Special thanks to Heather for this photo of positivity. Have you "Chalked Your Walk"?
Be sure to tag your photos #LoveBocaRaton so we can find them.
Share the City Connection.
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City Manager's Message
City of Boca Raton Residents,
I hope this finds you well, staying home and staying safe during this COVID-19 emergency. It’s been just over three weeks since the City declared a State of Emergency, closed all facilities, parks and beaches and restricted restaurants from offering dine in service.
Two weeks ago, we closed all non-essential businesses and issued a
“Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. Similar orders came from
Palm Beach County and the State shortly thereafter with one goal in mind:
slowing the spread of COVID-19. Yesterday, based on CDC guidelines, we issued an
order encouraging the use of cloth face masks in Boca Raton.
Each day we learn more about the coronavirus and the impacts it's having on our City, in the nation and around the world. We remain hopeful that our unified efforts in social distancing are working and we will continue to adjust and change course as needed for the health and safety of our community.
Although we don’t know when things will get back to normal, we are preparing for new
“virtual” City Council and other regulatory meetings and we are moving forward with critical infrastructure projects. Like many essential businesses, the City is still maintaining its essential operations in the field, while other employees are adapting to working from home.
We are grateful to our first responders, critical infrastructure workers, health care professionals and those who continue to work so others can stay home
. Our hearts are heavy for those who have experienced tragic losses and are coping the best they can during this challenging time.
As a community, we can get through this together. We’ve already seen the creativity, innovation and resolve from many of our residents and businesses
—and we hope that those attributes inspire others as we work through this crisis and eventually recover, together.
Leif J. Ahnell
City Manager
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On Thursday, April 9,
the City issued an emergency order encouraging the
Use of Cloth Face Masks.
Every person working, living, visiting or doing business in the City of Boca Raton is encouraged to wear a cloth facial covering consistent with the current CDC guidelines while in any public place.
Individuals can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.
Cloth face coverings can be made from common household items/materials and should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Cloth face coverings recommended are
NOT
surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
For more information about face covering, visit the
CDC website
or
view the video
from the Surgeon General. View additional
updates
from the City of Boca Raton.
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Virtual Swearing in Ceremonies
Re-elected Mayor, Scott Singer and City Council Members, Andrea Levine O’Rourke and Andy Thomson, "virtually" took the oath of office on March 31, 2020. Mayor Scott Singer won his seat in the March 17 Election. Both Levine O’Rourke and Thomson ran unopposed and therefore were reelected to their respective City Council seats.
Read more...
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Next week, the CRA Meeting and City Council Workshop along with the Organizational and City Council Regular Meeting, will be held virtually. To participate in the meeting, visit the
Virtual Meeting Instructions.
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As our first responders continue to protect and serve our community, please take note of the following information:
- Dispatchers are asking COVID-19 related screening questions on all calls for your safety as well as the safety of first responders.
- To make a police report or report a delayed or non-emergency incident, please call 561-368-6201.
- To request a copy of your police report, please visit Boca Police's website and click on "Records Request."
- Don't be alarmed if police officers, firefighters and paramedics are wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.
- Officers may encourage conversations to occur outdoors whenever possible.
- To report issues pertaining to group gatherings, nonessential businesses that are open or additional questions related to social distancing guidelines, please call the Citizen's Information Center (CIC) at 561-982-4900 Monday - Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
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Building Department
The City of Boca Raton Building Department is continuing to review all electronic plan submissions, online permit applications and issue approved building permits. However, the Building Department lobby is not open to the public. City services provided by the Building Department are available online.
Learn more...
Development Services
The Development Services Department is accepting applications and resubmittals; however, the review of applications is likely to take longer than normal due to the COVID-19 emergency and the remote working arrangements for the development services staff.
Please submit applications online and a staff member will be in touch to discuss next steps.
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A Message from the Utility Services Department
The COVID-19 Pandemic is an urgent issue that is affecting everyone in our community, our nation and our world. As a result, the City has taken unprecedented actions to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents. We want you to know the safety of your water and wastewater services is our top priority.
Learn more from our Utility Services Director.
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About Those "Flushable" Wipes
"Flushable" sanitary wipes are really
NOT flushable and should
NEVER be flushed. They can cause damage to both your home and the City's sewer system.
Read more about this concern from local experts, including our own Utility Services Director.
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Help Keep Our Sanitation Crews Safe
With everyone at home, we've seen an increase in residential waste. For the health and safety of our sanitation crews, please:
• NO loose items. Bag it.
