Covid-19 impacts a local newspaper, Cross-Bay Ferry and other info you need to know

The Gulfport Gabber, which says it is Pinellas County’s oldest independent newspaper, is suspending printing and operations. The newspaper is solely dependent on advertisers, and many businesses now are in “crisis mode,” said publisher Ken Reichart. “The reality of a suddenly dwindling revenue stream means that we can no longer continue to print the paper, or to support our colleagues in bringing you news,” he said in a Facebook post.

The Cross-Bay Ferry isn’t crossing Tampa Bay for now.

NOTICE: Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the latest public health orders issued the Cross Bay Ferry will be suspending service until further notice. We plan to restore ferry operations once health concerns pass and local health orders are lifted. We appreciate your understanding pic.twitter.com/ksyw5OBRX9

— Cross-Bay Ferry (@CrossBayFerryTB) March 25, 2020

BayCare Health System has closed one of its Covid-19 drive-thru testing sites in Tampa and is among a number of healthcare providers supporting a community drive-thru testing site that opened this morning at Raymond James Stadium. Designed to help expedite testing for coronavirus in symptomatic patients that have pre-registered through Hillsborough County’s call center, the Raymond James site will be open Wednesday  through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

BayCare restored regular service  to its nearby Urgent Care center on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Tampa. Three other BayCare drive-thru testing sites — including at BayCare Urgent Care in Carillon — remain open.

Visit Florida has developed a dashboard showing the devastating impact of coronavirus on hotels, vacation rentals and airline bookings. Check it out here.

Pinellas County is collecting personal protective equipment and disinfectants for hospitals, first responders, emergency medical services, nursing homes and home healthcare workers. Click here for a list of the items needed and drop-off sites.