Santa Rosa County Emergency Management
COVID-19 update #4 - Tues., Mar. 17Updates are highlighted. State of FloridaAs of Tues., Mar. 17, the governor of Florida issued Executive Order 20-68; key points include:- Bars, pubs and nightclubs suspend sale of alcohol for 30 days effective at 5 p.m. today, Mar. 17.
- Visitors to public beaches limit gatherings to 10 or less and distance themselves from other parties by six feet.
- Restaurants should limit seating to 50% capacity, seated parties to 10 or less, and distance parties by six feet. Restaurants should prohibit employees from entering the establishment if they meet the criteria for COVID-19. Pickup and delivery services are permitted.
- This is a summary of the order, please see Executive Order 20-68 for full details.
Santa Rosa County- Santa Rosa County supports the provisions of the governor's Executive Order 20-68 and encourages compliance.
- Based upon the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended mitigation activities, and guidance received from the governor; Santa Rosa County is cancelling all publicly-permitted events scheduled in the next eight weeks.
- Santa Rosa County remains in Phase 1, or the "None to Minimal" (monitoring and preparedness) phase of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Mitigation Strategy for Florida.
- The Santa Rosa County Emergency Operations Center is operating at a Level 2, or partial activation, with ESFs 8 (health and medical) and 14 (public information) activated.
- As of noon today (Tues., Mar. 17), Santa Rosa County has had one case and no community spread.
- Health information, including locations of cases (whether active or not), is protected under HIPAA privacy rule.
- As part of the county's pandemic plan, emergency dispatchers are screening callers for recent travel history and symptoms, and fire, law enforcement and EMS responders have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
County and County Facility Cancellations- The board of county commissioners (BOCC) will meet for its regular board meeting and complete all necessary business at 9 a.m. on Thurs., Mar. 26. The agenda and supporting materials will be published Thurs., Mar. 19. A public input form will be available on the county website with specific guidance, direction and procedure for the public to provide input/comment on individual agenda items or to bring forward issues that residents would like heard during public forum. Public input received via this process will be read into the record either when the individual agenda item is presented or during public forum as requested by the submitter. The BOCC will continue to use the single meeting format (all business completed at regular meetings on Thursdays) during meeting weeks through the month of April. No decision has been made on the April Special Rezoning meeting at this time.
- The following meetings have been cancelled:
- Land Development Code public forum on Thurs., Mar. 19
- BOCC Committee Meeting on Mon., Mar. 23 at 9 a.m.
- BOCC Special Rezoning Meeting on Thurs., Mar. 26 at 6 p.m.
- Tourism Development Council on Thurs., Apr. 2
- UF/IFAS Santa Rosa Extension programs, events, and meetings scheduled through April 30 have been postponed/canceled per direction from the University of Florida. Any events, meetings or programs offered online or via video conference, Facebook etc. are still being held. Extension agents are available for consultation at the office, by email, or by calling 850-623-3868 (Milton)/850-675-3107 (Jay), Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Santa Rosa County Libraries are open, however all library programs and meeting room reservations are cancelled and all Friends of the Library bookstores are closed until further notice.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the volunteer-based tax preparation and assistance service, will suspend tax preparation services at the libraries until further notice.
- The West Florida Soccer Club has cancelled practices and games until Mar. 30.
- Tiger Point Sports Association has cancelled practices and games until Mar. 27.
- Note: the fishing pier and all parts of Navarre Park and Navarre Beach remain open.
Santa Rosa County Department of Emergency Management continues to participate in:- Conference calls with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM).
- Daily updates and coordination with the Santa Rosa County DOH administrator.
- Providing updates to Santa Rosa County first responders.
- Preparation for pandemic response.
- Providing updates to county leadership.
- Assisting the Santa Rosa County DOH with social media messaging and rumor control.
"We are in the preparedness phase of our pandemic plan and will adjust accordingly at the guidance of our lead agency, the Santa Rosa County Health Department." said Public Safety Director Brad Baker. "We encourage our residents to embrace facts, not fear, and follow precautionary steps to stay healthy."
