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 Message to the Community from Chairman Braswell:
Bartow, Fla. (March 30, 2020) As of Monday, March 30, more than 800 individuals in Polk County have been tested for the COVID-19 virus. There are 55 who have tested positive with 19 being admitted to the hospital. The majority of the positive tests have been in the Davenport/Kissimmee (Poinciana) area, but every corner of the county has now been affected. As testing increases, no doubt that more positive cases will be confirmed. So far, about six percent of Polk’s tests return positive, which is less than the state average of 10 percent. COVID-19 will remain a serious disease in our community. There is no cure and probably will not be one for some time to come. And it’s moving quickly, affecting our jobs, our families and our communities. We must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. The best thing you can do is to stay healthy by strictly adhering to the CDC guidelines; wash your hands often, socially distance and if you have an underlying health issue, stay home. Polk County has not issued a “stay at home” order and there is no related curfew. As always, the best place to effect change is in your own home. We expect our citizens to follow CDC guidelines staying home as much as possible. Be smart and try to consolidate trips away from your home. For business owners who do not provide essential services, please consider closing your business, decreasing your hours, offering online services or curbside pickup. The goal is to slow the infection rate so we do not need to take more drastic action. There are many ways to stay informed about the COVID-19 virus. The county website www.polk-county.net is updated multiple times daily with the information you need. Links to other informative websites are available there too. County services continue, with buildings closed to public access, operating through online, telecommuting and telephone. It is in the world community that we will find the strength to not only persevere but to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. We will get through this crisis. This is not the time for panic. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines.
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As we go into the weekend my hope is that you have time to relax and enjoy some much needed family or quiet time.
All throughout today your Chamber team was on conference calls with state and federal organizations to get a better understanding of the new legislation and how it can best serve you. I want to brief you on some of it, but also want to let you know that we are working hard to set up webinars and conference calls to help you understand the opportunities ahead of you. Federal Update: The President signed into law the CARES Act with no significant changes from the summary I posted on the website yesterday. This law has provisions that impact businesses of all sizes, but many of our small businesses have been most interested in the Small Business (under 500 employees) Paycheck Protection Program loan. The US Chamber put together this incredibly helpful Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist that focuses on the Paycheck Protection Program loans. These loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls before the end of June if you have already had to layoff or furlough. A commonly asked questions is, "Am I eligible?" See the list below. The good news is independent contractors, sole proprietors and self-employed tradesmen are also included.
In addition, some special rules may make you eligible:
The next most obvious question is: "How do I apply?"
Again, check out this Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist to get more of your questions answered. State Update: The Governor issued a few executive orders today that may be relevant to you. For a full state update click here:
Key points for parents and students:
Friday, March 27, 2020 — Polk State College will continue all classes online through the Summer 2020 Semester to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The College suspended instruction on March 16 and will resume all classes, including dual enrollment and Polk State’s three collegiate high schools, online on Monday, March 30, for the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester. Due to the evolving public health emergency, faculty and staff are also preparing for a fully online summer semester. “Polk State College is committed to ensuring our students have the opportunity and the resources they need to continue toward their educational goals during these challenging times,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “Faculty and staff are working diligently to make the transition to the online learning environment as smooth as possible for students so that they may be successful in their academic endeavors while remaining safe and healthy.” As a partner to your business, we are trying to provide you with as much information as possible to prepare you for the future. Earlier this week I designated our team member Karen Speer as our 'business recovery information coordinator' to help filter through the existing and new disaster business assistance programs to help you through this time. Karen is, under normal circumstances, our Events Coordinator but has an extensive background at State Farm as a claims adjuster and is accustomed to working within the policy sphere. In the coming weeks we hope to host and/or share informative webinars we attend to help remove the noise and make it easy for you to connect to the resources you need. Below are a few updates for you on existing business assistance programs and pending legislation.
