We are excited to introduce to you, Christina Sarmiento, our new Executive Director. Christina comes to the Chamber with extensive experience in Human Resources working in recruitment for the Ocean Reef Club and for ION Media in West Palm Beach. Recently, Christina co-founded a grassroots effort inspired during the COVID-19 shutdown, creating a carefully curated business directory highlighting small businesses that positively impact the Florida Keys community. We are looking forward to putting her 6 years of experience with the Ocean Reef Community and her strong networking skills into action coupled with her passion for community involvement and growing local businesses. As a web developer and public speaker, Christina is sure to add value to the Chamber both behind the scenes and hands on in our community. Please take a moment to welcome Christina, she will take over the email address director@oceanreefchamber.org
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Chamber Luncheon at the Cultural Center
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The Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce is excited to host this season's first Luncheon on September 2nd in the Cultural Center.
Please know that the safety of our Members, Guests, Staff and Volunteers is of the utmost importance. If we determine that it is unsafe to host the event we will provide a Zoom Link to everyone interested in attending 2 weeks prior to the Luncheon date.
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Monroe county enact state of local emergency for potential effects from Hurricane Isaias
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July 30,2020
MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management activated a State of Local Emergency for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias this weekend in the Upper Keys and is coordinating preparedness efforts with local, state, and federal partners. Local protective measures are being considered in the Upper Keys for the special needs population and a possible shelter available for those in trailers or on boats.
Now is a good time to prepare for any impacts that could occur due to possible heavy rain, high winds, and localized flooding.
• Get your yard and property ready. Trim your trees and hedges and cut shrubbery to reduce the risk of flying branches during high winds. Clean up debris.
• Bring inside or secure all outdoor furniture. Secure anything that is not tied down.
• Boat owners should make sure their boats are secure, whether in the water or on a trailer.
• Put together a preparedness kit in case you lose power and/or water for several days. The kit should include nonperishable food, water, batteries, candles, flashlight, battery-powered radio and a supply of medications. Don’t forget your pets, stock up on their food and medications, too.
To receive Monroe County Emergency Management news and informational updates by text message on your phone or by email, go to
www.monroecountyem.com
and click on “Sign up for Alert Monroe” and fill in the information.
Kristen Livengood Public Information Officer, Monroe County
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COVID-19 Business Disaster Recovery Assistance
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The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and our state and federal partners remain committed to helping you access the disaster capital and resources your business needs to recover, rebuild, and grow.
You will find information on federal disaster assistance and other resources available to you, including an overview of disaster relief available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, other public and private sector funding opportunities and resources, and information on how we can help.
In addition, we have developed a helpful guide with information on these programs and tips your business can do right now to stay afloat.
Help is Here
As during any disaster, SBDC is here to help your business recover. Their team of disaster specialists is available to provide confidential, no-cost consulting and direction to help you assess and prepare disaster loan applications and assist with other post-disaster challenges.
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Grants up to $10K for Lay-off Aversion
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Latest Impact on COVID-19 on Florida Vacation Rentals & Tourism Organizations
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Thursday, July 30th
10:00 a.m. EST
In this follow up webinar Key Data discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Florida's short-term rental market. Key Data tracks the most important key performance indicators (KPIs) in real-time to measure trends in booking activity, occupancy, and cancellations throughout Florida. This interactive presentation will provide an in-depth look at vacation rental data by region, cancellation patterns for future reservations, and what types of properties are being affected the most
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Florida Business Leaders Summit Series on Prosperity & Economic Opportunity
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Caring for our families is a high priority for all Floridians and quality child care is key for the child's development, the parent's ability to be productive, and for ensuring Florida's economy can experience a more rapid recovery.
Join the
Florida Prosperity Initiative
for an in-depth discussion on bridging the gap between businesses and child care facilities to help ensure there are high quality programs available as Florida continues to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We will also discuss the impact of healthy relationships and mental health for those who are seeking to move from poverty into prosperity.
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COUNTY AMENDS FACIAL COVERING ORDINANCE, ADDS STRICTER PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE & MANDATORY BUSINESS CLOSURES IF EMPLOYEE TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
July 16,2020
MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners amended Monroe County Ordinance 014-2020 to add stricter penalties for non-compliance of wearing facial coverings, a mandatory three day closures for cleaning and disinfection of business establishments with an employee who test positive for COVID-19, and the ability for county or municipal code compliance officers to issue a notice to appear or civil citation upon observation of a violation along with local law enforcement.
Monroe County requires all persons over the age of six to wear a facial covering whenever away from their home and unable to engage in social distancing. Every person over the age of six who is away from his or her residence shall carry a face covering capable of immediate use.
The ordinance requires operators and employees of business establishments ensure customers comply within the establishment. A face covering MUST cover the nose and mouth and may include a face mask, homemade mask, or other cloth, silk, or linen covering, such as a scarf, bandana, handkerchief, or other similar cloth covering. There is an exception for those seated at a restaurant, and for gym and barbershop patrons. Exceptions can be found at
www.monroecountyem.com/covid19.
The mandatory facial covering directive applies throughout Monroe County and the municipalities, but the municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Key West does have a stricter facial covering requirement for those to wear a facial covering regardless of social distancing while outside the home.
A law enforcement officer may arrest or issue a notice to appear for any knowing and intentional violations committed in his or her presence or through an arrest warrant. Violations shall be prosecuted by the State Attorney of the 16th Judicial Circuit. A person found in violation may be punished by up to 60 days in the County jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
The amendment allows a county or municipal code compliance officer, as well as a law enforcement officer, upon observation of a violation by a person who does not immediately put on a face covering after receiving a warning, to issue a notice to appear or civil citation to appear in County Court. Any person or business establishment prosecuted under this subsection and found in violation of this ordinance may be punished by a fine of up to $500. Code officers can also issue an administrative notice of violation with fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for a repeat offense. Each day a violation of this ordinance occurs is considered a separate offense.
