CoVid 19 Resources

FPL MAY BILL CREDIT

As a result of the current lower fuel costs, FPL asked the Florida Public Service Commission to approve an unprecedented plan to fast-track Commercial and Residential bill savings.

The Florida Public Service Commission has approved FPL’s plan to fast-track bill savings. This approval will result in a one-time bill decrease in May. Both residential and commercial customer will see a decrease in their billing.

Typical residential customers will see 25%.  Business will also see a significant one-time decrease, depending on the rate class.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Disaster Loan Virtual Office Hours Monday Through Friday 11 A.M to 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. to 5 P.M.

Skype Link

Phone: (202) 765-1264; Conference ID - 143765659

Small Business Association


FPL RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

FPL encourages you to take advantage of free analytic tools to help you make smart decisions about your energy usage and help you easily identify ways to save on your bill.

Getting started is easy. Please take a moment to watch this quick video to see new information about:

  • Tools to help lower your bill
  • Small adjustments to your A/C for savings
  • Tips for appliances, refrigeration, lighting and more
  • Federal funding resources

We understand your business needs are unique. That is why we recommend you try our free Business Energy Manager to find tips and tools to help you track your usage and save on your bill. You can also get our step-by-step guide to survey saving opportunities when you download our Energy Checklist..

FPL commits to continuing to provide meaningful and immediate help for your business while also maintaining safe and reliable energy services. The latest information on our response to the COVID-19 crisis is always available on FPL.com. We also encourage you check the Small Business Administration website often for new updates on possible government funding for which you may be eligible.

BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

This is a comprehensive list of available resources in Palm Beach County to help you get through the COVID-19 pandemic.  

VETERAN SERVICES

Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19, flu or cold should
contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 before coming to a VA facility.

Visitor access to State Veterans’ Homes has been restricted until further notice, with the exception of
essential visitors, such as family members of those residents undergoing end-of-life care. Additionally,
admissions for state veterans’ homes have been temporarily suspended.

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC HELPLINE)Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging announced a COVID-19 expansion to their Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC Helpline). Seniors 60+ are encouraged to call the ADRC Helpline for assistance with food, food stamps, COVID 19 information such as testing sites, and questions on Medicare or Medicaid. Call the ADRC Helpline at 1(866) 684-5885. Specially trained counselors are available to help in English, Spanish or Creole Monday through Friday 8:00 – 5:00.

FEEDING SOUTH FLORIDAFeeding South Florida

Calendar of Food Distributions

These sites provide groceries in a drive-thru style. The list is updated daily, dates, times and
locations may change.

PALM BEACH COUNTY LIBRARY E-CARDLibrary

You can use the Palm Beach County Library system 24/7 from your computer, laptop or mobile device by visiting our website.

You will need your library card to access many of these resources. If you do not have a Library card you can get a free temporary e-card today.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

Palm Beach County Housing Programs continues to offer assistance to homeowners and prospective renters through the following programs:

  • Foreclosure Prevention – Funding may be provided to assist with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowner insurance to prevent foreclosure. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000.
  • Rental Assistance – Funding may be provided to assist with rental security deposits, utility deposits, connection fees, housing stability counseling and rent payments up to 12 months. The best way to apply for assistance is through the Department of Community Services electronic system via the link below or by calling (561) 904-7900.
  • https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/CSDServiceEligibility/Account/Login.aspx
  • The Purchase Assistance Program assists pre-approved applicants with financial assistance to purchase their first home.
  • The Rehabilitation/Repair Housing Assistance Program assists approved clients with rehabilitation or emergency repair to their owner-occupied homes.
  • The Workforce Housing Program assists approved buyers purchase homes at one of the workforce housing sites.
  • To discuss housing needs and available funding, contact DHES at 561-233-3600, or visit http://discover.pbcgov.org/hes/Pages/default.aspx.

Car Washes Ordered ClosedCar Wash

Pursuant to Florida Governor’s Order 20-91 and the associated Miami-Dade County orders, which apply to Palm Beach County, commercial car washes are not included in the definition of essential businesses and are therefore ordered closed until April 30, 2020.

Businesses and recreational facility closures, social distancing and stay at home strategies are critically important to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The cooperation of all residents and businesses is requested and appreciated.

Additional information concerning the Governor’s Order and essential services can be found at floridadisaster.org.

Waste ManagementMESSAGE FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT

Garbage and refuse collection schedules have not been modified placed limits on collections - yet. However, we would like to stress that bulk materials should be limited to residents only and not contractor generated for obvious reasons.  We are experiencing increasing residential volumes and decreasing commercial volumes as a result of the emergency orders. 

Residents are asked to securely tie all garbage in plastic garbage bags. This additional precautionary measure includes securing all personal hygiene products, used tissues, paper towel, sanitary wipes, face masks, gloves, and similar items in plastic garbage bags, as it is not known whether the waste was handled by someone who is sick, caring for a sick family member or healthy. Garbage bags should be tied securely for disposal so waste workers do not come in contact with any potentially virus-contaminated waste.

Our crews appreciate the good will and recognition from all of our understanding customers like you!

CAR PAYMENT DEFERRAL PROGRAMCar payments

Payment deferral program have been created by some car manufacturers to help Floridians having trouble making car payments and who are worried about having their car repossessed.

For debtors struggling to make car payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, many automakers have created
Corona Virus Car Payment Relief Programs which allow the borrowers to defer payments for a period of time.

Here are a couple of programs available: 

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/coronavirus-car-payment-relief-programs.html 
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/automakers-create-coronavirus-car-payment-plans

JuryDutyPALM BEACH COUNTY JURY SELECTIONS

All jury selection proceedings are suspended through May 29, 2020. Jurors who were summonsed for jury duty through May 29 do not have to report for service. They do not need to take any further action.

Those with questions regarding jury service can call 561-355-2930 or visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/jury

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAMCome in We're Open

You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. 

You are eligible for a loan if you are a small business that employs 500 employees or fewer, or if your business is in an industry that has an employee-based size standard through SBA that is higher than 500 employees. For more information go to: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

World Health Organization https://www.who.int/

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/

Department of Health https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ 850-245-4444

Palm Beach County Emergency Management http://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/default.aspx

20 S. Military Trail

West Palm Beach, 33415

561-712-6400

Fax Number: 561-712-6464

TDY/TTY: 561-712-6342

FLORIDA HEALTH COUNTY SPECIFIC DATA AND SURVEILLANCE DASHBOARD

The following dashboard contains information updated twice daily (Noon and 7:00 p.m.) on the number of cases in Florida by County.  

The following webpage provides a summary of persons being monitored, persons under investigation and cases.

The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 |  1 (866) 779-6121 |  COVID-19@flhealth.gov


FINANCIAL STABILITY 

211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect residents with resources for food, paying housing bills, mental health services and more.

Those in need of help can dial 2-1-1, (561) 383-1112, or text their zip code to TXT211 (898211). Service is free and confidential. For more information, visit the 211 website.

211

REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

The federal government is allowing states to change their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits related to COVID-19. Learn more at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

MEALS ON WHEELS - Palm Beach County

If you are looking for meal service for yourself, a family member or friend, or perhaps you know of someone in your community who is in need, please reach out to Meals on Wheels.

EARLY LEARNING COALITION

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County is open and connecting parents who are emergency response personnel and essential-business workers to open child care facilities and early learning centers. For more information, call 561-514-3300.

Early Learning Coalition