The wildfire in Collier County this week, which forced evacuations and closed I-75, is a reminder to us that there are threats out there beyond COVID-19. I know that the Florida Forest Service and local fire departments are working together to keep homes and families in the area safe. I pray for the strength and safety of all those in harm's way. 

Phase I of Re-Open Florida continues this week with the reopening of  barbershops and salons, and the reopening of Palm Beach County.  Governor Ron DeSantis continues to focus on keeping the most vulnerable safe from harm.  He's also working to increase testing. This week, he launched the nation's first mobile rapid-testing lab, which is traveling the state to bring testing resources to communities that need them most.  Finally, the state has made great strides in filling unemployment claims with more than 1 million processed as of this week. 

I am so grateful for your continued support and perseverance during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of any assistance. Thank you.

Visit My Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Webpage

For all resources previously shared in these newsletters, please visit kathleenpassidomo.com.  You will find a list of Executive Orders in place, updates on COVID-19 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 Friday morning, there are 43,210 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the state of Florida, including 811 in Collier County, 1,303 in Lee County and 176 in Hendry County.  There are now over 1.4 million cases across the United States and more than 4.4 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.  

Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Expansion on Phase I: Re-Open Florida

On Monday, May 11, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-120 that permitted the reopening of barbershops, salons and other personal services.  Workers are required to wear masks and gloves and see customers only by appointment.  The Department of Business & Professional Regulation issued FAQ guidance for barbershops, cosmetology salons, and specialty cosmetology salons. 

Shops are encouraged to follow the following guidelines as they reopen for Floridians:

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect prior to reopening. Make sure to disinfect all surfaces, tools and linens, even if they were cleaned before you originally closed.  This type of cleaning should continue between each day of operation.
• Consider providing unworn masks to clients for use during their appointment.
• Remove all unnecessary, frequently touched items like magazines, newspapers, service menus and any other unnecessary paper products and décor from customer service areas.

Previously, on May 4, Governor DeSantis's Phase I of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step." plan to Re-Open Florida went into effect.

Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Issues New Emergency Order

On Wednesday, May 13, Commissioner Corcoran issued Emergency Order 2020-EO-02 allowing a six-month extension for teachers to renew certifications, licenses, and endorsements.

ICYMI: Over 25 Million Masks Distributed to Florida's Front Line Workers

To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:

• 25,000,000 masks
• Nearly 10,000,000 gloves
• 1,600,000 face shields
• More than 1,000,000 shoe covers
• More than 400,000 gowns
• More than 200,000 containers of hand sanitizer
• 85,000 goggles
• 37,000 coveralls

For long-term care facilities alone, the Division has sent:

• 10,000,000 masks
• Nearly 1,000,000 gloves
• More than 500,000 face shields
• 160,000 gowns

Florida Launches First Mobile Rapid-Testing Lab in the Country

On Wednesday, May 6, at Hard Rock Stadium, Governor DeSantis, along with the Florida DEM Director Jared Moskowitz announced the first mobile rapid-testing lab in the country which has already begun testing at long-term care facilities in South Florida.  The mobile lab can administer 3,500 tests per week with results being returned in 45-minutes. These rapid tests will help Florida as it continues to protect its most vulnerable residents.  The lab will be traveling around the state and providing testing at long-term care facilities.  

The DEM has launched a website to track the mobile lab that is testing long-term care facilities across the state.  The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available same day.  The website is available here.

The Governor was also joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Giménez, who shared information about Florida’s new Critical Care Decontamination system at Hard Rock Stadium.  This cutting edge technology will be used to decontaminate PPE.  It will accept N95 masks from health care workers and first responders statewide to be decontaminated. The unit has the ability to decontaminate up to 80,000 masks per day, and the same mask can be decontaminated up to 20 times. 

Governor DeSantis announced the state will soon begin serology antibody testing for health care workers and first responders.  Florida will be implementing two sites, one at the Orange County Convention Center testing site in Orlando and the other at TIAA Bank Field testing site in Jacksonville.  More information about the antibody tests can be found on the FDA’s website here.

Florida Continues to Prioritize Testing

Florida has tested over 580,000 people, which is 1 for every 38 people. To put that number into context, South Korea used to be the standard-bearer for testing when they had tested 1 for every 200 people.

As announced by the Governor on Twitter, Florida’s positivity rate is holding steady on a downward trend.  Original Phase 1 counties (all but Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) reported receiving over 15,000 test results on May 11th with only 297 positive COVID-19 cases at a positivity rate of 1.88%.

