INSIDER
Spring break crowds in Volusia County to be met with dangerous rip current conditions
Read full article: Spring break crowds in Volusia County to be met with dangerous rip current conditionsIt will be a big weekend along the coast in Volusia County as Bike Week enters its final days and spring breakers start making their way in.
Competency hearing continues for man accused of killing Daytona Beach couple during Bike Week
Read full article: Competency hearing continues for man accused of killing Daytona Beach couple during Bike WeekThe man accused of killing a Daytona Beach couple last year during Bike Week is set to appear in court for another competency hearing.
Bike Week, spring break boost Volusia County businesses’ bottom lines
Read full article: Bike Week, spring break boost Volusia County businesses’ bottom linesThis is one of the busiest times of year in Daytona Beach. On the heels of Speedweek comes Bike Week, spring break, and new events to the area.
Bike Week brings business to Daytona Beach as city considers disallowing pop-up storefronts
Read full article: Bike Week brings business to Daytona Beach as city considers disallowing pop-up storefrontsThe engines are roaring, the food is ready and thousands of Bikers are in Daytona Beach for Bike Week 2023.
Competency hearing continues for man accused in Daytona Beach couple’s killing
Read full article: Competency hearing continues for man accused in Daytona Beach couple’s killingA competency hearing in Volusia County court continues for a man accused in the violent deaths of a couple last year during Daytona Beach Bike Week.
Competency hearing starts for man accused of stabbing, killing couple during Daytona Beach Bike Week
Read full article: Competency hearing starts for man accused of stabbing, killing couple during Daytona Beach Bike WeekThe man accused of randomly attacking, stabbing and killing a couple in Daytona Beach during Bike Week last year was in court Monday for the first day of his competency hearing.
Daytona Beach leaders proposed changes could impact Bike Week, Biketoberfest
Read full article: Daytona Beach leaders proposed changes could impact Bike Week, BiketoberfestBig changes could be coming to Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Daytona Beach city leaders are looking to change what businesses can be in town during the events and where the events are held.
Biketoberfest gears up for 30th annual event after Hurricane Ian cleanup
Read full article: Biketoberfest gears up for 30th annual event after Hurricane Ian cleanupBiketoberfest, the annual motorcycle event in Daytona Beach, is gearing up for this year’s event after recovery progress in the county following Hurricane Ian.
‘I have no hard feelings:’ Naked Cowboy talks arrest in Daytona Beach, settlement with city
Read full article: ‘I have no hard feelings:’ Naked Cowboy talks arrest in Daytona Beach, settlement with cityRobert Burck, better known as the Naked Cowboy, says he doesn't hold any grudge after he was arrested during Daytona Beach's Bike Week in 2021.
‘Please send police:’ Driver surrounded by motorcycles, shot in both arms on I-95 in Flagler
Read full article: ‘Please send police:’ Driver surrounded by motorcycles, shot in both arms on I-95 in FlaglerA driver was shot and wounded during an apparent case of road rage on I-95 in Flagler County, sheriff's officials say.
20-year-old motorcyclist dies in Daytona Beach, police say
Read full article: 20-year-old motorcyclist dies in Daytona Beach, police sayA 20-year-old New Smyrna Beach man died from injuries sustained in a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle on the final Sunday of Bike Week in Daytona Beach, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Daytona Beach police chief urges residents to remain vigilant until suspected killer caught
Read full article: Daytona Beach police chief urges residents to remain vigilant until suspected killer caughtDaytona Beach police said the person of interest they’re searching for in connection with the murder of a couple Sunday has been spotted several times.
Man shoots suspect attempting to rob him during Daytona Beach Bike Week, police say
Read full article: Man shoots suspect attempting to rob him during Daytona Beach Bike Week, police sayPolice detained a man following a shooting that left another man injured on the first Sunday of Bike Week in Daytona Beach, according to investigators.
Daytona Beach restaurant owners closing doors, limiting hours due to staffing shortage
Read full article: Daytona Beach restaurant owners closing doors, limiting hours due to staffing shortageDozens of restaurant owners said they've either had to close early or reduce capacity because they just don't have the staff.
