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Reopening Escarosa

Reopening Escarosa: Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization COVID-19 Reopening Information

Working Group Executive Committee Organizations:

Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce

Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce

FloridaWest EDA

Santa Rosa County Economic Development

Visit Pensacola

Santa Rosa County Tourism

Escambia County

Santa Rosa County

City of Pensacola

City of Gulf Breeze

City of Milton

 

Working Group Support Organizations:

UWF Small Business Development Center

Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce

Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce

Century Chamber of Commerce

Santa Rosa County Chambers

Escambia County Direct Marketers Organization (DMO)

First Place Partners

Emerald Coast Regional Council

CareerSource EscaRosa

Homebuilders Association of West Florida

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)

Downtown Improvement Board (DIB)

Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital

Baptist Hospital

West Florida Hospital

Others TBD as identified

Reopening EscaRosa Strategic Plan Committees

 

Reopening Tourism/Hotels Committee:

Visit Pensacola, Escambia County DMO, FRLA, Santa Rosa Tourism, FRLA

Reopening Restaurants Committee:

Visit Pensacola, FRLA, Santa Rosa Tourism

Reopening Retail Committee:

City of Pensacola, Escambia County, Chambers of Commerce, DIB

Reopening Entrepreneurship Committee:

The Spring, UWF Center for Entrepreneurship, PSC Business Development and Entrepreneurship, Studer Community Institute

Reopening Manufacturing Committee:

FloridaWest, First Place Partners, Santa Rosa County EDC

Supply Chain Committee:

FloridaWest, First Place Partners, Santa Rosa County EDC

Reopening Construction Committee:

Homebuilders Assn. of West Florida, First Place Partners

Underserved Communities Committee:

Chambers, City of Pensacola, Escambia County, United Way

Reemployment/Workforce/Education Committee:

CareerSource EscaRosa, FloridaWest, First Place Partners, Escambia County Schools, PSC, UWF, Early Learning Coalition

Health Care Committee:

Baptist Heath Care, Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, West Florida Hospital, Santa Rosa Medical Center, Community Health of Northwest Florida, Directors of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County and Santa Rosa counties to provide guidance to the various components of the plan.

 

Volunteers and Social Service:

ESF 18 will coordinate with ESF 15 (Volunteers and Donations) led by Greg Strader, CEO of BRACE and Laura Gilliam, the President/CEO of the United Way of West Florida for assistance and coordination of efforts.

Strategy and Tactics

Each committee will work on their industry plan and then allow the health care providers to review and ensure that we are progressing safely.

The final document will be a compilation of each committee’s work product.

While our plan will contain much of what is recommended by Governor DeSantis’ Reopening Florida Task Force, there may be unique local issues that we will need to address.

This plan will provide our policymakers and the business community a solid foundation to begin reopening our economy.

This will be an ongoing process that will require adjustment as conditions evolve.

 

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Public Testing for COVID-19

General Health Guidelines

Reopening Hotels/Tourism

Reopening Restaurants

Reopening Retail Establishments

Reopening Manufacturing and Supply Chains

Reopening Entrepreneurism

Reopening Construction

Helping Underserved Communities

Reemployment/Workforce/Education Committee

Health Care Committee

Volunteers and Social Service

Florida Business COVID-19 Resources

Escambia and Santa Rosa County Business COVID-19 Resources

 

Executive Summary

As our community begins the reopening and recovery efforts from the impacts of COVID-19, a myriad of local organizations are focused on providing data and guidance as we look at resetting our economy.  In this document you will find the initial work product from this working group.

Many of these recommendations and the supporting data in this plan are directly from Governor Ron DeSantis’ Phase One Reopening Florida plan released on April 29th Executive Order 20-112 and subsequent Executive Order 20-123,  which went into effect on Monday, May 18th and Executive Order 20-139, which went into effect on Friday, June 4th. The working group believes that having the business community aligned with state and local officials is essential to minimize potential confusion and stand as a united front as we safely reset our economy.

The purpose of this document is to provide the public, the business community, workers, and policymakers a framework and resource that contains accurate information and is supported by reliable data.   It is also essential that the activities recommended in this document are deemed safe to avoid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the coming months.  All of these actions need to be complemented by residents and visitors monitoring conditions and taking individual recommended precautions.

