April 2020 e-Newsletter
"Putting the People's Business First"
Dear District 11 Residents,

Thank you for subscribing to our District 11 e-Newsletter!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world as we know it. From the way we interact with people, to how we work, shop and deliver services to address your concerns. During this difficult times, we understand the challenges our community is facing and share the same concerns. 

As we move forward in order to address certain challenges brought about by this virus, I want to reassure you that despite my staff and I are doing everything in our power to stay connected to you while still maintaining social distancing.

I know the stress of the situation we are living in is affecting us all in many ways. We as individuals and as a community are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, frustration, and other dis-empowering emotions. These are all natural reactions, but I encourage you to stay positive and do your best to stay positive.  Let us be mindful of that when we are communicating with each other and stay connected. 

It is up to all of us to come together as there is power in unity. Though COVID-19 has ravaged our country, our community's reaction reminds us of how special we are. We have seen people taking care of each other, a renewed sense of community, enhanced social responsibility, and connections being created or reconnected.

Let us take the lessons we have learned from COVID-19 and move forward together, as one community, focusing on the issues that really matter. Together, we can make a difference in our tomorrow.

Scroll down to the end of this newsletter for my office contact information.
DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION
We will also be handing out unemployment assistance applications for anyone who has been unable to apply online or get to any of the library locations that have been handing them out. The applications will be available in both English and Spanish. Please follow the directions on filling out the application and mailing it in.
CENSUS 2020
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census to determine the number of people living in the United States. This census provides the basis for reapportioning congressional seats and distributing billions of dollars in federal funding to support services and infrastructure in communities across the country. Miami-Dade County encourages every resident to participate in the census to ensure proper representation in Congress and a fair share of federal funds for schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs.

Learn more here

As we adjust to this new normal, we urge everyone to go to my2020census.gov to complete the Census online or call 844-330-2020 to get counted over the phone.

If we don't have an accurate count of everyone in our community, we will receive less federal funds. This means less tax dollars for public health programs, hospitals, community health centers, schools, and other vital resources.

Please encourange your friends, neighbors and colleagues to fill it out today. A form that takes less than ten minutes impacts our community for the next ten years! Don’t forget to count everyone living at your address on the same survey. 

Call 844-468-2020  to complete the census in Spanish.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA South Florida District Office will host a series of Small Business Recovery webinars to provide the latest information on how the SBA is helping small businesses with their economic recovery.



State of Florida: Governor's Office
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Business Resource Center 
Created by Hello Alice and supported by organizations and companies globally, this resource is updated daily, with real-world funding, resources, and support for small business owners adapting to the impacts of coronavirus .

Florida Department of Health 
To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily.


Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces
 New Mobile-Friendly Site to Apply for Reemployment Assistance

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced a new, mobile-friendly online application for Reemployment Assistance. The online mobile friendly application is now available at  www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication .

DEO is committed to ensuring that the citizens of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties are able to receive their benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The online mobile friendly application is only for claimants that do not have an open reemployment Assistance claim.   Any citizen, who has lost their job due to COVID-19, is encouraged to complete a Reemployment Assistance application. Click on the link   www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication  and follow the steps below:

Step 1 – Collect all information needed to complete the Reemployment Application.

You will need the following information to submit an application for Reemployment Assistance benefits. You are encouraged to collect the following documents and information before beginning the application process.

1.   Social Security number 
2.   Driver’s License or State ID number 
3.   Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer: 
4.   Employer ID - FEIN number (this is found on your W2 or 1099 tax form), if available 
5.   Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number  
6.   First and last day of work 
7.   Gross earnings (before taxes are taken out) covering the last 18 months 
8.   Reason for separation 

If you are one of the following, make sure you have this additional information available: 

1.   Not a U.S. Citizen: Alien Registration Number or other work authorization form 
2.   Military employee: Copy of your DD-214 Member 4; If you do not have the Member 4, then a copy of your Member 2-7 may be used. 
3.   Federal employee: SF-8 or SF-50 
4.   Union member: Union name, hall number, and phone number 

Step 2 – Submit your Reemployment Assistance application .

Step 3 – Receive your Reemployment Assistance application confirmation.

1.   A written determination will be provided electronically and/or by mail to explain if you are monetarily eligible, and if you are, what your weekly benefit amount will be.

For more information about Reemployment Assistance benefits and how to apply, visit DEO’s mobile-friendly site   www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19 .

CARES Act - What does it mean
Here's a breakdown of what the bill does and how you can get access to the help you need.