State Assistance Programs
Federal Assistance Programs As you have heard by now, the US Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and it now goes onto the House for a vote on Friday. It is expected to pass with very few revisions. Once passed, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin set some ambitious goals to have the new small business loan program ready for application within a week. We will let you know when guidance comes out on how to do that. He also stated that the payments for individuals would go out within 3 weeks of passage. We have posted an indepth analysis on our website of this bill, but here are a few snapshot takeaways on how it affects the business community:
As I mentioned yesterday, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed into law on March 18, affects small businesses in two key ways:
US Congressman Darren Soto, representative for Winter Haven, is asking for feedback from the business community to find out how his office can specifically assist you. Please take a moment to fill out this survey from his office. We still have much to learn and even more new things coming down the pipeline with the CARES Act and future legislation. If you have specific questions we can try to get answers on, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We know one very important question out there is, "What about sole proprietors" and we are told this new federal act has some tax provisions that help as well as the potential to be addressed in future legislation at the state and federal level. As always, we will keep you informed. All my best - Katie Worthington Decker Your Chamber President Share program will be able to help thousands of customers
Tampa, Fla. (March 26, 2020) – To help the community during this unprecedented time of uncertainty, Tampa Electric and TECO Peoples Gas are donating $1 million to local charities that will benefit people financially affected by the pandemic.
“We understand many customers may be experiencing financial hardship during this difficult time,” said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer. “These community partners can help ease that burden for thousands of people.” Residential customers could save nearly $90 on their electric bills for the second half of the year
Tampa, Fla. (March 25, 2020) – Due to lower natural gas prices, Tampa Electric today requested a significant decrease to customer bills from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). Because of the unusual circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, the utility is seeking to accelerate the savings for customers, beginning in June. In total, a residential customer could save nearly $90 or more on their power costs for the rest of the year. This equates to a bill reduction of about 11 percent for residential customers, depending on usage. Commercial customers could see a reduction of 14 percent to 20 percent, depending on usage. “Unique times call for unique solutions to help our customers,” said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We look forward to working with the PSC, the Office of Public Counsel and other stakeholders to provide economic relief to our customers at a time when they need it most.” This webinar, hosted by our partners at the Orlando Economic Partnership, featured guest speakers Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Ken Lawson and Director of the Office of Small and Minority Business Capital for the Florida (DEO) Michael DiNapoli. Executive Director Lawson shared information about the DEO’s resources regarding COVID-19, including the Reemployment Assistance program, Emergency Bridge Loan and Business Damage Assessment Survey, and Director DiNapoli discussed Emergency Bridge Loans in more detail. We encourage you to watch the video above for the full webinar and a walk-through of how to apply.
A few important takeaways from the call:
Summary of Bipartisan Agreement on “CARES” Act Released Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (provided by the US Chamber of Commerce )
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will revise this document as it continues to review the bill. Summary as of 9:00 AM Thursday, March 26.
A similar analysis of the business provisions advocated for by Senator Marco Rubio was provided to the Winter Haven Chamber by his office today and can be read here. Contents of the Bill:
Download a PDF for printing of this flyer here. Visit the Florida Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) website for information directly related to COVID-19  Update on Local, State and Federal Action March 25 - A Message From Your Chamber President3/25/2020  I saw a tweet the other day that best described how many of us are feeling. It said, "The weirdest part of living through the COVID-19 pandemic is this strange mixture of normalcy and emergency that we are all experiencing. I constantly feel like I'm either over- or underreacting or really both at the exact same time. It's surreal."
I know that some of you already affected by the economic impact of this have had to come to the very difficult decision to furlough or layoff employees. We've created this document for you to be able to share with your employees on various ways they can reach out for assistance. It is also attached for easy download for printing. This, of course, does not include any new programs that may come out of pending legislation. Business Assistance Update: 1. Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help for-profit business owners bridge the gap between the time of impact and when the business has secured long-term assistance, should apply for the program through one of two ways by May 8, 2020 (this is a change in instruction):
2. A question has come up from a fellow Chamber member on credit card interest relief during this time if it becomes necessary to carry more on credit. I spoke to the US Chamber today and while they haven't seen legislation being discussed at this point regarding mandating waiving or deferring credit card interest, most major card issuers have released statements outlining how they plan to assist customers during this challenging time. Cardholders may be able to skip payments, avoid late fees and receive lower interest rates. At this point it is best to reach out directly to your card card company to try to set up terms Read more here. Local & State: 1. Several more urban counties surrounding us have started to issue "stay home" orders to combat those ignoring the social distancing guidelines. Those orders cite the federally identified essential critical infrastructure workers categories which may be more broad than you realize. We do not have any such orders in place in Polk County at this time, but several of our members have asked who qualifies if that were to happen. See this list on the blog to review the federal guidelines. 2. Governor DeSantis announced an executive order to require anyone that travels to Florida from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut to self-isolate for 14 days or for the duration of the individual’s presence in Florida, whichever is shorter. Violating the order is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500 3. Governor DeSantis announced he is issuing an Executive Order to direct Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Rivkees, to issue a public health advisory urging the following:
4. Central Florida Health Care is also able to test for COVID-19 at each of their locations, as long as you meet the criteria for testing. CFHC has 12 clinics in Polk County and are open with normal business hours providing urgent healthcare needs at this time. They see uninsured, underinsured, insured, Medicaid and Medicare patients. See the blog for details. 5. Several local businesses have offered free Business-to-Business Support through this time. If you are offering something similar, please let us know so that we collect these resources in one place:
Federal: 1. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued their first level of guidance on how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will affect employers and employees. In the text, the DOL makes it clear that they will be issuing further guidance and regulations related to the exemptions for employers with fewer than 50 employees, as well as health care providers—which will we share with you as soon as it becomes available. The guidance—provided in a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document—addresses critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage, how small businesses can obtain an exemption, how to count hours for part-time employees, how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law, and more. 2. At 1 a.m. this morning it was announced a deal has been reached on the phase 3 "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security" or "CARES" Act for business and individual relief. It is expected to go to the Senate floor today and to expedite through the House. This is the outline from Sunday evening that outlines provisions including Small Business "Paycheck Protection Plan" which would provide an SBA Loan to help employers with 500 or less employees cover costs such as payroll, rent, utilities and as long as the employer maintains their average full-time equivalent employment the payroll portion of their loan will be forgiven. There are also provisions for relief on delaying some business taxes, banking relief, individual payments, unemployment and increase in unemployment benefits and adjustments to the paid leave provisions. As soon as the final bill language as negotiated is released I will send out an analysis to you. All my best - Katie Worthington Decker Your Chamber President Payment Deferral Program to Provide Loan Assistance for Business Owners and Consumers
ORLANDO, Fla. (MARCH 24, 2020) – Axiom Bank, N.A., a Maitland-based, leading community bank, is offering support for its commercial and consumer customers who are being financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Axiom has reiterated its commitment to work with commercial customers and provide practical solutions to get them through this difficult period. Current borrowers are encouraged to contact their relationship manager to determine what options are available. Axiom is also suspending the initiation of any new foreclosure actions specific to residential properties, unless required by federal or government agencies. These suspensions are effective immediately through the end of March 2020. They will be continuously re-evaluated for extensions, as needed. Residential mortgage and consumer loan customers may inquire about their options for relief by calling 1-800-584-0015 to speak with a bank representative. “The COVID-19 outbreak impacts all of us,” said Dan Davis, President and CEO of Axiom Bank. “Our number one priority as a company is the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and business partners in the communities we serve. We are committed to helping our customers weather this crisis and work towards recovery.” The following list of sectors and identified essential critical infrastructure workers are an initial recommended set and are intended to be overly inclusive reflecting the diversity of industries across the United States. CISA will continually solicit and accept feedback on the list (both sectors/sub sectors and identified essential workers) and will evolve the list in response to stakeholder feedback. We will also use our various stakeholder engagement mechanisms to work with partners on how they are using this list and share those lessons learned and best practices broadly. We ask that you share your feedback, both positive and negative on this list so we can provide the most useful guidance to our critical infrastructure partners. Source: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce  SPCA Florida is one of the many animal shelters working to continue to care for dogs and cats as more and more people are staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 could mean shelters, like SPCA Florida, might close to the public and operate with reduced staff. If so, here’s how you can help a shelter cat or dog in need. SPCA Florida plans to move as many animals as possible off premises and into foster homes. This will help while we have staffing shortages as employees and volunteers are requesting to self-quarantine. The virus is unpredictable and could change at any given time, therefore, we are not sure how long these animals will need to be in foster homes. We are asking potential fosters to go online today and apply to take a dog, cat, kittens or mom and kittens. Who better to ride out the coronavirus crisis with, but a shelter animal! Fostering is a great opportunity for those practicing social distancing or being told to work from home. Our cats will start leaving this Saturday, March 28. A drive-up system is being implemented so you will not need to get out of your car or go into the building. We will have your cat or kittens ready, along with supplies. This arrangement will be discussed with you prior to Saturday. The same process will take place Sunday, March 29 for the pickup of dogs. If you are interested and able to foster an animal from the shelter, please fill out the application at the link below. https://cutt.ly/BtbVICT An SPCA Florida representative will reach out to you with information about how you can help. Thank you for supporting our local homeless dogs and cats and helping them safely live through this pandemic. SPCA Florida is asking for financial, foster, and adoption support. To help, go online at www.spcaflorida.org and donate, foster or check out our adoptable dogs and cats.
