This week, Collier County commissioners voted 3-2 against a proposal that would enforce a mask mandate in public spaces.  As  I observed the hearing this week, more than 200 speakers spoke for more than five hours of discussion on both sides of this issue.  Our county commissioners weighed several options to best serve the community.  Ultimately, it was the preference of the vote to leave the mask decision up to local business owners and focus on advancing public health education to the community. 

As Florida is a large and diverse state, it is entirely appropriate for these decisions to be made by local officials and crafted to suit the unique needs of their communities.  Please understand that significant steps have been taken to encourage the statewide use of masks by the public in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.

Last month, Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees and the Department of Health issued an updated statewide public health advisory.  There were specific recommendations that individuals should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible, with limited exceptions.  In addition to this advisory, several municipalities throughout the state have already adopted mandatory mask ordinances that are practical and appropriate for their communities.  I expect many more will soon adopt similar requirements.

The bottom line, however, is one of personal responsibility.  I want to remind you that the State of Florida and the CDC recommend masks in public to help you maintain your health and also to help protect the well-being of others.  With the ongoing growth of cases in Florida, wearing a mask could curb your exposure to the virus.  Remember, we are all in this together.  And together, we can help limit the spread of COVID-19 while supporting one another and working to restore our economy. 

As we ensure the protection and safety of others, we can reverse the spread of COVID-19.  By limiting the spread, we can provide the economic opportunity for our businesses, restaurants and offices to remain open to serve our residents and visitors.  This short-term responsibility is for the long-term protection of our community. 

New Website, Visit Our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page

Recently, we launched a new and improved kathleenpassidomo.com to bring you the latest news and provide ease of access to the resources you need.

For all information previously shared in these newsletters, please visit the website.  You will find a list of  COVID-19 resources and our state's efforts to support you and your families during this pandemic.  I will continue to share the most recent updates with you in these newsletters. 

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

As of Saturday afternoon, there are 337,569 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the state of Florida, including 7,479 in Collier County, 12,127 in Lee County and 1,347 in Hendry County.  There are now over 3.67 million cases across the United States and more than 14.12 million worldwide. 

Here are additional resources from the state and federal level: 

• To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.
• For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.
• For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

If you are experiencing symptoms, or have traveled internationally or to a heavily-infected area recently, please contact your local County Health Department.    

Click the button below to view Florida Health's Data and Surveillance Dashboard for Florida-specific data including County-by-County cases.  

State of Emergency Declaration Receives 60 Day Extension

On July 7, Governor DeSantis issued an executive order to extend the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 20-52 for 60 days.  I have received numerous emails regarding amendments to current laws and new local mandates as we continue our response to the pandemic. 

The 2020 legislative session concluded on March 18, 2020, and as stated in the Florida Constitution, the legislature will not return to Tallahassee until after the November election.  No new legislation or amendments to Florida statute will be made before the 2020 election.

Under the Florida Constitution and law, during a time of emergency, the Governor is granted extensive powers to govern the state and manage the emergency.  As you are aware, this public health emergency is unprecedented in nature and changes hourly.  I will continue to remain in contact with our executive branch leaders so I may share the concerns and thoughts of our constituents and ensure the safety and protection of our residents and visitors.   

Department of Health Asks Floridians to Help Protect the Vulnerable

Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a public health advisory that provided a series of recommendations for Floridians to protect the health of themselves and others.  The DOH reminds all Floridians to protect the vulnerable 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.

ICYMI: Guardianship Bill to Protect Vulnerable Floridians Signed Into Law

Last month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 994 into Florida law.  On July 1, the new statute went into effect to help increase protections for individuals under guardianships by eliminating conflicts of interest, ensuring the vulnerable adults’ finances are protected, and prohibiting the guardian from signing “do not resuscitate” orders, or DNR, for a ward without permission from the court.

As the bill's sponsor, I am proud to have championed this legislation to help strengthen safeguards for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens who are under the care of professional guardians. 

Thank you to Governor DeSantis for taking action to block bad actors from preying on Florida’s most vulnerable population.  Floridians under the care of professional guardians should no longer fear that important decisions are falling into the wrong hands.  We brought together families, caregivers, guardians, attorneys and state and local government leaders to develop this legislation and prevent further harm.  Now, Florida families can trust that professional guardians will remain faithful to their wards.

I worked with Representative Colleen Burton and Secretary Richard Prudom of the Department of Elder Affairs, as well as active participants in the guardian program, including attorneys, Clerk of Court, professional and public guardians, and advocates for wards under guardianship, to develop the legislation.