For Individuals:
·      Single adults with Social Security numbers who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full amount of $1,200.
·      Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400.
·      Taxpayers filing as head of household will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less.
·      The Treasury Department hopes to have all checks distributed by April 17, but there is no guarantee.
·      Individuals do not have to apply for this payment.

For Students:
·       Student loans held by the U.S. Department of Education are automatically suspended without penalty until September 30, 2020. 
·       Interest on student loan debt will not accrue while loan payments are suspended.
·      If you have any specific questions, you should contact your lender. 

Small Businesses & Nonprofits:
·      The CARES Act has provided increased funding for small business loans through the Small Business Administration.
·      Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply for a Economic Injury Disaster Loan , and/or the Paycheck Protection Program . Outside of the CARES Act, Florida business owners can apply for Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan .
·      Businesses apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan online here .
·      Businesses apply for the Paycheck Protection Program directly through an SBA-approved bank.
·      The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FIU encourages businesses to contact their primary business bank as a first step. If their primary business bank is not an SBA-approved lender, business owners can find an approved lende r here .
·      The SBDC at FIU can provide free assistance with loan applications and guide business owners to SBA-approved lenders.

Unemployed Individuals:
·   The federal stimulus bill expands unemployment benefits to gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors.
·      Eligible workers will receive $600 on top of state benefits.
·     It is up to the State of Florida to decide if those applying for unemployment will receive the additional funds all at once or spread out over multiple payments.
REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AND FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS
In an effort to help Miami-Dade County residents applying for state unemployment benefits, especially those who do not have computers at home, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) will be providing printed copies of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Applications at 26 library locations.
Unemployment applications in English, Spanish and Creole and envelopes to return them in will be available for pickup at tables outside the library entrances from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Residents can take the application home to fill out and then return it in the sealed envelope by dropping it off in the library location’s book drop or at any    CareerSource South Florida    location. Applications will be picked up from the book drops every day and delivered to CareerSource South Florida where trained staff will send them securely overnight to DEO in Tallahassee for processing. Residents can also download and print a    copy of the application    from DEO's website and return it to any participating library’s book drop. Libraries are also providing food stamp applications.

Libraries in District 11:
Kendale Lakes Branch
15205 SW 88 Street
Miami, FL 33196
West Kendall Regional Library
10201 Hammocks Boulevard
Miami, FL 33196
For more locations click   here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher residents with vouchers issued by Miami-Dade County are eligible to receive a reduction in rent if they are experiencing loss of income due to job disruptions, inclusive of reduced hours or loss of job. We realize that many have had a reduction in income due to the COVID-19 (Coronovirus) outbreak and actions that government and public health officials have taken to limit its spread.
If you are a Section 8 resident or know someone that is and have lost income due to among other things, the Safer at Home Emergency Order, please contact the Miami-Dade’s Public Housing and Community Development Department (PHCD)  at 786-469-4206 or email Ms. Crystal Coleman at Crystal.Coleman@miamidade.gov or customercasre@mdvoucher.com .  By contacting PHCD, your questions can be answered and guidance will be available to process changes in income and rent. Voucher holders may also contact the Miami Dade County Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program office by calling 305-403-3222 . Another resource includes PHCD’s voucher website at www.mdvoucher.com where mid-way down the opening page you can find a link to “COVID-19 FAQ.”
COVID-19 RESOURCES
DEALS FOR OUR FRONTLINE AND FIRST RESPONDERS

The @GreaterMiamiCVB has launched #MiamiSalutes to show support for our frontline workers tireless efforts to protect our community during #COVID19. #MiamiSalutes offers special deals and offers to our first responders. Learn more:  https://bit.ly/3c3YZQM
Miami-Dade County is helping residents stay informed and up to date, in one location, regarding the following COVID-19 information:

  • Latest Updates on Seniors in our Community, Health Updates, Curfews, Schools, Price Gouging, and more
  • Related Agencies:
o    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
o    Florida Department of Health
o    Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
o    Miami-Dade County Public Schools
o    Miami-Dade County Municipalities

Access these resources here



FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 866-779-6121 CDC 24-HOUR HOTLINE OR VISIT:
 
CDC Prevention and Treatment
 
CDC Frequently Asked Questions
 
CDC General Information
 
Florida Department of Health
 
World Health Organization
The CDC recommends the use of telehealth to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. By seeing a doctor virtually, you can avoid the waiting room and potentially exposing yourself and others to this contagious disease.

On behalf of the health of our community, Baptist Health is now offering FREE online doctor visits for everyone in South Florida. Our doctors are trained to screen for COVID-19 following the latest guidelines. We can answer your questions, assess your condition and determine the best course of action.