Community Event Cancellations/Postponements- SpringJam 2020 – rescheduled for October 11, 2020
- Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts Festival, Mar. 28-29 – cancelled
- Autism OdySsea, April 17 – postponed, TBD
- Festival of Flowers, April 3-5 – cancelled
- Bands on the Blackwater, March through May– postponed, TBD
- Native Ways Festival, April 18-19 – postponed
- Spring break camps at the Marine Science Station – cancelled
- Siege of Pensacola at Bagdad Mill Suite Park, April 3-4 – cancelled
- Seas the Day, April 4 – postponed, TBD
- Ye Olde Brothers Brewery Second Annual Craft Beerfest - cancelled
- Life Line Screening, 3/20/2020 - Tiger Point Community Center - cancelled
- Life Line Screening, 3/24/2020 - Pace Community Center - cancelled
- Tiger Point Food Truck Night, 3/28/2020 - Tiger Point Park - cancelled
- Elite Championship Wrestling (Spring), 3/28/2020 - Tiger Point Community Center - cancelled
- Elegant Spring Tea, 3/29/2020 - Pace Community Center - cancelled
- 1781 Siege of Pensacola, 4/2/2020 - Bagdad Mill Site - cancelled
- 14th Annual Michele Hill Raider Run, 4/4/2020 - cancelled
- 8th Annual Autism OdysSea, 4/18/2020 - Navarre Beach Marine Park - cancelled
- Hope of the World 5K, 4/18/2020 - cancelled
- Northwest Florida Construction Career Days, 4/27/2020 - East Milton Park Grounds - cancelled
- Coastline Christian Academy 5K, 5/2/2020 - cancelled
- Navarre Sunset Stampede, 5/2/2020 - cancelled
- Navarre Military Appreciation Picnic, 5/9/2020 - Navarre Park - cancelled
Supervisor of Elections
Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections announced emergency polling location changes for the Presidential Preference Primary Election. On Election Day (Tues., Mar. 17), polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Precincts 28 and 37 have been changed from Community Life United Methodist Church to the Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park in Gulf Breeze.
- Precinct 23 has been changed from Midway Fire District Station 37 to the Midway Baptist Church, 5471 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. in Gulf Breeze.
- Visit www.votesantarosa.com to find the nearest early voting location.
Sheriff's Office
The sheriff’s office is currently implementing several policies to increase the safety of the citizens, inmates and employees: - The sheriff’s office has suspended fingerprinting services until further notice.
The 2020 Public Safety Coordinating Council Meeting scheduled for April 15 has been cancelled. - Jail intake procedures have been enhanced in order to provide a more intensive screening for new inmates.
- The department has implemented ongoing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of the detention department.
- Deputies have been provided with PPE equipment as needed.
- All volunteers have been restricted from entering the jail.
- Hand sanitizers have been installed throughout the sheriff’s office.
Clerk of Courts- The Florida Supreme Court has temporarily suspended jury selection proceedings from Mar. 16 - 27. Jurors who are serving on trials that have already commenced should contact the office of the presiding trial judge for instructions.
Tax Collector- The tax collector has cancelled all appointments including CDLs (hazmat licenses), concealed weapons applications/renewals, driving tests, etc. until further notice.
- Many transactions can be completed online at www.santarosatax.com. Citizens are urged to take advantage of this convenient option.
First Judicial Court- All jury trials are officially suspended through Mar. 27 by the Florida Supreme Court.
- Access to the courthouse and proceedings are limited effective immediately. Only those persons with business before the court, or with agencies within those facilities (Clerk of Court, State Attorney, or Public Defender) may enter the facilities. Only necessary participants are allowed into any hearing (witnesses, attorneys, and parties, essential court staff).
- Proceedings for which more than 50 people are scheduled to be heard will be held at staggered intervals. Persons with no official business who are not necessary participants are not allowed in the facility. As possible, the Circuit will hold proceedings by video and telephonic appearances.
- Persons entering court facilities will be allowed one small (no larger than two ounces) bottle of hand sanitizer. As available, each facility will provide sanitizer for public use. Individuals with known symptoms or exposures should make the judges aware prior to any appearance. Any attorney, litigant, or any member of the public having a specific need to be excused or any other request should make the judge aware of the circumstances.
Santa Rosa County School DistrictBy order of Governor DeSantis, Santa Rosa Schools stay closed through March 27. All extracurricular activities including athletics (practice or play) are cancelled through Mar. 28. Twelve-month employees should remain in contact with your school or department during spring break to receive updates. Teachers should plan on reporting to work on March 30.
City of Gulf Breeze- The City of Gulf Breeze Pandemic Policies in the City Emergency Plan will be followed as needed, to ensure continuity of city services.
- Fire and police have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Any public permits for events over 500 will not be considered before the end of March. Two publicly permitted events in March have voluntarily canceled: The annual Quarterback Carnival and the Gulf Breeze Arts Festival. Gumbo Fest is rescheduled to Sat., May 2. Spring Fest is still tentatively scheduled for April 18.
- Subscribe to the City’s e-news at: https://tinyurl.com/rokhtpg.
City of Milton- City of Milton supports the provisions of the governor's Executive Order 20-68 and encourages compliance.
- Based upon the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended mitigation activities, and guidance received from the governor; the City of Milton is cancelling all publicly-permitted events scheduled in the next eight weeks.
- The City of Milton is currently operating at Pandemic Plan Level 3 (monitoring, preparedness and prevention) and will move to the next level as warranted.
- The city is deploying city-wide preventative measures, encouraging electronic transactions, limiting social interactions, disinfecting public surfaces regularly and ensuring accuracy of all disseminated information.
- Milton Community Center (except for polling use today, Mar. 17) and Milton Event Center are closed until further notice.
- All city parks are open.
- The city has cancelled all permitted events exceeding more than 50 people for the next eight weeks and discouraging gatherings of more than ten.
- The committee of the whole is cancelled for March and a determination will be made on the executive committee meeting in April.
