COVID-19 Relief

The scammers who defrauded the government spent lavishly on houses, luxury watches, diamond jewelry, strip clubs and gambling sprees. Authorities vow to track down the fraudsters.

An AP analysis found that fraudsters potentially stole more than $280 billion in COVID-19 relief funding; another $123 billion was wasted or misspent. The loss represents 10 percent of the $4.2 trillion the U.S. government has disbursed in pandemic aid.

Despite not being included in the state’s plan to reward teachers and principals, full-time support staff at Pinellas County schools will be receiving $1,000 bonuses.

A new assistance program is accepting applications for low-income renters and landlords in Florida who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The Tampa Tiger Bay Club hosted a virtual forum where local government leaders discussed how they’ve spent federal pandemic relief dollars.

Supporters of the bill say that shielding businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19 is needed as the state continues to recover — but opponents say it would protect corporations more than people.

The $1.9 trillion relief bill includes a new monthly allowance for American parents that could help provide a critical lifeline.

The new massive coronavirus relief bill that President Trump signed on Sunday also includes extended support for unemployed people.

It includes up to $600 per adult and child, as well as funds for small businesses.

Congressional leaders returned to familiar ground Saturday, digging in on opposite sides of a stalemate over a coronavirus relief package they all is badly needed to help struggling Americans.

Hillsborough County’s property appraiser is proposing tax relief options for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Bob Henriquez says Florida…