This document will evolve as our community advances through this economic recovery.  We will update this plan with the latest data and information to ensure that the business community is informed about the latest developments and programs and the community at-large has the latest pertinent information.

 

 

Public Testing for COVID-19

Below is information about public testing for COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control Guidelines for Testing state that these symptoms may appear in 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

 

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pains
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

 

 

Escambia County

Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart: Persons who wish to get tested must first call 850-746-2684. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Baptist Health Care: Call the screening center at 850-434-4080 to determine if you need an appointment. Online assessment screenings are also available via https://ebaptisthealthcare.org/ or text “Screen” to 850-318-3080. The online assessment screening is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Existing Baptist patients can also call their primary care provider with any questions or concerns they may have.

Community Health Northwest Florida will continue to offer mobile testing at sites throughout Escambia County for residents during May 2020. Pre-screening will not be required for these mobile testing sites. More information on locations will be provided as the mobile testing schedule is confirmed. If you don't have a healthcare provider or health insurance, call, do not visit, Community Health Northwest Florida at 850-436-4630.

Locations and times for testing sites vary.  Please check https://myescambia.com/covid-19-information-for-escambia-county for updated test sites and times.

A mobile testing site at the University of West Florida will be open to the public on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The UWF test site will be open seven days a week through the month of May. The drive-through test site is located at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus, near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles, and pre-screening is not required.

Ascension Sacred Heart has opened a drive-through respiratory clinic located at 4521 N. Davis Hwy for patients who have previously tested positive with COVID-19 and would like to return to work.

Patients should call the COVID hotline to make an appointment for a follow up exam to return to work. At the respiratory drive-through clinic, a physician will fully examine the patient while in the vehicle. The physician may choose to re-test the patient or give the patient a letter with a recommendation to return-to-work based on the non-test-based evaluation.

The hours of the drive through clinic are Monday through Friday 10am - 5pm

 

U.S. Military veterans who believe they may have contracted the Coronavirus may contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ VISN 8 Clinical 24/7 Contact Center by phone at 1-877-741-3400.

 

Santa Rosa County

Drive-through COVID testing sites are being set up throughout the county, no pre-screening is required. If you do not live in one of the areas listed below, other locations are being set up in the county soon. Details will be made available via this news release. Testing dates and times for the locations below rotate, so please contact the Department of Health (850-564-2307) for which site is operating that day.

Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. (minimum of 100 tests)

Chumuckla Elementary, 2312 County Rd. 182 in Jay (minimum of 100 tests)

Southern Raceway, 9359 Nichols Lake Rd. in East Milton (minimum of 100 tests)

Jay Community Center at the recreational park, 5259 Booker Ln. in Jay (minimum of 100 tests)

Berrydale Baptist Church, 6730 FL-4 in Jay (minimum of 100 tests)

 

General Health Guidelines

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, please follow these CDC guidelines:

  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Practice physical (social) distancing (6 feet) when in public
  • Do not congregate in groups of larger than 10 people
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard in the trash
  • Call before visiting your health care provider
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

 

 

Public Health Resources

Florida Department of Health in Escambia    

Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa

Florida Department of Health COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control COVID-19

Escambia County COVID-19 Hotline:   

850-471-6600

 

Santa Rosa County COVID -19 Hotline:

850-564-2307

 

Florida COVID-19 Hotline:

866-779-6121

 

 

Reopening Hotels/Tourism

Hotels are considered an essential business and can operate under the Governor’s Executive Order, but the state’s prohibition on vacation rentals remains in effect.

