Great radio from the Apalachicola Bay in North Florida
Thursday, April 23, 2020
ENews - Updates and business news from the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce
Welcome new member:
Roger McKenzie - Mack's Country Meats 1285 Spring Creek Hwy, Crawfordville 850.926.4504
UPDATES ARE NOTED IN BLUE
We'd love to share your business news! If you are in the restaurant business and have any special offers (take out or take home, curbside service etc.) or new hours you would like to share, we’d love to include on our Facebook page posts.
Walmart and Sam's Club News
Things are changing around us each day as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and I wanted to share with you the latest steps Walmart is taking in an effort to support the well-being of our associates, customers and communities. More here
CareerSource Capital Region COVID-19 Employer Essentials Toolkit Updated Information
CareerSource Capital Region's Essentials Toolkit offers a simple and effective one-stop source for finding business assistance. This resource toolkit is designed to assist Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla County businesses and organizations in accessing critical workforce development resources, programs, and services that are needed during this time.
The COVID-19 Employer Essentials Toolkit compiles relevant resources and provides a foundation for stakeholders to identify critical information. More information can also be found on our website. This document includes information about
Wakulla Chamber of Commerce office is staffed at this time but closed to the public until further notice. For any information please call 850.926.1848. We will arrange to leave requested print material on hand outside for pick up.
COVID -19 Ca t e g or y B - Public Assistance for Private Non - Profit Organizations F o c u s o n H o s p i t a l s , C l i n i c s , E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l P r o v i d e r s information here
Comprehensive list of current federal actions and opportunities prepared by the White House in response to COVID-19.
Elder Care News The included documents provide easy to read information on planning, preparing and staying safe practices. Very good info for caretakers and our most vulnerable populationsNewsletterDOEAEJI
The Florida Department of Revenue
granted relief to businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. For adversely affected businesses, taxes collected in March and due on or before April 20, 2020 may pay on or before April 30, 2020. This includes sales taxes as well as Tourist Development Taxes. And, appears to apply to counties that choose to self-collect. see document
On March 26, 2020, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation # 20-52-DOR-002 to extend certain filing deadlines for Florida businesses. This order addresses February and March reporting periods for the following taxes and fees:https://floridarevenue.com/.../taxpayerInfoCovid19.aspx State of Florida Department of Revenue, order of emergency waiver/deviation order
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19 -Updated
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Read the full announcement to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Business Damage Assessment: The Business Damage Assessment survey has been activated to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by DEO, will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The survey can be taken online at https://floridadisaster.biz/
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020.
More information can be found at https://floridadisasterloan.org/ The Governor has requested the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) make the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program available for Florida’s small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) stands ready to assist Florida’s small businesses in accessing this funding when available.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-80 directing all persons whose point of departure originates from outside the State of Florida in an area with substantial community spread, to include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), and entering the State of Florida through airports to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person’s presence in the State of Florida, whichever is shorter.
On 3/26/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-72, regarding State Employee’s State Group Insurance, for HMO and PPO, waiving fees for telehealth visits and influenza vaccination.
On 3/27/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-87, ordering all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order. 03/27/20 Executive Order 20-09 has been enacted to reflect direction from Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. Effective immediately, all recreational boats must be at least 50 feet apart. Each recreational vessel must not have more than 10 people on board. 03/30/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-88 regarding re-employment of essential personnel. 03/30/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-89 regarding public access restrictions in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County and Monroe County.
04/01/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 (Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency). All persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. Here is a link to the Executive Order
04/02/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-94, providing targeted, temporary relief from certain mortgage foreclosures and evictions for 45 days, without relieving an individual’s obligation to make mortgage payments and rent payments.
On 04/06/20 Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-95, directing the Department of Revenue to issue an emergency order suspending taxation imposed under Chapter 201, Florida Statutes, for notes and other written obligations made pursuant to Title I of the CARES Act.
In short, the Governor’s order allows employers receiving money from the federal CARES Act to use the full dollar amount to pay their rent and help their employees.
A PDF copy of the Executive Order is included here
Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-104, which suspends the biweekly “actively seeking work” reporting requirement by claimants. Click here to view the Executive Order.
