Palm Beach County Commission
District 4
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From the desk of
Vice Mayor Robert S. Weinroth
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Message from
Vice Mayor Weinroth
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The Board of County Commissioners agreed to lift certain restrictions on recreational activities effective Monday, May 18, 2020. For more details, see
emergency order
. A summary of changes are as follows:
Boating and Marine Activities
- Services Provided – allowing retail in accordance with EO 20-112.
- Restaurants – allowing on-premises restaurant dining in accordance with EO 20-112.
Golf Requirements
- Allowing golf practice facilities to fully open, with 10ft spacing.
- Allowing for golf instruction and club fitting on individual basis.
- Allowing players to arrive 45 minutes prior to tee time instead of 20.
- Allowing restaurants within clubhouses to open in accordance with EO 20-112;
- Allowing all golf course restaurants to open in accordance with EO 20-112.
- Allowing Pro Shop retail access in accordance with EO 20-112.
- Minimum tee times set to 9 minute intervals from previous 12 minutes.
- Allow Food and Beverage carts with health and safety restrictions.
- Players may use a touchless ball removal device to retrieve ball from cup.
Golfer Responsibilities
- Allow players to arrive 45 minutes prior to tee time instead of 20.
- Players may use a touchless ball removal device to retrieve ball from cup.
- Allowing Food and Beverage carts with health and safety restrictions.
Public Parks, Private Parks and Natural Areas
- Allowing private parks and beach parks to re-open.
- Allowing dog parks, supervised skate parks, and bicycle tracks as available recreation amenities provided that CDC guidelines and social distancing is observed. Supervision must be present for skate parks and bicycle tracks.
- Allowing equestrian facilities to reopen under CDC guidelines.
- Basketball courts may be open.
- Allowing doubles play for tennis, pickleball and racquetball.
- B.6. Recreation buildings and gyms may open in accordance with EO 20-112.
- Permitting food and beverage concessions in accordance with EO 20-112.
-
Tennis Courts and Community Pools
- Removes restriction on doubles play at tennis courts and outdoor racquet facilities.
- Allowing tennis instruction on individual basis.
- Adds definition for community pools.
- Revises management and monitoring requirements for community pools.
*Updated*
County Beaches
The county will reopen all public, municipal and private beaches, including beach parks, in Palm Beach County, effective Monday, May 18, with the following conditions and restrictions:
- Beaches will be open between sunrise and sunset only.
- Parties accessing the beaches shall follow CDC guidelines by limiting gatherings to no more than
- 10 persons and distancing themselves from other parties by six feet.
- Beach operations at the county-owned South Inlet Park will follow restrictions for Boca Raton municipal beaches.
Check with your local municipality for details on beaches openings/restrictions located within their jurisdictions.
*Reminder*
Hotels Opening
: The BCC also lifted the critical lodging
restrictions
on hotels in Palm Beach County based on the provisions that local hoteliers are instituting which include a wide-range of safety measures and guidelines concerning COVID-19 to keep guests safe.
Hotels will also be required to adhere to the restrictions implemented under the Governors Phase One openings (i.e., social distancing measures and 50% restaurant occupancy).
*Reminder*
T
h
e BCC also agreed to implement the Governor's expanded Phase One openings announced today as follows:
Effective Monday, May 18, restaurants, retail, museums and libraries will move to 50% capacity, gyms and professional sports venues may open with restrictions, and large outdoor venues may submit reopening plans to the state and the local governments they are located in. Movie theaters are to remain closed.
Vacation rentals are allowed to rent to other Floridians but not to outside visitors, particularly from hotspots such as New York. Vacation rentals must first submit plans to local governments for approval.
The coronavirus is not going away and we must remain vigilant in following CDC guidelines such as social distancing and frequent hand washing.
We urge senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions to stay at home and take all measures possible to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Our office remains open and staff is available to assist you. Please contact us at 561-355-2204 or 561-276-1220. Also, please email me at RWeinroth@pbcgov.org with questions or if you need any assistance.