 

Suggested Protocols for Hotels:

  • Promote frequent hand washing by employees and guests, e.g., reminder signs (multiple languages to broaden guest communication)
  • Provide alcohol-based hand-free rubs/swipes containing at least 60% alcohol in public areas, e.g., vending / ice machines on hotel floors.
  • Provide tissues and additional trash receptacles in public areas.
  • Room service restrictions, e.g., delivery only to door.
  • Eliminate / reduce in-person check-in or checkout with automated process.
  • Use of chatbot or similar platforms for guest communication / customer service / tipping.
  • Request guests to minimize direct contact with employees.
  • Discourage employees from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible.
  • Remove / reduce customer service phones in common areas.
  • Increase length of time between vacancy and cleaning rooms.
  • Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is the best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19.
  • Perform additional environmental cleaning on all frequently touched areas, such as front desk, elevator banks, coffee stations, doorknobs, etc.
  • Beachfront hotels should inform beachgoers must observe the CDC guidelines of groupings of 10 or fewer and proper social distancing.
  • Opening the pool invites social congregation and social distancing violations and should remain closed. The decks can be open for food service, as long as there are tables and those tables are adhering to the 6 feet rule.

 

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has provided a document that answers questions related to hotels https://frla.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/FRLA-Re-Opening-FAQs.pdf?mc_cid=c37525f156&mc_eid=530abb60e3.

Hotels should also follow the recommendations made under the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Also included in Executive Order 20-123, counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals with a written request from the County Administrator and the county’s safety plan for vacation rental operations submitted to the DBPR Secretary.  Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties have submitted plans for review.

For information and guidance for vacation rentals pursuant to Executive Order 20-123, please review the Department’s Recommended Safety Measures and Best Practices for Vacation Rentals.

 

On Tuesday, May 19th short-term vacation rental plans for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties were approved by Governor Ron DeSantis.  You can find the county plans linked below.

Escambia County

Santa Rosa 

 

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

 

Escambia County Beaches

Public beaches in Escambia County are open to the public.  Beachgoers must observe the CDC guidelines of groupings of 10 or fewer and proper social distancing.

Santa Rosa County Beaches

Navarre Beach is open daily. Parking will be available at all public lots and spaces. Visitors may also walk and bike the multi-use path of the island of Navarre Beach.

Navarre Beach Pier is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Normal pier admission procedures will be in place; daily and annual passes may be purchased.

Visitors must observe the CDC guidelines of groupings of 10 or fewer and proper social distancing.

 

Northwest Florida National Parks

In accordance with the White House’s Opening America Up Again guidance and input from public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control, Gulf Islands National Seashore will begin implementing an adaptive recovery plan to increase recreational access to the park in three phases. The dates below were developed by the NPS US Public Health Office through an evaluation of gating criteria for each area based on expected visitation during each phases of the recovery process.

How to Use the Chart Below:
Pick the area you're interested in visiting. If the area is currently open (see the second column), click the link in the fourth column to see which facilities and services (campgrounds, restrooms, exhibit areas, fishing piers, picnic areas, and etc.) are available at that area during its current phase.

 

Entrance fee collection has resumed in all fee areas of the park.

 

Park Areas Open/Closed Status Reopening Date or Projected Reopening Date Current Operating Phase
Fort Pickens Area OPEN Reopened on 5/16 Phase Two
Perdido Key Area OPEN Reopened on 5/9 Phase Two
Santa Rosa Area OPEN Reopened on 5/6 Phase Two
Okaloosa Area OPEN Reopened on 5/2 Phase Two
Naval Live Oaks Area OPEN Reopened on 5/2 Phase Two
Fort Barrancas Area CLOSED Unavailable at this time N/A
Davis Bayou Area OPEN Reopened on 5/15 Phase One
Ship Island CLOSED Projected to Open in Phase II on 6/5 N/A
Horn Island OPEN Reopened on 5/15 Phase One
West Petit Bois Island OPEN Reopened on 5/15 Phase One
Petit Bois Island OPEN Reopened on 5/15 Phase One
NPS-owned portion of Cat Island OPEN Reopened on 5/15 Phase One

 

For additional information on National Parks go to https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/arp-phase-two.htm

Reopening Restaurants

Restaurants were allowed to re-open, with full outdoor seating on Monday, May 4th. Starting Monday, May 18th indoor seating will be allowed at 50 percent of building capacity. On-site sale and retail businesses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent occupancy.  Fifty percent building capacity is determined by calculating 50 percent of maximum customer occupancy of that restaurant.  As of June 5, restaurants are allowed to offer countertop service with proper social distancing.

 

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.

 

All businesses are still encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by telephone.

