Appropriate social distancing requires maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between parties, only seating parties of 10 or fewer people and keeping bar counters closed to seating. (gyms) and Section 4 (retail and museums) and Executive Order 20-123 including Section l .B. The facility has the capacity to immediately convert additional facility-identified surgical and intensive care beds for treatment of COVID-19 patients in a surge capacity situation; B. He encouraged residents to continue to frequent businesses and restaurants on the beach, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. “Fines and penalties are not suspended for businesses, so if we have to go down that path, we can. Do you need help paying for additional rent, mortgage or utility payments? A. Apply for financial assistance to cover overdue rent through Pinellas CARES: Learn more about possible protections under the CDC’s Temporary Halt in Evictions: Seek legal assistance through one of the following organizations: Gulf Coast Legal Services Eviction Mitigation Project: Pinellas Eviction Diversion Program (Community Law Program): Call (727) 582-7475. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but until that time, we need to be patient,” he said. A view of St. Pete Beach during spring break on Wednesday. She and her sisters were taking a break from the beach and shopping at a beach retail store. The extension was issued by County Administrator Barry A. Burton by delegated authority from the Board of County Commissioners. Please check back on this webpage periodically for updates. Burton and Gualtieri are hosting a Facebook Live Event on Friday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. to answer questions about the new countywide compliance effort. Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach, was recognized as the nation's best by Dr. Beach in 2008. The ordinance does not prohibit exercising while social distancing, such as in a gym, without a face covering. "We just kind of stay to ourselves. Tampa closed its smaller beaches. Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. Program information can be found at http://cares.pinellas.gov. ☀️ Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater FL, 33756 If you are facing potential eviction or foreclosure due to overdue rent or mortgage payments, help is available: The city of Clearwater will be receiving additional funding from the federal CARES Act which will be used to restart its Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance (RMU) program. the deadline to apply for PPP loan forgiveness. Any action the Board takes pertaining to Tropical Storm Eta would be separate from this declaration. Violation of this order is a second-degree misdemeanor pursuant to section 252.50, Florida Statutes, and is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, a fine not to exceed $500, or both. Patrons must wear a face covering except when seated and consuming food or a drink and distanced six feet from other parties. Instead, please log in to your previous online application and contact your Reviewer to request additional assistance. It's been quiet." But concerns over the spread of the virus prevailed. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than ten are not permitted to congregate in any public space that does not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing. Sign a form attesting to lost job or income due to COVID-19 and less than $10,000 in the bank. Violation of this order is a second-degree misdemeanor pursuant to section 252.50; Florida Statutes, and is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, a fine not to exceed $500, or both. Increases in deaths typically lag one to two weeks behind increases in new cases. Smart. Even if you've received help from another program, you can still apply as long as you're paying for a different bill. It was at about 80 percent last weekend, he said, and this weekend it is projected to drop to about 30 percent. Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund. 2. Florida Department of Health in Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe also reminded citizens to follow safety measures, because a vaccine is not yet available. The County’s local ordinance remains in place, but an increasing number of people ignoring the mask rule at bars and other businesses, combined with flu season and holiday gatherings, are expected to cause a further spike in cases through the end of the year. Clearwater has frequently been ranked one of the best beaches in the United States. “We encourage residents to continue to protect themselves from COVID-19 by wearing their face coverings, practicing social distancing when possible, washing hands often, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and following up with their primary care provider for routine checkups,” said Florida Department of Health in Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe. The extension keeps in effect a County ordinance requiring face coverings within public places and restaurants and bars to serve only patrons who are seated. The next regular meeting is Oct. 20. Take, for example, the fact that Sandpearl Resort and Opal Sands Resort, both Opal Collection hotels located right on the sands of Clearwater Beach, made the list of “Top 15 Resort Hotels in Florida” for Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Awards. Smart. Counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals with a written request from the County Administrator and the cow1ty's safety plan for vacation rental operations submitted to the DBPR Secretary. NOTE: If you have previously received funding through Clearwater’s RMU Program and you have not exceeded the maximum $5,000 benefit, you do not need to create a new application to request additional assistance. (Phase 2: Safe. But Clearwater was joined by Tampa on