Gov. Rick Scott visits Wynwood, elected officials talk Zika funding

Wynwood businesses offer special deals Friday to celebrate being Zika-free

MIAMI ā€“ New concerns are arising about how federal Zika funds will be distributed after the government approved $1.1 billion to fight the Zika virus.

"There will be arguments about who deserves the money," U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said. "Does it go to the state? The city? The county? And I'm saying we should cut through that as quickly as possible."

The $1.1 billion allocated in an emergency government spending bill this week includes $394 million for mosquito control, $397 million for vaccine development, $75 million for public healthcare reimbursements, $175 million to fight Zika globally and $1 million for oversight of the spending.

The allocation stipulates that no funding will be provided for Zika-related abortions.

"We also need to make sure that this does not become another stimulus package, where money goes to things that have nothing to do with Zika," U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-Fla.) said.

Gov. Rick Scott visited Miami's Wynwood neighborhood Friday, more than a month after it had been declared free of Zika-carrying mosquitoes.

Business owners told Local 10 News that customers are finally coming back to the area as well after they suffered some loss in business.

"It's the cost of doing business," business owner Zak Stern said. "Sometimes you get, unfortunately, hit, and I'm just grateful it was only 46 days long."

Scott is highlighting "Dine Out Wynwood" after lunching with Latin Builders.

Wynwood restaurants, bars, breweries and retailers are coming together to offer special deals on Friday.Ā 

More than 20 local business are participating, including:Ā 

  • Bar Alter
  • Beaker & Gray
  • Bonobos
  • Cafeina Wynwood Lounge
  • Concrete Beach Brewery
  • COYO Taco
  • Frangipani
  • GKBĀ Wynwood
  • Gramps Bar
  • InivaĀ Boutique
  • Italia Independent
  • Joey's Italian Cafe
  • KUSH
  • The Lunchbox Cafe
  • L'appartement Store
  • Made in Italy GourmetĀ 
  • RHouse Wynwood
  • SHOTS Miami
  • Suviche
  • Wynwood Brewing Company
  • Wynwood Diner
  • Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
  • Wynwood Letterpress
  • Wynwood Yard

One of five local cases reported Friday by the Florida Department of Health was contracted in one of Miami Beach's Zika zones.


About the Author:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."