Bike Week 2021: Daytona Beach police responded to 5 fatal crashes, made 135 arrests
Read full article: Bike Week 2021: Daytona Beach police responded to 5 fatal crashes, made 135 arrestsVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – During the 10 days of Bike Week 2021 Daytona Beach police were busy responding to crashes and issuing hundreds of citations in the area around the annual motorcycle event, statistics from the Daytona Beach Police Department show. During that time officers issued 330 traffic citations, of those 157 were for motorcycle riders. Officers issued 28 DUI citations during the 10-day period. Of the 135 arrests made, 49 arrests were for noise complaints, 19 were for disorderly conduct while driving under the influence and open container also made up some of the arrests. Halifax Hospital previously reported it saw 91 admissions tied to the event, an increase from 62 admissions during Bike Week over the past four years.
Man accused of crashing into motorcyclist, fleeing scene during Bike Week
Read full article: Man accused of crashing into motorcyclist, fleeing scene during Bike WeekDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A man hit a motorcyclist in Daytona Beach during Bike Week then drove off without stopping to provide any help, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Numbers released by Halifax Health show there was a record number of trauma patients during this year’s Bike Week celebration, which ran from March 5 through March 14. AdIn that same 10-day period, 150 trauma patients were received by Halifax Health, hospital officials said. Of those admissions, numbers show 91 were related to Bike Week, compared to an average of 62 admissions over the last four years. Hospital officials said the trauma team was activated 97 times in the 10-day period, 74 times for Bike Week-related incidents.
Motorcyclist dies days after being hit by Volusia County school bus
Read full article: Motorcyclist dies days after being hit by Volusia County school busDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A 29-year-old Daytona Beach man has died days after he was hit by a Volusia County school bus while riding his motorcycle, according to police. Daytona Beach police said Seth Whitmer died Wednesday, eight days after he was hit by the bus at the intersection of North Nova Road and Madison Avenue. Daytona Beach police said Whitmer’s death marks the ninth fatal crash reported in Daytona Beach for 2021 and the sixth reported in Daytona Beach during Bike Week 2021. Of the Bike Week fatalities, three of them involved motorcycles and three did not, according to police. Of those admissions, numbers show 91 were related to Bike Week, compared to an average of 62 admissions during the past four years.
Hospital sees record number of trauma patients during Bike Week in Daytona Beach
Read full article: Hospital sees record number of trauma patients during Bike Week in Daytona BeachDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A Volusia County hospital saw a record number of trauma patients admitted during the annual Bike Week festival in Daytona Beach, according to numbers released by Halifax Health. In that same 10-day period, 150 trauma patients were received by Halifax Health, hospital officials said. Of those admissions, numbers show 91 were related to Bike Week, compared to an average of 62 admissions over the last four years. Hospital officials said the trauma team was activated 97 times in the 10-day period, 74 times for Bike Week-related incidents. (WKMG)“Our community saw an unusual number of total patients needing trauma care during Bike Week,” RN and Director of Nursing Lindsay Martin said.
6 fatalities reported during Daytona Beach’s Bike Week
Read full article: 6 fatalities reported during Daytona Beach’s Bike WeekDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Six people died in accidents involving motorcycles during the annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach, police said. In addition, multiple bikers suffered serious injuries in crashes and were taken to the hospital as trauma alerts, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported. Early the next morning, motorists found a 42-year-old motorcyclist dead in a roadway following a single-motorcycle crash, police said. Last year, there were also six Bike Week fatalities. In 2019, there was one, the newspaper reported.
Crowds come in steady stream for Bike Week, spring break in Volusia County
Read full article: Crowds come in steady stream for Bike Week, spring break in Volusia CountyDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As businesses are still recovering from a year of shutdowns and lower capacity restrictions, Daytona Beach is coming off Bike Week and just in time for spring break and St. Patrick’s Day. Bob Davis, president of the Lodging and Hospitality Association in Volusia County, said not only is it looking like most of the beachside hotels and resorts will be sold out this weekend for spring break, but it was one of the best Bike Weeks they’ve ever had for revenue. “The greatest part of that was bringing back all the furloughed employees and the laid off employees,’ he said. Signs encouraging social distancing are posted at all boardwalks. “We’re not really enforcing anything as far as social distancing.