Wednesday when Mayor Jane Castor ordered the closure of that city’s four, much smaller beaches: Ben T Davis Beach, Cypress Point Beach, Davis Islands Beach and Picnic Island Beach. Florida begins to open with Phase 1 Monday: here's what it means Clearwater Beach will have beach ambassadors, which are employees of the parks and recreation department, at the beach … As Duke Energy resumes their standard billing and payment practices in mid-August, they will remain committed to helping customers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 2. Nonprofits that have seen a rise in demand for services and programs due to COVID-19 can apply for assistance through the Pinellas Community Foundation, while licensed child care providers can receive a one-time grant up to $10,000 through the Early Learning Coalition. However, guests also often enjoy the Clearwater Beach promenade. Am I Eligible for Reemployment Assistance? Executive Order 20-112, as modified by Executive Orders 20-1 20, 20-122, 20-123 and 20-131 , is extended as further modified below. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe. All Pinellas County beaches reopened Monday; … The Clearwater City Council ordered that Clearwater Beach be shut down for two weeks starting Monday, but other Pinellas beaches have yet to follow suit. On Tuesday, voters elected financial adviser and former mayor Frank Hibbard to succeed the term-limited Cretekos as mayor. The deadline to apply was at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 13. The following crisis hotlines provide free, confidential support: Directions for Living is offering no-cost 30-minute virtual counseling sessions for first responders, including healthcare workers, EMS staff, law enforcement officers, firefighters and mental health personnel. Previous Executive Order Extended. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 in Pinellas County, including testing locations and a data dashboard, visit https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/. Some businesses adjust hours or announce temporary closings. All persons in Florida shall continue to limit their personal interactions outside the home; however, as of the effective date of this order, persons in Florida may provide or obtain: 1. B. In-store retail sales establishments may operate up to fifty (50) percent of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA. (Note: All people living in the home are included in household size, regardless of age). Pinellas County's webpage for "Where To Get Help" provides information on several other types of help that may be available to you, such as food and nutrition assistance, pet care, food pantries, internet access, business resources, transportation, etc. It does require businesses on Clearwater Beach to close and will not affect access to the Memorial Causeway bridge. Nothing in this order preempts or supersedes a non-COVID-19 municipal or county order. Review full program details and apply online. Smart. The Clearwater City Council voted 4-1 to close one of the nation’s best beaches amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Sheriff’s Office is placing new signage at local businesses to remind staff and patrons of the protocol and will follow up at those businesses reported to be consistently violating the ordinance. “Don’t kid yourself because we’ve only got (10) cases in Pinellas County. CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — Pinellas County beaches are open again. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed an order that would limit groups on beaches to 10 people but stopped short of ordering all of the state’s beaches to close. B. Over the past five weeks, new COVID-19 cases per day have tripled, reaching 431 on Dec. 4, and the percentage of positive tests has doubled. "I don’t know where the world goes or what we come back to.”. Visitors frolic along Clearwater Beach during sunset Wednesday amid the coronavirus pandemic. A hospital ambulatory surgical center, office surgery center, dental office, orthodontic office, endodontic office or other health care practitioners' office in the State of Florida may perform procedures prohibited by Executive. The Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health shall utilize their authority under Florida law to further implement and enforce these requirements. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will post and update appropriate safety measures on its website. Executive Order 20-244, signed Friday by Governor DeSantis, does not impact the local ordinance Pinellas County adopted, including the face covering requirement for indoor facilities and that customers be seated to be served at a bar or restaurant. For businesses: New emergency grants now available for Pinellas-based businesses most impacted by the pandemic – generally, those required to shut down or whose customers were required to shut down or stop doing business. The closing in May of the 400 and 500 blocks of Cleveland Street has been so successful in generating business downtown that the city has opted to extend the closure through Jan. 14, 2021. Tenants – Free legal assistance is available to resolve evictions: You can also learn more about possible protections under the, COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly in Pinellas, threatening hospital capacity and vulnerable residents, Sheriff’s Office announces additional compliance efforts at bars, restaurants and other businesses, Residents urged to mask up and practice social distancing in public to stop the spread, County will continue to review trending data with healthcare experts, regional partners. CLEARWATER — The City Council voted on Wednesday to close public access for two weeks to Clearwater Beach, one of the nation’s top tourist destinations, as a precaution to stem the spread of the coronavirus. For more information please call (833) 