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The County received an allocation of CARES ACT funding in the amount of $261,174,823. Below is a chart outlining the proposed allocations that will serve residents countywide.
Today, the Board discussed the allocations and provided their input. I requested allocations be adjusted to include $3 million for child care facilities and child care nutrition which the BCC approved.
Additionally, the BCC agreed that staff deploy these funds as quickly as possible while developing a criteria insuring proper distribution to those businesses and/or organizations in need.
The county administrator advised the BCC that these allocations are fluid and will be adjusted accordingly as community needs change and/or additional needs are identified. Any changes will be presented to the BCC for approval.
These funds must be expended by December 30, 2020.
"New"
We will provide the details on the application process, which is currently being prepared. County officials anticipate this information will be available early this coming week.
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Activity
General Government Assistance
Emergency Food Distribution
Individual & Family Housing Assistant
Human Services Assistance
Restart Small Business Grant
Business Grants
Countywide Testing
Non-congregate Sheltering
Re-employment Training
Broadband Enhancements
Reserves
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Description
PPEs, staffing, COVID-19 expenses, infrared tehcnologies, teleworking equipment, signage, public education messaging, other constitutional officers pandemic expenses
Food distribution exceeding normal base expenses, community food programs identified in emergency feeding plan
Emergency mortgage, rental and utility assistance
Unmet needs
Small businesses with 25 or less employees
Businesses with more than 25 employees
COVID-19 and antibodies testing, HCD medical vehicle, staffing
Isolation, quarantine
associated costs
Training programs for citizens who have lost employment due to pandemic
To enable teleworking and long distance learning capabilities
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Amount
$35,000,000
$35,000,000
$40,000,000
$10,000,000
$50,000,000
$10,000,000
$35,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$11,174,823
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Below is a
comprehensive resource guide
to local, state and federal relief programs and general information in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
Find the latest information about your specific zip code and cases of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Dashboard
.
Statewide: 43,210 cases and 1,948 deaths
Palm Beach County: 4,278 cases and 272 deaths
Palm Beach County Emergency
Information Hotline
Open 7 days a week from 8am - 6pm
561-712-6400
Municipal Call Centers
Boca Raton 561-982-4900
Delray Beach 561-243-7777
or contact your municipality
*Reminder*
Florida Department of Health Launches New COVID-19 Mobile App to Help Flatten the Curve in Florida
The Florida Department of Health announced the launch of a new mobile app,
StrongerThanC19
. The free app, available for iOS and Android devices, complements the community action survey
website
of the same name that launched on April 3. These cutting-edge tools are giving residents the power to unite in the fight to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida.
Who do I contact if I’m experiencing symptoms?
Contact your primary doctor first. If they are unable to provide you with a COVID-19 test, ask them for instruction on how to self-isolate at home.
If you don't have a doctor, contact any urgent care center, or the county primary care clinics at:
WPB Main Office: 561-840-4500
WPB: 561-314-5300
Delray Beach: 561-274-3100
Jupiter: 561-746-6751
Lantana: 561-547-6800
Greenacres: 561-357-6000
Riviera Beach: 561-803-7300
Belle Glade: 561-983-9220
Click
here
to view all local and state executive orders
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LATEST OPERATIONAL UPDATES
*New*
Healthcare Dept.
Testing Sites
Call 561-642-1000 for appointment (all locations)
West Palm Beach at the FITTEAM Ballpark
Drive-thru testing by appointment only - Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.
Call 5
61-642-1000
.
Any age, need not be symptomatic
West Palm Beach (45
th
Street)
Walk-up site at 1150 45th Street by appointment only - Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Any age, need not be symptomatic
Jupiter
Walk-up site at 411 W. Indiantown Rd. in Jupiter by appointment only - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Any age, need not be symptomatic
Delray Beach
Walk-up site at 225 South Congress Avenue by appointment only - Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Any age, need not be symptomatic.
