Saturday, May 2, 2020

Daily Franklin County COVID-19 Update from the Florida Department of Health for Saturday, May the 2nd

Good Afternoon Franklin County!

Attached you will find our daily update that has been shared on the Franklin County Florida Emergency Management Facebook page. This top pinned post will be updated each day to ensure it is always correct and full of the most recent information.  In addition, it will be emailed to our community distribution list to ensure we are reaching as many community members as possible.  For updates sent directly to your phone text FranklinCV19 to 888777.

Here are the Florida Department of Health testing numbers as of 4:00pm today:
Currently we have ONE confirmed case in Gulf County and TWO confirmed cases in Franklin County.

LOCAL STATUS
FRANKLIN
How many COVID-19 tests so far for this event:
110
How many negative tests we have:
108
How many positive tests we have:
2

LOCAL STATUS
GULF
How many COVID-19 tests so far for this event:
148
How many negative tests we have:
147
How many positive tests we have:
1


As always, please share this tool and the attachments with your coworkers, partners, friends and relatives as we need to all be educated on the facts. We know that informed people make better decisions, so please help us to eliminate miscommunication and rumors by informing our community. We will keep each and every one of you updated as new information becomes available.



DT Simmons
Public Information Officer
Florida Department of Health in Franklin & Gulf County
139 12th Street,
Apalachicola, Fl 32320
Office Phone | Franklin County: (850) 653-2111 ext. 6019 | Gulf County: (850) 227-1276 ext. 6127 |Mobile Phone: (850) 247-9032

#HealthiestWeightFL




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Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Limited Re-Opening of Recreational Trails and Beaches



Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that, beginning May 4 2020 Florida State Parks will re-open access to trails, and some day use areas, including some beach access with limited facilities. Visitors will be asked to practice proper social distancing and to limit group size to 10 or less and to stay six feet apart.

“I applaud the Re-Open Florida Task Force on their hard work to inform a safe, smart and step-by-step approach to re-opening Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “Recreational activity provides important physical and mental health benefits, particularly during these uncertain times. This Phase One plan will allow for the thoughtful, measured re-opening of some of our state’s incredible natural resources for public recreation.”

“Florida State Parks and Resilience and Coastal Protection managed areas offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein. “We are excited to be welcoming visitors back and appreciate the cooperation of the public as we implement measures that will allow access while protecting both our staff and the public we serve.”

The selected reopened state parks will have limited facilities. Reopened beach areas allow visitors access to active recreation only. This includes walking, jogging, swimming and fishing. No sunbathing, chairs, canopies or coolers are allowed in beach areas at this time.

Reopened parks will resume normal operation hours of 8 a.m. to sunset, with the exception of beach areas. Access to beach areas will have reduced daily hours that may vary locally along with reductions in visitor capacity to ensure social distancing. Visitors should check the Department’s website at www.floridastateparks.org for the latest information.

Compliance with social distancing requirements and approved activities will be enforced and failure to comply with proper social distancing or approved activities may result in law enforcement action or park closure.

For a complete list of open parks and available amenities, please visit www.floridastateparks.org.


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Area 1642 of the Apalachicola Bay will reopen to oyster harvesting at sunrise on Sunday

Area 1642 of the Apalachicola Bay will reopen to oyster harvesting at sunrise Sunday.
Area 1642 is the conditionally approved winter east bar – it includes Cat Point and East Hole.
The area was closed on April 24th because of high river levels. 




RE-OPENING STATEMENT
Date:__5/2/20_________ 
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that the following shellfish area(s) will be re-opened at sunrise on _Sunday, May 3, 2020_for the harvest of oysters, clams, and mussels. In this context, shellfish does not include scallops, shrimp, or crabs.

Area(s):  
#1642 Apalachicola CA Winter East Shellfish Harvest Area
Affected
Counties
_____Franklin_______________
Basis for action: 
Fecal coliform results indicate that water quality meets NSSP standards as defined in Chapter 5L-1.003, Florida Administrative Code

The re-opening of the waters is in compliance with the management plan.  If you have any further questions concerning the closure of shellfish harvesting areas please contact Chris Clark or Steve Cofone at (850) 653-8317.  Refer to the Division of Aquaculture’s
Daily Status Report  for daily open/closure information.  In the event the daily status report cannot be accessed due to server problems, a detailed pre-recorded message of open and closed shellfish harvest areas is available 24 hours a day by calling (850) 653-8317.   For questions concerning scallop harvesting, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850)487-0554.