 

Starting June 5th, bars and pubs may operate at 50 percent capacity inside and full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing. Patrons may only receive service if seated.

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

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

If a business exceeds 50 percent capacity 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.

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

Florida DPBR has provided Mandatory Measures and Best Practices for Restaurants.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has a document that answers questions related to restaurants. View here.

The National Restaurant Association also has a COVID-19 Resource Page.

Reopening Retail Establishments

As a result of the governor’s June 5th Executive Order, retail establishments may operate at full capacity with responsible social distancing and sanitization protocols.

 

There are minimum health protocols that must be met to open a retails business. 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.

 

Under Executive Order 20-139, gyms may now operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization.  Information from DBPR for gyms and fitness centers can be found at https://bit.ly/2WDb0I2.

 

Museums and libraries may operate at full building occupancy if permitted by local governments.

 

To reopen your business, review the requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112 and see Executive Order 20-123.  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.

 

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

 

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

 

Cordova Mall in Pensacola opened Monday, May 4th with the following safety policies and procedures:

  • Enhanced sanitization and disinfecting using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approved products with an emphasis on high-traffic locations such as dining areas, restrooms, escalators, stairs, directories, trash bins and doorknobs.
  • Shopper safeguards that include making available protective masks, sanitizing wipes and temperature testing at entrances or property offices, as well as the encouragement of pre-visit health screenings to ensure shoppers stay home if they have exhibited COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms within 72 hours.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be deployed throughout the property.
  • Signage promoting CDC guidelines for maintaining personal hygiene will be prominently displayed throughout the property.
  • Pre-emptive employee health screening to ensure that employees do not arrive at work within 72 hours of exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.
  • Employee safety protections including implementing the CDC’s COVID-19 frequent handwashing protocols and offering personal protective equipment in addition to other CDC recommended practices.
  • Promotion and enforcement of social distancing practices, including occupancy limitations, furniture and restroom spacing, closure of play areas and strollers, as well as coordinated traffic flow with traffic signage and distance markers.

Cordova Mall’s COVID-19 Exposure Control Policy can be viewed in its entirety here.

Executive Order 20-120 allowed for the reopening of barber shops and salons starting Monday, May 11th.  Specific information concerning protocols and best practices for barbershops and cosmetology salons can be found here.

Under Executive Order 20-123, gyms and fitness centers were allowed to reopen on Monday, May 18th with up to 50% of building occupancy so long as they adopt appropriate safety measures including appropriate social distancing for classes and sufficient cleaning supplies to ensure, at a minimum, patron’s individual self-cleaning of surfaces and machines using sanitation wipes following each use.  Information from DBPR for gyms and fitness centers can be found here.

 

Museums and libraries may operate at up to fifty percent building occupancy if permitted by local governments.

 

Personal services businesses, including but not limited to tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from the Florida Department of Health.

 

Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.

 

Pari-mutuel facilities may submit a request to open to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The request must include an endorsement from their county mayor or county administrator if there is no mayor.

 

If a business exceeds 50 percent capacity, 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.

Reopening Manufacturing and Supply Chains

Manufacturing in Florida continues with the following safety guidance from OSHA and the CDC:

 

OSHA_COVID-19, Guidance for the Manufacturing Industry Workforce

CDC Community Guidance, Business Response

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

CDC, Control and Prevention, COVID-19, General Business FAQ

 

 

FloridaMakes, in partnership with the Associated Industries of Florida and Space Florida, have built Connex Florida. A supply chain database tool for the manufacturing industry in Florida. This tool contains in-depth information on a broad range of Florida manufacturers, along with detailed search functions to highlight specific production capabilities, certifications, equipment, material types and more.  The purpose of this tool is to help Florida manufacturers better connect with each other, be discovered, and increase business opportunities.

Through this database you can:

  • Connect with manufacturers
  • Post RFPs/RFQs/RFIs
  • Exchange surplus materials & equipment
  • Identify workforce and R&D offerings
  • Search processes, equipment, certifications, NAICS, SIC, products, materials, etc.

 

To obtain access to browse and enter your company's information into the database, please visit https://florida.mfgconnex.com/.