Daytona Beach crash victim dies days after being rescued from pond
Read full article: Daytona Beach crash victim dies days after being rescued from pondDaytona Beach Police Department photo of the crash scene. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A 68-year-old Ormond Beach man died a few days after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a pond in Daytona Beach during Bike Week, according to police officials. The Buick struck a ground berm, causing the vehicle to go airborne before landing in the pond, according to the passenger. The 68-year-old man died of his injuries on Saturday, Daytona Beach police public information officer Messod Bendayan confirmed on Monday. AdA man was killed in a crash Saturday after running a stop sign in Daytona Beach, according to police.
Motorcyclist dies in Port Orange crash
Read full article: Motorcyclist dies in Port Orange crashPORT ORANGE, Fla. – A motorcyclist was killed early Wednesday in a crash in Port Orange, according to police. The fatal wreck was reported around 12:40 a.m. near Country Lane and Taylor Road. [TRENDING: ‘Manatee graveyard in Fla. | 6 major announcements from Disney | Fla. woman charged in US Capitol attack]Police said Coty Eldridge, of Port Orange, was the lone rider of the motorcycle and died in the crash. An investigation is being conducted by the Port Orange Police Department. AdAnyone who witnessed the wreck is asked to call Investigator Phillip Slease at 386-506-5838.
Do your thing, Florida: Abundant sunshine reigns in Orlando area
Read full article: Do your thing, Florida: Abundant sunshine reigns in Orlando areaORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is in for another warm afternoon -- with no rain -- Wednesday across Central Florida. Also, it will not be as windy as it’s been over the past few days. [TRENDING: ‘Naked Cowboy’ arrested at Bike Week | ‘I think we’re in the Black section’ of the restaurant | Holy Hail: Crazy weather hits Daytona Beach]Expect highs in Orlando close to 80 degrees for most of Central Florida. Don’t forget to set the clock ahead one hour before bed on Saturday night as we transition into daylight saving time. Orlando has a rain deficit of 2.30 inches in 2021.
Autopsy of man found in Lake Monroe leads to homicide investigation
Read full article: Autopsy of man found in Lake Monroe leads to homicide investigationSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A man found dead in Lake Monroe on Jan. 17 is now being investigated as a homicide case, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said Bernard Morton was reported as missing on Dec. 10, 2020. Morton was found in Lake Monroe five weeks later, according to the sheriff’s office. More evidence was found when an autopsy was performed on Morton, according to deputies. The case is an active homicide investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
‘Isolation kills, too:’ Families of those in long-term care facilities fight for less restrictions
Read full article: ‘Isolation kills, too:’ Families of those in long-term care facilities fight for less restrictionsORLANDO, Fla. – A traveling memorial of about 300 signs that read “Isolation kills, too” made a stop in Orlando, many of the signs with names and pictures of loved ones who have died in long-term care facilities in the past year. The signs are traveling across Florida this week ahead of the one-year mark since Florida’s more than 4,000 long term care facilities shut down. He said his wife died on Jan. 26th of Alzheimer’s, which he believes was exacerbated due to the isolation. “She passed away Aug. 4.”That was before limited visitation had opened up in long-term care facilities, meaning Velaquez only saw her mom twice before she died. The state continually monitors and analyzes the situation in long-term care facilities across the state.
Orlando police called to hospital after woman shows up with gunshot wound
Read full article: Orlando police called to hospital after woman shows up with gunshot woundORLANDO, Fla. – A woman was shot Monday night in Orlando, according to police. According to Orlando police, officers were called to AdventHealth after the victim was taken to the hospital. [TRENDING: Video: Arrest of Naked Cowboy at Bike Week | 36,000 Fla. Republicans leave GOP | Man rescued 135 miles off Fla. coast]Police said the shooting might have occurred in the 2900 block of Silver Star Road. The suspected shooter has not been arrested, but police said “we believe this to be an isolated incident.”AdAn investigation is ongoing.