Florida SBDC Network Stands Ready to Help Businesses Apply, Navigate Recovery Challenges
Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) – Due to the widespread impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and small businesses’ need for emergency capital, the application process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program has changed. Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help business owners bridge the gap between the time of impact and when the business has secured long-term assistance, should apply for the program through one of two ways:
Small businesses that have applied for the bridge loan program in response to COVID-19 should not submit an additional application. “We have received an overwhelming response from businesses that have applied for assistance through the Emergency Bridge Loan program,” said the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson. “We are hopeful that businesses find this resource helpful in reducing the economic impacts from the state’s mitigation efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19.” Through the program, qualified small businesses with two to 100 employees impacted by COVID-19 can apply for interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for one-year terms. To be eligible, a business must be located in Florida, have been established prior to March 9, 2020, and demonstrate economic injury as a result of the virus. Last Tuesday, Governor DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program. DEO administers the program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. The state has allocated up to $50 million for the program. As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. Florida SBDC business consultants, many of whom are Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Certified Business Continuity Professionals, are available to assist small businesses through the loan application process and with other COVID-19-related challenges at no-cost.
“The recent closure of state park campgrounds in Florida has nothing to do with the privately owned campgrounds and RV parks, which serve Winter Floridians as well as traveling doctors, nurses and other temporary employees who provide ‘essential services’ throughout the state.”
— Bobby Cornwell, Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which hosts CampFlorida.com TALLAHASSEE, FL, March 20, 2020 — Campgrounds and RV parks remain open for business and should not be confused with state park campgrounds, which are closing today in Florida. The only exception to this is in the Florida Keys, where there has been a temporary order for hotels, private campgrounds and RV parks to close for their short-term guests, meaning those staying under 28 days. “The recent announcement of closure of state park campgrounds in Florida has nothing to do with the privately owned RV parks and campgrounds, which collectively provide 125,000 campsites for Winter Floridians as well as traveling medical, emergency workers and temporary employees in every county in Florida,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (FARVC), which hosts CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website.  A Message from your Chamber President
Good morning, I hope that you were able to enjoy a restful weekend with your families. Thankfully there were not many additional mandates handed down over the weekend, but I wanted to provide you with an update on a few things. Polk County Government did put out a notice that effective at sunset on Saturday March 21, all county parks and natural resource facilities will be closed until further notice. This includes parks with playgrounds and recreational leagues, environmental lands and trails such as Fort Frasier, campgrounds, dog parks, the shooting range, History Center, Circle B Bar Reserve, Bone Valley ATV Park, Homeland Heritage Park and our resource centers. I did ask a follow-up question about boat ramps, as that is very important to our community, and was informed that only 6 of the county's 50 or so boat ramps would be closed behind a gate of an adjacent park. I know for many of you boating is an important part of the balance of social distancing and mental health. Other counties have been forced to close their boat ramps as people create flotilla parties. Let's not be those people and have this taken away from us too. The pending "phase 3" federal legislation now called the "CARES" Act had further negotiations over the weekend and is expected to make its way to the Senate floor early this week. There are many things addressed in the bill but of particular interest if the Small Business "Paycheck Protection Plan" which would provide an SBA Loan to help employers with 500 or less employees cover costs such as payroll, rent, utilities and as long as the employer maintains their average full-time equivalent employment the payroll portion of their loan will be forgiven. There are also provisions for relief on delaying some business taxes, banking relief, individual payments, unemployment and increase in unemployment benefits and adjustments to the paid leave provisions in the first bill. Read the full CARES Act summary as of Sunday night here. Once the final bill is pass I will send you a final update on that bill. Most of Governor DeSantis' actions this weekend were related to setting up additional testing sites and trying to control the state's "hot spots" in Broward and Miami-Dade. He also released an executive order loosening requirements for county and city governments to hold in-person meetings or have an in-person quorum. Read the full update from the Governor here. You will find your modified First Thing Monday Morning here. You'll notice there aren't any events listed right now, as so much of that is influx. As soon as we can begin to promote upcoming events with some certainty we look forward to shouting it from the hilltops. We anticipate all events that have had to be postponed to be rescheduled for a later date. In the mean time - enjoy some good news. Take a look at the people helping people and catch up on the It's Happenin' In the Haven Podcast! Please continue to keep us updated on your business and what we can do to help. All my best - Katie Worthington Decker Your Chamber President AdventHealth is testing patients who meet evaluation criteria for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida. The acquisition of three specialized testing devices allows AdventHealth to alleviate the testing burden from public agencies, while also providing patients and physicians expanded access to the test. Importantly, because of limited supplies and resources, the test will only be facilitated with a physician’s order for patients who meet the evaluation criteria as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The following guidelines outline current testing protocols:
Q: Where do I go if I want to be tested? If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you should seek treatment with your primary care physician or Centra Care. Physicians are stringently adhering to the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if a patient qualifies for a COVID-19 test. A doctor will likely test you for other illnesses, such as the flu, before ordering a COVID-19 test. Please note: Individuals cannot come to an AdventHealth hospital, physician practice or Centra Care and order their own COVID-19 test. Q: Should I go to the ER if I think I need a COVID-19 test? Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you should not go to an ER for a COVID-19 test. Physicians at AHMG practices and Centra Care can take a collection sample from those patients who meet the testing criteria as set by CDC. The emergency department should be used only by those having a medical emergency, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Q: Are the results instantaneous? No. Unlike a flu test, which can be administered on-site with quick results, the COVID-19 test takes up to seven days from the time of collection sample to results being shared with the patient. During that time, patients will be instructed to follow CDC guidelines and isolate themselves. Q: I have questions about COVID-19 or AdventHealth’s testing capabilities. Whom can I call? Call the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUSHQ or visit www.CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com. We are committed to providing our community with the most updated information available during this challenging time for our community, state and nation. As always, please reach out if you have questions. Thank you for your support and leadership.  Campgrounds and RV parks remain open for business and should not be confused with state park campgrounds, which are closing today in Florida.
The only exception to this is in the Florida Keys, where there has been a temporary order for hotels, private campgrounds and RV parks to close for their short-term guests, meaning those staying under 28 days. "The recent announcement of closure of state park campgrounds in Florida has nothing to do with the privately owned RV parks and campgrounds, which collectively provide 125,000 campsites for Winter Floridians as well as traveling medical, emergency workers and temporary employees in every county in Florida,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (FARVC), hich hosts CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website. “Florida’s RV Parks provide ‘essential services’ and ‘essential living accommodations’ throughout the state,” Cornwell said, adding that privately owned campgrounds and RV parks are a critical piece of Florida’s infrastructure. PCPS Releases Instructional Continuity Plan to Ensure Student Learning Continues During Closure3/20/2020 Polk County Public Schools has released its Instructional Continuity Plan, which details how learning will continue for the district’s students while schools remain closed through April 15 in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
“I commend my staff for their diligent work on this plan. For weeks, they have carefully considered the dynamics of our district: our English Language Learners, our students with special needs, and the areas of the county where internet access is scarce. They have carefully crafted this plan to ensure students continue receiving a high-quality education even during these very challenging times,” said Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd. PCPS has published its ICP at polkschoolsfl.com/icp. Staff and parents are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the plan over spring break, March 23-27. Distance learning will begin for PCPS students after spring break. Students will be held accountable for participation and their work will be graded. Recognizing the diversity within the school district, the ICP includes three options for teachers, who will have the autonomy to pick the learning format that best suits their students and courses. These options include creating their own digital and/or paper-based instructional materials; using district-recommended digital material; and at the elementary level, using district-developed paper-based materials.  Dear Winter Haven Community:
As the novel Coronavirus continues to spread, I wanted to share how the teams at Winter Haven Hospital and BayCare Health System are determined to continue our mission to improve the health of all we serve including the Winter Haven community. Over the past several weeks, we have been focused on two key challenges: How to protect patients, team members, physicians and the broader community from the virus’ spread, and, how to prepare for the growing number of COVID-19 patients. What we are doing
New options for our community We are leveraging modern strategies to continue serve the Winter Haven community.
We also ask that you consider assisting by donating blood. Our Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Center, located next to the hospital at 460 1st St. N, is open six days a week and has bloodmobiles stationed throughout the area. For a schedule of current blood drive events, please visit: https://whhcommunitybloodcenter.org/category/blood- drives/ Due to the circumstances, we are particularly focused on improving the health of the Winter Haven community. Thank you for entrusting Winter Haven Hospital and BayCare to fulfill this mission. Sincerely, Steve Stephen Nierman President Winter Haven Hospital & Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BayCare Health System |
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