“Phase 1” of Governor’s Reopen Florida Plan Begins Today
The first phase of Governor DeSantis’ Reopen Florida plan began at 12:01 am this morning. Eligible businesses throughout Florida are now able to open at reduced capacity.These changes do not apply to businesses in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties yet. Not included in “Phase 1”, Governor DeSantis made a “commitment” over the weekend to working on reopening salons.
Continued Reopenings of Public Spaces Throughout Florida
Tampa reopened beaches and dog parks today. For open locations, click here. Hernando County libraries reopened today, with restrictions. For details, see press release. Also today, Pinellas County and Manatee County beaches and state parks reopened.
SBA and Treasury Dept. Report on Paycheck Protection Program
Yesterday, the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department released information about the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program. 2.2 million loans were approved and the average loan amount was $79,000. Out of the over $175 billion disseminated throughout the country, $12.2 billion went to Florida companies. Florida had the second highest number of loans approved and the fourth highest total amount of money approved.
Tampa Announces Lift Up Local Economy Recovery Plan
Tampa has launched the Lift Up Local Economy Recovery Plan, which enables restaurants and retailers to utilize outdoor areas usually reserved for right-of-way or parking purposes without a permit. Also announced as part of the plan, street activation zones in Hyde Park, Hyde Park Village, Ybor City, Tampa Heights, West River, SOHO, and downtown will provide businesses with more outdoor space through street closures. These efforts aim to increase the ability of these businesses to comply with Governor DeSantis’ “Phase 1” reopening plan that mandates reduced capacity and encourages outdoor operations.
Jacksonville Begins Distributing Stimulus Funds
Appointments began today for the distribution of funds from Duval County’s stimulus program. $1.3 million was distributed in $1,000 increments. The funds are to be used for rental, mortgage, and utility payments.
Updated Numbers
There have now been 36,897 cases throughout the state of Florida and 1,399 deaths. In Duval County, there have been 1,072 cases and 26 deaths. In Hillsborough County, there have been 1,300 cases and 29 deaths. In Orange County, there have been 1,438 cases and 35 deaths. In Pasco County, there have been 282 cases and 8 deaths. In Pinellas County, there have been 784 cases and 42 deaths. In Polk County, there have been 536 cases and 26 deaths. For updated data, visit:https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837c86.
Resources
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Florida Department of Health: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
Florida Chamber of Commerce: https://www.flchamber.com/follow-facts-not-fear/
Tampa Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/Your-Chamber/Newsroom/coronavirus-updates.aspx
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce: https://jaxchamber.com/coronavirusbusinessresources/
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce: https://www.lakelandchamber.com/covid-19-resources/
St. Pete Chamber of Commerce: https://www.stpete.com/resource-guide-for-coronavirus-covid-19/