 

 

Reopening Entrepreneurism

Co:Lab is a business incubator and growth accelerator in Pensacola with one goal: to help entrepreneurs reach their next level.  Co:Lab is still operating under CDC guidelines with businesses having the option of using office space.  All current businesses utilizing Co:Lab space are 10 employees or fewer.  Increased cleaning procedures and limits on common areas

Studer Community Institute (SCI) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives.

Two core divisions focus on supporting entrepreneurship, job creation and job growth.

The Spring Entrepreneur Hub exists to empower, connect and grow small businesses in the Pensacola area, serving as the front door to our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Spring focuses on three key areas – mentorship, connection to resources, and scaling/acceleration –to aid local small businesses in Escambia and Santa Rosa County. Contact DC Reeves or Gracie Woodfin at https://thespringpensacola.com/ for more information.

SCI Leadership Development serves to help business owners, leaders and employee grow skills by providing programs, workshops, webinars, online content and toolkits. In addition, their Accelerate Business Roundtable program offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to gather. The Leadership Development goal is to help businesses grow, attract and retain talent and improve the workforce. Contact Rachael Gillette at https://www.studeri.org/ for more information.

The University of West Florida Center for Entrepreneurship is dedicated to seeding economic growth. The Center encourages and supports educational initiatives related to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking and serves as a comprehensive resource for economic innovation for students, faculty, industry and community partners.

The Pensacola State College Business Entrepreneurship Certificate (CCC) Program is part of the Business Entrepreneurship AS degree program.

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills.

The Florida SBDC at UWF (www.sbdc.uwf.edu) offers access to confidential, no-cost professional business consulting for Floridians who want to grow their business. SBDC’s professionally certified business consultants have the knowledge and tools to help emerging and growing businesses design growth strategies and make better business decisions. Their consulting expertise focuses on: Business Continuity/Business Recovery, Strategic Market Research, Business and Strategic Plan Development, Market and Revenue Growth Strategy Development and Implementation, Capital Access and Loan Packaging, Financial Analysis and Assessment, Accounting Systems and Financial Literacy, Feasibility Analysis and Start-up Assistance.

 

Reopening Construction

While there are no restrictions on construction, these are general job site/office practices recommended by the industry:

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs. Dirty surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection.  To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, the cause of COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.
  • Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently used tools and equipment on a regular basis.
  • This includes other elements of the jobsite where possible.
  • Employees should regularly do the same in their assigned work areas.
  • Clean shared spaces such as trailers and break/lunchrooms at least once per day.
  • Disinfect shared surfaces (door handles, machinery controls, etc.) on a regular basis.
  • Avoid sharing tools with co-workers if it can be avoided. If not, disinfect before and after each use.
  • Arrange for any portable job site toilets to be cleaned by the leasing company at least twice per week and disinfected on the inside.
  • Any trash collected from the jobsite must be changed frequently by someone wearing gloves.
  • In addition to regular PPE for workers engaged in various tasks (fall protection, hard hats, hearing protection), employers will also provide:
  • Gloves should always be worn while on-site. The type of glove worn should be appropriate to the task.  If gloves are not typically required for the task, then any type of glove is acceptable, including latex gloves.  Gloves should not be shared if possible.
  • Eye protection should always be worn while on-site.
  • Some employees may be required to wear face coverings, including in those situations where (1) it is mandated by state or local rule, or (2) employees must work in proximity of six (6) feet from other employees. A face covering is a cloth, bandana, or other type of material that covers a person’s nose and mouth.  The CDC lists five criteria for “cloth face coverings”: the face covering should:  fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.  Use of a face covering is not a substitute for other workplace preventative techniques that are outlined in this Plan.

Helping Underserved Communities

With workers being laid off or furloughed, feeding a significant portion of our community is a daily challenge.   Below are food support programs for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Manna Food Pantry

Feeding the Gulf Coast

 

 

Escambia County Programs

Escambia County Food Sites List

Escambia County Food Sites Map

Council on Aging of West Florida

Free Meals for Children Located on State's 'Summer Break Spot' Website

 

Santa Rosa County Programs

Santa Rosa County Food Pantry and Distribution

Santa Rosa County School Feeding Programs

Feeding stops for neighborhoods

The Council on Aging is offering free to-go meals for adults 60 or over at the locations listed below. Call (850) 432-1475 by noon the day before to reserve a meal. No income or disability qualifications required.

