Governor Ron DeSantis welcoming sports to Florida amid coronavirus pandemic

Earlier this month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared World Wrestling Entertainment an essential business so the promotion could continue producing weekly television shows and special events within the state. 

It should come as no surprise that was only the beginning. 

As noted by Mike Rosenstein of NJ Advance and TMZ Sports, DeSantis told reporters on Thursday that he plans to embrace a variety of sports competitions despite lingering concerns about the virus outbreak. 

Per NJ.com, DeSantis said: 

"We got UFC to come to Jacksonville. Again, there’s not going to be any fans, but I think that’s going to be a good event for people. I worked with Phil Mickelson on making sure they have what they need for that Tiger Woods match."

DeSantis also mentioned the possibility of fans attending live events, such as Major League Baseball games, during the summer. 

UFC 249 will occur at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville on May 9 without fans in attendance. A televised golf match featuring Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady scheduled for later in the month will likely occur in Flordia, but nothing has been made official as of April 30. No fans will be on the course for that event. 

On Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the NBA could finish its 2019-20 season that was suspended on March 11 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. It's likely fans would not be permitted to attend games.