Shiny, happy: Central Florida forecast calls for warmup into 80s by end of week
Read full article: Shiny, happy: Central Florida forecast calls for warmup into 80s by end of weekORLANDO, Fla. – After a breezy start across Central Florida, winds will gust near 20 mph Tuesday afternoon. Expect high temperatures in the mid-70s after starting out in the 40s and 50s across most of Central Florida. AdExpect high temperatures near 80 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with highs in the mid-80s this weekend. There are no big rain chances in the forecast through the start of next week. We saw no rain in Orlando on Monday, putting our deficit at 2.19 inches since January 1.
‘I didn’t do nothing wrong:’ Video shows Naked Cowboy’s guitar being broken during Bike Week arrest
Read full article: ‘I didn’t do nothing wrong:’ Video shows Naked Cowboy’s guitar being broken during Bike Week arrestDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two hours of newly released body camera footage shows the chaos and commotion that surrounded the Naked Cowboy’s arrest in Daytona Beach during Bike Week. “As we walked by earlier we said, ‘Stop panhandling,’ we told you to stop panhandling,” an officer said. I don’t (expletive) around. Burck told the officer he wasn’t resisting. Oh my God, you broke my (expletive) guitar now,” Burck said.
2 shot in Orlando as part of ‘ongoing dispute,’ police say
Read full article: 2 shot in Orlando as part of ‘ongoing dispute,’ police sayORLANDO, Fla. – Two people were shot Monday afternoon as part of what authorities are calling an ongoing dispute, according to the Orlando Police Department. The shooting happened on the 4600 block of Donovan Street shortly after noon. AdTwo adult shooting victims were taken to a hospital in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing. Check back for more updates on this developing story.
Man, 62, shot and killed in Leesburg
Read full article: Man, 62, shot and killed in LeesburgLEESBURG, Fla. – A 62-year-old man is dead after a shooting Sunday night in Leesburg, according to authorities. AdHe was flown to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he later died, records show. Officers did not provide any additional information about what led to the shooting or any possible suspects. Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Leesburg Police at 352-728-9862 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
New York City’s ‘Naked Cowboy’ arrested during Bike Week in Daytona Beach
Read full article: New York City’s ‘Naked Cowboy’ arrested during Bike Week in Daytona BeachDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The man best known for his role as New York’s “Naked Cowboy” was arrested over the weekend in Daytona Beach, where the annual Bike Week festival is currently underway. Officers said his actions violated a Daytona Beach city ordinance on panhandling. Video on the official “The Naked Cowboy” Facebook page shows what appears to be Burck playing a guitar wearing nothing but white underwear and a pair of cowboy boots. The user uploaded the video below with the following description:“New York’s naked cowboy gets handcuffed and possibly arrested in Daytona Beach Florida after partner attempts to take cellphone out of boot.”Burck is a regular at Bike Week, where hundreds of thousands of bikers are expected through March 14. AdJail records show Burck was arrested on a charge of aggressive panhandling, but Daytona Beach police said that is not correct.
Can motorcyclists ride side-by-side in a single travel lane?
Read full article: Can motorcyclists ride side-by-side in a single travel lane?When you don’t ride a motorcycle, there are a lot of questions that you might have. This week, a viewer asked, “Can motorcyclist ride side-by-side in a single travel lane?”[TRENDING: ‘Naked Cowboy’ arrested at Bike Week | ‘I think we’re in the Black section’ of the restaurant | Holy Hail: Crazy weather hits Daytona Beach]Seeing motorcyclists ride side-by-side could be confusing to someone who’s never been on two wheels before. The state of Florida allows two motorcyclists to ride next to each other in a single traveling. A motorcyclist should never ride down the center of a travel lane because, ultimately, that’s where cars leak fluids. The law does allow for those two motorcycles to ride side-by-side.