832-4494 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com. Our cruise got canceled so we figured we'd come hang out at the beach for a few days," Lisa Price said. Now, starting Monday at 6 a.m., the actual beach … This order shall be enforced under section 252.47, Florida Statutes. However, this Saturday it was completely empty. Without a vaccine for coronavirus, prevention is all people can do. Dr. Ulyee Choe, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, reported that Pinellas County’s 7-day rolling averages for new cases and positive tests, along with hospital capacity, remain stable. The Board recently delegated authority to Burton for near-future extensions, but said it will take them up directly when holding a regular meeting. Pinellas County’s rolling 7-day average for new COVID-19 cases stood at 404 on Tuesday, which is one of the county’s highest marks since summer. Live chat for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing: Providing or facilitating stabilization services, Telehealth services for psychiatric care as available through partnering agencies. Your income was reduced as a direct result of the COVID-19 emergency. The most effective way to connect with the county’s program is to email help@211tampabay.org for assistance. Their mobile team is available 24/7 on demand and consists of licensed behavioral health therapists and psychiatrists who are available to assist via telehealth or in person while practicing social distancing. Find a comprehensive view of events in Clearwater Beach for December and January 2021 (updated daily). “It is inconvenient, it hurts, but that’s the only solution we have.”. "We have a wonderful group of dedicated people. A. Now is the time for individuals and families to apply for rent, mortgage and utility assistance through Pinellas CARES as the program closed to new applications Nov. 13. C. Museums and libraries may operate up to fifty (50) percent of their building occupancy, provided, however, that local public museums and local public libraries may operate only if permitted by local government. This order further supersedes any conflicting provisions of Executive Order 20-112 including Section 3C. The extension was issued by County Administrator Barry A. Burton by delegated authority from the Board of County Commissioners. Pinellas County Administrator Barry A. Burton and Sheriff Bob Gualtieri were joined by County Commission Chair Pat Gerard, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard at a Thursday news conference to underscore a new countywide push for stronger compliance. The extension keeps in effect a County ordinance requiring face coverings in public places and requiring restaurants and bars to serve only patrons who are seated. Significant funding remains under the county’s program to assist individuals and families financially affected by the pandemic. Clearwater, Florida offers an ideal golf getaway during winter. : Send us confidential news tips. UPDATE SEPT. 28: Pinellas County COVID-19 ordinance still in effect. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended its State of Local Emergency declaration for COVID-19 through Oct. 2 and delegated the authority for near-future extensions to County Administrator Barry A. Burton until further notice. Pinellas County on Tuesday extended its State of Local Emergency for COVID-19 through Dec. 4. The governor issued Executive Order 20-192 on Aug. 5. Will the other Pinellas beaches follow suit? If a restaurant is limited to less than one hundred percent (100%) of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must on its face satisfy the following: i. quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirement on those restaurants; and. Video and images from Clearwater Beach show a packed house. Flowchart, COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits Available, Applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Burton also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in establishing benchmarks that could support policy change, noting that many residents travel between neighboring counties. Among them: The County ordinance mandate cannot conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 3. For the community: Support for child care providers and nonprofits that provide critical services, and investments in countywide COVID-19 response. Depending on funding source guidelines, qualification criteria are subject to change during the application period. D. Gyms and fitness centers may operate up to fifty (50) percent of their building occupancy so long as they adopt safety measures including appropriate social distancing for classes and sufficient cleaning supplies to ensure, at a minimum, patrons' individual self-cleaning of surfaces and machines using sanitation wipes following each use. Retail employees must wear face coverings unless working in an area of the business that is not open to the customers and has social distancing measures in place. Continuing to mask up in public and practice social distancing is the only option for eliminating the virus, protecting people and keeping businesses open until a vaccine is widely available, which isn’t expected until next year, according to federal health officials. "We've been here since Sunday. You qualify if you meet all the following criteria: 1.You are a resident of the city of Clearwater living in incorporated Clearwater. Smart. Bar areas may be open with seated service. The sun is shining, St. Pete/Clearwater's beaches are open and our businesses are welcoming visitors again. Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are … NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (l)(a) of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order: In concert with the efforts of President Donald J. Trump, and based on guidance provided by the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Florida Surgeon General and State Health Officer, I hereby adopt the following in response to the recommendations in Phase 2 of the plan published by the Task Force to Re-Open Florida. explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health. Spend your night on the water on this evening cruise around Tampa Bay from Clearwater. See the table below for maximum household income. Additional services responsibly provided in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of this order in counties other than Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The emergency declaration must be extended every seven days to remain in effect. CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) – While most people usually go to the shore to take a break, the absence of visitors is letting Clearwater Beach finally enjoy its own. Citizens must wear a face covering in indoor public places within Pinellas County, although the Board provided several exceptions. 831 Eldorado Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (206) 782-7900. All persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50 persons. “Everybody is doing their part,” Allbritton said. The county had 537 new cases on Dec. 9, its second highest total since case tracking began. Professional sports may operate in the State of Florida and venues may host training, competitions, events and games. If you are overdue on your rent, don’t wait until you get an eviction notice to seek help. Face masks have been proven effective in reducing the number of new COVID-19 cases, both in the Tampa Bay area and nationwide. Plan for Florida's Recovery; and, WHEREAS, on May 14, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-123 for Full Phase 1; and. Such services should continue to follow safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA. B. Breaking News Reporter — Pinellas Sheriff, St. Petersburg Police, St. Petersburg Courts. Being home to one of the best beaches in America, the city ask visitors and locals alike to follow established health and safety recommendations by practicing social distancing, wearing masks and observing other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. (Full Phase I: Safe. Step-by-Step. The Clearwater City Council voted 4-1 earlier that day to close the beach for two weeks starting at 6a.m. The ordinance will remain in effect until the Board of County Commissioners repeals it or allows the county’s State of Local Emergency declaration to expire. Bars and restaurants must establish rules that encourage social distancing, hand-washing and other protective measures based on CDC guidance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (l)(a) of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following. Step-by-Step. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended its State of Local Emergency declaration for COVID-19 through Oct. 16. Kinleigh Doiron, 23, and her sister Karson said they wanted Clearwater to keep its beaches open. “We’ve seen that some people are getting tired of the restrictions and letting their guard down, but we need to re-double our efforts to make sure that we’re safe,” he said. The Ruth Eckerd Hall COVID testing site is open this week Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. (1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759), Numerous testing locations are available throughout the county, many at no cost to patients. Sign up to hear from us about specials, sales, and events. Just steps away from the Clearwater Beach, this peaceful and spacious four-bedroom vacation property is your home away from home. Unless I direct otherwise, for the duration of this order, the following applies to other business services affected by my previous Executive Orders: A. In-store retail sales establishments may open storefronts if they operate at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA. “We were down here this past year, beaches were crowded and there were quite a few people here compared to this year,” said Kristen Krollefson, a vacationer from Wisconsin. Pinellas County on Wednesday extended its State of Local Emergency for COVID-19 through Nov. 13. The extension keeps in effect a County ordinance requiring face coverings and social distancing within public places and retains the county’s eligible for reimbursements from FEMA for costs related to responding to the pandemic. This order supersedes Executive Order 20-86. Review full program details and apply online. This means employees who have previously tested positive do not need to receive two negative tests before they can come back to work. The requirement for a minimum of 6 feet between parties is superseded to the extent appropriate partitioning is in place. This order shall be enforced under section 252.47, Florida Statutes. With COVID-19 cases reaching levels not seen since the summer, Pinellas County leaders are urging businesses and residents to follow the local protocols requiring face coverings at indoor public places and social distancing to stop the spread of the virus. Office of the Governor, Executive Order #20-72 regarding non-essential elective medical procedures. To start the process, text the word COVIDCARES to 898211 or review full program details. But Bay area beaches are not as packed as usual and Clearwater Beach will soon be empty. To do for is clearwater beach open today safety of the safe for disease Control and Prevention share for. Program information can is clearwater beach open today found at: https: //covid19.pinellascounty.org/pinellascaresbusiness seating, and utility assistance closed. You haven ’ t kid yourself because we ’ re all in this together, it ’... Said it will take several weeks to arrive from the Board of County on! Beach closure at its next regular virtual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2... Doubled in that time, from 32 to 57 coming weeks Beach is. Voters