Stuart, FL – In response to the growing threat of COVID-19 to communities around the state, the City of Stuart is altering its operations to mitigate the threat both to its employees and the public at large. The following operational changes have gone into effect:
The City Hall Annex Building located at 101 SW Flagler Ave. in downtown Stuart will be closed to all walk-in traffic until further notice. The drive-thru window will remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Public Safety Building located at 800 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.will be closed to the general public until further notice. For non-emergency questions or assistance, please call:
- Stuart Police Department at (772) 287-1122.
- Stuart Fire Rescue Department at (772) 287-1662.
The City of Stuart highly encourages all residents and customers to use our 24/7 online service and payment portal, whenever possible. For all online applications, payments, and services, please visit the online Paymentus portal, which can be accessed from the convenience of your computer or mobile device by visiting: https://cityofstuart.us/365/Online-Services-Tools and selecting “Online Payments.”
Utilities customers may also make payments or have their service-related questions answered over the phone by calling 772-388-5317 (option 1). The drive-thru window at the City Hall Annex is also available for parking citation and code enforcement violation payments.
The downtown courtesy tram is suspending service effective immediately until further notice.
As a result of actions taken by the city commission this morning, the March 23rd regularly scheduled commission meeting has been cancelled. All future public meetings previously scheduled this month have been rolled over to the month of April.
The City Commission also provided direction and emergency authorization to the city manager to set up a working virtual system, which will allow the city to conduct public meetings remotely while retaining public participation and records. This program, which will be free to members of the public, is expected to be live by the next regular city commission meeting on April 13th. The City will roll out an education and awareness campaign prior to the meeting so members of the public can become acquainted with its function and use.
Governor DeSantis also announced new emergency policies relating to beaches, restaurants, bars and nightclub operations today:
Beaches remain open, but visitors should limit all gatherings to no more than 10 persons.
Restaurants have been asked to limit their capacity to 50 percent or less of their allocated seating to provide better spacing between guests. Downtown merchants also encouraged to utilize take-out service operations instead of having guests dine-in and may be provided parking cones for reserving spaces for curbside pickup.
Bars and Nightclubs throughout Florida will close for the next 30 days.
For all other information, please visit: www.cityofstuart.us.
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Governor DeSantis announced that restaurants will have to cut their capacity by at least half. The governor said local mayors have the power to impose even stricter rules to stop COVID-19.
The coronavirus is responsible for at least two more deaths in Florida. The Florida Department of Health announced yesterday that residents of Broward County and Manatee County have died of COVID-19, which brings the statewide death toll to seven. Covid-19 will sooner or later affect most Floridians in the pocketbook.
Governor DeSantis supports the federal government cutting checks for Americans impacted by the virus.
The coronavirus is leading to some big changes for students in Florida. Governor DeSantis announced that all testing requirements for K-through-12 students are canceled for the school year.
The Florida Department of Health is now reporting 216 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. The death toll is up to seven. Health officials confirm that nearly half of the COVID-19 cases in Florida involve people over the age of 60.
The City of Port St. Lucie has cancelled all March and April events due to the Coronavirus. The Caring Community 25th Anniversary Cleanup Day event scheduled for April 18, 2020 has been cancelled. At this time, the event will not be rescheduled
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Following the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is taking numerous proactive steps to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. The District is continuing to fulfill its core missions of protecting residents from flooding, restoring and protecting the ecosystem, ensuring adequate water supply and engaging the public all while taking aggressive steps to ensure the safety of the public and staff.
The actions SFWMD has taken to protect the public and staff while fulfilling its missions include:
All SFWMD offices, including all field stations, service centers and SFWMD headquarters in West Palm Beach, are closed to the public until further notice.
Many SFWMD staff are equipped with the technology necessary to work remotely for an extended period of time while fulfilling all District functions.
District facilities are receiving more stringent cleanings and additional protocols for public health, including social distancing, are in place.
SFWMD is exploring options to hold some upcoming public meetings online with opportunities for online public participation to ensure continued public access and engagement.
All public recreational access to SFWMD-managed lands is currently open. Information about any changes to public access to District lands for recreation will be communicated to the public as it develops.
The latest information about all SFWMD efforts and any changes related to the COVID-19 will be available at sfwmd.gov.
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The campuses of all public and private K-12 schools in Florida will be closed through April 15 and students will take part in remote learning instead, state officials announced on Tuesday. According to new guidelines released by the Florida Department of Education, the closures will affect all public and private K-12 schools, along with career and technical center campuses.