The Governor also reported the state’s initial results from anti-body “serological” testing at drive through sites. Sample results of first responders and health care workers showed 10% positive for antibodies in Miami and between 2% and 3% in Orlando and Jacksonville.

To date, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) has assisted in the testing of more than 181,000 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.  This includes 50 teams of Department of Health and National Guardsmen and women who have already tested more than 28,600 residents and staff in 238 facilities.

Florida’s walk-up testing sites have conducted more than 26,000 tests to-date at our 10 state-supported walk-up sites to help underserved communities.  Drive-through sites have the capacity for 400-750 tests per day and have performed over 142,000 tests to-date across our 15 state-supported sites:

Governor Proclaims "Florida Nurses Month," Celebrates National Day of Prayer

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed May as “Florida Nurses Month,” and he honored the more than 430,000 licensed registered nurses and practical nurses in Florida who are serving on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic.  We salute these heroes for their service and dedication!

The Governor also shared a message on Twitter of encouragement as Floridians observed this year’s National Day of Prayer, “This year’s National Day of Prayer comes as we navigate our way through a difficult time that has impacted all of us. As we continue to fight to alleviate the effects of COVID-19, let us lean on God in prayer to become more resilient in the face of fear and crisis.”

FDOT Announces Second Phase of Critical Infrastructure Project Accelerations

At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Transportation announced a second phase of critical infrastructure projects that have been accelerated throughout the state. Due to continued lower traffic volumes as a result of COVID-19, FDOT expedited more than 40 critical transportation projects by at least 650 total contract days, while also providing essential jobs to Floridians.

FDOT is also still leading the coordination in implementing Executive Order 20-86 on out-of-state travelers. To date, more than 26,800 traveler forms have been completed at the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints.

ICYMI: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Creates Interactive Tool to Provide Meals to Students During Summer

To ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are able to get the nutrition they need, the USDA is working with states to continue providing meals to students.  The USDA website provides an interactive map to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information.

The USDA National Hunger Hotline remains a helpful resource for people seeking food assistance. The hotline, operated by Hunger Free America, can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish).

Executive Order 2020-120: Expanding Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery (May 9, 2020)

The Executive Order lifts the stay-at-home order for Palm Beach County and authorizes the opening of barbershops and salons that adopt appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures outlined by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. View Executive Order 2020-120 here.

Executive Order 2020-114: Emergency Management – Extension of Executive Order 20-52 (May 8, 2020)

The Executive Order extends the state of emergency, originally declared on March 9, 2020, for an additional 60 days. View Executive Order 2020-114 here.

Local Wildfire Update

On Wednesday evening, Southwest Florida saw a large number of wildfire enter our area.  Below is an update according to reports as of Thursday Afternoon.

The wildfire in Hendry County near Sears Road burned 250 acres and is currently 100% contained.

In Lehigh Acres, Near 30th Street SW and State Road 82, a wildfire burned at least 20 total acres and is 100% contained.  The fire caused State Road 82 to shut down for some time. It has since reopened.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the two wildfires in Collier County fires merged overnight on Wednesday, May 13.  As of Thursday Afternoon, he 36th Ave SE Fire is 4,000 acres and 10% contained.

Greater Naples Fire District Issues Mandatory Evacuation

The Greater Naples Fire District is issuing a mandatory evacuation due to a fast-moving wildfire. This evacuation pertains to structures in heavily wooded areas generally north of I-75,  west of Everglades Blvd and east of Garland Rd. and Panther Walk RV resort and Club Naples, RV resort, S of I-75

Two shelters are currently open to evacuees. If you feel you are at risk or are having breathing problems please voluntarily evacuate.

• Max A. Hasse Community Park @ 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard W.
• Naples Golden Gate Community Center @ 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy

Collier County Issues PSA for Hair Salons & Barbershops

The Collier County Department of Health recently recorded a Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding the opening of hair salons and barbershops. 

South Florida Water Management District Encouraging Public Participation at Upcoming Meeting

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board is encouraging the public to participate in this month’s monthly board meeting tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. 

As part of the District’s efforts to increase public engagement, the public can submit written public comments ahead of the meeting online or provide spoken public comment during the meeting. 

