Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - Schools Are Out for April-
Village Operations -
April 1, 2020
Village of Palmetto Bay, FL - April 1, 2020

As we head into a new month, we want to take the opportunity to thank our residents for taking the social distancing and stay at home orders seriously. New information coming from the CDC suggests that positive cases will continue to increase over the next few weeks. With this in mind, we urge you to continue to reach out to friends and family through social media channels and to avoid going out to the extent that you can.

We are hopeful that as we slow the spread over the next 30 days, the month of May will bring more normalcy to our lives. Today, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 mandating Safer at Home protocols similar to those issued by Mayor Gimenez last week. The Governor's Executive Order is in effect for the entire state of Florida until April 30th. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has also formally announced that school closures will be extended through the month of April. Please read the press release here .

In addition, County Mayor Gimenez issued Executive Order 16-20 yesterday afternoon, closing down adult care facilities throughout the county. This order does not apply to assisted living facilities. In addition, the county Mayor is encouraging seniors to register for senior meal services by calling 3-1-1. Please contact the information center if you know of a senior in need of cooked meals delivered at home. Watch this short video for other details.

In Palmetto Bay, building and permitted services are suspended, except for emergency permits, which will be processed electronically until further notice. Please see our website for details. Yesterday, we announced the cancellation of all task force and committee meetings through April 30, 2020. The Regular Council Meeting of April 6, 2020 and the Zoning Hearing scheduled for April 7, 2020 will both be conducted virtually , and will be streamed live online , on WBAY, and on Facebook .

We are asking members of the public to submit their public comments for each one of the meetings using this Public Comments Online Form. The form is to be submitted before 6 pm on the date of the meetings. Any public comments forms received after 6 pm on the meeting date, will be read at the end of the meeting agenda. Please note that the Zoning Hearing will open, and once the item is called, it will be continued to a time and date certain, which will be announced at the meeting.

Please remember that Village Hall is closed to the public. Only certain essential staff is reporting to work as needed. We are asking our employees the same that we ask of our residents to STAY HOME and to be safe. Please visit our website for details.
VILLAGE OPERATING SCHEDULE

  • Village Hall is closed to the public. Emergency permits are to be submitted via email. Please visit our website for details.
  • Village phones will continue to be answered Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Please call 305-259-1234 if you have any questions.
  • All Village Parks are presently closed. The Deering Estate and Bill Sadowski parks are also closed.
  • Freebee on-demand service is operating Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm; just download the "Ride Freebee" app.

UPDATES ON PUBLIC MEETINGS AND VILLAGE SERVICES 

Public Meetings
  • Council Meeting of April 6, 2020 will be conducted virtually. Meeting will be streamed live online, on WBAY and on Facebook. Public comments are to be submitted by 6 pm on April 6 using this Public Comments Form. If the form is received after 6 pm on April 6, public comments will be read at the end of the meeting agenda.
  • Zoning Hearing of April 7, 2020 will be conducted virtually. Meeting will be streamed live online, on WBAY and on Facebook. Public comments are to be submitted by 6 pm on April 6 using this Public Comments Form. If the form is received after 6 pm on April 6, public comments will be read at the end of the meeting agenda. Please note that this meeting will open, and once the item is called, it will be continued to a time and date certain, which will be announced at the meeting.
  • All task force and committee meetings are canceled through April 30, 2020.
 
Building & Permitting Department
  • Please read these instructions for information on how to submit emergency permits electronically, online payment options and the issuance of the permit.
  • Request inspections via telephone by calling 305-259-1253 (leave a voice mail message please) or via email
  • Walk-through permits are suspended until further notice
  • Expired Miami-Dade permits that are part of a real estate sale and required for closing may be closed by emailing the permit and contact information to Gladys Bilbraut and to Wes Maltby. Please make sure to allow extra time for processing.
  • Garage sale permits will not be issued until April 30th.
  • Occupational license permits will not be issued until April 30th.
  • Special Event permits will not be processed/issued until April 30th. 

Code Compliance Division
  • Code Compliance complaints are to be reported via telephone by calling 305-259-1272 or via email
  • Complaints will be prioritized based on safety-to-life concerns. The Village will continue to respond to complaints requiring immediate attention.