Florida gas prices surge to highest mark since May 2019
Read full article: Florida gas prices surge to highest mark since May 2019ORLANDO, Fla. – The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida jumped 11 cents last week. According to new numbers released by AAA, the average for a gallon of regular gas in the state is $2.72, the most expensive daily average in Florida since May 2019. We can’t put $5 worth of gas and get a half a tank of gas. According to AAA, the national average for regular gas is $2.77 per gallon. “Gas prices have been low for so long.
Bike Week in Daytona Beach goes on despite pandemic
Read full article: Bike Week in Daytona Beach goes on despite pandemicDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Daytona Beach’s annual Bike Week has brought tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the city and its neighbors this weekend — and few of them are wearing masks. The city made a bargain with its bars — 60% capacity indoors in return for the permits necessary for temporary outdoor sales and entertainment. “I’m grateful to be open for Bike Week, grateful that the city allowed the vendors and the full Bike Week thing,” said Bobby Honeycutt, owner of Froggy’s Saloon, told The Daytona Beach News-Journal as the 10-day event began Friday. AdThe Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, estimates 300,000 to 400,000 motorcyclists will attend. Sam Acquaro is attending his 46th straight Bike Week, even though he believes his son caught the virus at last year's, which happened just as the pandemic began spreading around the country and world.
‘I’m not shocked:’ Woman says her son was shot to death in Orlando day after his 21st birthday
Read full article: ‘I’m not shocked:’ Woman says her son was shot to death in Orlando day after his 21st birthdayORLANDO, Fla. – A man who turned 21 years old on Sunday was shot and killed in Orlando early Monday, likely while celebrating his milestone birthday, according to his family. DEADLY SHOOTING: Dozens of people are gathered at the corner of Westmoreland and Bentley Street, where Orlando Police say they found a victim dead. Cobaris is on the Orange County Citizens Safety Task Force working to prevent crimes throughout Orange County. He said the task force plans to present its recommendations Wednesday to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on ways to better prevent crime. The family said it plans to hold a vigil for Cox on Monday night at the corner of Bentley Street and Westmoreland Drive.
Chilly start to week, but pleasant warmup on the way
Read full article: Chilly start to week, but pleasant warmup on the wayORLANDO, Fla. – After starting Monday in the 30s and 40s across most of Central Florida, you can expect a breezy day with highs in the low 70s. Sunshine will abound most of the week, with very limited rain chances and a high near 71 in Orlando. The average high in Orlando on this date is 77. Expect highs in he mid-70s on Tuesday and upper 70s Wednesday, under mostly sunny skies. Don’t forget to set your clock ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.
Bikers get first look at Bike Week COVID-19 regulations
Read full article: Bikers get first look at Bike Week COVID-19 regulationsDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With the 80th annual Bike Week beginning in Daytona Beach on Friday, bikers got their first look at COVID-19 regulations put in place by city leaders. When we’re outside, we don’t.”Other Bike Week attendees, like Carol Johnson from Orlando, have voiced concerns about everyone following the rules. The regulations will remain in place through the end of Bike Week on March 14. The Bike Week “shenanigans” have officially commenced! pic.twitter.com/KGBuPDQfw9 — Chief Jakari Young (@ChiefJakari) March 5, 2021“The Bike Week “shenanigans” have officially commenced!
Bikers rumble into town for 80th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week
Read full article: Bikers rumble into town for 80th annual Daytona Beach Bike WeekDAYTONA BEACH, Fla – Hundreds of thousands of bikers are expected to turn out for the start of Bike Week on Friday. Daytona Beach city leaders have put COVID-19 regulations in place but said it’s up to business owners to enforce them. He said they need the money from this week to keep their doors open, especially after Biketoberfest was canceled. “I think this one is going to hit it and I’m glad the city is letting us do it,” Myara said. We’re doing all the precautions we got all the sanitation stations ready.”The regulations and lane closures for cars are in place all through Bike Week which ends March 14.
Will it rain this weekend in Central Florida?