*NEW*
Village of Wellington Testing Site
Free walk-up site at 11700 Pierson Rd in Wellington by appointment only (daily).
Age 12 and over, need not be symptomatic.
South County Civic Center-Cleveland Clinic Florida
Drive through site at 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach by a
ppointment only at 561-804-0250.
Criteria for testing:
- Fever or Non Febrile respiratory illness (such as cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, and/or sore throat
- Fever and gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea and/or vomiting)
- *Reminder* Persons without symptoms who come from racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by adverse COVID-19 outcomes (currently African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, or American Indian tribes) and a physician’s order for testing. Must be presented at drive-thru site in order for the testing to be performed.
*New*
Homebound Resident Testing
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is setting up appointments and testing homebound residents. The first phase of the plan involves testing those residents who are on the county’s Special Needs Registry. This is an ongoing process that is expected to take several days.
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Additional Palm Beach County COVID-19 Testing Providers
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An updated list of current testing sites can be found
here
on Palm Beach County’s COVID-19
website
.
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*
Updated
*
Food Assistance
Feeding South Florida
Locate their calendar of countywide reoccurring distributions
here
. These sites provide groceries in a drive-thru style. The list is updated daily - dates, times and locations may change.
The Palm Beach County Food Bank
(PBCFB) supports close to 200 partner agencies that provide food to our neighbors in need. To view the list of PBCFB's partner agencies, click
here.
Meals on Wheels
: All seniors can access Meals on Wheels by calling the elderly helpline at 866-684-5885.
United Way Food Assistance
: click
here
.
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Summer Food Service Program
The Pre-Summer Food Service Program operated by the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department in partnership with the Library System has added two new locations. In addition to distribution sites in West Palm Beach, Greenacres, Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, beginning May 12, meals will be available in Lake Worth and Boca Raton.
Meals are distributed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until all meal kits are distributed. Each eligible child receives a week’s worth of meals. Currently, the pre-summer feeding sites will be distributing food once per week, at each location through Wednesday, May 27.
Parents picking up kits without their child present must bring identification for the child. Acceptable forms include student ID, child's passport or other government-issued ID, birth certificate, adoption decree, immunization records, and school demographics. Meal kits will not be provided to parents who do not bring their child or do not provide proper identification. Proper safety measures must be practiced.
Monday Distribution:
Highridge Family Center, 4200 N. Australian Ave., West Palm Beach
Main Library, 3650 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
Greenacres Branch Library, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres
*New*
Tuesday Distribution:
Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth
West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton
Wednesday Distribution:
Belle Glade Branch Library, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade
Loula V. York Branch Library, 525 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee
Clarence E. Anthony Branch Library, 375 SW 2nd Ave., South Bay
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that school-aged children, 18 years and under, continue to receive nutritious meals beyond the school year and during the summer months (June - August) as well as times of emergency school closures.
*Reminder*
School District Feeding Sites
Twice-a-week meal distribution will continue through the month of May. For the list of School District and Community Feeding Sites visit:
PalmBeachSchools.org/FeedingSites.
The School District campuses will remain closed for 2019-2020 school year. Distance learning will continue through the last day of the school year in Palm Beach County Friday, May 29.
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Senior Assistance
For assistance with food, food stamps, testing sites, and questions on Medicare or Medicaid call ADRC at 1-866-684-5885 Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.
Senior who are in immediate crisis or need someone to talk to after hours, or are in a food crisis are encouraged to call 211.
*Reminder*
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC Helpline)
Seniors 60+ are encouraged to call the ADRC Helpline 1(866) 684-5885 the gateway to services for seniors in need of Meals, Electric Bill Assistance, Respite for the Caregiver, Adult Day Care, In-home Services, Personal Care, Food Stamps (SNAP), Extra Help for prescription drugs, COVID 19 information and questions on Medicare or Medicaid.
