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The Village of Estero has compiled the most recent daily updates from the State of Florida, Lee County and the Village of Estero.  This compilation provides updates from the governmental perspective.  The information provided below was developed by our partner agencies for public consumption.

Village of Estero Update

Village Hall has closed the public lobbies as of 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 23.

  • We will still be accepting online applications, records requests, requests for action related to roads and landscaping, and general inquiries.
  • Our phone lines will remain open and we will have available a dropbox for paper building applications.
    • Health Data (the State of Florida’s dashboard has been updated, to include more information: https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837c86
    • Global Confirmed Cases: 1,365,004 (76,507 deaths)
    • U.S. Confirmed Cases: 369,069 (11,018 deaths)
    • Florida Confirmed Cases: 14,504 (283 deaths, 1,777 hospitalizations) (see attached graph)
    • Lee County Confirmed Cases: 434 (13 deaths, 80 hospitalizations)
    • Estero Confirmed Cases: 19 (unknown death and hospitalization numbers)
  • CDC
    • Practice “social distancing” by remaining at least 6 feet from others
    • Limit gatherings to 10 people or less
    • Some in the community have organized trips to the grocery store- the CDC guidelines still apply here.  If this comes up in conversation, please encourage people to do their part to limit physical interaction.  Tools like Zoom and Skype are great ways to stay connected virtually!
  • Lee County
    • All Lee County-owned beaches, parks and Conservation 20/20 preserves are now closed.
  • Lee County School District
    • Online instruction continues for the second week.
  • State of Florida
    • Governor DeSantis signed an executive order last week (https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/docs/default-source/covid-resources/eo-20-91.pdf?sfvrsn=606dd5d5_0) that orders everyone who isn’t going out for essential work or an essential activity to stay at home.  The list of essential and allowable work and activities is broad; provided below are some examples.  The Village released an article that reviews this executive order, found here: https://estero-fl.gov/florida-governors-safer-at-home-order-clarified-in-faqs/
      • Local government workers
      • health care workers
      • law enforcement
      • utility workers
      • journalists
      • pharmacists
      • gas station clerks
      • plumbers
      • landscapers
      • weather forecasters
      • employees of hardware stores
      • employees of pet supply stores
      • employees of gun stores
      • employees of laundromats
      • those caring for a loved one or friend
      • those attending religious services
      • those participating in recreational activities, consistent with social distancing, such as walking, biking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming
    • Governor DeSantis has created an order that allows governments, such as ours, to reach meeting quorum via video or teleconferencing.  We will support virtual public attendance via our live stream and eComment card tools, which are already in place.
  • Village of Estero
    • Village Council has asked the Village Manager to postpone the scheduling of future in-person Council meetings, given our interest in adhering to CDC gatherings guidelines.  We may proceed with virtual meetings, instead, using the aforementioned digital tools.

 

 

 

 