COVID-19 Poster outlining employee rights relating to the COVID-19 virus. You need to ensure that this is posted in a location where it can be seen by all employees The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has posted additional Questions and Answers regarding implementation of certain provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). For your reference, the updated information begins with Question #38.
Northeast Florida– HPCNEF Navigators to Assist the Recently Unemployed find new Health Insurance The Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida have been assisting residents of Northeast Florida navigate the coverage options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA) for the past 7 years. We are facing the most severe health crisis of our lifetime with the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the expected surge in unemployment numbers in Florida, combined with the potential hazard of in-person meetings, the Health Planning Council’s Navigators are prepared to assist…virtually. More here
CARE Act loans for Small Businesses are on a first come, first serve basis. Congress is planning on increasing the amount available due to such high demand. The US Treasury has a “tool box” of information and current guidance for both lenders and borrowers. It also provides a search tool to find lenders in the area participating in the program. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced 4/1/2020 that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file a simple tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Previously, our understanding was that they would have file this simple tax return but that has now changed. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank account, using the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate $1,200 recovery checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits. The Treasury press release on this is available for sharing on social media at this link or visit Treasury.gov. IRS News Release IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020, Economic impact payments: What you need to know, has been updated with this information and is also shareable on social media.
Subject: New Tool to Help Non-filers Register for Economic Impact Payments
Important information that will answer many of yours and your constituent’s questions.
Information for Congressional Staff From IRS Legislative Affairs Division Congressional Affairs Program Topic: New Tool to Help Non-filers Register for Economic Impact Payments Key Points: The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return. The Non-filer Tool provides a free and easy option designed for people who don’t have a return filing obligation, including those with too little income to file. The feature is available only on IRS.gov, and users should look for Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here to take them directly to the tool. The tool is a Free File fillable forms product developed in partnership with the Free File Alliance. IRS News Release 2020-69 ( attached) has more information including:
Who should use the tool and,
How to use it.
The news release also provides information for:
Lower income taxpayers,
Veterans beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients,
Social Security, SSDI and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries with qualifying dependents,
Students and others.
Coming Next Week:
Automatic payments begin, and
A second tool is expected to be available by April 17 – Get My Payment will;
Provide status of the payment, including when it is scheduled to be delivered, and
Allow eligible taxpayers to provide their bank account information to receive payments by direct deposit
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise across our region, we need you to take the pandemic seriously in order to slow its spread.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) has utilized a predictive model for COVID-19 case projections developed by the University of Pennsylvania Medical School called CHIME (COVID-19 Hospital Impact Model of Epidemics). After inputting information specific to our hospital, population and current social distancing practices, our projections show the potential for a significant surge of up to several hundred hospital admissions each day. These numbers are concerning, and we recognize the possibility that just one large gathering where COVID-19 is present has the potential to overload our ability to care for our community. More
Mastercard Commits $250 Million To Support Small Business’ Financial Security
APRIL 7, 2020
Reaffirms commitment to small business owners and their employees by committing funds, along with cyber security and local market intelligence solutions at no cost
Our local main streets have been amongst the hardest hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. To help address this challenge, Mastercard today announced a commitment of $250 million over five years more here
Florida Department of Environmental Protection has closed all state parks effective 3/23/2020 until further notice. This effects Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla County.
The Wakulla County Courthouse updates: The 2nd Judicial Circuit Chief Judge has issued AO 2020-03 "Close Non-Essential and Non-Critical Court Operations" Effective at 5 pm March 18, 2020, the Wakulla County Courthouse is closed for general public access. Parties needing to file emergency petitions and file in essential court case activities are allowed to file necessary documents. These will be reviewed by a duty judge. Hearings are not being held in most cases and in others are held electronically. No jury trials or public dockets are scheduled. Please call the Wakulla County Clerk’s office for general information and to ask questions at 926-0300 Passport applications are not being accepted until further notice. Marriage licenses will be issued to Wakulla residents only and by appointment only (conducted through glass window). For filing documents in official records, call the Clerk’s Office to schedule dropping off your official records via a drop box.
Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Updates:
Effective Friday March 20,2020 - The front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will be closed to visitors, those needing assistance will need to call communications at 850-745-7100
The Wakulla County Communications/9-1-1 Division now has a list of questions for all calls requesting a first responder be dispatched. This helps to ensure that first responders can prepare accordingly to protect themselves and our citizens.
Effective Tuesday 03/24/2020 The WCSO firing range will be closed to the public until further notice
BOCC UPDATED PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
In response to COVID-19 and with State and Federal guidance, the following actions are being taken:
All BOCC Offices will re-open by April 22, 2020. Offices will be taking proactive measures to practice social distancing.
The following “Programs” are still closed until further notice: Medart Recreation Department, Community Center, Equestrian Center, Library, and the UF/IFAS Extension Office;
The Library is open to “Curbside” pickup only until further notice. Please call the Library at 926-7415 or email at wcpl@wakullalibrary.org for procedures;
Shell Point and Mashes Sands Beaches are now “OPEN”; parking is only allowed in designated parking areas (no parking in the right of way).
Wakulla County Schools Updates:
Wakulla School District began student meal distribution today. Emphasis on meal delivery to bus stops by school buses was placed to ensure more of our students will receive meals. You will also be able to pick up meals at the student drop off location at Wakulla High School. This will happen between the hours of 9:30-11:00 am.
The following is a list of all Wakulla County owned and maintained boat ramps that are still open.
Wakulla River Upper Bridge Boat Ramp- 2449 Shadeville RD N T Smith Boat Ramp- N T Smith Rd., Ochlocknee Bay, FL Bottoms Road Boat Ramp – Bottoms Rd., Panacea, FL Lake Ellen Boat Ramp (25 horsepower or less, no jet skis) – Lake Ellen Drive, Medart Levy Bay Boat Ramp – Levy Bay Rd., Panacea, FL Mash Island Park Boat Ramp – Mashes Sands Rd., Ochlockonee Bay Newport Park Boat Ramp – Hwy. 98 at St. Marks River, Newport Rock Landing Boat Ramp – Rock Landing St., Panacea Shell Point Boat Ramp (Kayak & Hobie-Cat Only) – Shell Pt. Beach Shell Point Boat Ramp - 1549 Shell Point RD. Shell Pt. Beach Wakulla River Lower Bridge Boat Ramp – Hwy. 98 at Wakulla River Bridge, St. Marks
All County Parks remain open to the public at this time. For further information, please contact the Parks Department at (850) 745-7780
FDACS and UF/IFAS are asking your assistance with creating a list of farms, businesses, and online markets selling Florida-grown food directly to final consumers. The intention is to build a directory of sellers who are moving Florida-grown foods to consumers during the market disruptions caused by COVID-19. The list may include farms selling directly to consumers, online farmers markets, community food hubs, or food distributors who now are selling directly to households.
An online form has been created to collect this information. The information submitted through this form will be made public to help consumers find local and online options for purchasing Florida-grown food. It may also help farms identify additional market outlets.
Ed2Go - Tallahassee Community College Workforce Development and the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to bring you an amazing list of online training opportunities for you and your staff. We encourage you to take advantage of your time working remote to upgrade your skills or maybe even learn new skills. Reminder, trainings are FREE to all current Chamber members after a quick application process. List of classes
Member Business News: Hours of operation subject to change
AAA’s branch office is closed to foot traffic; staff is in the office and available by phone 850-907-1000.
Jeff Ewaldt - Aflac agent. Representing American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) in supplemental and life policies for business and personal protection. To learn more or enroll remotely I may be reached at 850.445.9211.
Bay Leaf Market– closed until firther notice
The only thing we are not providing at this time is lunch service.
When you arrive at the store, just give us a call to let us know you are in the parking lot and we will place your order outside on one of the red benches in front of the store.
The Best Western will have new operating hours Starting April 1, 2020. 7am-5pm. Until further notice, the hotel will only be taking reservations for long term stays.
COOK Insurance office is operational. Lobby closed to public. Available by phone call 850-926-6612
Eden Springs Nursing Home has restricted all visitations to their facility to those critical to operations as of March 11, 2020.