Specially trained counselors are available to help in English, Spanish or Creole Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Seniors registered through the Agency Helpline and served by the Volen Center and Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services are able to receive food on a scheduled basis in a "drop and go" fashion without leaving their cars.
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Facial Covers
Effective 4/13/20,
Emergency Order 20-004
states all persons working in, patronizing, or otherwise physically present in grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible should wear facial coverings as defined by the CDC.
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*Reminder*
Help for Businesses
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, in partnership with Palm Beach County, local chambers of commerce and municipalities, has launced
www.BizHelpPBC.com
to help companies struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This website will provide weekly news updates, resources, and will feature a 2 PM Town Hall call every Friday. Their website will have registration information for the call.
*Reminder*
Free Telehealth Mental Health Services to Residents of Palm Beach County
Comprehensive Mental Health Resources
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*Reminder*
Community Services Department Rental & Utility Assistance
Individuals and families experiencing economic hardship because of loss of employment, or sickness can apply for assistance through the Community Services Department. Residents who are eligible can access emergency rental and utility assistance online by visiting the website or by calling the following phone numbers:
- Online application for all services including rent and utilities: www.pbcgov.com/OSCARSS
- Phone number for rent: 561-904-7900
- Phone number for utilities: 561-355-4792
- Phone number for seniors EHEAP: 561-355-4746
Courts have temporarily suspended hearings on evictions, and a moratorium has been placed on utility shutoffs. Visit the website for more information about how to prepare and budget:
www.pbcgov.com/communityservices.
*New*
Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief until June 2, 2020 by Gov. DeSantis.
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Libraries
You can use the Palm Beach County Library system 24/7 from your computer, laptop or mobile device by visiting our website.
Librarians are available to assist with unemployment applications and branches will continue to have the unemployment applications available in English, Spanish and Creole.
Librarians are available to assist you with your research, and help using our online resources. Visit our website at
www.pbclibrary.org
and click on the Ask-A-Librarian icon or call 561-233-2600.
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Housing & Economic Sustainability
Palm Beach County Housing and business assistance programs can be found
here
.
Office of Equal Business Opportunity
See
this
flyer for information on available funding for local small businesses in response to COVID-19.
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Palm Beach County Victims Services
The Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center helpline is available for information, options and support: 561-833-7273. Services are free, confidential and private.
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Animal Care and Control
Donations Needed for Local Pet Food Banks
Several pet food banks in Palm Beach County are running desperately low on resources and donations. Items most needed:
- Dry cat food (no open bags)
- Dry dog food (no open bags)
- Canned adult cat food and canned kitten food
- Canned adult dog food
- Cat litter
PBC Animal Care & Control is asking to help empty the rest of the shelter after making history by clearing an entire kennel. Adoptable pets are still available in the other two kennels:
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Job Seekers and Employers
CareerSource
CareerSource Palm Beach County
for job seekers and employers, they offer assistance such as career counselors, business coaches, training and more. Call 561-340-1060, follow the directions, leave a message and someone will get back to you ASAP.
*New"
Online Virtual Job Readiness Workshops
Get a head start on getting ready for your first – or next – job opportunity with new online virtual job readiness workshops now being offered by CareerSource Palm Beach County. Job seekers can access a series of 18 professional workshops from their home computer or mobile device 24/7 available from the organization’s home page at
www.careersourcepbc.com
.
- CareerSource has launched an integrated public and business outreach campaign, Help is Here, a comprehensive resource for employment and business services for impacted Floridians.
- CareerSource is providing paper unemployment applications you can mail in at their locations in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Belle Glade. Click link above for details.
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Childcare for Emergency Response Personnel and Essential-Business Workers
The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
is open and connecting parents who are emergency response personnel and essential-business workers to open child care facilities and early learning centers. For more information, call 561-514-3300.
