Coronavirus caution. Florida’s top health officials won’t say how many people have been tested for novel coronavirus in Florida, even as the deadly virus continues to spread. But those same officials said they’ll tell the public if and when a case is confirmed here. You may recall a more transparent process around testing for the Zika virus a few years back. Asked about the difference, Florida’s surgeon general said getting the word out was more crucial then “because mosquitoes can fly” and coronavirus only spreads from person to person. (Miami Herald)

Focus on Fried. Plenty of Democratic lawmakers have made their endorsements known in recent weeks, but lots of eyes are now focused on the state’s agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried. She’s the only Democrat elected to a statewide position in Florida, and pundits and party leaders alike are wondering who she’ll endorse for president. Fried will also be at tonight’s democratic debate in Vegas. 👀 (Politico Florida)

Speaking of state officials. Earlier this week, Florida House leaders sent out 13 subpoenas to current and former members of the state’s domestic violence coalition. Why? Documents and several stories from the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times revealed that the organization paid its former CEO more than $7.5 million in just three years. Meanwhile, some state domestic violence shelters lacked the supplies and necessary resources to provide for victims. (Miami Herald)

From Harlem to the Harlem of the South. Mega chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson is bringing his popular Red Rooster Harlem restaurant from New York to Miami’s Overtown neighborhood. And while there’s plenty of buzz around the restaurant, some longtime mom-and-pop restaurants and business owners wonder if the hype is real and if they’ll see any benefit from the new attention. (Miami New Times)

Rights around the riverbend? Some Florida environmental activists are joining the push to grant legal rights to bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and streams. The idea is that if those bodies are threatened, they can then be party to a lawsuit for folks looking to protect them — strengthening both legal standing and the legal arguments in their favor. State lawmakers seem poised to stop the effort, though, as they discuss a bill that would preempt local governments from pursuing the idea. (Tampa Bay Times)

“If you can paddle along the ‘ol swimming hole and back, you can learn. All it takes is practice. Patience and practice.” – Wendell Niles

Synchronized swimming is a low-impact workout that develops core strength, endurance, and flexibility by combining swimming, dance, gymnastics, and a whole lot of fun.

And now you can try it, too.

Sign up for a fitness class with Aqualillies and professional synchronized swimmers will teach you and your “troupe” the basic skills you’ll need to perform a choreographed synchronized swimming routine.

Wanna see what that might look like? Check out this video featuring some of our bravest readers and a few New Tropic employees showing off their “skills.”

FUN FACT: Aqualillies has teams across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, and performed in the Coen Brothers’ film “Hail, Caesar!”

QUOTABLE: “You build these different skills together, and you really bond through the suffering, through all the training. But it’s really worth it in the end when you’re able to see that you look just like a beautiful team together.”

Made possible by Baptist Health South Florida

We’re officially a week away from our Adventures at Awash event! Next Wednesday we’ll head to the Miami Gardens restaurant to get a taste of some Ethiopian cuisine, participate in a coffee ceremony and learn more about the restaurant’s story.

Grab your ticket here to get your seat at the table.

Have a happy Hump Day, y’all!

— The New Tropic