To review the agenda and meeting materials, go to SFWMD.gov/Meetings

City of Naples Readjusts Beach Access Hours

Over the weekend, the City of Naples temporarily closed their beaches so that they can further discuss their policy to keep residents safe.  On Monday, May 11, the Naples City Council decided to re-open the beaches at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, with the following restrictions.  Further discussion will take place at the City’s June 3, 2020 Regular City Council meeting.

Monday – Friday

• Open sunrise to sunset
• No coolers and tents
• Chairs and umbrellas allowed
• Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding allowed

Weekends

• Open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Chairs, tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited
• Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding allowed
   
• Open 5:00 p.m. – sunset
• ONLY chairs allowed
• Tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited

Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 23rd – Monday, May 25th

• Open 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Chairs, tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited
• Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding allowed
   
• Open 5:00 p.m. – sunset
• ONLY chairs allowed
• Tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited

Bathrooms will be re-opened during these times.

Collier County Board of County Commissioners Adopts Executive Order For Beaches

The Collier County Board of County Commissioners, at its May 12, 2020 board meeting, adopted an Executive Order regarding Collier County beaches.

The following mandates shall govern access to Collier County Beaches until ordered otherwise:

• Monday through Friday weekday hours shall continue on the current regular hours of operation, with no further restrictions.
• Weekends, consisting of Saturdays and Sundays, shall be opened from 7:00 a.m. up until 11:00 a.m. (closing hour) and then re-open at 5:00 p.m. through sunset.
• During the weekends all county parking garages, lots and facilities shall be limited to access only by county residents whose vehicles have Collier County/City of Naples beach parking passes.
• Memorial Day weekend shall consist of Saturday, Sunday and Monday (May 25, 2020) and the restrictions set forth in subsection (b) above, shall all be in effect.

County beach parking passes available Monday– Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., starting Friday, May 15, at these locations:

• Golden Gate Community Center
• Veterans Community Park
• East Naples Community Park
• Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

If you are purchasing a parking pass you must bring your current Collier County vehicle registration and driver's license.

Collier County To Offer Walk-Up Testing Sites Next Week

COVID-19 walk-up testing for Collier County residents will be available beginning next week.  Testing will take place at two locations in Naples on May 19 and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Testing Locations:

• North Collier Regional Park @ 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109
• South Regional Library @ 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113

Hendry County Health Department Announces COVID-19 Testing in Clewiston and LaBelle

Starting Thursday, May 14, the Florida DOH-Hendry will be providing free COVID-19 drive-thru testing in Clewiston and LaBelle by appointment only.

Residents of Hendry County may schedule an appointment by calling the Hendry County Health Department Clewiston (863) 983-1408 or LaBelle (863) 674-4041.

There is no criteria for testing, however, appointments are required and individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Testing activities will continue as long as supplies last. Appointments will not be made more than one week in advance. Anti-body testing will not be available. 

Testing locations will be held at:

Hendry County Health Department - Clewiston 

• 1100 S. Olympia, Clewiston, FL 
• Tuesdays and Thursdays Only
• 10:00 a.m. to noon
• 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.

Hendry County Health Department - LaBelle

• 1140 Pratt Blvd, LaBelle, FL
• Wednesdays and Fridays Only
• 10:00 a.m. to noon
• 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

ICYMI: Lee County, State National Guard Drive-Thru Testing Site 

Since May 4, a drive-thru, community-based COVID-19 testing site has opened at the CenturyLink Sports Complex at 14100 Ben C. Pratt/Six-Mile Cypress Pkwy., Ft. Myers, FL.

This site was created through a partnership with the Florida DEM, the Florida DOH, the Florida National Guard, Lee County and Collier County. This site will support testing for residents in the area, including Lee County and Collier County residents.

• Testing site opens at 9 a.m. sharp, please do not line up cars outside the gate.
• The site will be open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. 
• Last car to be admitted into the gate at 3:00 pm.
• No appointment, doctor's note, or prescription is required.
• Testing will be available for individuals over the age of 18 regardless of symptoms.
• You must bring a valid photo ID for everyone being tested.
• Bring a face-covering/mask, you must cover your mouth for the nasal swab.
• Bring your own water, snacks, and any medication that you will need.  Especially if you have any medical condition that requires you to eat.
• The test site is drive-thru only.
• Individuals being tested will not be permitted to exit their vehicle.
• Keep your windows closed until given direction to open for the nasal swab.
• Your vehicle must have working windows that can be lowered for testing, doors must stay closed at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to last the entire time, plan accordingly.

