2020 Census
In 1790, the first United States Census was conducted in the original 13 states under the direction of US Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. Approximately 650 US marshals and assistants collected and recorded census data on forms made from animal skins and parchment. The first census recorded a population of 3,929,214, which led to nearly doubling the number of Congressional representatives.
 
230 years later, the 2020 Census is the first that is giving households the option to respond online. Counting every person living in the United States is a massive undertaking, and efforts began years in advance. The U.S. Census Bureau began its count in January in the remote Alaskan village of Toksook Bay. The Census Bureau does count people who are experiencing homelessness by counting those in shelters, soup kitchens, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
 
By April 1st every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you can respond for your home in one of three ways: online at My2020Census.gov , by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you will be advising the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
 
The results from the Census are expected to be delivered to the States by March 31, 2021. This information will be used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.
COVID-19 Resources
Below are some resources that may assist or inform you,
your family and employees during this uncertain time.

For more resources visit: CocoaBeachChamber.com/covid-19/
 
RE-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
 
PRICE-GOUGING HOTLINE
 
CORONAVIRUS TAX RELIEF
 
SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE & EDUCATION RESOURCES
 
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS & TEENS
 
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DATA DASHBOARD
 
Governor’s Executive Orders

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
&
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The application period is now open and runs through May 8, 2020. 
 
Small business owners located in Florida with 2 to 100 employees can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000. These loans are interest-free for up to one year and are designed to bridge the gap to either federal SBA loans or commercially available loans. DEO has committed to working with every borrower to ensure that repayment of the loan isn’t an overwhelming burden. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to March 9, 2020, and demonstrate economic impacts as a result of COVID-19. The application period ends May 8, 2020. Businesses can apply at FloridaDisaster.biz
 
Governor DeSantis’ request to the federal U.S. Small Business Administration to make the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program available for Florida’s small businesses impacted by COVID-19 has been granted. Small businesses are now eligible to apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans that offer up to $2 million in economic assistance to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue resulting from COVID-19. Both Indian River County and Brevard County were included in the Disaster Declaration to unlock SBA Economic Injury Loans. Businesses can apply for assistance at sba.gov/disaster

Highlights from the 2020 Legislative Session
Public Safety and COVID-19 Response
The 2020-2021 state budget directs more than $52 million in immediately available state and federal dollars to continue the state’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). An additional $300 million has also been added into state reserves, which may be used to respond to the coronavirus and its effect on Floridians and our state’s economy. 
 
Funds will be used to address the state’s most pressing needs, which may include laboratory supplies, additional staffing to expand capacity to investigate and monitor individuals with COVID-19 and those at risk for contracting the virus, personal protective equipment, test kits, and enhanced communication to the general public.
 
In an effort to improve public safety and emergency response measures, the Florida Legislature also passed the following measures this Session:
 
Senate Bill 7018: Essential State Infrastructure includes provisions for the design and construction of permanent Staging Areas for Emergencies (SAFE) as part of Florida’s Turnpike System. The staging areas created through this legislation will be designed to accommodate the staging of a significant amount of emergency-related supplies and equipment; provide space in support of emergency preparedness and evacuation activities, such as fuel reserve capacity; and could be used during non-emergency periods for commercial motor vehicle parking.
 
House Bill 969: Broadband Internet Service , creates the Florida Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity to lead efforts for high-speed internet installation within or adjacent to Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance. This legislation will help ensure broadband internet is available in rural areas so that first responders can quickly and accurately reach Floridians during times of need on and around these multi-use corridors.
 
Education
This year, the Florida Senate passed major, comprehensive K-12 education legislation that ensures all students in Florida have access to a world-class education by supporting our public schools teachers and giving parents the opportunity to choose the best education for their child.
 
House Bill 641: Funds for the Operation of Schools provides $500 million to increase teacher salaries. Of these funds, $400 million must be used to increase the minimum salaries of classroom teachers to at least $47,500, or to the maximum amount achievable, and $100 million is allocated to increase salaries for other instructional personnel who also play a pivotal role in our students’ success.
 
House Bill 7067: K-12 Scholarship Programs increases access to school choice options for both low and middle-income families by raising the cap on total enrollment growth for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. This gives parents the opportunity to receive a voucher to enroll their child in the school that best fits their needs.
 
Tax Relief
The Florida Legislature is committed to reducing the tax burden facing families and businesses in a meaningful way. This year we passed the 2020 Tax Package which delivers broad-based tax relief to families and businesses across the state.
 
House Bill 7097: Taxation establishes several tax saving measures, including the creation of two sales tax holidays, which will save Florida families millions in tax dollars. The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday creates a sales tax holiday from August 7 through August 9, 2020. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday creates a sales tax holiday from May 29 through June 4, 2020 for disaster supplies.
 
If you would like to express your support or concerns about any specific legislation or items included in the Legislature's budget, please Contact Governor DeSantis's Office

Brevard County COVID-19 Testing
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Brevard County is providing COVID-19 testing only to patients that meet the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) screening guidelines. This includes having symptoms of lower respiratory illness (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) as well as one of the following:

·      Close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case
·      Patient hospitalized with acute lower respiratory systems of unknown origin
·      History of travel to or from an area with widespread community transmission
·      History of international travel or cruise
·      Over 65 years of age with chronic health conditions
·      Immunocompromised
 
Drive through testing is being conducted at the DOH clinic in Viera. Citizens can call 211 for an initial screening and, if the criteria is met, they will then be forwarded to DOH for an appointment. Medfast Urgent Care is providing testing at some of their locations. Citizens are also being encouraged to contact their own physician to request testing.
 
You may find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, by visiting the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage: FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov . For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling (866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov .
K-12 Schools Begin Distance Learning
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) has directed school districts to close and initiate distance learning for students through April 15th. 
 
Brevard Public Schools will begin Distance Learning on March 30th. Students will be receiving assignments and completing required coursework through the Brevard Schools FOCUS website: Brevardk12.FocusSchoolSoftware.com/Focus/
  
Governor Ron DeSantis has cancelled all remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten, and K-12 assessments for the 2019-2020 school year. Funding has also been redirected to help low-income students purchase digital devices and establish internet services. Please contact your school for more information on qualifying.
Your Chamber team is here to help.
As always, please contact us if we can assist you in anyway.

All My Best!

Jennifer Sugarman
President & CEO
321-454-2027
Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber

Our team is currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We'll continue to provide relevant information and programs 
to you as we work through this together.

(321) 459-2200