Erika's News and Media Blog

Erika Stallings Bio Blog My name is Erika Stallings and I am a Senior at the University of Florida.     I am studying Telecommunications and have a passion for news and media. I have always had a fascination for how a news station puts together its shows and the drive some reporters have when covering stories. My dream is to one day work for a national news network, or be a entertainment reporter.    Since being accepted to UF I have learned a lot about writing, filming and editing for television news. My love for news and media has only gotten deeper now that I am diving into fascinating stories in my local community.  I have covered many different stories in Gainesville in very different places. Some of my favorite pieces I have worked on were when I interviewed a former governor , played with some puppies , visited a museum , worked on a house, and went to a fire station .    

Erika Stallings Linked above and shown below is my resume.            I have listed my employments, accomplishments and skills in it. Feel free to check it out! 

Throughout this past week many announcements have been made regarding the Coronavirus .  In the past week alone, over 1 50 universities have closed their doors for several weeks. The University of Florida is one among those United States university. UF will be closing its doors on Monday, and students will be expected to maintain their work online. The campus will re-open for classes on March 30, pending the virus pandemic. President Trump also mandated that the borders be closed by March 13, at midnight; only giving U.S. citizens 48-hours to return home. This was worrisome for some UF students studying abroad because they are now trapped in areas where the virus may be more rampant. Many sporting events have also been suspended such as the SEC basketball tournament, March Madness, and all NCAA collegiate sports tournaments for the semester. The SEC has suspended spring sports until March 30. Disney World and Disneyland have also announced its shut downs, which will be the f

 In the past few days the Coronavirus has turned from an epidemic to a pandemic.  With one confirmed case in Alachua County, first responders are learning how to become prepared for coming face to face with the virus. Alachua County Fire Rescue has different protocols it has to follow in order to help sick patients. Jonathan Crawford, Alachua County Fire Rescue Paramedic, said he feels adequately prepared for COVID-19 . He says when working with these patients they immediately put on latex gloves to prevent the spread of germs. They will also put on masks as another barrier; if the patient is willing and able, they will put a mask on them as well. Crawford also mentioned the exhaust fan that the paramedics turn on in the ambulance. This pushes air from the front of the truck through the back. This ensures that the same oxygen is never recycled. They have continued to encourage that washing hands, avoiding crowded areas, not touching your face, not shaking hands, and maintaining