Additional Local COVID-19 Testing Locations

Walmart, alongside Quest Diagnostics and HHS, has set-up a new drive-thru test site in Lehigh Acres for all health care providers, first responders, and anyone exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. The test site will take place in the Walmart parking lot at 2523 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971​.

All appointments will be drive-thru, observed self-collection in the Walmart parking lot. To be tested, individuals must have a scheduled appointment from MyQuest™ and no walk-ups will be seen. The testing site is supported by Walmart, Quest Diagnostics and state and local officials. ­

• There is no out of pocket cost for individuals.
• The drive-thru will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting.
• Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time.
• You must first qualify for COVID-19 screening and schedule an appointment at: www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com
• If you have any questions regarding your scheduled appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at (866) 448-7719.

NCH Healthcare System, Lee Health, and Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) are also offering COVID-19 testing by appointment only.  For the latest updates on testing locations and how to schedule an appointment visit the links below.

Reminder: Collier Schools Schedule Senior Awards and Virtual Commencement

The Class of 2020 is facing an unprecedented season of change due to COVID-19 which has led to the modification of the spring schedule or cancellation of many hallmark moments of the high school experience. 

A video/virtual graduation ceremony will be held for each high school on June 3, 2020, including each student’s name being announced, a photo of each graduate in cap and gown, and speeches by student leaders, school/district administrators, and School Board Members.

Students, parents, extended family members, and guests will have the opportunity to remotely view the video streaming at their school's designated graduation time via the district and each high school's website.

Below is the schedule for the Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation on June 3. Further information regarding how to view the stream will be forthcoming. Seniors and parents will receive details regarding cap and gown photos from their respective schools.

• Barron Collier High - 2:00 p.m.
• Everglades City School - 5:00 p.m.
• Golden Gate High - 1:00 p.m.
• Gulf Coast High - 4:00 p.m.
• Immokalee High - 7:00 p.m.
• Lely High - 5:00 p.m.
• Lorenzo Walker Technical High - 6:00 p.m.
• Naples High - 7:00 p.m.
•  Palmetto Ridge High - 7:00 p.m.

Given the state of our country, we recognize traditional commencement ceremonies will not happen on June 3 as previously planned. Therefore, in an effort to reunite the Class of 2020, all high schools will host an event in July.

If guidelines from the CDC allow for a gathering of the entire senior class and parents/guests, each high school will hold a ceremony on a school’s athletic field. If schools are unable to hold the July event, all high schools will host an event in December. 

Collier County Library Services

To help reduce community spread of COVID-19, the Collier County Library has begun offering curbside pick up at six locations.

• ALL returns MUST be placed in outside book drops, which are now open.
• Please note that returned items will be checked in after three (3) business days.
• Placing holds/requests for library materials will resume on Monday, May 18.
• Headquarters, Naples Regional, South Regional, Immokalee, Marco Island and Golden Gate branches will provide curbside pickup.
• Reserved materials for other locations will be redirected to a location listed above.
• Patrons will be notified when their requested materials are available for curbside pickup.
• We are still not accepting donations at this time. Please DO NOT leave materials outside the library buildings.
• The library branches remain closed, but are open online 24/7.
• Library card expiration dates have been extended.
• Temporary library cards are available online. Write down your library card number to use our online library.

Lee County Library Services

At this time all Lee County libraries and meeting rooms are closed.  However, as of Saturday, May 9 all branch locations are offering contactless curbside pickup services.

• Exterior book returns are open effective Wednesday, April 22. 
• Downloadable books, streaming video and other online content is available 24/7 at www.leelibrary.net/online.
• Due dates for all physical items have been extended and requested materials will be held at library locations until they reopen.
• Fines will not be charged for days the libraries are closed.
•  Library card expiration dates have been extended to ensure access to online services available at www.leelibrary.net.
• Telephone Reference staff are available to provide assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. by calling (239) 533-4636. 

Hendry County Library Services

Barron Library is still closed to the public however, they are working to provide residents with reading material.  You may reserve books online or call at (863) 675-0833.

According to Hendry County’s website, Clewiston Library Hours will be Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The library is closed on weekends. 

Call (863) 983-1493 for more information. The library and county request that if you have business with the Hendry County Library, you maintain a 6-foot distance in all directions, and wear a mask for everyone's safety.