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*Reminder*
Discover the Palm Beaches Launches Help Desk for Essential Lodgers, Medical Personnel and First Responder
s
Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB) has opened a virtual help desk for essential lodgers to ask questions as they navigate hotel resources and special offers. Essential lodgers range from healthcare professionals and first responders to displaced residents and visitors.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT
Yvonne Williams, 561-233-3057
Joseph Garcia, 561-233-3039
2 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT
Caroline Meadows, 561-233-3034
Ashley Medeiros, 561-233-3056
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*Reminder
*
The Property Appraiser's Office Reopen Office Locations to the Public
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office and five service centers are open Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Online business is encouraged rather than an in-person visit. Log onto the website:
www.pbcgov.org/PAPA
call:
(561) 355-2866
or email at
PAO@pbcgov.org
.
*Reminder*
The Clerk & Comptroller Opening
The Clerk & Comptroller has resumed public services at all locations effective May 11, enabling customers to pay a traffic ticket, record mortgages and deeds, or conduct other business in person.
For the safety of customers and Clerk & Comptroller employees, new protocols have been implemented for anyone visiting Clerk & Comptroller offices. Those protocols include:
- Requiring all visitors to Clerk & Comptroller offices to wear face coverings.
- Installing Plexiglass dividers in customer service areas, to provide an additional layer of security for customers and employees.
- Placing floor decals 6 feet apart inside customer lobbies, to ensure adequate social distancing.
- Allowing only those with direct Clerk & Comptroller business to enter and line up in lobbies.
- Monitoring lobbies to ensure they do not exceed capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
- For more information about the Clerk & Comptroller’s online services or its social distancing guidelines, please visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.
Tax Collector Offices Now Open
Belle Glade Service Center
2976 State Rd.15, Belle Glade, FL 33430
Central Palm Beach Service Center
4215 S. Military Trail, Greenacres, FL 33463
Delray Beach Service Center
501 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
Northeast County Courthouse Service Center
3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Royal Palm Beach Service Center
200 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
*NEW*
TAX COLLECTOR
ANNOUNCES SERVICE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Appointments will be required for in-person service beginning June 1. The agency’s website at
www.pbctax.com
offers the convenience of completing common transactions online without the need to visit a tax collector office. Many transactions can also be completed by mail.
Several requirements and safety measures for in-person service take effect June 1 including:
- Wait in your car. Lobby waiting areas will remain closed to the public. Clients may get in line 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment and must keep 6 feet of distance from other clients.
- Come to your appointment alone. Only the person with the appointment will be permitted into the tax collector’s office. Exceptions will be made for caretakers for elderly clients, translators for clients speaking languages other than English, Spanish and Creole, and interpreters for hearing-impaired clients.
- Wear a face mask. Anyone entering the tax collector’s office, including clients with appointments, shall be required to wear a face mask or cloth face covering.
- Observe social distancing. Clients shall be required to observe social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance from other clients and following all markings on sidewalks and inside offices.
- Do not pay by cash. Paper bills are known to contain bacteria and viruses for long periods of time. Clients should be prepared to pay by credit or debit card or a contactless payment method such as Apply Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
The Tax Collector’s Office located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in
West Palm Beach remains
closed
until further notice. All other offices remain open.
For more information, call the Tax Collector’s Office at 561-355-2264. Updates will be posted at
https://www.pbctax.com/
.
COVID19
Resource Guide to help answer questions regarding education, rent, mortgage, credit cards, etc.
*New*
211 HELPLINE AND CRISIS LINE is Free, Confidential, and Available 24/7
211 Provides Crisis Support, Suicide Prevention, and Assistance with Available Resources and Services-
For People Of All Ages, and is Multilingual Capable.
Dial 2-1-1 or Text your zip code to 898211. 211 staff also respond to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
211's Sunshine is a free program that provides a daily phone call with a friendly hello and well-being check for seniors who are feeling isolated and alone. The Sunshine program is for individuals 60 or older, or those who are housebound or disabled. Dial 2-1-1 or click
here
.
