Chamber News: May 1, 2020

• Chamber Events Expected to Restart in JUNE
• Member News
• New & Renewing Members
• Business Intelligence Report – Tips for growing your business. (see attachment)
• Steps to Reopen & Plan for Future Business Success
• Online Resource for Information Related to COVID-19
• Governor DeSantis’ Re-Open Florida Plan

Your Chamber is here to help your business thrive. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a large network of business members all willing to help each other. Working together and staying connected is what it will take! Email: business@JensenBeachChamber.com Phone: (772) 334-3444

PLEASE JOIN THE CHAMBER FACEBOOK GROUP

The Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce Facebook Group creates an effective platform for meaningful member to member communication and interaction. Please join this exclusive Group. The public can view your posts, but to join the Group, you must be a member of the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce. We encourage you to make a weekly post highlighting anything you want to share with the Chamber membership. It could be when you plan on reopening, delivery or pickup service, a special promotion, employee or volunteer recognition, philanthropy work during these challenging times, etc. We also encourage you to search the Group for any goods or services you or your business may need. Please do business with a Chamber member!  CLICK ON THIS LINK TO JOIN THE JENSEN BEACH CHAMBER MEMBER FACEBOOK GROUP

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

We are tentatively planning to safely restart our networking events in June. We will be respecting all state and county guidelines. We will post the events online by mid-May for reservations

DON’T DISPAIR! TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF JUNE CHAMBER EVENTS. ALL EVENTS WILL FOLLOW STATE & COUNTY GUIDELINES.

Government Relations Council Meeting
Monday, June 1 (12-1pm)
Jensen Beach Community Center
1912 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach
Speaker: Dave Heaton, Executive Director, Children’s Services Council 

Ribbon Cutting – Fantini’s New Haven Style Apizza
Wednesday, June 3 (5:15pm)
North Stuart Plaza, 1560 NW Federal Highway, Stuart

After Hours Mix & Mingle
Tuesday, June 9 (5:30-7pm)
Port Barna Restaurant (outside patio)
3478 A NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach
Treasure Coast Square Mall 

Ambassador Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 10 (11:45am – 12:45pm)
Elliott Museum
825 NE Ocean Blvd., Hutchinson Island

Lunch N’ Learn Member Luncheon
Thursday, June 18 (11:45am–1pm)
Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
3793 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach
Speaker: Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director, Office of Tourism & Marketing

Before Hours Networking Breakfast
Thursday, June 25 (7:45-8:45am)
Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital
1553 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach
Members are encouraged to bring their pet
Breakfast compliments of Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital

IMPORTANT ONLINE EVENT AND MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL PAYMENT CHANGE

You can now pay by credit card for Chamber networking events and also to renew your membership online by visiting www.JensenBeachChamber.com. We will no longer be using PayPal to process credit card payments.

MEMBER NEWS

Message from Kate P. Cotner, Senior External Affairs Advisor, Florida Power & Light Company

I’m writing to provide an update regarding the good news I shared earlier this month about your electric bill amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Florida Public Service Commission hasunanimously approved our plan to fast-track bill savings to you. This will result in a one-time bill decrease in May of nearly 25% for the typical residential customer bill. Business customers would see a significant one-time decrease as well. As I wrote in my previous note, these types of savings are typically spread out over the remainder of the year, but we felt it was important to accelerate the savings and include them in a single month’s bill given the uncertain economic times. Importantly, I hope you and your family continue to stay safe during this difficult time.

 Online resource for information related to COVID-19

Governor DeSantis’ Re-Open Florida Plan

Governor Ron DeSantis announced his plans to methodically reopen Florida’s economy. Toplines for this deliberate approach to restarting Florida’s economy include:

• Upon the expiration of the Safer at Home order, all Florida counties with the exception of Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward will begin to reopen using a phased-in approach,
• Hospitals will be allowed to resume non-essential elective surgeries,
• Restaurants and retail establishments will reopen at 25 percent capacity indoors, and
• Movie theaters, gyms, fitness centers, bars, and salons/barber shops will remain closed under the initial reopen phase.
• Florida’s state parks will reopen on Monday, as the state begins the first phase of its reopening after the new coronavirus outbreak. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday it’s safe to get residents outside again to enjoy state parks starting on Monday.

Read the Latest

What does this mean for your business? Click here for Governor Ron DeSantis Presentation – April 29, 2020

When did the Governor’s Executive Order take effect? How long does it last?

The Governor’s Executive Order takes effect Monday, May 4, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts until the Governor issues a subsequent order.

Is the “Safer at Home” Order over?

The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91, Essential Services and Activities is extended until 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 4, by Executive Order 20-111. At that point, Executive Order 20-112 will maintain limitations on the movements of persons except for those businesses and services that are currently open and those businesses that re-open at 25 percent building occupancy.

Does this order apply to all Florida counties?

This order is in effect statewide, however in coordination with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach county mayors, these three counties will follow stricter protocol without the re-open provisions of Executive Order 20-112.

Is the Governor’s Executive Order consistent with the President’s Opening Up America Again Plan?

Governor DeSantis met with President Trump on April 28 to discuss this plan and the President was very supportive of Florida’s efforts to take a safe, smart, step-by-step approach to re-open Florida. See President Trump’s guidance here:https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.

Does this Executive Order supersede local law?

The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 limiting the movements of persons has been incorporated and modified in the new Executive Order 20-112 to include businesses currently open and certain businesses re-opening at 25 percent building occupancy. The Governor’s Executive Orders do not contain a preemption on local rules where those rules restrict or close businesses or buildings.

