Bucs beat the Jets; where to get a COVID-19 test in Tampa Bay; Tarpon Springs celebration will be open to public
 |  | | | Monday, January 3, 2022 | | | Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters | | A cool start to the new year. Sunny, but a high around 67 and low near 48.
Below are some of the most important environmental stories of 2021, Florida hits a record number of COVID-19 infections a day as omicron rages, and Antonio Brown is no longer a Buc. |  | | [IVY CEBALLO | Times] | | Drug overdoses in Pinellas County likely grew in 2021 | | Suspected overdoses have been on the rise, quadrupling in Pinellas County to more than 6,500 in the five-year period that ended in 2020, with 546 dying in that year alone.
While final numbers aren't in yet, the total for 2021 is likely to be even higher.
“We’re seeing a whole new class of synthetic opioids,” Pinellas County forensic laboratory director Reta Newman said of overdose reports. “This is something that is very concerning.”
New steps are being taken to increase access to treatment, better understand what’s fueling the epidemic and remove barriers to care.
Read Lauren Peace's story on the opioid epidemic in Pinellas. | | | | | | AROUND THE BAY | | Worker arrested over missing jewelry: An employee at a local shopping network and her boyfriend were arrested after over $100,000 in jewelry went missing. 5 environmental stories: The environment dominated headlines last year in Tampa Bay, as back-to-back crises threatened the region's waterway. Here's a reminder of what happened and what to look out for next year.
One decade ago: On Jan. 1, 2012, the St. Petersburg Times became the Tampa Bay Times, marking a new chapter for the newspaper.
Road closure: A portion of Bayshore Boulevard will be closed while the Tampa Water Department works to repair a water main break, and it's anticipated to reopen by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Open to the public: Tarpon Springs' Epiphany celebration on Thursday won't have the same attendance restrictions that were in place last year as a pandemic precaution.
С Новым годом!: The Russian Heritage Organization is marking the Russian New Year on Jan. 8 with a swank party at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach.
Dry January, anyone? Here are some experts' thoughts on the monthlong alcohol abstinence and some advice for anyone planning to try the challenge. | | | BRIGHT SPOT |  | | [IVY CEBALLO | Times] | | Clearwater Beach has a new crypto-themed eatery | | Crypto Street Restaurant, Ricardo Varona's new bistro on Coronado Drive, aims to get customers talking about cryptocurrencies — in part through dishes like "Crypto Cuban" sandwiches, "Dogedog" hot dogs, "To The MOOOONNN!" brownie sundaes. | | | | | | CORONAVIRUS DEVELOPMENTS | | UPDATES AT TAMPABAY.COM/CORONAVIRUS | | What's next: How did the pandemic's second year turn out to be worse than the first? These five important COVID-19 stories from 2021 explain why. Weekly update: Florida added 298,455 cases and 162 deaths over the latest seven-day period. The omicron variant is driving a record surge as the state hits a new high of 42,600 infections a day. Three collapse at Tampa testing site: Two additional people required minor medical attention while waiting to get tested for COVID-19 at Al Lopez Park. The city estimates between 3,000 and 5,000 tests will be administered at the site each day. Spring semester: Top officials at Florida universities are acknowledging the pandemic is ongoing, but while schools are asking students and employees to be masked and vaccinated, they are not requiring it.
Vaccine doses: See how Florida compares to other states.
Where to find a COVID test: As omicron surges, here's a list of public sites where you can get a free coronavirus test across Tampa Bay. | | | POLITICS | | Top topics: Welcome to 2022, which just so happens to be an election year. Here's a look at what some of the biggest political issues will be in the coming months.
Public input: Hillsborough County wants to hear from residents on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues affecting their quality of life.
Rick Kriseman prepares to depart: Here's a look back a Kriseman's tenure as the mayor of St. Petersburg and what he plans to do next. Benefits scaled back: Florida announced last week that the maximum number of weeks of unemployment benefits is dropping from a pandemic-boosted 19 weeks to 12 weeks. | | | | | |
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