Immokalee’s Benison Center Awarded State Farm ‘Good Neighbor’ COVID-19 Grant

State Farm agents in Collier and Lee County, FL, presented the Redlands Christian Migrant Association – Benison Center in Immokalee with a Good Neighbor Grant for $1,550 to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts in our community

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Status Update

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard.  As of May 12, DEO has paid 665,950 claimants a total of over $1.77 billion. To date, there has been over 1,148,656 claims processed of the 1,896,878 submitted for reemployment assistance.

To date, there are over 24,224 claims within Collier, Lee, and Hendry County.

DEO will be continuing to process claims and making payments over the weekend and will be unavailable to existing claimants. This schedule does not affect individuals that wish to file a new claim. Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim."

Individuals who have general questions that are not claim specific can call 1-833 FL APPLY (1-833-352-7759) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Claimants can log-in again starting Monday, May 11 at 8:00 a.m.

Work Search and Work Registration Requirements for State Reemployment Assistance Waived Through May 30  

Florida families and businesses are facing extremely difficult times, as hardworking Floridians depend on a paycheck to feed their families and many individual livelihoods are at stake.

There have been numerous challenges with Florida’s online system for processing unemployment claims. Fortunately, Governor DeSantis has taken several steps to increase the system’s effectiveness and ensure Floridians receive the assistance they deserve.  These steps include appointing new leadership to oversee unemployment assistance, expanding the unemployment assistance call center capacity, redirecting 2,000 state workers to help process claim applications, and installing 72 additional servers. 

To assist with the ongoing challenges of many residents due to COVID-19, Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to waive the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through May 30, 2020.

To comply with federal law, weeks beginning May 10, 2020, claimants will be required to return to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request their benefits or “claim their weeks.” In doing so, claimants will confirm that they are still unemployed and acknowledge that they are able and available for work should it be offered. 

If claimants, currently receiving Reemployment Assistance benefits, no longer wish to receive benefits, they do not need to claim their weeks, as payments will stop processing if weeks stop being claimed.

As the capacity of the CONNECT system has grown in recent weeks, the Department is working to ensure that benefits for claimants are verified and maximized.  Claimants can help us keep their benefits on track and documented by claiming their weeks at these scheduled intervals.

Reminder: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available For Floridians

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program is now available to all eligible Floridians. The 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, can visit FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.

Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:

• Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
• Those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
• Unemployed Floridians who have not yet applied for any benefit should apply at FloridaJobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including PUA.

Florida DEO Receives Additional Funding for Florida's Small Businesses

On April 25, an additional $320 billion was approved for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resumed accepting Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan applications as of  Monday, April 27, for approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower.

For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, visit: sba.gov/paycheckprotection.

You may reach out to your bank or lender for more information on commercial loan opportunities that may be available to you. Visit the U.S. Treasury website for a list of banks and lenders.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs is Partnering With Scent Evidence K9 to Help Vulnerable Populations Stay "Safer-at-Home"

Supporting the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis to keep older Floridians Safer at Home, The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is partnering with Scent Evidence K9 to distribute 2,000 Scent Preservation Kits® to caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).

As Florida seniors stay at home to limit their risk of exposure to COVID19, those older adults with ADRD may have an increased tendency to wander and become lost. If that happens, proactive family safety measures, such as the Scent Preservation Kit®, are providing effective response systems to locate missing persons and return them to safety.

Scent Evidence K9 has created special packaging for the kits, which will be distributed by DOEA and include a letter from Secretary Richard Prudom providing further assistance. DOEA is working with Memory Disorder Clinics, the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, and all Florida Area Agencies on Aging to identify recipients for the kits and ensure those with the highest risk of wandering are protected.

Scent Evidence K9 is a Tallahassee-based international provider of effective scent discriminate systems and services that enable responders to find missing persons and bring them home safely. 

Volunteer Florida Announces $300,000 in Funding to Support Florida’s Communities

Volunteer Florida recently announced the availability of $300,000 in AmeriCorps Planning Grants to support organizations interested in implementing an AmeriCorps program that addresses a critical community need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Awarded organizations will receive up to $75,000 for a one-year planning period to prepare for and manage a future AmeriCorps program. These organizations may apply for an additional grant award, subsequent to their planning year. 

Organizations interested in applying for this planning grant should respond to the notice of funding by Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday, May 20, Volunteer Florida will be hosting a technical assistance webinar at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Please click here to register.

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 useful source of state guidance and developments as we work together to safely re-open Florida. I ask that you continue to uphold social distancing guidelines to keep you healthy as we continue to 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.