For more information, visit the county's COVID-19
website
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*Updated*
Volunteer Opportunities & Donation Needs
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Boca Helping Hands
is seeking food donations to continue feeding those in need. See flyer for more information.
Feeding Palm Beach County
Warehouse shifts available Tuesday through Saturday
8:30am to 11:30am & 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Boynton Beach - Feeding Palm Beach County
4925 Park Ridge Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Trinity Delray Church
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Landscape & Lawn Watering Restrictions Issued
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The
South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) issued an order on water conservation measures with strict guidelines to property owners to follow irrigation schedules that conserve water amid drier than average conditions.
- Water lawns only two days per week between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Apply no more than 3/4-inch to 1 inch of water per week on their lawns and landscapes and only as needed to supplement rainfall.
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*Reminder*
Unemployment Support
Reemployment Assistance benefits, formerly known as unemployment compensation, can be filed by accessing CONNECT online via
http://www.floridajobs.org/
in the Reemployment Assistance Service Center or call 1-800-681-8102.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA information is available by clicking on the graphic above.
Latest Updates from DEO
- DEO extended Emergency Order 20-011 waiving certain state requirements for Reemployment Assistance. The online work registration and work search requirements of section 443.091, F.S. will continue to be suspended consistent with the "emergency flexibility" guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. These actions will enable DEO to move quickly to expedite Reemployment Assistance payments as Floridians go back to work. These suspensions shall expire on May 9, 2020.
- Daily updates on the efforts made to address the challenges to Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program can be found at the State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard. This will be updated daily to reflect the total number of Reemployment Assistance Claims submitted, verified, processed, and paid.
- Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-104 waiving the requirement for Floridians to claim their weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
- DEO announced more than 1,000 small businesses have been awarded more than $49 million from the Florida Small Emergency Bridge Loan.
Link
to the downloadable form to apply for RE-Employment (unemployment)
Temporary Layoff Program:
This is part of the Reemployment Assistance program. Individuals on a “temporary layoff,” which means a job separation due to lack of work which does not exceed 8 consecutive weeks and which has a fixed or approximate return-to-work date, may be eligible if they were temporarily laid off due to the virus and remain available to work.
Click
here
for more information.
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*Reminder*
Unemployment will be Retroactive
Department of Management Services Jonathan Satter announced Floridians making unemployment claims will receive them retroactively to the day of their job loss, if that date was later than March 9.
As a reminder, free, printed paper applications in 3 languages are available at certain Palm Beach County Library System locations. FedEX Office Centers also have the applications. Please do not return completed paper applications to library locations. They can be dropped off at these
FedEx Office Centers
in Palm Beach County. FedEx will send applications to Tallahassee at no charge.
Click
here
to learn more.
*New*
SBA Disaster Loan Virtual Office
The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office will host virtual office hours to answer questions about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Limited to 250 callers at one time. Participants may call at any time and are welcome to enter and exit at will.
Callers will be muted upon entry and will be taken in the order they are received. The virtual office hours are 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
Phone: (202) 765-1264; Conference ID - 143765659
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*New*
Department of Education
Commissioner Corcoran issued an Emergency Order effective 5/14/20 (
DOE Order No. 2020-EO-02 [fldoe.org]
). The order extends deadlines and gives flexibility to teachers and schools. Importantly, the order expands child care services. Among other things, it expands eligibility by including job search as a purpose for care, suspending 20-hour work/education requirements, and extending the deadline for applying to the waiting list. It also allows child care providers to have fewer than 4 four children through end of 2020 Summer VPK Program and allows students who have completed 70% of their VPK program to transfer to another VPK program that is currently open for the 2019-2020 school year.
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Department of Children and Families and SNAP Benefits
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Department of Children and Families announced extended support to Floridians participating in SNAP and TANF.
Read more here.