Lee County Update

First COVID-19 economic impact survey results released
Fort Myers, FL, April 7, 2020 – Small businesses are suffering the most due to COVID-19, according to
an initial survey conducted to understand the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on
Southwest Florida.
The COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey was designed to allow company executives to voice concerns
about the impact of the pandemic on their business. The 22-question internet survey was sent to various
chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and visitor & convention bureaus scattered
across Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties on March 23, 2020, along with the request that they distribute
the survey to their contact list. The survey also was distributed by Southwest Florida Business Today, a
multi-platform business communications company that focuses on the three coastal counties. By March
28, 947 executives completed the survey.
Among the findings:
  •  61% of respondents reported that their sales revenue has declined by more than 50% because of
    COVID-19. The loss is even higher for businesses with less than 25 employees.
  • 59% of business respondents said they believed the effects of COVID-19 would be temporary
    and not permanent.
  • 65% of respondents said they have laid off less than 20% of their employees.
  • 21% of the small firms (fewer than 25 employees) laid off more than 80% of their employees
    compared to 17% of the large firms.
  • 60% of large firms had developed a disaster plan to deal with the coronavirus compared to just
    32% of the small firms.
The full business study can be downloaded from the Regional Economic Research Institute’s web site:
https://www.fgcu.edu/cob/reri/studies/coronavirus_economic_impact_survey_report.pdf
“We now have a baseline to work from as we closed the end of March,” Lee County Commissioner Ray
Sandelli said. “Data such as this will help the commission make informed decisions related to our
business community as we move ahead in the coming months.”
The report was produced for the Lee County Economic Development Office, the Horizon Council, Horizon
Foundation and by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI).
The COVID-19 Economic Impact Report represents the first part of a multi-part project to estimate the
economic impact of this virus on the economy of Southwest Florida. The project originated through a
request from the Lee County Economic Development Office (on behalf of the Lee EDO and the Horizon
Council), to conduct a broad study of the region at a time when businesses were shuttering and many
area residents were voluntarily quarantining themselves in response to threats posed by the spread of
COVID-19 in Southwest Florida.
Follow-up surveys will be conducted around the last weeks of April, May and June, and possibly through
the end of 2020, to track changes in the economic baseline established in late March, around the time of
the beginning of the coronavirus’ adverse social and economic effects in Southwest Florida.
FGCU economist Amir Neto and Collier County-based economist Joseph Burke joined the RERI to
develop a three-part plan for the study. The first part of the plan established an initial survey of area
businesses in order to create baseline economic conditions. The second part will require follow-up
surveys to track how his baseline changes over the months that follow. The third part utilizes some of the
information from the surveys to conduct a more in-depth economic impact analysis that will apply either
computable general equilibrium or standard input-output analysis.
“In Southwest Florida, the Coronavirus is also an anti-small-business virus. Its effect on small business is
pretty significant,” said economist Christopher Westley, dean of the Lutgert College of Business at FGCU
and director of its Regional Economic Research Institute. “They were less prepared to weather an event
like this. The data puts numbers to that more than anything.”
The Regional Economic Research Institute studies, analyzes and reports on the regional economy
encompassing Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. Established in 2005, it serves as a
public service and economic development unit of the Lutgert College of Business’ Dean’s Office and
strives to connect Southwest Florida to the resources of Florida Gulf Coast University.
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing
businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong
economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of
County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee
County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and attract new
and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and
business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling
individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee
County Economic Development Office. For more information, call 239-533-6800.

Lee County School District

  • Online instruction to begin on Monday 3-30-2020
  • Mariner HIgh School is our newest Grab & Go meal distribution site.
    Anyone 18 and younger can get a bag with breakfast and lunch inside from 9:00am to 12:30pm Monday thru Friday.
    More than 130,000 meals have been served in the first two weeks.  The full list of distribution sites is available here: https://www.leeschools.net/parent_port…/…/meal_pick_up_sites

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of Florida Update 4-6-2020 at 10:30 pm

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida is responding to COVID-19. In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health will issue this update every day, seven days per week.
Governor Ron DeSantis is in constant communication with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the State of Florida continues to monitor and respond to the threat of COVID-19.

Today, Governor DeSantis announced that DEO has installed 72 new servers to accommodate the influx of online reemployment assistance applications. The new servers will streamline website functionality and allow users to access pages and forms more quickly. Paper reemployment assistance applications are available to download here.

Recent actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

  • DEO is providing paper applications to Floridians who need to apply for Reemployment Assistance benefits. Paper applications may be downloaded here.
  • DOEA Secretary Prudom spoke with the SEOC about the Meal Partnership Initiative with Florida restaurants and the potential for increasing meal-delivery capacity.
  • DOEA has updated the Department’s homepage to include the Department of Health (DOH)’s community action survey, StrongerThanC-19.
  • FDLE and FHP continue to facilitate the escort of testing collection kits statewide.
  • As of April 6, approximately 2,320 Florida National Guardsmen are currently deployed to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
  • On April 6, CareerSource Florida launched an updated COVID-19 landing and outreach page as a comprehensive resource for employment and business services available to impacted Floridians.
  • On April 6, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced the issuance of an emergency order and emergency rules to extend annual report filing deadlines for business entities, as well as outline changes to the candidate petition and candidate qualifying processes.

Additional actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees declared a Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 in Florida.
  • Governor DeSantis announced that the State ordered an additional 2,500 test kits to supplement the adequate resources already available to test for COVID-19. These additional test kits will enable the Department of Health, working with Florida health care providers, to test up to an additional 625,000 individuals. The Governor also suspended non-essential in state and all out-of-state travel for state employees for 30 days.
  • Established a public call center for questions regarding COVID-19. The call center launched Monday, March 2 and is open 24/7.
  • Established mechanisms for monitoring and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding epidemiological activities.
  • Distributed CDC Interim Guidance for public health personnel evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases at their home or non-home residential settings to CHDs.
  • Approved and disseminated an updated Clinician Screening Tool for identifying COVID-19 PUIs.
  • Implemented testing at all three State Public Health Laboratories.
  • Distributed updated laboratory guidance regarding implementation of testing at State Public Health Laboratories.
  • Implemented private lab testing.
  • Developed and disseminated pandemic planning guidance.
  • Advised CHDs and HCCs to retain expired personal protective equipment until further until further notice.

FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Florida is receiving its third supply shipment from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). Once the shipment has been received in its entirety, Florida will have received the following from the SNS. These materials are being distributed across the state

  • N95s 540,000
  • Faceshields 246,000
  • Coveralls 1,026
  • Gloves 714,354
  • Surgical Masks 1,290,000
  • Gowns 201,000

Find more information on DEM’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

  • The Agency has created new temporary Personal Care Attendant program to help long-term care facilities fill staffing shortages. The program provides an 8-hour training on assisting with direct care so that personal care attendants can temporarily perform additional duties.
  • AHCA has been working with the Department of Children and Families to ensure current Medicaid recipients maintain benefits during the state of emergency. Medicaid application deadlines have also been extended.
  • AHCA has made on-site visits to over 900 long-term care and residential facilities since the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, AHCA has made over 2,000 telephone calls to residential providers statewide to assess infection control and prevention strategies, ensure county health department and local emergency operations center contact information are up to date, and assess supplies (specifically PPE).
  • Find more information on ACHA’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

  • DPR has updated its dedicated compliance complaint form to include an option for reporting vacation rental compliance concerns. The Department’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants continues to monitor, review, and assign complaints received through this form for follow-up by division inspectors.
  • Find more information on DBPR’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

  • DCF has worked with DOH to develop precautionary protocols for child welfare professionals and adult protective investigators who may have to make in-person visits to ensure the safety of those vulnerable populations.
  • Under Governor DeSantis’ direction, DCF has temporarily increased SNAP recipients’ benefit amount to the maximum monthly allotment based on household size.
  • Find more information on DCF’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

  • FDC remains closely aligned with the CDC Interim Guidance on Management of COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities.
  • Find more information on FDC’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

  • DEO is providing paper applications to Floridians who need to apply for Reemployment Assistance benefits. Paper applications may be downloaded here.
  • DEO has announced $100 million in additional funds are available to communities impacted by Hurricane Irma through the Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.
  • Governor DeSantis has waived the work search and work registration requirements for individuals requesting Reemployment Assistance benefits. For more information, see the Reemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is offering working capital loans and loan advances to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
  • The Business Damage Assessment survey has been activated to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations and determine the appropriate actions for recovery.
  • Find more information on DEO’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

  • FDOE has compiled resources, information, and best practices for distance learning on its emergency response page.
  • The Florida Virtual School has created the Online Learning Community with engaging and informative content for teachers and parents of K-12 students.
  • Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran has recommended that all Florida public and private K-12 school campuses extend campus closures through May 1, 2020, following White House guidance and the CDC’s extension of social distancing guidelines until April 30th.
  • Find more information on The Department of Education’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS

  • Secretary Prudom spoke with the SEOC about the Meal Partnership Initiative with Florida restaurants and the potential for increasing meal-delivery capacity.
  • DOEA has updated the Department’s homepage to include the Department of Health (DOH)’s community action survey, StrongerThanC-19.
  • Find more information on DOEA’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • Effective March 23, DEP has closed all Florida State Parks to the public. Park field staff are on site to maintain grounds.
  • Effective March 24, public access to lands within DEP’s Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas is closed. This includes state-owned uplands, such as beaches, islands, sand bars and emergent shoals within aquatic preserves. Vessel landings are strictly prohibited.
  • Find more information on DEP’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES

  • The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with the implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 20-86 at the direction of Governor DeSantis.
  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has issued an Emergency Order extending all Florida driver licenses, commercial driver licenses and identification cards that will expire now through April 15, 2020.
  • Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52 issued by Governor DeSantis, FLHSMV Executive Director Rhodes has waived commercial truck hours of service regulations and other related regulations so that emergency supplies, equipment, commodities and resources can be moved more quickly and efficiently throughout the state.
  • Find more information on FLHSMV’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION

  • OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-04M providing general guidance on the treatment of policyholders as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Floridians.
  • OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-03M directing all insurers and other entities regulated by OIR to review and update their business continuity and/or continuity of operations plans. Companies are directed to immediately contact OIR if their continuity plans are activated and/or if business operations become compromised so it can work with insurers to avoid any disruption in consumer services.
  • OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-02M as a reminder to all health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and other health entities to allow for early prescription refills.
  • Find more information on OIR’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

  • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has suspended visitation at all state-operated juvenile detention centers and juvenile residential commitment programs until April 15, 2020.
  • DJJ has also instituted additional screening measures for outside vendors who work within juvenile facilities.
  • Find more information on DJJ’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • FDLE and FHP continue to facilitate the escort of testing collection kits statewide.
  • FDLE and ESF-16 partners are working with the Florida Sheriffs Association to provide support for FHP at the I-95 screening point.
  • Find more information on FDLE’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA LOTTERY

  • Effective March 23, Florida Lottery Headquarters and district offices are closed to the public until further notice
  • Find more information on the Florida Lottery’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

  • At the Governor’s direction, DMS Secretary Jonathan Satter issued an emergency order to ensure federal benefits granted through The Families First Coronavirus Response Act are available to employees.
  • As directed in Executive Order 20-52, DMS has amended the state employee health plan benefits plan documents to expand covered telehealth benefits at no additional employee cost.
  • Also directed in Executive Order 20-52, DMS has amended the state employee health plan benefits plan documents to cover immunizations at participating in-network retail pharmacies at no cost to the member during this public health emergency.
  • Find more information on DMS’ COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

  • As of April 6, approximately 2,320 Florida National Guardsmen are currently deployed to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
  • The Florida National Guard (FLNG) continues to support the state’s COVID-19 response through operational support of Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS), augmentation to airport screening measures, statewide logistics support, coordination, planning and operational mission sets. To date, the FLNG has assisted in the testing of over 24,482 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.
  • Find more information on DMA’s response to COVID-19 here.

AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

  • APD has posted information important to its customers, providers, and Waiver Support Coordinators on the agency’s website.
  • Find more information on APD’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

  • The Department of Revenue has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for tax-related questions and information.
  • The Department also has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for child support customers and alternative options for handling many child support case activities without visiting an office.
  • Find more information on DOR’s response to COVID-19 here.

CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA

  • On April 6, CareerSource Florida launched an updated COVID-19 landing and outreach page as a comprehensive resource for employment and business services available to impacted Floridians.
  • Paper reemployment assistance applications will be available at career centers for all 24 local workforce development boards by the end of the day on April 6.
  • Find more information on CareerSource Florida’s response to COVID-19 here.

STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF FLORIDA

  • The SUS has directed all state universities to continue remote instruction through the end of the spring semester.
  • The SUS has directed that traditional on-campus commencement ceremonies will not be held in May. Instead, each university is directed to develop an alternate schedule or method of delivery.
  • Find more information on SUS’ response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE

  • On April 6, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced the issuance of an emergency order and emergency rules to extend annual report filing deadlines for business entities, as well as outline changes to the candidate petition and candidate qualifying processes.
  • Find more information on the Florida Department of State’s Response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

  • FDOT is leading the coordination of DOH and the Florida Highway Patrol to implement Executive Order 20-86. To date, more than 3,400 traveler forms have been collected at the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints.
  • FDOT continues to coordinate with seaports across the state to monitor port activity.
  • FDOT continues to coordinate with public use airports, DOH and law enforcement to implement Executive Order 20-80. To date, more than 10,700 traveler forms have been collected at public use airports across the state.
  • Find more information on FDOT’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

  • FDVA has restricted visitor access to its state veterans’ homes until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors. In addition, admissions in our network of state veterans’ homes are temporarily suspended.
  • Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19, flu or the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center before coming to a VA facility. Clinicians are available to provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage.
  • To contact a teleworking FDVA Veterans’ Claims Examiner, call (727) 319-7440 or email VSO@fdva.state.fl.us.
  • Find more information on FDVA’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

  • The FWC continues to be in close communication with the Governor’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the most recent COVID-19 status and guidance.
  • Find more information on FWC’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION

  • As the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) continues to be committed to the health and well-being of all Floridians, we have compiled a list of resources with relevant information for homeowners, residents, developers, apartment owners, management companies, participating lenders, Realtors and SHIP administrators regarding COVID-19.
  • Find more information on Florida Housing’s response to COVID-19 here.

VISIT FLORIDA

  • VISIT FLORIDA’s four welcome centers are closed until further notice. Sixteen VISIT FLORIDA welcome center staff members have been trained to provide customer service support for the Department of Economic Opportunity and are assisting with the influx of inquiries and calls from impacted businesses and workers throughout the state.
  • Find more information on VISIT FLORIDA’s response to COVID-19 here.

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA

  • As the lead agency for volunteerism and service, Volunteer Florida is working to support voluntary organizations across the state and nation by sharing resources, surveying needs and requesting that continuity of operations plans be created to avoid any service delivery disruption.
  • Find more information on Volunteer Florida’s response to COVID-19 here.