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Dear Friend,
Today, Phase 1 of Gov. DeSantis’ plan to reopen Florida takes effect and I wanted to make sure to update you on what to expect going forward. Phase 1 of this plan includes reopening certain businesses through much of the state, except in the counties of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.
Guidelines included in Phase 1 of this plan:
- Maximum physical distancing outside
- No close contact outside of home for vulnerable people
- Restrictions on non-essential travel and vacation rentals
- Limited outside visitors at nursing homes
- Resuming elective surgeries
- Indoor seating at 25% capacity
- Outdoor seating at least 6 feet apart
- Retail open at 25% capacity
NOTE: Churches will remain on voluntary social distancing. Bars, gyms, movie theaters and other personal services are not included in Phase 1.
Florida State Parks: Gov. DeSantis announced Friday that approximately 80 Florida state parks will reopen for limited recreational use. Social distancing must still be adhered to while enjoying our beautiful parks. Click here for a list of parks reopening on Monday.
Florida Schools: Florida K-12 schools will continue distance learning and remain physically closed until the end of this school year. Parents and students should visit their school district’s website for more information on closures and distance learning guidelines:
Flagler County Updates:
- Flagler County beaches are now open without limitations, except the practice of social distancing. Continue to follow safe sanitation practices.
- Boardwalk and piers remain closed until further notice
- Handicapped-friendly parking and beach access will be available just north of the pier at South 2nd Street and State Road A1A
- Drive-thru coronvirus testing site is open to qualifying residents in Flagler County.
- Call 386-313-4200 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to complete a short screening process to qualify for an appointment
- Residents must have:
- Underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems or over the age of 65
- Symptoms of COVID-19 which includes fever, cough and shortness of breath
- 2020 High School Graduation: Flagler seniors will finish their high school career by crossing the finish line at Daytona International Speedway. Congratulations and start your engines!
Lake County Updates:
- COVID-19 and Antibody testing will be administered to Lake County residents for $20 through May 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment necessary. Residents are required to present proof of residence to qualify for the reduced testing fee. Sites are located at:
- 3619 Lake Center Drive, Mount Dora – Adult Medicine of Lake County – Monday to Friday
- 109 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg – Venetian Gardens – Wednesdays and Fridays
- 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont – Clermont Arts & Recreation Center –Tuesdays and Thursdays starting TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 5
St. Johns County Updates:
- St. Johns County beaches are now open for exercise and sunbathing. CDC guidelines and social distancing restrictions remain in place. On-beach driving remains prohibited.
- Recreational Facilities, including recreation centers, pools, pavilions, remain closed
- All recreational programming, including open play, camps, league activities, remain suspended
- All activities and events including farmers markets, remain suspended
- Open starting TODAY:
- Ocean and Fishing Pier is open to the public with no access fee. All other facilities, including the Pier Gift Shop and pavilion, remain closed
- SJC Libraries are offering curbside service for patrons who place items on hold by calling a library or through the Library’s website.
- At all branches from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Library buildings will remain closed to the public
- Emergency Operations Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call the EOC Hotline at (904) 824-5550.
Volusia County Updates:
- Volusia County beaches are now open. Here’s what you can and can’t do:
- Beach Driving: Beach access for motor vehicles will remain limited to people with disabilities tags at three ramps:
- Williams Avenue in Daytona Beach
- Dunlawton Boulevard in Daytona Beach Shores
- Third Avenue in New Smyrna Beach
- Small Groups: People may not congregate in groups of more than six people
- Social Distancing: Groups setting up camp — blankets, chairs, umbrellas, tents — must remain 10 feet apart from other groups
- Parks and Parking: Coastal parks will be open (some at less than full capacity), including:
- Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park in Ormond Beach
- Wisteria Road parking lot in Daytona Beach
- Dahlia Avenue Park in Daytona Beach Shores
- Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet
- Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach
- Facilities Closed: Restrooms, showers and splash pads
- COVID-19 Testing is taking place at three testing locations. They are open and operating Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. No referral nor appointment is necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, visit one of these three locations:
- 960 S. Williamson Blvd. - Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club (drive-thru testing)
- 1200 Deltona Blvd. - Deltona Plaza (drive-thru testing)
- 1205 S. Woodland Blvd. - DeLand (walk-up only)
- Antibody Testing for COVID-19 will begin TODAY at 8:30 a.m.
- No appointment necessary but a blood draw will be required for the test
- Cost of the test should be covered by insurance or free if you don’t have insurance
- Located at 3150 E New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32724
- High School Graduations: Be sure to frequently check the Volusia Schools website for the most up to date information.
- As of right now, the backup graduation rehearsals and ceremonies are scheduled to be held from July 6 to July 11
Good News of the Day: Every day, our community continues to show compassion to those in need. Gary Yeomans Ford Dealership recently donated $2,500 in Publix Gift Cards to our Daytona Beach Police Department, who in turn handed these gift cards to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you to Gary Yeomans Ford Dealership and to the Daytona Beach Police Department for your great example of servant leadership in action!
FAQs and resources for individuals, small businesses & farmers: I have compiled a list of resources and Frequently Asked Questions to help ensure you have all the information you need to receive support that Congress has put in place:
For more information about the coronavirus in Florida, visit my website here.
As always, follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.
In Service,
Michael Waltz |