Schools Re-Opening This Fall, Local Planning and Decisions at Forefront

Although schools are set to reopen, this fall will in no way be a normal school year.  My office continues to closely monitor developments related to COVID-19, including the public debate and rhetoric on best practices to bring students back to school campuses safely. 

Significant steps have already been taken on a state level to provide guidance to local school districts through the distribution of a statewide reopening plan.  In early June, the Florida Commissioner of Education, alongside Governor DeSantis, issued recommendations to safely reopen Florida's education system.

The plan recommends school districts:

• Establish mitigating procedures to reduce risks throughout the school day;
• Create action plans to respond to confirmed cases; and
• Maintain transparent communication channels to support staff and parent confidence. 

The recommendations also stated that medically vulnerable students, staff and those who live with medically vulnerable Floridians should consult with their family doctor to develop a plan for safe in-school participation.  Whenever feasible for medically vulnerable staff, steps should be taken to minimize human interaction, and districts and institutions should consider flexible leave policies.

As Florida is a large and diverse state, the Governor and Commissioner of Education have recognized that as schools reopen, it is vital for the plan to include input and recommendations of local school board and health officials. The plan should be crafted to suit the unique needs of their communities and schools.

Families are also uniquely qualified to decide what is best for their children and grandchildren, in deciding to return to school or maintain distance learning.  The DOE's guidelines, in tandem with community-focused efforts, place a priority on the safety of Florida's educators and students as we continue to take on COVID-19 in Florida.

USDA Launches Rural Community Toolbox

As a committed partner to local leaders in combatting the addiction crisis in rural America, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has built a Rural Community Toolbox.  The Rural Community Toolbox is a clearinghouse for funding, technical assistance, and other information from 16 Federal departments and agencies to support local action in rural America.

Major departments and agencies featured in the Rural Community Toolbox include:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Department of Commerce
• U.S. Department of Education
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• U.S. Department of Justice
• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Small Business Administration
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Appalachian Regional Commission
• Corporation for National and Community Service
• Federal Communications Commission
• National Rural Transit Assistance Program

In addition to funding and technical assistance, the Rural Community Toolbox includes a library of current informational resources from Federal departments and agencies on 46 key topics related to drug addiction in rural America, such as:

• Adverse childhood experiences;
• American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian populations;
• Economic development;
• Healthcare workforce;
• Housing and homelessness;
• Infrastructure;
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT);
• Recovery;
• Suicide and suicide prevention; and
• Transportation.

Executive Order 2020-166: Extension of Executive Order 20-52 (July 7, 2020)

The Executive Order extends the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 20-52 for 60 days.  View Executive Order 2020-166 here.

Executive Order 2020-159: Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief (June 30, 2020)

The Executive Order extends Executive Order 20-94, relating to mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief, until August 1, 2020. View Executive Order 2020-159 here.

COVID-19 Survivor?  Consider Donating Plasma

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you can donate plasma.  Those who have recovered may have antibodies, which are the proteins your body uses to fight off infection.  Plasma can be given to those currently battling COVID-19 and may help save lives.

COVID-19 Scams Continue to Arise

The DOH in Collier County (DOH-Collier) sent an alert out last month warning residents of potential telephones scams regarding COVID-19.  Residents have been solicited by calls falsely claiming they are with the Florida Department of Health.  These scammers request social security numbers and medical information from the caller before they provide "COVID-19 test results".

Remember: The Florida DOH will never call and ask for your social security number or medical information. 

Recently, a rumor emerged in Golden Gate City with someone promoting at-home COVID-19 tests and seeking to solicit these to residents.  These are not legitimate tests.  If you have seen this false advertising, please contact the DOH-Collier immediately.

Latest Information on District Public School Reopenings 

For the latest details and information on public school reopenings for the 2020-2021 school year, visit the county links below.  There you will find details on public schooling options, guidelines and resources.  Remember, our district school boards are working hard to provide you with safe and comfortable options to provide your children with the best learning experience this school year.  We will continue to work together to improve upon these plans throughout the year and create efficiencies for faculty, students and families so we may maintain healthy learning environments, whether it be on campus or via distance learning. 

New Community COVID-19 Testing Site

Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida will provide FREE drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Nichols Community Health Center located at 12655 Collier Blvd., Naples, FL 34116.

Testing will be available on a first-come basis for all ages, regardless of symptoms.  A physician or provider referral is not required, and those receiving tests do not need to be patients of Healthcare Network.  Drivers and others needing testing must remain in their cars at all times.  For information, call 239-658-3000. 