  • H. Pullum Senior Center, 8476 Gordon Goodin Lane in Navarre
  • City of Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton
  • Christ United Methodist Church, 5983 Dogwood St. in Milton
  • Jay Community Center, 5259 Booker Ln. in Jay5
  • Chumuckla Community Center, 2355 Hwy. 182 W. in Chumuckla
  • Bagdad Community Center, 6860 Pooley St. in Bagdad

 

 

 

Santa Rosa County Food Pantries

 

food pantries

Reemployment/Workforce/Education Committee

 

CareerSource EscaRosa

CareerSource Escarosa, in alignment with Governor DeSantis’ plan for reopening the economy, will reopen its Career Center doors on Monday, June 1, 2020. Our professional staff will be available to serve customers in the centers, some by walk-in on a first come-first serve basis, and others by appointment.

 

All individuals visiting our offices must be aware of changes in our processes in response to the health crisis:

  • Every individual is required to wear a face covering or mask – please come with your mask.
  • All visitors will be screened before entering the center, including a brief set of questions and temperature check. Individuals with symptoms will be asked to return when they are symptom-free.
  • Everyone is required to use hand sanitizer before entering the building.
  • Please bring a pen to write with.
  • CareerSource will limit the number of visitors in centers at all times.

 

CareerSource will continue to encourage the use of internet-based services such as www.employflorida.com, www.floridajobs.org, and to call their offices for assistance if needed. Those needing to initiate or manage a reemployment claim for benefits will find the link to the CONNECT system at http://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-forbenefits.

CareerSource Centers are located at:

 

6913 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola – Phone: 850.607.8700

5723 U.S. Hwy. 90 in Milton - Phone: 850.983.5325

 

Available Jobs in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties

https://careersourceEscaRosa.com/employers-hiring-now

 

Reemployment Assistance

Re-Employment Assistance provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

https://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits

Under the CARES Act, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is available for eligible applicants who are currently receiving regular state Reemployment Assistance benefits. FPUC is an additional $600 distributed weekly in addition to state Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Due to the system upgrades in CONNECT, DEO is able to issue the additional $600 payments in multiple ways. If you are eligible and have previously provided a bank account in the CONNECT system, you will receive a direct deposit to your account. If you did not provide your bank account, you will receive a check to the mailing address provided on your account.  For information visit DEO’s website https://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits.

Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Application Portal

https://mobile.connect.myflorida.com/prweb/app/default/tHGV_g6FQZMSYakWUervaQ%28%28*/!STANDARD

Florida Reemployment Assistance Toolkit

https://careersourceEscaRosa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Florida-Reemployment-Assistance-Toolkit.pdf

 

Child Care

Today, Escambia County has 43 providers open and 39 closed, not including VPK sites. Some providers have been lost to permanent closure. There is a need for closed childcare facilities to reopen as our local economy begins to reopen. For example, many people who are ready to get back to work at restaurants will need child are to do so. With half of Escambia County providers closed will make finding childcare difficult, and in turn impede individual’s ability to return to work.

Escambia County has enough physical capacity to serve around 6,000 children. Currently, we can only serve about 3,300 because there is a critical shortfall of people willing to work in childcare. This was an ongoing problem before this crisis even began. This crisis will only make this problem worse as many of the childcare workers who have been laid off have already found other jobs or will decide to pursue another line of work. If there is any opportunity for relief funding, we could use money for staff recruitment and retention.

Additionally, many childcare providers have used an undue amount of their limited funds to purchase the additional supplies necessary to operate. They are using a lot of cleaning supplies, gloves, masks, etc. more than ever before. Even some of the routine food supplies are costing more right now. This is cutting severely into their already slim profit margins.

Regarding summer camps and other alternative forms of childcare, Escambia County could easily serve another 2,000 children if we had people to care for them.

