TAMPA, Fla. — The first cases of the omicron COVID variant have been detected in Florida. The first case in Tampa Bay was found at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, staff confirm.

A representative with the hospital says the patient is only experiencing mild symptoms, but did recently return from travel abroad.

Meanwhile, our partner, the Tampa Bay Times, reports that another case of omicron has been found in St. Lucie County. Contract tracing is underway.