The event will feature guest speaker Richard Florida, Co-Founder and Senior Editor of The Atlantic City Lab, who will lead a keynote conversation focused on a recovery playbook for our region as we consider the next phase of the coronavirus crisis and beyond. For details and registration information, visithttps://bit.ly/3fZFT0V.
CareerSource Broward Presents “Surviving A Layoff” Webinar July 29 and August 4
CareerSource Broward presents “Surviving A Layoff,” a free webinar that will take place on Wednesday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (register at https://bit.ly/3hwxUsk) and on Tuesday, August 4 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (register at https://bit.ly/32RExRW). The presentation is designed to provide participants with information about free resources available during these challenging transitional times. Topics will include: remote job placement assistance and virtual tools; information about scholarships up to $12,000 for education and in-demand career training; virtual job fairs, job search and interviewing tips for job seekers; online professional career development workshops; and more. For more details, visit www.careersourcebroward.com.
Department of Health Information
According to the Florida Department of Health, as of July 27, 2020, results from approximately 370,307 tests administered in Broward County indicated 319,015 negative results; 50,784 positive results; and 508 inconclusive results. To see the latest data from the FDOH, visit bit.ly/2wb29D2.
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Self-Swab Testing at Holiday Park
Free drive-thru COVID-19 self-swab testing is available at Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park, located at U.S. 1 and N.E. 8 Street (just south of Sunrise Boulevard). The site is open Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and offers free COVID-19 testing to anyone age 5 or older with or without COVID-19 symptoms. No doctor referral needed. Proper ID is required with name, date of birth, address, and photo. To reduce wait times, please register for an appointment online at https://florida.curativeinc.com/welcome. Overseen by healthcare professionals from AMR, the testing procedure for the oral self-swab test requires individuals to swab the inside of their mouth for approximately 20 seconds. The swab sample is then placed in a vial, sealed, and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are delivered to patients via email or text message. Patients who do not receive results after 72 hours, may contact Curative Inc. via email at support@curativeinc.com. For more details, visit bit.ly/ftlcovid19testing.
Free Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing at Lincoln Park
Free walk-up COVID-19 testing is available at Fort Lauderdale’s Lincoln Park, located at 600 N.W. 19 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The Lincoln Park testing site is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Administered by the Florida Department of Health, the site offers free walk-up testing to anyone with or without COVID-19 symptoms. There are no age or identification requirements and no doctor referral is needed. For more details and to view a video of the Lincoln Park testing site, visit bit.ly/ftlcovid19testing.
Additional COVID-19 Testing Sites Now Open in Broward County
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has opened three federally funded COVID-19 testing sites in Broward County. The free drive-thru testing sites are located at Dillard High School,
2501 NW 11th Street in Fort Lauderdale; Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW 6th Avenue, in Pompano Beach; and MacArthur High School, 6501 Hollywood Boulevard, in Hollywood. The sites are operating from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, August 2 at 6 p.m. The sites offer free testing for individuals 5 years of age and older, regardless of symptoms. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.DoINeedACovid19Test.com. Individuals will be provided with information on how to receive results once they are tested. For a complete list of state supported testing sites, visit https://bit.ly/3fYDnbe.
Weekly Food Distribution at Mills Pond Park on July 30
The next drive-thru food distribution event hosted by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors will take place on Thursday, July 30 beginning at 9 a.m. at Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9 Avenue. Produced in partnership with Feeding South Florida, the event provides healthy and nutritious food to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis (while supplies last). Recipients must remain in their vehicles and will be instructed to open their trunk when volunteers are ready to load it. To access Mills Pond Park, please enter from southbound NW 9 Avenue. For more details, visit bit.ly/2K8cnrn. For more information about Feeding South Florida, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org. To make a donation to Feeding South Florida, please visit bit.ly/2WJVl8Y.
Application Deadline EXTENDED to July 31 for Emergency Relief from CRA
The City of Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has extended the deadline to July 31 for businesses to apply for funding under its Emergency Business Investment Program, an initiative designed to provide relief for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides forgivable financing to eligible small businesses located in Fort Lauderdale’s Northwest/Progresso/Flagler Heights Community Redevelopment Area (NPFCRA) as well as the Central City CRA. Also, eligible businesses in low and moderate income areas of the City may apply to receive up to $10,000 in forgivable loans that may be used toward rent or mortgage payments, employee payroll, or utilities. Applications for the Emergency Business Investment Program are currently available online at https://bit.ly/30C8nXY. The City has allocated $1.34 million to fund the emergency relief program. Applicants must meet program criteria in order to be eligible to receive a forgivable loan. The loans will be zero-interest for 24 months. The loans may be forgiven, if all conditions are met, otherwise they must be repaid at the end of that term. For more information, call 954-828-4617 or visithttps://bit.ly/2OM2OR0.