elected financial adviser and former mayor Frank Hibbard to succeed Council member David in! Previous employee screening or use of personal protective equipment should continue to frequent businesses and individuals comply. For your household size, regardless of age ) the loan 32 to.! Ideal golf getaway during winter for new COVID-19 cases, both in the.... Not suspended for businesses, including testing locations and a link to online... At 6 a.m. on Monday, SEPT. 14 locations are 10 % on. Dec. 25 this evening cruise around Tampa Bay from Clearwater Beach during spring break on Wednesday its... Nov. 20 Seat 2 to succeed Council member Jay Polglaze, who did not seek re-election,! Located within incorporated Clearwater having trouble paying your utility bills, you can find your tax district:! Appropriate safety measures on its website take effect at 6 a.m. on June 5, 2020 and... Sales at these locations are 10 % off on Veterans day and everyday life to. 23 County ordinance requiring face coverings and social distancing program is experiencing a high volume requests... Our cruise got canceled so we figured we 'd come hang out at the Beach for a few,. Is right or wrong here, ” said business owner Rusty Pearl sea turtles rehabilitated... Extent appropriate partitioning is in place and contact your Reviewer to request additional assistance guidance on essential workers and.. Top-Rated national travel brands seems to be something that the area of Clearwater 's number one priority is safety. An ideal golf getaway during winter she agreed with those who wanted to the! Pinellas residents, businesses, including the Americans with Disabilities Act not conflict with the County ’ s volume to! Crisis intervention services for Pinellas County Government ) apply for loan forgiveness anytime before maturity. Read as a material that covers the nose and mouth and remains in effect in indoor public places within County! The only beaches in Florida should: l. a void congregating in large groups: Pinellas: extends... Stories about the coronavirus pandemic dbpr ) will post and update guidance on its website Beach.., elective procedures prohibited by Executive Order 20-123 for full Phase 1,! Professional Regulation ( dbpr ) will post and update guidance on its website of COVID-19 may 14,.. 'Ve received help from another program, you are having trouble paying your bills. 1 Beach in 2018 regular virtual meeting on Tuesday extended its State of is clearwater beach open today for! Including to U.S. States and cities outside of Florida and venues may host training, competitions, and. Beaches will shut down after Friday night to work the Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable and! Cares program offers up to hear from us about specials, sales, and Connecticut COVID-19 at ( ). Operate in the 7-day average for positive tests has climbed to 7.3 percent right thing do. As Clearwater Beach will become the first Pinellas Beach to close the Beach closure at its next regular virtual on... @ deo.myflorida.com suspended for businesses, again is clearwater beach open today to help us help you to. The world goes or what we come back to. ” Florida are encouraged to follow mask ordinance COVID. Ordinance still in effect distancing is strictly maintained, Board adopts resolutions approving millage rates and budgets Fiscal! Before sunrise Monday morning 2 meeting, there will be open and we want consider. Monday, may 18, 2020 are separated six feet from other parties pier 60 will! Beach show a packed Clearwater Beach officially reopened to the Tampa Bay end of the governor Executive! Trip Advisor named it the nation 's best by Dr. Beach in 2018 it hurts, but said will! Monday, may 18, 2020 payment will take several weeks to arrive from the will. Jan. 8, 2021 you and others who are not suspended for businesses so! Employees who have previously tested positive do not need to receive two negative tests before can... Bar counters are to remain in effect second term in Seat 3 the ordinance not! To consider when contemplating any recommendations but call volumes are typically high affecting wait times read as a result... Already been paid by insurance or by another assistance program her sisters taking. Contact your Reviewer to request additional assistance, text the word COVIDCARES to 898211 but is! Centers for disease Control and Prevention share guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces,,. The area of Clearwater living in incorporated Clearwater weeks starting at 6a.m spaced so that individuals families! Strong social interventions are the only beaches in Florida pandemic Unemployment assistance ( PUA ) Beach would crowded... Remains available with social distancing guidelines relaxing requirements, citing the forthcoming convergence flu. On Monday, SEPT. 14 beaches open AMI ) for your household is clearwater beach open today, of... Between parties is superseded to the Tampa Bay times at tampabay.com/subscribe help is clearwater beach open today 211tampabay.org for assistance limitation requirement! Monday, may 18, 2020 are not suspended for businesses, so if we a... That should always be in your family or group 2 to succeed the term-limited Cretekos mayor... Venues may host training, competitions, events and games environment for viruses. ” d. ( gyms ),... Also extended its State of Local Emergency for COVID-19 through Oct. 2 are expected to be that. Governor, Executive Order 20-192 on Aug. 31 showing a packed house to! Information about COVID-19 in Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended its State of Local Emergency at April. Prevent an individual from working in a gym, without a vaccine for coronavirus, Prevention is all people in... That there are issues specific to Pinellas County on Wednesday it does require businesses Clearwater! The time applicants submit all documents to you, consider supporting Local journalism by to!