If you are not feeling well or believe you may have been exposed, download our Baptist Health Care On Demand App , sign up and have a virtual visit in minutes (use code CARE19 for the FREE visit). Our doctors are available nationwide, 24/7.
Miami-Dade County is offering in home testing for anyone 18 years of age or older who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that makes an appointment
Senior citizens and members of the disabled community in parts of Miami-Dade County will be able to start getting tested at home for the coronavirus.

The County will begin offering tests for anyone 18 years of age or older who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that makes an appointment.

Residents who live in the county but not within the city of Miami, which started its own at-home testing program last month, can make the appointments everyday starting at 9 a.m. by calling 305-499-8767.
Food stamp recipients in Florida can now purchase groceries online
The Florida Department of Children and Families announced Tuesday food stamp recipients will be able to buy groceries online from Walmart or Amazon.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  recipients will be able to use their  Electronic Benefits Transfer card  to pay for groceries online starting April 21st.

The benefits do not cover the cost of delivery. Walmart and Amazon will not be the only retailers in the program. DCF is working with the USDA and  the Florida Retail Federation  to expand the network.

For more information about how  to apply for food assistance visit this page , or call 1-866-762-2237.
KEY INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS - COVID-19
WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES DURING CORONAVIRUS
GIVE THE GIFT OF BUSINESS


If you usually frequent a business, buy a gift card that covers your usual patronage. Then spread out the use of those gift cards over time while you continue to support them as normal or give them away as gifts to people who might not normally go there. 
KEEP YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you have a subscription or membership to gym, exercise class, painting class, music lessons, dance academy, etc., keep it going. Many small businesses rely on that support to keep their doors open and pay their bills. It's only a few weeks and your continued support can literally save their business. 
BUY NOW, PICKUP LATER

If you planned on buying a manufactured product, such as banners, business cards, etc., give that business a call. Pay for it and have them set it aside for you to pick up later 
ASK HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you know the owners or employees personally, give them a call and ask how you can help. They might have ideas for you to help that are specific to their business. 
VIRTUAL ONLINE RESOURCES
Zoo Miami Online!
Zoo Yoga!

Feeling stressed and cooped up at home? Try out these Zoo Yoga poses with the whole family! Channel your inner animals and get wild!
"Trash to Treasure"
Arts & Crafts Project

Get ready for a new Zoocademy segment, where you make something fun out of recycled materials! Today, we'll create a cute tortoise and learn the differences between them & turtles.
Move with Miami City Ballet
Free Livestream Classes Every Saturday
You’re invited to join our free livestream dance classes via @miamicityballet  on Instagram. It's time to  Move with MCB  starting this Sat April 4. These classes are a fun way to get your body moving, and cater for beginners to experienced dancers. Everybody is welcome!

Ballet 101 with Jennifer Lauren, MCB Principal
Saturdays at 10am, perfect for the whole family

Ballet Stretch and Strengthen with Lauren Fadeley, MCB Principal Soloist
Mondays at 8:30am, a gentle and mindful way to start the week

Intermediate Ballet with Rainer Krenstetter, MCB Principal
Thursdays at 6pm, a challenge for more advanced dancers


Miami City Ballet’s dance-lovers kit  is a collection of things to watch, read and listen to for dance lovers in South Florida and across the world during this difficult time.

While our library locations remain closed to the public, we want to remind you that our online library is always open. You can use your library card to access all our online services and digital content, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, music, movies , and research and learning resources for people of all ages, for free.

If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for an eCard online at ecard.mdpls.org , or through our free mobile app available for iOS and Android , to get immediate access to our online library. 

Please keep in mind that our book drops are currently locked. We ask that you hold on to your library materials until further notice.  Don't worry about overdue fines. You won't be charged any late fees.

We appreciate your generosity in donating books to the Library, but ask that you please refrain from dropping off donated books outside our branches during this time.

If you need assistance or have any questions, our Customer Care team is available by email at customercare@mdpls.org Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Museums & Attractions
Virtual Art Tours & More

While museums and attractions in Miami-Dade County are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy art, animals and creative activities. Some of our Museum Pass Program partners are offering free virtual art tours, artist talks, activities for kids and even a live view of some adorable critters. Check out these sites for a virtual dose of culture and fun.

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Bass

Zoo Miami
Meerkat Cam - Watch them in action!
District 11 Main Office
4081 SW 152 Avenue, Unit 21, Miami, FL 33185
305-552-1155
Joe A. Martinez
Commissioner
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
305-375-5511