- Advisory bodies will only meet if necessary.
- All seniors who received meals from the Milton Community Center can receive plated to-go meals from Council on Aging of Northwest Florida offices at 6860 Pooley St., Pensacola. Seniors must call (850) 432-1475 by noon the previous day to receive a meal.
- Fire and police have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Pensacola State College- Pensacola State College classes are suspended through Mar. 29. Should the situation change during the spring break (Mar. 16-22) by order of the Governor or a decision by the PSC Board of Trustees, PSC will alert faculty, staff, and students through the PSC Alert system, email, text messages, social media and local media.
- The NJCAA, PSC's national athletic association, has suspended all athletic competition until April 4.
- Other college events will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for the next several weeks.
Florida Forest Service- All campgrounds on Blackwater River State Forest will be closed for 30 days effective March 20 as well as Clear Creek Off-Highway Vehicle Riding Area and Krul Lake Recreation Area.
- The forest remains open to hunting and fishing under the rules and guidelines of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Gulf Islands National Seashore- As of March 18, operations within the national seashore will be modified. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park beaches, islands, hiking trails, fishing piers, and campgrounds remain open at this time.
- All ranger led programs have been cancelled.
- Special Use permits for activities with 10 or more people have been cancelled.
- The Naval Live Oaks Exhibit Area at park headquarters is closed.
- The restrooms in Clusters A & E at Opal Beach are closed.
Small Business Development Center- Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19.
- The application period runs through May 8, 2020. More information is at FloridaDisasterLoan.org
- The Governor has requested the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) make the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program available for Florida’s small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) stands ready to assist Florida’s small businesses in accessing this funding when available.
- The Business Damage Assessment survey has been activated to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by DEO, will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The survey can be taken online at https://floridadisaster.biz.
Emerald Coast Regional Council- The Emerald Coast Regional Council has postponed all upcoming transportation public meetings including meetings of the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and their committees.
- Meetings will be rescheduled after May 1. Details will be sent out for public notice. For more information, contact PublicInvolvement@ecrc.org or 850-332-7976.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) encourages our residents and visitors to take steps to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses such as cold and the flu as well as COVID-19. Everyone can do their part to help. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow the spread of this virus.
Screen Yourself and Call First
If you become sick, review the screening criteria for COVID-19:- Are you over 65 years old with chronic medical conditions and are experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath? Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
- Have you returned from international travel or been on a cruise within the last 14 days?
- Have you been around someone diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, contact your healthcare provider or your local county health department (CHD). Call, do not visit, your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. It’s important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation.
Take Steps to Protect Against Spreading Viruses
If you are mildly ill, follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:- Do not go to the emergency department if you are only a little sick. The emergency department should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. The CDC has guidance on what to do if you are sick from a mild viral illness: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm and https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html
- Stay at home while you are sick and keep children out of school or daycare while they are sick.
- Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
- Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away.
- Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs.
The Florida Department of Health is strongly urging attendees of mass gatherings not to attend if they:- are a contact to a known or suspected case of COVID-19.
- are over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions.
- are immune compromised.
- are ill.
- have been exposed to someone with a respiratory illness in the last 14 days.
- have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.
- have traveled internationally within the last 14 days, especially to destinations under a level 3 travel advisory.
- have traveled to or from a geographic area with widespread community transmission of COVID-19.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus and use everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases.
At Home- Continue to practice good hand washing. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home from work if you are sick and keep children home from school when sick.
- Remind family members not to touch their faces.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables and handrails.
- Open windows or adjust air conditioning to increase ventilation.
- Treat vulnerable family members, such as those over the age of 65 or with chronic medical conditions, as though others are a threat to them. Practice good hygiene when caring for them. If they are sick, provide them with their own room, and keep the door closed.
At Work- Good hand hygiene is as important at work as it is at home. Encourage employees to clean hands at the door and send email reminders to clean hands throughout the day.
- Stop shaking hands. Use other, non-contact methods of greeting customers and coworkers.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Open windows or adjust air conditioning to increase ventilation.
- Consider videoconferencing for meetings whenever possible. When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces.
- Assess the risks of business travel.
- Handle food carefully and limit food sharing.
- Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene.
- Allow employees to stay home if they are sick or have a sick family member.
Businesses - Stop shaking hands. Use non-contact methods of greeting.
- Clean hands at the door and send employees email reminders to clean hands throughout the day.
- Promote tap and pay to limit handling of cash.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Open windows or adjust air conditioning to increase ventilation.
- Avoid crowding by booking appointments to stagger customer flow.
The CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
A person that experiences a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from any destination under the recently updated CDC travel advisory should call ahead to their health care provider and local CHD and mention their recent travel or close contact.
If a person has had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area or been in contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, they should call ahead to a health care professional and the county health department. The health care provider will work with the Florida DOH to determine if the person should be tested for COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date information, monitor the Florida DOH's COVID-19 webpage, call COVID-19 24/7 Call Center, (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. # # # |
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