“Schools are encouraged to operate virtually or through other non-classroom-based means to the greatest extent possible to implement distance learning,” the department said in a news release.
In addition, state officials said school districts should be prepared to extend their educational calendars through June 30.
In a statement, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said: As part of the newly released guidelines, all remaining assessments for school readiness, along with VPK and K-12 assessments, are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year. K-12 school grades will not be calculated for 2019-2020 school year.
The Department of Education is urging school districts and communities to cancel any “mass gatherings, community events, and extracurricular activities including sports of more than 10 people in a single occupied space at any educational program, school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten, public and private K-12, career and technical centers, public and private colleges and universities.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Florida’s State University System announced that all state colleges and universities will do online classes only through the end of the Spring semester.
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The Treasure Coast Sports Commission was looking forward to their first Social Networking Event, Thursday, March 19th at the US Sailing Center of Martin County but due to the COVID-19 (corona virus) pandemic, they are POSTPONING this event until May. For more information contact the Treasure Coast Sports Commission call 772.871.5458 or online at PlayTreasureCoastFlorida.com.
With the best interests of our community in mind, all public performances at the Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts and Black Box will be postponed or cancelled through April 3, 2020. This decision was based on information provided by the CDC, state and local health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keeping your tickets guarantees your same seat. You always have the option for a refund when the new date is announced. With very few exceptions, most performances are postponed, not cancelled. They are working diligently with presenting partners and artist management to reschedule performances that were originally scheduled through April 3, 2020. For more information call 772-461-4775 | Sunrise Theatre Box Office. Monday–Friday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Note, call volume is extremely high at this time.
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THE 2020 NCAA TOURNAMENT MAY HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020 BUT THE VERY BEST OF THE LAST 40 YEARS WILL BE FEATURED ON THE TREASURE COAST ON WPSL PORT ST LUCIE AND WSTU STUART FROM WESTWOOD ONE….THE HOME OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR DECADES. THE 1979 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FEATURING THE FIRST MATCHUP BETWEEN MAGIC JOHNSON AND LARRY BIRD TIPS OFF THURSDAY NIGHT @ 8. FRIDAY IT IS THE HUGE 2018 UPSET WITH UMBC AND VIRGINIA @ 8…SATURDAY ITS DAVIDSON @ GONZAGA FROM 2008 AND THE 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP WITH KANSAS AND MEMPHIS BEGINNING @ NOON. SUNDAY FLORIDA GULF COAST AND GEORGETOWN FROM 2013 AND VILLANOVA AND NORTH CAROLINA FROM 2016. THE BEST OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT IS BACK BEGINNING THURSDAY NIGHT.
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Bars and nightclubs in Florida served their last call on Tuesday evening and will stay closed for 30 days in the midst of coronavirus concerns. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Tuesday saying any bars and nightclubs which derive more than 50 percent of their revenue through selling alcohol must stop selling alcoholic beverages for 30 days. Restaurants will still be able to stay open, but under certain restrictions. Restaurants have to limit occupancy to 50 percent. They also have to keep a 6-foot distance between tables and limit groups to no more than 10 people. Restaurant employees who are showing signs of respiratory illness, who have traveled through any airport during the past 14 days, or who have been on a cruise ship over the last 14 days are not allowed to enter the restaurant, according to the executive order. The governor’s office was not immediately clear if bars could still stay open to serve food. Restaurant and bar owners and employees hope the new precautions will help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Stuart Boathouse Executive Chef John Scott said he noticed a big difference inside the restaurant Tuesday night. This time of year, the entire restaurant would be full. The bar would be full. Right now, we’re completely empty except for outdoor seating, according to Scott. Staffing for waiters was cut in half at Stuart Boathouse. One bartender was on shift instead of two. The kitchen staff was also reduced. Scott said they are constantly cleaning. Scott added the developments surrounding coronavirus will definitely impact their paychecks. The White House has stressed the need for immediate economic relief and is looking at possibly giving Americans checks to overcome financial hardships from the coronavirus. It’s still unclear how much money would be given and who would be eligible. For bar owners like Mike Carbone, anything would help. His business, Vine and Barley in downtown Stuart, will remain closed. He would have liked to see an option to still serve people under similar restrictions as restaurants.
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Tom Hanks says he has the “blahs” but no fever as he and his wife Rita Wilson remain in isolation after contracting the coronavirus. A representative for the Oscar-winner confirms the pair have been released from a hospital and are in self-quarantine in Australia. The couple arrived in Australia in late January on the Gold Coast where an untitled Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann was to be shot. Hanks plays Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film has suspended production.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provided tips on Tuesday on how to keep animals safe and healthy as the country deals with the spread of coronavirus.
