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Dear Friend,
I’m continuing to work closely with federal, state and local officials during this pandemic to monitor and fight the coronavirus in our community. There’s a lot of new information and I wanted to make sure you don’t miss anything:
JOINING THE CHINA TASK FORCE: Last week, I joined my colleagues in the House to serve on the newly-formed China Task Force to protect our freedoms and national security. The China Task Force will be used as a clearinghouse for ideas on China policy, including the Chinese Communist Party’s influence activity, supply chain dominance and intellectual property theft at American universities. It’s critical America takes these issues seriously, so I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on this task force to address them.
Click below to learn more about what the China Task Force aims to accomplish in the House:
REOPENING SALONS AND BARBERSHOPS: Last week, Florida entered Phase 1 of Gov. DeSantis’ plan to safely and slowly reopen our state and our economy. Beginning yesterday, hair salons and barbershops are now open. Here are guidelines and suggestions for enhanced safety protocols:
- Employees must wear masks while providing personal services (gloves are not required)
- Customers are not required to wear masks but are still recommended (may differ from business to business)
- Must allow for 15 minutes between each customer for proper disinfecting practices
- Appointment-only scheduling to limit gatherings in waiting rooms and promote social distancing
- Removal of all frequently touch and unnecessary items, such as magazines, newspapers, service menus, etc.
NOTE: Churches will remain on voluntary social distancing. Bars, gyms and movie theaters are not included in Phase 1.
CELEBRATING POLICE WEEK: This week is National Police Week and I’d like to take the time to thank all of the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. It’s been an honor to meet so many of our police officers since coming to Congress and we are grateful for their service and dedication to our communities. If you see a police officer this week, be sure to say thank you.
Meeting with officers from our Volusia County Sheriff’s Office on their visit to DC in May 2019.
LOCAL UPDATES: 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:
- Flagler County beaches are 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 coronavirus 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:
- 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
St. Johns County:
- St. Johns County beaches are 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
- 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:
- Volusia County beaches are 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 open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.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
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 |