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab - Closed to visitors HUB Florida Wakulla Office (Wakulla Insurance) – closed to public, working remotely, available by phone or email
Logan Roofing still operating Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM, with limited staff in the office. We are however, closed to the public. Should any customers need to drop off any documents, we have a drop box out front and the office staff that is working will pick up. If there is a request to see a sample board of any of the shingles for a project, contact the office (850-926-3080/office@loganroof.com) and we will make that available on the front porch for the homeowner to view.
Root 319 Cuts and Color - salon will be closed until further notice, curbside service for products
Ross Tucker, Insurance Agent, representing United Healthcare for Medicare Plans---Open daily M-F from 8-5 on the phone, and by appointment. Call 926-2200.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Physician Partners now offering TeleHealth for patients that have Medicare, Medicaid, United Health Care, CHP, BCBS and Humana. The office is still open to see patients in house, but TMHPP is utilizing TeleHealth for the patients most at risk.
Tiger Rock Martial Arts – offering at home video lessons via video teleconference for their clients
Total Care Dental, Crawfordville: the office will be closed through May 10th and all currently scheduled appointments cancelled. The office will only see dental emergencies with pain and or swelling by special appointment. The pager number to call if having pain or swelling is 551-1358.
VCA Wakulla Animal Hospital. Operating regular hours at this time. Curbside service only, clients remains in their cars, pets are brought inside. No routine spays, neuter or dentals for at least a month.Wakulla Carpet Brokers is still open with regular business hours of 8 till 4 Monday thru Friday and is making sure to take all precautions.
Wakulla Urgent Care is offering TeleHealth for patients that have Medicare, Medicaid, United Health Care, CHP, BCBS and Humana.
Wakulla County Special Needs Prom – postponed to first week in May 2021
Donkeys Bar & Grill - TEXT or call in your Take - Out orders to 850-745-8916 hours of operation will now be Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Full menu and lunch specials
Food n Fill #2 - Our kitchen is OPEN! We are serving breakfast from 7 am to 10 am and lunch / dinner from 10 am to 7 pm Monday thru Saturday. In order to minimize your wait time we recommend you call ahead at 850-745-8687 to place your order or order online at www.foodnfill.com
Hamaknockers BBQ – To-Go orders only
The Kast Net – Pick up only, call 850-421-1255
McDonald’s –Drive-Thru, and Walk-in-take-out
Myra Jean’s – Curbside pick up
Ouzts Too – Curbside pick up
Posey’s will offer its full menu and daily lunch specials for Curbside Pickup and To-go orders from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Tuesday-Sunday Call 850.984.5243
Rocky’s – Drive thru is open for breakfast from 5:30am – 10:00am. From 2:00pm – 9:30pm call in pizza and sub orders ahead of time.
The Seineyard at Wildwood and The Seineyard Rock Landing will be open Thursday - Sunday for lunch and dinner to go's only
The Seineyard Woodville will be open Tuesday - Sunday lunch and dinner (to go's only) and will offer Blue Plates 11-3 and Seafood lunch specials 11-3 Woodville number 850-421-9191 Daily blue plate and seafood lunch special posted on our website.
Sonic – Drive-Thru only
Taco Bell- Open at 10:00am Drive-Thru only
Tallahassee Leon Federal Credit Union now has a new location at 2190 Crawfordville Hwy - lobby is closed to the public but drive-through is open for business Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m./Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tasty J’s – pick up or delivery – call 850.661.8512 or 850.926.8512.
Zaxby’s - Drive-Thru only. New offering -now has family meals that would feed a family of 4 for only $24.99
Local Financial Institutions - drive through only
Other News:
Virtual Information Technology & Professional Services Sector Round Meeting
May 5, 2020
CareerSource Capital Region Sector Round discussions provide a vibrant venue where industry intelligence, trends, issues, best practices, and talent needs are shared.
This, in turn, helps create viable solutions for both current and future regional workforce and talent challenges in this industry.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this sector round will be hosted as a virtual Zoom meeting.
Once you register for this event at the link below, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the meeting ID and password.
We invite you to join other information technology & professional services employers, as well as education, economic development, and workforce development leaders at this industry meeting. Register Now
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