Important Deadlines from the Supervisor of Elections Office
The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office reminds everyone about the following important deadlines related to the August 18 Primary Election and the November 3 General Election:
- August 8 - Last day to request a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election on August 18
- October 5 - Last day to register to vote in the General Election on November 3
- October 24 - Last day to request a mail-in ballot for the General Election on November 3
For more information, visit the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office website atwww.browardsoe.org.
Help Us Raise the Count by Completing the 2020 Census Today!
Attention Neighbors! Help the City of Fort Lauderdale be accurately counted in the 2020 Census. Currently, Fort Lauderdale’s response rate is 52.2%, which is more than 10 percentage points behind the current national response rate of 62.4%, and more than 7 percentage points under the current state of Florida response rate of 59.5%. Counting every neighbor in our City gives us an opportunity to receive our fair share of more than $1.5 trillion in federal funding for infrastructure, schools, housing, roads, healthcare, and public service programs. An accurate census count also provides critical funding for hospitals, disaster recovery, and emergency readiness for pandemics like COVID-19. Please respond to the 2020 Census today! Fill out and mail back the questionnaire sent to your home; complete the census form online www.my2020census.gov; or take the census over the phone by calling 1-844-330-2020.
Countywide Curfew in Effect Through August 1
Emergency Order 20-22 has been issued by Broward County. The order imposes a countywide curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily through August 1 at 5 a.m. Exemptions to the curfew include: active duty police, fire rescue, first responders, news media, delivery or transportation drivers, government employees, persons seeking emergency medical care, and medical, health care and utility service personnel. In addition, people traveling to and from their place of employment, those returning home after commercial travel, and individuals walking their pets within 250 feet of their residence are exempt from the curfew. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visit https://bit.ly/bceo20-22
Private Gatherings Restricted to 10 People
Effective immediately, under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, private gatherings that take place at residential properties, whether indoors or outdoors, are limited to no more than 10 people. Individuals who are present at gatherings of more than 10 people are subject to civil and criminal penalties. Owners of properties where violations take place are also liable regardless of whether they are present when the violations occur. In addition, residents of residential properties, whether they own or rent, must ensure that all individuals on their property comply with all applicable emergency orders and guidelines or be subject to civil and criminal penalties. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visithttps://bit.ly/bceo20-22.
Restaurants Prohibited from Serving Food and Alcohol On-Site 10 p.m. - 5 a.m.
Broward County has increased COVID-19 restrictions on operating hours for restaurants and food establishments. Emergency Order 20-21 prohibits restaurants and food establishments from serving food or alcohol for on-site consumption (both indoor and outdoor) between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Restaurants and food establishments will be permitted to continue to operate take out, delivery, drive-thru, and pickup services during these hours. Seating at restaurants and food establishments is restricted to six (6) people per table. If patrons are from the same household, the limit is ten (10) people per table. Any food and beverage purchased must be consumed seated at a table. To read Emergency Order 20-21, visit bit.ly/2O9GSis.
Additional Restrictions in Place for Restaurants, Gyms, and Fitness Centers
Effective immediately, under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, ordering food and/or beverages from a bar counter is strictly prohibited. Restaurant patrons must order and consume food and drinks at a table, and establishments must continue to follow all other applicable operating requirements as defined in Emergency Order 20-22 and previous orders. In addition, effective immediately, individuals using or visiting a gym or fitness center shall wear a facial covering at all times, including while exercising, except while in a pre-swim shower or swimming pool. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visithttps://bit.ly/bceo20-22.
Masks Mandatory in Broward County; Violators Risk Fines
Broward County Emergency Order 20-21 clarifies that facial coverings are required to be worn in public and private spaces, including at all establishments where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order also requires the mandatory use of facial coverings in residential facilities and condominium common areas (including reception areas, hallways, lobbies, and elevators), and requires that masks be worn by all persons in any establishment other than amenities regardless of social distancing; all people working in any establishment allowed to operate; all individuals who are obtaining any good or service from any establishment; and all workers in any establishment involved in preparing, handling or serving food. Any individual or establishment that violates the facial covering requirements is subject to a criminal and/or civil infraction, with fines up to $500 per violation for a criminal misdemeanor, $1,000 per day per violation for a civil citation, or up to $15,000 per violation for a known violation that is irreparable or irreversible. To read Emergency Order 20-21, visit bit.ly/2O9GSis.
Vacation Rentals Must Be Actively Managed
Under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, short-term vacation rentals are not allowed to operate unless they are being actively managed by on-site owners or on-site management companies with staffing or security on site 24 hours a day to enforce compliance with all applicable requirements. This requirement will take effect for check-ins starting on or after July 20, 2020 through August 20, 2020. Exceptions include vacation rentals that are rented by individuals conducting military, emergency, governmental, health, or infrastructure response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, or people primarily engaged in non-vacation commercial activities. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visithttps://bit.ly/bceo20-22.