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Friday, May 1, 2020

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved Gulf Power’s plan to lower May bills for customers by about 40%

 The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved Gulf Power’s plan to lower May bills for customers by about 40%.

Gulf Power serves over 460000 thousand customers from the Alabama border to the Apalachicola River.

Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease of approximately 40-55% in May, depending on usage and rate class.

In Florida, fuel savings are typically refunded to customers over the remainder of the year to provide level, predictable bills.


Because of the significant financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, Gulf Power instead sought approval to give customers the total annual savings in their May bill.


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The St George island causeway as well as the Bird Island off the high hump of the Apalachicola bridge are both off limits to people as of April the 1st

The St George island causeway as well as the Bird Island off the high hump of the Apalachicola bridge are both off limits to people as of April the 1st.

This is the time of year shorebirds need the islands for nesting, so the state says no people or pets are allowed on the sites.

A number of protected bird species nest on the two islands, including 4 species of terns, as well as black skimmers, brown pelicans, and American oystercatchers.

All of the different species are protected and some are listed as threatened species or species of special concern.

When people walk through the nesting area, they not only tend to step on eggs, but they also scare off the birds, exposing the chicks to direct sunlight and predator birds.

And because of coastal development, the birds are running out of safe places to nest, so please try to find others sites to fish from until nesting season ends on August 31st.




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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-113, which suspends Supervisor of Elections for Liberty County Gina Singletary McDowell from public office.

STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 20-113
(Executive Order of Suspension)

WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 7(a) of Florida Constitution provides that the Governor may suspend from office any county officer for commission of a felony; and
WHEREAS, Gina Singletary McDowell is presently serving as Supervisor of Elections for Liberty County, Florida, having been elected in August 2012 and subsequently took office in January 1, 2013; and
            WHEREAS, on May 1, 2020, Gina Singletary McDowell was arrested for felony charges of organized scheme to defraud $20,000 or more, but less than $50,000, in violation of section 817.034(4)(a)2, Florida Statutes, and official misconduct (two counts) in violation of section 838.022(1)(a); and
            WHEREAS, violation of section 817.034(4)(a)2, Florida Statutes, constitute a felony of the second degree and violation of section 838.022(1)(a), Florida Statutes, constitutes a felony of the third degree; and
            WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the residents of the Liberty County, and the citizens of the State of Florida, that Gina Singletary McDowell be immediately suspended from the public office, which she now holds, upon the grounds set forth in this executive order.
            NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, Governor of Florida, pursuant to Article IV, Section 7(a), find as follows:
A.                Gina Singletary McDowell, and at all times material hereto was, Supervisor of Elections for Liberty County, Florida.
B.                 The office of Supervisor of Elections, Liberty County, Florida, is within the purview of the suspension powers of the Governor, pursuant to Article IV, Section 7(a).
C.                 The attached Arrest Warrant allege that Gina Singletary has committed felony acts in violation of the Laws of Florida.  This suspension is predicated upon the attached Arrest Warrant which are incorporated as if fully set forth in this Executive Order. 
BEING FULLY ADVISED in the premises, and in accordance with the Constitution and the Laws of the State of Florida, this Executive Order is issued, effective immediately:
            Section 1.        Gina Singletary McDowell is suspended from the public office, which she now holds, to wit: Supervisor of Elections for Liberty County, Florida.
            Section 2.        Gina Singletary McDowell is prohibited from performing any official act, duty, or function of public office; from receiving any pay or allowance; and from being entitled to any of the emoluments or privileges of public office during the period of this suspension, which period shall be from today, until further Executive Order is issued, or as otherwise provided by law.