 

 

Health Care Committee

The role of the Health Care Committee is to continue to provide information and resources to the business community and general public through ESF-8 (Public Health and Medical).  The Health Care Committee will also review ESF-18 practices and publications to ensure that business activities are resuming safely and within recommended health guidelines.

The Health Care Committee is comprised of representatives from Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Health Care, West Florida Hospital, Santa Rosa Medical Center, Community Health of Northwest Florida along with Directors of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County and Santa Rosa counties.

 

Some important health care points:

  • The health care community wants to make sure individuals who need to seek care do so. Do not put off today what could cause more trouble tomorrow.
  • Do not put off talking with your healthcare provider about concerns you are having.
  • Part of the response includes balancing readiness to care for patients with COVID-19 while continuing to make sure the many other patients who depend on our hospitals receive needed and timely care.
  • Our hospitals are a safe place to receive care; comprehensive protocols have been implemented to ensure the safety of patients, colleagues and the visitors to our hospitals.
  • Robust procedures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our hospital and in the community.
  • Hospitals go through a rigorous cleaning process typically, and additional procedures have been put in place in response to COVID-19.
  • There are procedures in place to separate suspected and positive COVID patients from other patients needs care in health care facilities.

 

 

 

 

Volunteers and Social Service

ESF-18 will coordinate with ESF-15 (Volunteers and Donations) led by Greg Strader, CEO of BRACE and Laura Gilliam, the President/CEO of the United Way of West Florida for assistance and coordination of efforts.

ESF-18 representatives are holding bi-weekly calls with ESF-15 representatives to share updates, data, and activities.

All Volunteer and Social Service Activities are being done adhering to CDC guidelines and social distancing protocols.

 

 

Florida Business COVID-19 Resources

 

State of Florida COVID-19 Page                     https://www.flgov.com/covid-19/

Florida Department of Health                          https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Florida DBPR                                    http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/

Florida DBPR Emergency    http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/emergency/

Florida Disaster COVID-19 Page         https://www.floridadisaster.org/covid19/

Florida DEO                                                                 https://floridajobs.org/

CareerSource Florida                                    https://careersourceflorida.com/

VISIT Florida                                                               https://visitflorida.com/

Florida Chamber of Commerce                            https://www.flchamber.com/

Associated Industries of Florida                                                http://aif.com/

Florida Retail Federation                                                    http://www.frf.org/

Florida NFIB                                                       https://www.nfib.com/florida/

Florida Makes                                                 https://www.floridamakes.com/

 

 

Escambia and Santa Rosa County Business COVID-19 Resources

Escambia County COVID-19

https://myescambia.com/covid-19-information-for-escambia-county

 

Santa Rosa County COVID-19 Page

https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/793/Latest-Update

 

Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.pensacolachamber.com/

 

Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.srcchamber.com/

 

FloridaWest EDA   

https://www.floridawesteda.com/

 

Santa Rosa County Economic Development

https://www.santarosaedo.com/

 

Visit Pensacola

https://www.visitpensacola.com/

 

Santa Rosa County Tourism

https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/281/Tourist-Development-Office

 

Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce

https://gcmcc.info/

 

Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce

https://www.visitperdido.com/

 

Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce

https://pensacolabeachchamber.com/

 

Century Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.townofcenturyflorida.com/chamber

 

Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce

https://www.gulfbreezechamber.com/

 

Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.navarrechamber.com/

 

Pace Chamber of Commerce 

http://www.pacechamber.com/

 

Jay Chamber of Commerce               

https://www.facebook.com/JACCflorida/

 

Greater Navarre Chamber of Commerce 

https://greaternavarrechamber.com/

 

CareerSource EscaRosa                        

https://careersourceEscaRosa.com/

 

Studer Community Institute                                       

https://www.studeri.org/

 

The Spring Pensacola                                  

https://thespringpensacola.com/

 

Co:Lab Pensacola                                              

https://colabpensacola.com/

 

Downtown Improvement Board (DIB)            

https://downtownpensacola.com/

 

UWF Small Business Development Center                     

https://sbdc.uwf.edu/

 

Emerald Coast Regional Council                                   

https://www.ecrc.org/

 

Homebuilders Association of West Florida

http://www.westfloridabuilders.com/