In addition to the facial covering amendments, each operator of a business establishment must close to the public that establishment for at least 3 days if the operator or an employee of the establishment tests positive for COVID19. Before reopening, the operator must disinfect the premises of the business establishment according to guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health. Any operator or employee exposed to the positive employee must quarantine and/or isolate for 14 days from the date of last contact with the infected employee or until a valid negative test for COVID19. The closure provision does not apply to essential businesses as defined by Executive Order 20-91, as amended.
Code compliance numbers for reporting violations:
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Unincorporated Monroe County: 305-289-2819
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Key West: 305-809-3740
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Marathon: 305-289-5024
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Key Colony Beach: 305-289-1212 ext. 3
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Islamorada: 305-664-6435
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Layton: 305-664-4667
After hours or weekend issues needing immediate attention can be addressed to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 305-289-2351 for unincorporated Monroe County, Marathon, Layton, and the Village of Islamorada, and for the City of Key West contact Key West Police Department at 305-809-1000.
The State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) still has in effect its emergency order prohibiting alcoholic beverage sales for consumption on premises by bars. Under DBPR’s order, restaurants including those with liquor licenses must limit indoor dining to 50 percent capacity of their indoor seating capacity and continue to follow social distancing requirements. Report businesses violating the Governor’s Executive Order 20-139 to
www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/emergency/.
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Kristen Livengood
Public Information Officer, Monroe County
Phone/Text: 305-680-8226
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Looking for a Cleaning Contractor to help after COVID 19?
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Disaster Relief Team is offering a decontamination of public facilities that are either going to be open to the public and need a daily treatment or a once over prior to reopening services that can be performed during the day or over night.
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Space For Rent in the Plaza Building
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Looking for a job? These Chamber
members are hiring:
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ORCA Administration
ORCA Administration covers the following functional areas:
- Accounting/Finance: The Accounting/Finance Department processes accounts receivable and accounts payable, prepares account reconciliations and financial statements, calculates and records capital credits, and processes payroll.
- Communications: The Communications Department provides timely and appropriate information to ORCA stakeholders by communicating ORCA's values, regulations, activities, and accomplishments through a variety of channels, including TORN, ORCA's website and links, social media pages, ORC Member Handbook, ORCA Phone Directory, and The Ocean Reef Press.
- Membership: The Membership Department reviews and evaluates all potential property owners at Ocean Reef for acceptance into the Association. The Department educates and integrates new members into the community.
- Human Resources: The Human Resources Department is responsible for recruitment, on boarding, compensation, employee benefits (including insurance and 401(K)), training and development, workers compensation, and separation of employment.
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Ocean Reef Public Safety Department (ORPSD)
ORPSD is a staff of well qualified individuals organized under the guidance of the ORCA President and Vice President/Director of Public Safety to provide public safety services (EMS, Security, and Access Control) to the Ocean Reef community. The focal point of ORPSD is a communications center located in the Public Safety building on Anchor Drive. This center is the receiving station for 911 Emergency calls as well as HELP or assistance calls from members and guests of Ocean Reef. Upon receipt of an emergency or HELP call, qualified personnel and equipment are dispatched in response to the call.
Ocean Reef Volunteer Fire Department (ORVFD)
The ORVFD is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Corporation created to provide Fire and EMS services to Monroe County District 7. This Fire District includes all of Ocean Reef, the Angler's Club and the northern portion of CR 905 and Card Sound Road.
ORVFD owns its building and most of the equipment utilized by the ORPSD. ORVFD does not have paid employees, however a well-trained core of volunteers is available to work with the ORPSD to preserve life and property.
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department enhances and maintains the community common property to the highest level for the benefit of the entire Ocean Reef Community. The Department is responsible for the maintenance of roads, bridges, landscape lighting, street lighting, land and waterway signage, and canal cleaning to assure the aesthetic appearance and character of the community.
North Key Largo Utility Corporation (NKLUC)
NKLUC was organized in 1995 to provide wastewater treatment and irrigation water production for ORC and the Ocean Reef Community. This organization has a Board of Directors and conducts business as a separate organization. ORCA manages its operations and assigns staff to provide necessary services as required.
ORCAT and The Grayvik Animal Care Center
ORCAT was first organized by community volunteers and leaders in 1985 to assist with managing Feral Cat populations in Ocean Reef. This charitable organization, with assistance from ORCA starting in 1994, has a separate Board of Directors that assists with fundraising. ORCA manages its operations and assigns staff to provide necessary services as required. ORCAT, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
In 2006, the Grayvik Animal Care Center (GACC) was established as a facility to provide private veterinary and grooming services to residents and guests of Ocean Reef. The GACC also houses the ORCAT program and over 100 ORCATs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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The Dress Code is looking for a Boutique Sales associate for their stores in Islamorada and Ocean Reef. Part-time, flexible hours, great discounts.
Email, stop in or call for more info!
Thank you,
Suzanne Gleason
The Dress Code, LLC
31 Ocean Reef Drive, Suite A-100
Key Largo, Florida 33037
305-916-5949
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Let us help you promote your next event, post your job openings, or share your member member deals. The Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce is happy to:
Complimentary (on our website):
-Post job openings
-Share member to member specials
-Post current coupons being offered
Minimal fee:
-Send e-blast to our contact list on your behalf
-Feature your story on our newsletter
-Post flyers on our social networks
Contact us at 305-340-8905 to find out more!
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Subscribe
to the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
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