Human Resources Division
  • Employment applications are to be mailed to: Village Hall, ATTN: Human Resources, 9705 East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157. Applications are not to be delivered in person.
  • No interviews will be scheduled until after April 30th.
  • No employment screenings will be scheduled until after April 30th.
  • No on-boarding meetings will be scheduled until after April 30th.
 
Planning and Zoning Division
  • New Planning & Zoning applications will not be accepted until after April 30th.
 
Parks and Recreation Department
  • All community events are canceled through April 30th.
  • All Village parks are closed until further notice. Accordingly, restroom facilities and parking lots will be locked.
  • Miami-Dade County parks and beaches are also closed to the public. Consequently, the Deering Estate and Bill Sadowski parks are closed.
  • The Coral Reef Park Farmer's Market is closed.
  • All marinas and boat launches, docking, fueling, marine supplies, and all marina services within county limits are closed.

Police
  • Criminal registering services will be available at the following locations:
  • South District: 10800 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
  • Town of Cutler Bay Station: 10720 Caribbean Blvd., Suite 200, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
  • Fingerprinting services are canceled until further notice
  • Background check services are canceled until further notice
  • Police reports are to be requested by phone by calling 305-278-4000 or online. 
 
Public Services Department
  • FreeBee van services to and from the South Dadeland Metrorail Station from the Park and Ride facility at Palmetto Bay Park is suspended until further notice.
  • I-Bus services to and from the South Dadeland Metrorail Station from the Park and Ride facility at St. Richard’s Church is suspended until further notice.
  • Both Park and Ride facilities are closed.
  • FreeBee on-demand services are available Monday through Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm. 
 
Village Clerk
  • Passport services are canceled through April 30th.
  • Golf cart registration services are canceled through April 30th.
  • Public Request services are canceled through April 30th.
Your Palmetto Bay team is continuing to monitor briefings and mandates from Miami-Dade County, the Florida Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control.

What to do to prevent the spread?
  • Practice social distancing
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes
  • Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks and other frequently touched surfaces daily. To disinfect, use a diluted household bleach solution or alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol.

Why social distancing?
  • Covid-19 mainly spreads through coughing and sneezing
  • Distancing slows the spread of Covid-19
  • Distancing protects those that are most vulnerable to the virus

What to do if you are sick?
  • Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
  • Limit contact with pets and animals
  • Wear a facemask
Florida Department of Revenue Extends Property Tax Payment Deadline to April 15th

The Florida Department of Revenue has issued an order of Emergency Waiver, which is applicable to all Florida counties, extending the deadline to pay for property taxes from March 31st to April 15th. R ecognizing the financial strain that these times may put on some families, the Miami-Dade County's Property Appraiser made its announcement last week. See more details .
County Mayor Issues Countywide Executive Orders

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has issued countywide Executive Orders, which are applicable to all municipalities;

  1. Executive Order 05-20: suspends the operation of motorized mopeds or scooters and bicycles on any public street or sidewalk within the county limits; does NOT apply to individually owned or used devices.
  2. Executive Order 06-20: directs the closing of all beaches and parks;
  3. Amended Executive Order 06-20: closes down marinas and boat launch facilities
  4. Executive Order 08-20: prohibits boat rafting
  5. Executive Order 09-20: shuts down lodging facilities and regulates Airbnb's.
  6. Executive Order 12-20: establishes all previously-issued orders in their totality as the SAFER AT HOME protocols
  7. Executive Order 13-20: requires that employees and patrons of those businesses deemed to be essential by Executive Order 07-20, practice social distancing rules.
  8. Executive Order 14-20: suspends building permitting and inspection services for all areas under the jurisdiction of the Miami-Dade County Building Official, except as otherwise indicated on the order.
  9. Executive Order 15-20: orders the closure of common-use amenities at commercial and non-commercial locations.
  10. Executive Order 16-20: closes adult care facilities throughout the county. This order does not apply to assisted living facilities.
  11. Executive Order 07-20: mandates the closure of certain business establishments, with certain specific services that may remain open. Below is a shortened list of the services that may remain open at this time. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Please read Executive Order 07-20 for a complete list of the businesses that may remain open.