*Reminder*
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued emergency order,
EO 2020-05
which
suspends existing license renewal deadlines until June 1, 2020
, for existing renewals between March – May 2020. It also applies to continuing education requirements and waives all late fees.
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Health Care Support
Abuse Hotline (24/7).
The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Report
online
or by calling 1-800-962-2873 Call Center (24/7).
COVID-19 hotline: 866-779-6121
Early Prescription Refills.
The Governor and the Insurance Commissioner have required all health insurers and HMOs that are licensed in Florida
to authorize up to a 30 day supply of most prescription drugs and to waive time restrictions on prescription drug refills.
Click here for more information.
Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call 800-273-8255 right away. More crisis support information is also available
online
.
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Businesses and Workers Support
Business Damage Assessment Survey.
The Business Damage Assessment Survey is activated to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by DEO, will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.
The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken
online
.
Short-Time Compensation Plans.
Employers can work with DEO to enter into short-time compensation plans.
Under such plans, employers reduce hours for a group of employees (no more than 40% reduction) instead of resorting to temporary layoffs. Partial benefits are paid to employees.
Click here for more information.
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Tax Support
State Tax-Related Support.
Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19 and created an email address,
COVID19TAXHELP@floridarevenue.com
, where taxpayers can send questions and concerns. The Department encourages all taxpayers to use e-services applications to file and pay taxes or contact the call center at 850-488-6800.
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Veteran Support
Veteran Employment Assistance.
Veterans Florida provides resume assistance and job placement for veterans and spouses seeking employment in Florida. Typically, the jobs are full-time and permanent; however, due to COVID-19, Veterans Florida is working with employers who are retooling and seeking temporary help at this time, as well. Click
here
for more information.
Veteran Legal Help Line. 1-866-486-6161
Veteran Support Line. 1-844-693-5838
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Education Support
*Reminder*
Schools in the State of Florida are closed through the remainder of the school year and distance learning will continue. The School District of Palm Beach County will hold virtual graduations for its seniors.
The virtual graduation ceremonies will run from May 26 through June 5 and will be aired on television and streamed online. To learn more, click
here
.
The Florida Department of Education
(DOE) established a resource website for educators, parents, and students to utilize free resources to help students with distance learning.
Click here for more information
.
In addition, DOE has a
webpage
dedicated to information and resources related to COVID-19.
Child Support Program.
The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) provides online resources to assist families in handling their child support case without visiting a local Child Support Office. (850) 488-5437.
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Attorney General
Price Gouging.
The Attorney General’s NO SCAM Price Gouging App can be downloaded free of charge through Apple and Android stores by searching NO SCAM. A price gouging hotline is available toll-free at:
1-866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226)
.
Click
here
for more information.
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*New*
Mortgage, Rental and Housing Assistance
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the new mortgage and housing assistance website,
cfpb.gov/housing [consumerfinance.gov]
.
FHFA and HUD are offering extensive CARES Act assistance and protection for Americans having trouble paying their mortgage or rent during the COVID-19 national health emergency.
This joint website consolidates the CARES Act mortgage relief, protections for renters, resources for additional help, and information on how to avoid COVID-19 related scams. It also provides lookup tools for homeowners to determine if their mortgage is federally backed, and for renters to find out if their rental unit is financed by FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac.
*New*
Student Loan Payment Suspension and more
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*UPDATED*
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Guarantee (Federal).
The original funding for the PPP was quickly exhausted. Phase 3.5 of emergency stimulus funding will allow for small business loans to restart the process as of today with $320 billion in new funds. Read more
here
.
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program
This pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.
Click here for more information.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount. Loan payments will be deferred for six months. If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expense following loan origination. Click
here
to learn more. The application and further information is also available at this
link
.
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan or Loan Advance.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. If you have questions about this or other federal SBA programs please contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or (TTY: 1-800-877-8339)
DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
. More information can be found at
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance.