Broward County Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions and Penalties
Broward County has issued Emergency Order 20-21, which tightens COVID-19 restrictions and increases penalties for violators. Any business that violates a local emergency order related to COVID-19 including but not limited to, requirements for operating procedures, capacity and seating, facial coverings, social distancing, spacing of tables and chairs, prohibiting gathering at bars and counters, limiting the size of parties, and proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, will be forced to immediately close for 24 hours after their first citation. An additional 72 hours of closure will be added for each subsequent citation (e.g., 96-hour closure after a second citation, 168-hour closure after a third citation, etc.). In addition, any repeat violation is subject to a fine up to $15,000. Residents are urged to report business violations online at Mybroward.Broward.org or by calling 311 or the City of Fort Lauderdale 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000. To read Emergency Order 20-21, visit bit.ly/2O9GSis.
City’s Code Enforcement Team Citing Businesses for COVID-19 Violations
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Code Enforcement Team continues to conduct inspections of restaurants and businesses to ensure COVID-19 regulations are being followed, particularly as they relate to requirements for operating procedures, indoor and outdoor seating capacity, facial coverings, social distancing, spacing/placement of tables and chairs, prohibiting congregating at bars and counters, limiting the size of parties, and proper hygiene and cleaning procedures. The City will continue to issue citations and fines and close down restaurants and businesses that are not in compliance. The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages the public to report COVID-19 violations to 311 or the City’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
Online Dashboard Tracking COVID-19 Violations
An online dashboard is tracking Broward County complaints about businesses not following proper COVID-19 regulations related to operating capacity, social distancing, facial covering and other reopening requirements contained in local emergency orders. The GIS-based website displays details about business complaints received, including: name and location of the business being reported; number and type of warning or citation issued; and complaint outcome (i.e., warning issued, citation issued, complaint resolved, pending inspection, etc.). To access the dashboard and view updates for cities in Broward County, visit http://arcg.is/1riWfH.
Find Local COVID-19 Statistics on Broward County Dashboard
To help residents understand the magnitude of the pandemic locally, Broward County is posting a daily statistical dashboard of COVID-19 indicators. The data includes statistics on number of positive cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations, hospital capacities, and deaths. To view the dashboard, visit https://bit.ly/2CncuPv.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
With COVID-19 cases are on the rise, the City of Fort Lauderdale reminds residents, visitors, and businesses that this is no time to let your guard down. Please remain vigilant and continue to follow local emergency orders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to help fight the spread of the coronavirus. Individuals testing positive for COVID-19, or who are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, should:
- self-isolate to the greatest extent possible and avoid contact with other people
- avoid visiting establishments and amenities except when medically necessary
- avoid use of common areas such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms or recreational facilities, especially in shared housing or multi-housing developments
In addition, remember to wear a mask or facial covering to protect yourself and others, maintain six feet of social distancing, avoid group gatherings of more than 10 people, and stay at home if you are sick. In addition, wash your hands frequently; use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. For more information about steps you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitbit.ly/3acut6g.
FLIFF Drive-In Cinema at Pier 66 Presents Hairspray Sing Along on July 31
On Friday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m., the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) Drive-In Cinema at Pier 66 will present a screening of the sing along version of Hairspray, a 2007 musical romantic comedy that tells the story of teenager Tracy Turnblad, who teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show. A 40-foot screen will be set up in the open green space located at the corner of SE 17 Street and Harbour Inlet Drive across from the hotel. Admission is $30 per vehicle and tickets must be purchased in advance at FLIFF.com. Entry into the parking area will begin at 7 p.m. with all vehicles positioned in place by 8:15 p.m. Popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Anyone exiting their vehicle must wear a facial covering. The series is sponsored by Ed Morse Automotive Group; hosted by Pier 66; presented by FLIFF and Twilight Features; and co-sponsored by Riverwalk; Film, Music, Fashion & Create; and the Broward Cultural Division. For details, visit FLIFF.com.
Avoid the Three Cs to Help Slow the Spread
The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Department of Health remind everyone to protect themselves and others by avoiding the Three Cs: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, and Close-Contact Settings and by wearing a mask in public:
- Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
- Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
- Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least six-feet from others.
In addition to avoiding the three Cs and wearing facial coverings in all public spaces, individuals should continue to practice social distancing by staying at least six-feet away from others; stay home when sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; clean and disinfect countertops and frequently used surfaces often; and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). For additional prevention tips, visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/prevention.
For Additional Information
For additional information regarding Coronavirus, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended protective measures, please visit:
Ways to Stay in Touch
The City of Fort Lauderdale offers numerous ways for neighbors to receive important information and updates:
· If you live in Fort Lauderdale, join Nextdoor
· Contact our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000
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