Read full article: Will it rain this weekend in Central Florida?ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Central Floridians saw a great couple of March weather days this week. Wednesday had a high of 75 degrees, Thursday afternoon Central Florida hit 74 degrees. Central Florida will end the day with high of 78 degrees and lots of sunshine. During the day Saturday, Central Floridians will watch the showers overrun Central Florida. The early arrival of the rain will make for a daytime high of only 64 degrees on Saturday afternoon.
Coronavirus restrictions and other things to expect during Daytona Beach’s Bike Week 2021
Read full article: Coronavirus restrictions and other things to expect during Daytona Beach’s Bike Week 2021DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced an early end to the annual motorcycle event but now, Bike Week is returning to Daytona Beach for its full run. A mask mandate is also in effect in Daytona Beach, but only applies to indoor businesses, meaning attendees can go mask free while partying outdoors, where many of the happenings take place. Only motorcycles will be allowed on Main Street. AdThe Daytona Beach Police Department said it expects hundreds of thousands of visitors, most of whom will be congregating in the areas of Main Street, Beach Street, Daytona International Speedway and Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. Drivers should also keep their eyes peeled for changes in traffic patterns -- including restricted traffic on Main Street Bridge -- should they become necessary.
Bike Week will happen in Daytona Beach this year, but with these changes
Read full article: Bike Week will happen in Daytona Beach this year, but with these changesDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bike Week is known as a Volusia county tradition with tens of thousands of bikers rolling into town every year. For years, owner George St. Pierre at Jungle George’s on Main Street had to prepare for the annual influx in people. Bike week would normally allow for popular streets to shut down to make room for the crowds. Last year, the final days of Bike Week were called off after COVID-19 started to rapidly spread across the country. Biketoberfest 2020 permits were denied in Daytona Beach but not elsewhere.
Will Daytona Beach commissioners give green light for Biketoberfest?
Read full article: Will Daytona Beach commissioners give green light for Biketoberfest?VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Darrin Dawson said he can always depend on busy streets, crowds, and profit at least twice a year which is Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Daytona Beach City Commissioners will discuss on Wednesday night if it should allow special use permits, which shuts down streets and widens the use of sidewalks. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said hes not comfortable giving the green light on permits that could encourage crowds during a pandemic. The most important thing is that we protect our citizens and the health and welfare of our residents as well as our country. Mayor Henry said commissioners can revisit the topic if theres a decline in COVID-19 cases.
Celebrations continue at Bike Week despite ending of outdoor events.
Read full article: Celebrations continue at Bike Week despite ending of outdoor events.Celebrations continue at Bike Week despite ending of outdoor events. Published: March 14, 2020, 6:32 pmFears over the spread of coronavirus bring an early end to some activities at Bike Week in Daytona Beach.
Bike Week goers still attending despite city canceling event
Read full article: Bike Week goers still attending despite city canceling eventDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Fears over the spread of the coronavirus are bringing an early end to outdoor activities at this year’s Bike Week in Daytona Beach after city leaders declared a state of emergency. Motorcycles are rolling down Main Street in Daytona Beach as Bike Week is still in full swing. On Friday city leaders issued a state of emergency, pulled all outdoor permits, and called off Bike Week. Sim came down from New York for Bike Week with his friends. Master Barber Michael Napier said even if the city cancels the rest of Bike Week, people can still have a good time indoors.
Daytona Beach mayor issues emergency order pulling all permits for Bike Week, St. Patrick’s Block Party
Read full article: Daytona Beach mayor issues emergency order pulling all permits for Bike Week, St. Patrick’s Block PartyDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Coronavirus-related cancellations continue into the weekend, as Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry declared a state of emergency for the city and called off Bike Week. Henry’s order allows the city more flexibility to access resources and to assist in the event of an emergency, according to a news release. Under the emergency declaration, the city utility services will not be discontinued or disconnected due to nonpayment, according to the mayor’s office. The man was diagnosed before he arrived in Daytona Beach. On Friday, events across Central Florida were either canceled or postponed for the remainder of the month as the governor advocates for social distancing and avoiding mass gatherings.