Local COVID-19 Testing Location Information

For the latest updates on testing locations in your area and how to schedule an appointment, visit the links below.  Please note, Lee Health, Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) and Quest Diagnostics continue to offer COVID-19 testing by appointment only.

A Visit to the Village of Estero

Last week, I was pleased to visit with Mayor Bill Ribble and the Village of Estero Council during their meeting.  Given the present climate, it was meaningful to see familiar faces and discuss with local leaders about the wellbeing of our community.  During this visit, I was honored with the Legislative Champion Award from the Florida League of Cities. 

FGCU Helps Expand Collier County Economy with New Collaboration

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will begin offering its celebrated entrepreneurship training at the Naples Accelerator.  Led by the faculty and staff of FGCU’s Frank and Ellen Daveler & Sandra Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, the new curriculum will help entrepreneurs enhance their skill sets and cultivate their businesses.  The collaboration was endorsed by the Collier County Board of Commissioners in late May with applications for the program now open to entrepreneurs.

Reminder: Sign Up for Local Hurricane Alerts

Reminder, we have now entered into hurricane season, are you keeping up to date?  Sign up for Alert Collier to receive the latest information from local officials. 

South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Announces Cost-Share Projects to Support Water Supply & Conservation

The SFWMD  is currently accepting applications for cost-share projects to develop alternative water supply projects and water conservation projects.  This project will help to identify and implement cost-effective strategies to protect the state's water resources while meeting Florida’s water needs.  The SFWMD will partner with local governments and other entities to implement these projects.

The Florida Legislature approved $40 million in funding for developing water supply and water resource development projects. The SFWMD is requesting applications for funding consideration for alternative water supply (AWS) and water conservation projects within the District’s 16-county service area.

Eligible projects for consideration should be construction-ready AWS projects or ready-to-implement water conservation technology programs that provide the most immediate benefits.  Projects may be eligible for up to 50 percent cost-share by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  Applications are currently being accepted now through July 31, 2020 at 4:00  p.m.

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard Updates

On Friday, the Florida DEO issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. As of July 17, DEO has paid 1,739,774 claimants a total of $10.69 billion ($10,692,872,880).  As of July 17, over 95,334 claims have been received from Collier, Lee and Hendry County.

DEO has launched a partnership with ID.me., a trusted technology partner helping to keep claimant’s personal information safe.  This site is for claimants who are currently locked out of their CONNECT account due to suspected fraud.  Individuals who received an email from DEO are invited to click the link provided to submit additional documentation to unlock their CONNECT account.

Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through August 1, 2020.  Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020.

On a quarterly basis, pursuant to Federal guidance, DEO must determine if individuals who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) are ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits.  This routine task often referred to as the Quarter Change, will determine if individuals could now be eligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits.  The Quarter Change shifts the base period from January 2019 – December 2019 to April 2019 to March 2020.

ICYMI: DEO Issues Guidance on Returning to the Workplace

As Florida reopens, you may be called back to work or find new employment opportunities.  You may continue to request benefit weeks up to the week in which you start working.  When you request the week overlapping with your return to work, you should indicate that you have worked and earned money during the week.

If you expect to work full-time and/or earn more than your weekly state benefit amount during the week of overlap, you do not need to request benefits for that week.

 If you currently receive Reemployment Assistance benefits and no longer wish to receive benefits, you do not need to claim your weeks.  Payments will stop processing if weeks stop being claimed.

If you return to work, but you have not received Reemployment Assistance benefits for which you were eligible during your time of unemployment, you can be assured that payments will still be made to your account for the weeks you are eligible.

For more information, please visit DEO's return-to-work guidelines and FAQ page. 

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Assistance 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed.

Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), can visit FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program

The Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is now available.  This program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to a claimant who has exhausted their Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Floridians will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of their current claim is exhausted.  Floridians who have already exhausted their benefits or have a Reemployment Assistance claim that expired after July 1, 2019, will also be able to apply.

Additional COVID Isolation Centers Available

To support long-term care providers and help in hospital decompression during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has worked to establish COVID Isolation Centers across the state.

The agency’s goal to ensure providers are aware of the availability of these facilities as a potential resource, including several new isolation centers recently brought online.