When can we expect Phase 2 to start?

Once the Governor determines it is suitable to continue re-opening and after fully considering medical data in consultation with state health officials.

MEDICAL

Can I go to my doctor if it’s not COVID-19 related?

Medical services, including elective procedures, surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic office and other health care practitioners offices may fully re-open. As a condition of resuming elective procedures, hospitals will be required to assist nursing homes and long-term care facilities in their efforts to protect the vulnerable.

However, they must maintain adequate bed capacity and PPE. They must also have the capacity to immediately convert additional surgical and intensive care beds in a surge situation and must not have received or sought any additional federal, state or local government assistance regarding PPE after resuming elective procedures.

May senior citizens and individuals with significant medical conditions leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, or go for a walk, or go to work?

Yes, they may leave their homes to obtain or provide open services or conduct open activities.

Can individuals visit nursing homes and long-term care facilities?

No, those restrictions will remain in place in Phase 1 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery and with conditions set by the Agency for Health Care Administration.

TRAVEL

Is airport screening and isolation in effect for visitors from highly affected COVID-19 areas?

Yes, this order extends Executive Order 20-80, Airport Screening and Isolation, and Executive Order 20-82, Isolation of Individuals traveling to Florida, with exceptions for military, emergency, health, infrastructure or commercial related activity.

BUSINESS

Can I open my business?

Restaurants will be allowed to re-open, with full outdoor seating. Indoor seating will be allowed at 25 percent of building capacity. On-site sale and retail businesses will be allowed to operate at 25 percent occupancy.

If your business is open, it may remain open and should continue appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures. Also, any activity or work that has been available under the previous order remains available. Businesses should adopt appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures.

What businesses will remain closed?

Bars, nightclubs and gyms will remain closed during Phase 1 of re-opening. While personal care services such as barbershops and salons with close contact should remain closed, the portions of those businesses with on-site retail sales may re-open at 25 percent building occupancy.

May my business and its employees continue to operate remotely and provide delivery of our product?

Yes, all businesses are encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by telephone.

Are there minimum health protocols that must be met to open my business?

Yes, the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112 requires appropriate social distancing and limits groups to 10 people or fewer. Regulated businesses should adhere to agency guidance. Additionally, businesses should consult with the most up-to-date Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

What do I need to do to open my business?

Review the requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112. Also review any guidance that has been provided from state and federal regulatory agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Do employee temperature checks need to be done?

For restaurants, employee protocols remain in place under the Governor’s Executive Order. Other businesses should adopt appropriate measures based on CDC guidance.

Are masks required for employees and customers?

The Governor’s Executive Order does not mandate the use of masks. However customers, employees and employers should consult CDC guidance.

If a business exceeds 25 percent capacity, do they get fined?

Yes, enforcement penalties remain in place including a second-degree misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Certain regulated businesses may face enforcement action for violations from their regulatory agency.

Should individuals go to facilities that have not re-opened?

Individuals should travel only to businesses that have been open or are now re-opened.

Who enforces compliance?

Local and state law enforcement continue to enforce Executive Orders, along with the regulatory agencies that oversee businesses.

ACTIVITES

Can I visit or travel to a family member?

Yes, if caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

May I exercise outside or participate in recreational activities?

Yes, if consistent with social distancing guidelines as published by the CDC.

Are gyms open?

No, gyms and fitness centers should remain closed.

Can I go to a professional sporting event?

No, sporting venues may operate but without spectators.

May churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship hold services?

Yes. The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 identified attending religious services at churches, synagogues and places of worship as an open activity. While that order did not place restrictions directly on any building or venue, many local orders have done so. Any building or venue that is open should continue to follow appropriate social distancing and sanitation procedures.

The Florida Department of Health encourages them to follow CDC guidance specific to faith organizations.

Can I rent or stay at a vacation rental?

No, the prohibition on vacation rentals remains in effect.

Are state parks and beaches open?

The Governor’s Executive Orders have not closed beaches other than those at the request of Broward and Palm Beach counties (Executive Order 20-90). Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection will announce a phased-in re-opening of state parks.

May childcare centers remain open?

Yes, if currently able to open and as long as they follow proper social distancing protocols. Florida Department of Education has prioritized children of medical professionals and first responders working at businesses or operations that are essential services, to the extent those childcare centers adhere to social distancing.

Are museums and libraries open?

Museums and libraries may open at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy as long as their local government allows. Interactive shared exhibits, like child play areas, remain closed.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE & ENFORCEMENT

Are local authorities allowed to adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including buildings, beaches and parks, that may be stricter than the Governor’s Executive Order?

Yes.

How is the Governor’s Executive Order enforced?

By law enforcement. Violation of the Governor’s Executive Order is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Where can I report a business that violates the Governor’s Executive Order?

Local law enforcement.

Do I need a special permit to leave my house if I am going to an essential service or essential activity? 

No. Some businesses may wish to provide a letter to employees to clarify that their business is indeed an open service.

How Can I Reopen My Small Business?

Business Continuity – Steps to Reopen & Plan for Future Business Success

As Phase I of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. reopening of Florida’s Economy begins on Monday, May 4, the Florida Chamber Small Business Council has developed a short video for small businesses preparing to reopen. This video will help small businesses answer important questions:

• What regulations and guidance is available to guide my business reopening?
• What are some best practices to keep employees and customers safe?
• How can my business innovate and adapt to the coronavirus pandemic?
• How can I protect my business and plan for future business disruptions due to pandemics or natural disasters