• Tie securely, so crews do not come in contact with any potentially virus-contaminated waste.
Thanks for doing your part, Boca Raton. For more information regarding Sanitation Services, visit our
website.
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North Beach Restoration Update
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has nearly completed a beach restoration project for beaches in north Boca Raton. The project replenished material lost from Hurricane Irma, as well as material that had naturally eroded away since the construction of the 2014 project.
Once construction equipment is removed, they will till the beach and conduct final grading. The estimated completion date of the project is April 20. We are looking forward to a bigger beach once our parks reopen.
Learn more...
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Boca Earth Week Starts April 19
April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This year, let’s practice sus"stay-in"ability by celebrating together virtually. Join the
Office of Sustainability
and
Recreation Services
starting on April 19 for fun daily activities to celebrate, learn about, and protect the Earth. Take part, share and tag your actions on social media using
#LoveBocaRaton
, and you may be featured on the City’s website and the next newsletter.
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Compost What You Can't Reduce
Looking for ways to remain sustainable while at home? Now is a great time to try composting. Check out the
Composting 101
page on the City’s website to learn how to set up an easy bin whether you're in an apartment or a house. Any container that can be ventilated will work.
Pro Tips:
- Start saving your food scraps in your freezer so you have a good amount to get started.
- Make sure to stick to the nitrogen and carbon ratios to keep your compost healthy.
- Keep out anything with a strong odor (examples include: meat, fish, dairy, etc.)
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Learn more about these topics on our Office of Sustainability's
Take Action
webpage.
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Health and Wellness at Home
During this time, keeping healthy means more than just protecting yourself from COVID-19.
S
taying centered and healthy when you’re working at home during the pandemic is essential. There are resources, many are
FREE
, to assist in keeping your health and wellness in check. View the
City's website
for more information.
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Library Digital Resources for Everyone
While we all practice social distancing, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover the Boca Raton Public Library's
Digital Library.
Cardholders can enjoy expanded access to 700,000 ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music, and more to stream, view or listen to on your computer or mobile device. Visit
Library Services
for more information and resources.
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Hop in to the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt
Be sure to "hop" into
Recreation Services
social media pages to join in on
Boca Bunny’s Virtual Egg Hunt
. There are still dozens more prizes* to be won through Sunday! Decipher the clues to find the egg hidden in one of the Parks in our
website.
*Limit one prize per household
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Check Out the City on Spotify
Music can act as a powerful stress management tool in our lives. It can help us concentrate or absorb our attention and act as a healthy distraction, especially for some midday motivation.
Check out the City's Spotify
Work from Home playlist
featuring artists like
Fifth Harmony, John Mayor, Coldplay, Huey Lewis & the News
and many others to get you motivated throughout the day.
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Small Business Information and Resources
The City's Office of Economic Development is working hard to assist the corporate community during this challenging time. With 13,000 businesses and 123,000 employees in the City, there are many resources available for corporations, small business owners, employers and employees. Learn more about these resources in their
2020 Small Business Resource Report.
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Doing Business with the City
As we all adapt to the recommendations and restrictions due to COVID-19, we're encouraging customers to take advantage of our online services, email and phone resources. Instead of in-person transactions, visit
How Do I
for more information.
You can pay your bills and complete transactions online, via email or by phone for any of the following:
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#LoveBocaRaton Community Spotlights
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Innovation, Creativity & Resolve
Leave it to our community partners, non profit groups, religious organizations, small businesses, generous corporations and all around creative community to shine and support when people need it most. Thanks for all you do.
- Baptist Health South Florida - In an effort to continue engaging the community in the area of health and wellness, Baptist Health South Florida is offering FREE virtual exercise, meditation, and educational seminars. Visit the City's website to view all their virtual classes for this week and next week.
- Hospitality Helping Hands - A not for profit formed to help feed the hospitality workers, their families, local charities, and others in need due to the coronavirus shutdown. Feeding sites in Boca Raton include Kapow and Dubliner.
- #CoronaCant Movement - A movement created by Boca High School students to promote positivity, empowerment and engagement during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Boca Helps - An initiative that helps connect people who need help with those who want to help.
- Socially Distanced Supper Club - A Delray-based effort the encourages communities to support local restaurants.
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Wishing you all a happy and healthy Passover and Easter!
We’ve been hearing wonderful stories of how families will be utilizing technology this year for the upcoming holidays to connect and stay safe. How will you use tech to connect? Post a photo of your holiday celebration on social media and tag us at
#LoveBocaRaton.
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Resources for COVID-19 Information
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201 West Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 393-7700
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