  • Some essential services that may remain open include:
  • Healthcare providers- hospitals, doctors' and dentists' offices, urgent care centers, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, physical therapists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, therapists, and pharmacies.
  • Grocery Stores- includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operations of residences.
  • Food cultivation, including farming, livestock and fishing.
  • Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
  • Gas stations and auto-supply, auto repair, and related facilities
  • Banks and related financial institutions
  • Hardware stores
  • Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes
  • Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry services providers
  • Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but subject to the limitations and requirements of Emergency Order 3-20.
  • Businesses that supply office products needed for people to work from home
  • Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, or services directly to residences
  • Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services via automobile, truck, bus, or train
  • Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children
  • Assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and adult day care centers, and senior residential facilities
  • Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care services
  • Childcare facilities
  • Pet supply stores
  • Waste management services
Palmetto Bay Extends Emergency Declaration for the Third Time

On Friday, March 13, Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham and Interim Village Manager Greg Truitt declared a State of Emergency for the Village of Palmetto Bay . The declaration, which is valid for 7 days, was extended for the first time on Friday, March 20th and was extended again on March 26. A new extension will be signed today. The order ensures all necessary resources will be available if needed to respond to COVID-19 emergencies, including the purchase of necessary supplies.
State issues Executive Order for residents of the New York Tri-State Area, Orders 30-Day Shut-Down of All Bars, Nightclubs; Governor asks all State Universities to Finish Spring Semester Online - University of Florida Agrees

Yesterday, the state Governor also issued Executive Order 20-89 , ordering Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County to "restrict public access to businesses and facilities deemed non-essential." This last executive order is consistent with the order previously issued by County Mayor Gimenez closing down non-essential businesses and urging folks to stay home. The Governor's order is effective through April 15th. HOWEVER today, Governor DeSantis issued a new Executive Order 20-91 mandating Safer at Home protocols, similar to those issued by Mayor Gimenez last week. The Governor's Executive Order is in effect for the entire state of Florida until April 30th.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Are Online Until April 30; Mobile Devices Are Still Available and Grab and Go Meals Are Being Served

Following Spring Break week, Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued a press release advising parents that K-12 schools and career/ technical centers would remain closed until April 15, 2020. However, the new opening date has now been pushed until May 1st . Schools using the online platform. Mobile devices are still being distributed at these locations, Monday through Friday, from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Although school facilities are closed, the district is continuing to provide meals, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 4 pm to 7 pm. Please note that not all schools are distribution sites. For a list of sites, click here .

If you have any questions regarding online learning, please call the Distance Learning Help Desk at 305-995-HELP for inquiries or additional information. For additional information concerning Miami-Dade County Public Schools, please visit their website, or call one of the support lines listed below:

M-DCPS Support Lines (Hours of Operation: M-F from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.):

District Emergency Operations hotline: 305-995-3000
  • To answer questions from students, parents and other community members about school district-related coronavirus response efforts.

Instructional Learning Plan hotline: 305-995-HELP (4357)
  • To support students, parents and teachers in engaging in distance learning.

Mental Health Services Parent Assistance Line: 305-995-7100
  • To assist students and their families with mental health support.

M-DCPS Employee Assistance Program: 305-995-7111
  • To assist with wellness support for employees.

Adult and Career/Technical Education: 305-558-8000
  • To provide information on adult and career/technical distance learning options.
Monroe County Closed to Visitors

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is implementing southbound checkpoints at MM 112.5 on US 1, and on Card Sound Road (905), to reinforce Monroe County’s closure to visitors and non-residents. Only residents, property owners, and those actively involved in work in the Florida Keys will be admitted, including fuel tankers, delivery, and grocery trucks. Documentation showing proof of residency or proof of employment would be required.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have the Virus

Individuals in Miami-Dade County who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider by phone and tell them your symptoms. They should give you further instructions. Otherwise, call the Florida Health Department at 305-324-2400 for assistance.  For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health Hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
Helpful Resources

Please monitor the latest updates concerning the virus at the national, state and local levels by visiting the websites listed below:


You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Village of Palmetto Bay. Please add  villagenews@palmettobay-fl.gov to your address book to be sure that we land in your inbox.

Public Records Disclosure: Florida has very broad public records  laws . Most written communications to or from local officials regarding official business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail may therefore be subject to public disclosure, if requested.