Here are the tips provided by ASPCA:
Wash Your Hands
Although there is no current evidence that suggests the coronavirus can be transmitted to or from companion animals, it’s always a good idea to follow basic hygiene practices around animals. This includes washing your hands thoroughly throughout the day and before and after direct contact with your pets, their food or their supplies.
Play it Safe
While there have not been any reports of companion animals becoming sick from the virus, it is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 limit contact with companion animals until more information is available. If you are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19, you should avoid close contact with your pets and have another member of your household care for your animals. If you must look after your pet, you should maintain good hygiene practices and wear a face mask, if possible.
Stock Up on Pet Supplies
Prepare a kit with essential supplies to have on hand in the event of an emergency. Your emergency kit should include a 30-day supply of your pets’ medications, as well as at least two weeks’ worth of food and other supplies, like litter. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
Designate an Emergency Caregiver
Proactively identify someone who could help with their short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pets. Consider a family member, friend, neighbor or a boarding facility.
Create a Pet Dossier
If your emergency caregiver’s assistance is needed, make it easier for them by having all of your pets’ information in one place. Consider including things like habits, food preferences, medical conditions and medications taken, veterinarian contact information, medical and vaccination records, and any behavioral tendencies.
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By now, many are aware that toilet paper has become hard to come by as Americans stockpile it while they prepare to distance themselves from others because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the hysteria has gotten so bad that authorities in Oregon are asking residents not call 911 when they’ve run out of their TP.
“It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this,” wrote the Newport Police Department on Facebook. “Do not call 911 just because you ran out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance.”
In a long post on Facebook, the department went on to list many other options for those who run out of the precious resource – some practical, some not some much. After their original post went viral, the department later clarified that they hadn’t actually received 911 calls about being out of toilet paper.
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U.S. hospitals bracing for a possible onslaught of coronavirus patients with pneumonia and other breathing difficulties could face a critical shortage of mechanical ventilators and health care workers to operate them. The Society of Critical Care Medicine has projected that 960,000 coronavirus patients in the U.S. may need to be put on ventilators at one point or another during the outbreak. But the nation has only about 200,000 of the machines, by the organization’s estimate, and around half are older models that may not be ideal for the most critically ill patients. Also, many ventilators are already being used by other patients with severe, non-coronavirus ailments. Hospitals are rushing to rent more ventilators from medical-equipment suppliers. And manufacturers are ramping up production. But whether they can turn out enough of the machines at a time when countries around the world are clamoring for them, too, is unclear.
In the most severe cases, the coronavirus damages healthy tissue in the lungs, making it hard for them to deliver oxygen to the blood. Pneumonia can develop, along with a more severe and potentially deadly condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can damage other organs. Ventilators feed oxygen into the lungs of patients with severe respiratory problems through a tube inserted down the throat. The machines are also used routinely to help other hospital patients breathe, namely those undergoing surgery while under general anesthesia.
The other problem is that there are only enough respiratory therapists, specialist nurses and doctors with the ideal type of critical care training in the U.S. for about 135,000 patients to be put on ventilators at any one time, one critical care organization said. On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the Pentagon will provide 2,000 specialized ventilators to federal health authorities to help handle the outbreak. He said the machines are designed for use by troops, and the military will need to train civilians how to use them. President Donald Trump said Monday that the government is seeking to acquire more ventilators. But he angered some when he said governors should feel free to take matters into their own hands if they can obtain the equipment more quickly elsewhere. The critical care group’s estimate of the number of ventilators nationwide includes those in the U.S. government’s Strategic National Stockpile, which keeps medical supplies on hand for states to use in emergencies. The stockpile has nearly 13,000 ventilators, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Trump administration’s infectious-disease expert, told ABC on Monday. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. Most patients recover in a matters of weeks, as seen in mainland China. Evidence from China suggests that some coronavirus patients who develop severe breathing problems need to be on ventilators for weeks, if not longer, said Dr. Jacqueline Kruser, an intensive care physician and professor at Northwestern University’s medical school. Philips Healthcare of the Netherlands; GE, which manufactures ventilators in Wisconsin and sells them globally; and Vyaire Medical Inc. of Mettawa, Illinois, all said they are stepping up production. One major rental company, US Med-Equip, reported that U.S. hospitals have rented 60 percent more ventilators, monitors and other equipment over the past few weeks than at any time last year. It said it has 6,500 ventilators on rent and expects 1,200 more to arrive within the next few weeks at its Houston headquarters.
