Florida Department of Health

Death figures typically lag a few weeks behind cases, so it’s possible the numbers will start to decline later this month if downward trends for new positive tests continue.

It's likely the state will reach that grim milestone on Friday.

The state said it will contact individuals who visit its vaccination sites about scheduling a second appointment, but they may have to wait.

Sudden demand flooded a county website and its phone lines. So CD Davidson-Hiers found herself in the middle of the chaos, fielding calls from residents eager to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Department of Health's request came after news reports of about 1,160 doses spoiled because a refrigerator was unintentionally turned off in Palm Beach County.

It will allow individuals to pre-register though a state-run system. They will be alerted when vaccines are available in their counties.

During a statewide phone call, Department of Health Secretary Scott Rivkees told hospitals they cannot use “second dose” vaccine supplies to give initial vaccinations to more people.

In a tweet Thursday, Broward County health officials unwittingly announced the “new state appointment system” ahead of state health officials. For now, the pilot is only available in Miami-Dade County, where it first launched last week, and in some of the state's largest counties — Broward, Duval, Hillsborough and Lee.

Some counties are working to vaccinate teachers over 65, but a Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association leader says it should be expanded, as all teachers are at risk.

Saying she wants to protect her family "from continued police violence," former state data analyst Rebekah Jones said she will turn herself into police Sunday night.

Florida is experiencing a resurgence of coronavirus cases following the holidays. The state is continuing to rely on its vaccination, testing and public education strategies to curb the spread of the virus, even as health experts predict another spike in deaths in the coming weeks.

Hernando County recorded a record number of cases: 138. Hillsborough County saw its fourth consecutive day of more than 1,100 new cases.