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Unemployment Insurance
More laid-off and furloughed workers will be eligible for Unemployment Insurance and will see an additional $600 per week to match the average paycheck for up to 4 months of benefits. For a list of unemployment offices by state please click
here
.
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Direct Payments to Individuals and Their Families
If you have not received your coronavirus relief money via direct deposit from the federal government, they request you visit this IRS
website
to check your status and
provide your current banking information.
Additionally, if you did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and/or don't receive social security or disability benefits, they have added a new tool on the IRS
website
to enter that information.
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Homeowners and Renters Protection
Mortgage Forbearance:
Homeowners with FHA, USDA, VA, or Section 184 or 184A mortgages (for members of federally-recognized tribes) and those with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have the right to request forbearance on their payments for up to 6 months, with a possible extension for another 6 months without fees, penalties, or extra interest.
Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicing company directly.
Eviction Protections:
Renters residing in public or assisted housing, or in a home or apartment whose owner has a federally-backed mortgage, and who are unable to pay their rent, are protected from eviction for 4 months. Property owners are also prohibited from issuing a 30-day notice to a tenant to vacate a property until after the 4-month moratorium ends. This protection covers properties that receive federal subsidies such as public housing, Section 8 assistance, USDA rural housing programs, and federally-issued or guaranteed mortgages.
Renters whose landlord is not abiding by the moratorium should contact the relevant federal agency that administers their housing program or their local
Legal Aid office.
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Energy Assistance for Low Income Families
This legislative package includes $900 million to help low income Americans and their families heat and cool their homes. To learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in your state, click
here
.
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Emergency Paid Leave
Many workers in America currently have no paid leave and are being forced to choose between their paycheck, their health, and the health of the people around them.
The emergency paid leave provisions passed by Congress and signed into law by the President are a critical step toward protecting families’ financial security and mitigating the spread of the coronavirus. Below is information on eligibility for emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave.
Committee on Education and Labor Fact Sheet: Who is Eligible for Leave
link
.
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Small Businesses Forgivable Loans and Grants
Congress secured $350 billion in forgivable loans and $10 billion in grants to small businesses, tribal business concerns, and certain nonprofits.
Loans through a new SBA 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program can be forgiven when used for payroll costs (including paid leave, health care, and other costs) to retain workers, and other expenses such as rent, mortgage interest, and utilities. Independent contractors, sole-proprietors, and other self-employed persons are eligible for these loans.
For a list of SBA offices by state with contact information please click
here
.
Paid Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit
Employers who provide required leave to their employees and who employ less than 500 employees are eligible for a tax credit to offset the costs of such leave. This tax relief will be provided against quarterly payroll taxes (those paid in connection the Form 941). For additional guidance, please refer to the IRS’s
website
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Student Loan Relief for Borrowers
If you have student loan debt, Congress secured several options outlined below for borrowers that help provide relief through September 30, 2020. During this period, a borrower will be able to:
• Pause payments for federal student loan borrowers who have Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), which means these borrowers will not be required to make any
payments toward outstanding interest or principal balance.
• Suspend interest accrual for such loans so that these balances don’t accrue.
• Avoid forced collections such as garnishment of wages, tax refunds, & Social Security benefits.
• Halt negative credit reporting.
• Ensure a borrower continues to receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness, and loan rehabilitation.
For additional guidance on how to apply and learn about next steps as this critical relief becomes available, please refer to the U.S. Department of Education
website
.
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School Meals
As more schools close due to coronavirus, Congress has provided emergency funding for Child Nutrition Programs to ensure students can still receive their free or reduced-price school meals during this time. Click
here
to learn more about what your state is doing during this time.
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Veterans
Congress provided robust emergency funding to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the equipment, tests, and support services – including setting up temporary care sites, mobile treatment centers and increasing telehealth visits to allow more veterans to get care at home – necessary to provide veterans with the additional care they need. For further guidance as this funding and initiatives are implemented, please refer to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
website
.
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255
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