• Dolphin Pointe in Duval County
•  OakBridge Healthcare Center in Polk County
• Port Charlotte Rehab Center in Charlotte County
• Gulf Coast Medical Center/Skilled Nursing Unit in Lee County
• De Luna Health and Rehab Center in Escambia County
• PruittHealth Southwood in Leon County
• NSPIRE Healthcare Lauderhill in Broward County
• Carrington Place in Pinellas County
• Miami Care Center in Miami-Dade County
• Avante at Boca Raton in Palm Beach County
• Viera del Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center in Brevard County
• Oasis Health and Rehabilitation Center in Palm Beach County

Hospitals can request to discharge patients who require nursing facility level of care and who lack an appropriate discharge setting while recovering from COVID-19 to COVID Isolation Centers.  Long-term care facilities can transfer COVID-positive residents who need more clinical monitoring and appropriate isolation to safely recover.

The discharging facility will contact, and work directly with, the isolation facility to coordinate the transfer.  The isolation facilities have agreed to serve as a regional resource to receive these patients.

For up-to-date information, including a map of isolation facilities and contact details, please visit the COVID Isolation Center webpage.

IMPOWER Offering Free Mental Health Services

IMPOWER is now offering no-cost mental health services statewide through Telehealth to children and adults who have been impacted by the pandemic.  To qualify for no-cost services individuals must be uninsured, underinsured, be at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and have been directly impacted by COVID-19.

VA Offering Debt Relief to Veteran's Through End of Year

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its commitment to extend debt relief to veterans adversely impacted by COVID-19 to the end of 2020 by suspending certain debt collection actions.  VA is suspending all actions on veteran debts under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Treasury Department.  This includes the suspension of collection action or extending repayment terms on preexisting VA debts, whichever the veteran prefers.

For benefit debts, veterans can contact the VA Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648.  For health care debts, veterans can contact the Health Resource Center at 1-866-400-1238 or online.

Save a Trip to the DMV & Renew Online

Since March 1, 2020, Floridians have conducted over 8 million motor vehicle and credential transactions virtually through the department’s online services webpage: GoRenew.com.

FLHSMV encourages Floridians who can, to complete their driver license or motor vehicle transactions online, rather than in person at a driver license office.

DHSMV services available online:

• Replace or renew a Florida driver license or ID card
• Replace or renew a registration for a motor vehicle, vessel or mobile home
• Obtain a paper title

Saltwater Fishing License Holders Wanted as Participants in New Program

On July 1, the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS) replaced the successful Gulf Reef Fish Survey to help provide timely and precise data on important reef fish statewide.

As part of this program, recreational anglers and divers (including those 65 and older) who fish for or possess the reef fish below from a private vessel in both the Atlantic and Gulf will need to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation:

• Snappers – mutton, yellowtail, red and vermilion
• Hogfish
• Groupers – gag, red and black
• Amberjack – greater and lesser
• Banded rudderfish
• Almaco jack
• Gray triggerfish

Signing up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation is simple, has no-cost and can easily be obtained wherever saltwater licenses are sold:

• GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
• Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app
• 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356),
• ackle shops, sporting goods stores and tax collectors’ offices

If you fish for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico, your Gulf Reef Fish Angler designation will fulfill the statewide requirement of the State Reef Fish Angler designation until your Gulf designation expires, even if you are fishing on the Atlantic coast.  Once your Gulf designation expires, you will need to sign up for the new State Reef Fish Angler designation.

The Florida Department of Health remains the best and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in our state.

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

• http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19
• https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
• COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard: https://arcg.is/0Hfi5O 
• COVID-19 Call Center: 1-866-779-6121
• Email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov 
• Twitter: @HealthyFla

Local County Health Department Offices

Collier County 

• Immokalee Office: 239-252-7300
• Naples Main Office: 239-252-8200

Hendry County

• Clewiston: 863-983-1408
• LaBelle: 863-674-4041

Lee County 

• Main Office - Michigan Clinic: 239-332-9501
• Pondella Clinic: 239-461-6100 (for appointment)
• WIC - Bonita Springs: 239-344-2000 (for appointment)
• WIC - Lehigh Acres: 239-344-2000 (for appointment)

Emergency 

• Dial 911
• Emergency Hotline: 311 or 239-252-8444 
• City of Naples Emergency Services: 239-213-4844
• American Red Cross: 239-596-6868

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• CDC COVID-19 Homepage
• Frequently Asked Questions

White House National Updates

• coronavirus.gov

World Health Organization (WHO)

• https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

I hope you find this to be a reliable resource for statewide case updates as well as local and state resources to help keep you and your family safe. I urge you to continue to social distance and follow CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  I will keep my constituents updated as we continue to learn more.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.
 
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate Majority Leader
State Senator, District 28

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

Paid political advertisement paid for by Working Together for Florida P.C., 133 South Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285.