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Updated coronavirus information from the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce 5-1-20

Updated information
5-1-20

Many of our small businesses are still in operation via online stores with delivery please visit their online stores. They also can be found at www.apalachicolabay.org

Please see the new Governor DeSantis Executive Orders 20-111 & 20-112 and Franklin County Beach Ordinance below. As well as the General Questions from EO 20-112. These questions explain what is allowed and not allowed under Phase 1 of the Florida Re-opening Plan.

List of Apalachicola Bay Chamber Member Restaurants that are open and serving
Take-out & Delivery


  • Food Delivery
  • Grocery Gals - 850-596-9155
  • Forgotten Coast Home Concierge - 513-373-3429 NEW Member




Florida Department of Health for Franklin / Gulf Counties Daily Updates







Governor Desantis Executive Orders

















County / City Ordinances & Resolutions









City of Apalachicola




City of Carrabelle




Franklin County School District





Hot Lunches for Seniors Only
 
Hot lunches served Monday-Friday 11:30 am –12:30pm for Seniors ages 55 and up
Location: Holy Family Senior Center
              203 Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Street
            Apalachicola, FL




Locations where the Re-employment Applications can be found
 
Apalachicola- CareerSource Gulf Coast-Outside of office
                    1 Bay Ave
                    Apalachicola, Florida
 
Eastpoint: Ards Service Station & Tires-Outside of Station
                407 US Highway 98
                Eastpoint, FL
 
Carrabelle: Carrabelle City Hall-Outside of City Hall
                  1206 Highway 98 East
                 Carrabelle, FL




Food Distribution in Franklin County

Apalachicola
Franklin’s Promise
(850)653-3930
Franklin County Food Pantry
    Currently operating twice a month.
    The next distribution will be May 5, 2020.

Love65
    A new program targeting our age 65 and older population.
    Home deliveries each Thursday.

Mobile Pantry (coming soon)

Tabernacle of Faith (partnering with Second Harvest)
(850)370-0116, Mrs. Valentina Webb

 
Carrabelle
Farm Share (Mr. Terry Brannan, Grand Order of the Archangels)
    Weekly distribution every Wednesday beginning around 2:30 - 3:00 at
SeaQuarters Marina
Highway 98 West
Carrabelle, Florida 32322
Additionally, Farm Share performs two large events every year either in Eastpoint or Carrabelle. The last large event was held February 29,2020.

Eastpoint
Eastpoint Baptist Church
(850)670-8468
    Weekly distribution every Saturday beginning at 9;00 a.m.

Farm Share (Mr. Terry Brannan, Grand Order of the Archangels)
    Weekly distribution every Wednesday beginning around 2:30 - 3:00 at
Vrooman Park

Lanark Village
Ladies Auxillary of American Legion Post 82
2316 Oak Street
Lanark Village, Florida 32322
    Distribution every other week on Wednesdays beginning at 4:00


Helpful Links




























RAPID ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE NEW

Northwest Florida- On Monday, May 4, PanCare Health will begin rapid antibody testing by appointment only available to everyone at all of our COVID-19 testing sites in Panama City, Marianna, Bristol, Port St. Joe and Eastpoint. There are no requirements to receive this testing, and there are no fees for anyone for any services provided at our testing sites. For persons with insurance, we will bill your insurance.

This rapid testing will provide one of three results;
  1. It will tell if someone has ever been exposed to coronavirus and now has the antibodies.
  2. If a person is currently infected with coronavirus, a positive would be followed up with a nasal swab to confirm this as a true positive.
  3. If someone has never been exposed and does not have any antibodies.

To be scheduled for testing, you must call our COVID-19 response line at (850) 215-4181 first. Our COVID-19 response line team is available for each location Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. Off-site testing hours differ from response line hours.
Persons that show up to a testing site without an appointment will be turned away and asked to call our response line to schedule an appointment.




The Star & Apalachicola Times Free Service

The Star and The Times newspapers are putting a free service page together for any business owner that wants to list their augmented services such as curb side or delivery services. This would be a business card sized ad with your logo, services and contact information. We are also offering 100.00 full pages to any restaurant that wants to get their to go menu out to the public. Please feel free to email me at scincis@starfl.com or call me at 850-303-1570.



All of this information is available on the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce home page. www.apalachicolabay.org


Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
850-653-9419
Facebook


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