how two prominent community colleges in North Central Florida are tackling reopening quickly and safely (14:35). Taylor Levesque brings us the story of the challenges five universities in the state are facing when it comes to reopening their campuses in the fall (18:38). Melissa closes out the cast with a discussion with Barry University's president on how the small, private Catholic university is handling the pandemic (23:23). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 32 takes a look at how parts of Florida are slowly re-opening under phase one of Governor Ron DeSantis' plan. Taylor Levesque talks with city and county officials about how their communities are reacting to the reopening plan (02:15). Camron Lunn takes a look at how Bradford County is facing its own unique challenges with reopening (07:47). Josh Williams checks in with local restaurants to see what they are doing to get back to business safely (11:22). Lastly, Anthony Montalto visits with businesses in one of the three counties not reopening this week (17:19). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 31 features a change in format. We will revisit a story earlier this week on drive-through weddings in Alachua County (01:11). Then we will hear from University of Florida Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology Dr. Cameron Smith on a collaboration that is helping protect patients and health care workers alike (02:43). Finally, biotech company Noachis Terris is moving to Gainesville to help develop a potential COVID-19 vaccine. We will hear from representatives with the company and the City of Gainesville (09:58). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 30 features Dr. Sarah McKune and Dr. Eric Nelson, two University of Florida researchers leading a study on the role children play in community transmission of COVID-19. They discuss what they hope to learn, and how this study could be useful during future outbreaks. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 29 features Jess Irby, Alachua County Clerk of the Court. He discusses why he decided to hold drive-through weddings for couples looking to tie the knot during the pandemic, and what those ceremonies will look like This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 28 features Florida Virtual School Chief Operations Officer Sam Verghese. He discusses how Florida Virtual School has been helping students, parents, and teachers get used to online learning during COVID-19. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 27 features Peaceful Paths Executive Director, Dr. Theresa Beachy. She spoke about how the domestic violence center is working through restrictions to help survivors during these trying times. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 26 features Florida teachers Emma Light, Diana Parfait, and Emil Kadhum. They spoke about how they adapted, improvised, and ultimately overcame obstacles quickly to keep their students on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 25 features Maria Eunice, Director of Alachua County Public Schools Food and Nutritional Services. She rejoins the cast to discuss how much longer they can provide free meals, and what they're doing to help farmers and families in Alachua County. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 24 features Cornelia Holbrook, Owner of Sweetwater Branch Inn in Gainesville. She discusses her partnership with the Climb For Cancer Foundation to help provide a place for families to stay while traveling for cancer treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 23 features Dr. Rosa West, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the University of Florida's Counseling and Wellness Center. She discusses what you can do at home to take care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 22 features Laura Byrnes, Communications Manager for CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. She discusses the latest unemployment numbers in the region and how they are helping people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 21 features Stephanie Bailes, Executive Director for the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville. She discusses how, despite being closed, the museum is supplementing the education of students stuck at home. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 20 features Shannon Snow, Pitmaster for Sonny's BBQ. He spoke with us about how his restaurant got involved in the FEED GNV pilot program, which is providing meals to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 19 features Kristen Griffis, Executive Director of Elder Options. She spoke about how her organization is using its Elder Helpline to provide groceries, access to health care, and more for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 18 features Thomas Reed, Chief Production Officer of Altavian, a Gainesville-based drone manufacturer. He discusses how his company has turned its production from drones to reusable masks to help answer the ongoing national supply shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 17 features Keith Schneider, a professor at the University of Florida's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He explains how often you should be making trips to the grocery store and how to best protect yourself when you do. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 16 features Dr. Samsun Lampotang, a professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida and the director of the Center for Safety, Simulation, and Advanced Learning Technology. Dr. Lampotang, along with his colleagues, has developed an open-source design for a ventilator built using common hardware store parts. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 15 features Bishop John Howard and Father Tom Willis. The two religious leaders discuss how they and their communities have adapted to this new version of Easter, and the significance of the holiday’s message in the time of coronavirus. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 14 features Occupational Therapist and University of Florida grad, Amanda Hoss. She discusses the changes she has had to make in order to keep treatment going for her child patients. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 13 features Director of the Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Community Center, Rabbi Berl Goldman. He spoke about what he is doing to make sure hundreds of Seder dinners are available in Gainesville to help Jews celebrate Passover in isolation. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 12 features University of Florida Spokesperson Steve Orlando who gives an update on the status of the university during the COVID-19 pandemic and what is being done for students who couldn't return home. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north-central Florida. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 11 features Alachua County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Frank Kinsey. Kinsey spoke about how all inmates at the county jail are fully aware of the COVID-19 outbreak and the jail is following all necessary protocols to protect both guards and inmates. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 10 features, Dr. Bruce Spiess, a University of Florida Professor of Anesthesiology. Dr. Spiess has created an alternative to the N95 masks that are in short demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. He just needs a little help from the community. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 9 features Assistant Atlanta Regional Census Manager Marilyn Stephens. She spoke with us about some of the challenges of conducting the 2020 Census during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 8 features Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. He talks about the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Gainesville and Alachua County, and what everyone in the community can be doing to help. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 7 features Fish Hawk Spirits in Ocala owner Matthew Bagdanovich. He discusses what his distillery is doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic including making a much in demand product and no it's not something you can drink. This podcast serves to provide a daily update on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Episode 6 features Alachua County Public Schools Director of Food and Nutrition Services Maria Eunice. She talks about what the school system is doing to provide free meals to students for what could be an indefinite amount of time. This podcast provide daily updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida. Episode 5 features, Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton. She discusses what she's doing to certify the results of this past presidential primary and city races, and how she's panning ahead for the next election during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida. Episode 4 features Dr. John Smulian, Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the University of Florida's College of Medicine. Dr. Smulian helps sift through some of the facts and fears related to pregnant women and the coronavirus.

This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida. Episode 3 features Sami Dees, an assistant teacher at Kiddie Academy in Gainesville who cares for 2-year-olds . She discusses enrollment numbers and what it's like to care for children who have no idea about the seriousness of the current pandemic.

Alachua County Commissioner Robert Hutchinson in a meeting with Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe issued an emergency stay-at-home order.