COVID-19 Update #4
City of Fort Pierce
Contact: Shyanne Helms, 772.467.3034
March 20, 2020, 4:30 PM
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ftpierce
CITY HALL
The City of Fort Pierce is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our community. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Fort Pierce City Hall will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 23 until further notice.
The Building Department will remain open by appointment only for paper permit submittals. To make an appointment to meet with the building department, please call: 772-467-3199. For more information, visit: http://cityoffortpierce.com/131/Building-Department.
Essential services like police, solid waste, and utilities will not be impacted by this closure.
BUSINESSES
We know many businesses have been affected by this crisis — rest assured that we are working with our community partners to identify additional resources to assist businesses during these uncertain times.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) activated the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) for the State of Florida. This program provides low-interest loans for profit and non-profit businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The program provides loans up to $2 million with an interest rate cap of 3.75% (2.75% for non-profits) and up to 30 year term. For more information and application information on the EIDL program, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans.
Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service via Notice 2020-17 has delayed 2019 tax payments from April 15 to July 15, 2020. For more information on the IRS and Treasure guidance, please visit https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm948.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Small Business Bridge Loan Program is continuing to accept applications until May 8th. This short-term loan program offers up to $50,000 at 0% interest for 12 months. For program information please visit www.floridadisasterloan.org.
BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, RESTAURANTS AND FITNESS CENTERS
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced new restrictions across Florida to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus. Governor DeSantis issued an executive order temporarily suspending all dining in and consumption of alcohol at restaurants in the state of Florida. Restaurant’s kitchens will still be allowed to operate for the purposes of delivery or take-out business only. Governor DeSantis also ordered gymnasiums and fitness centers to close. Visit: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/emergency/
ST. LUCIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
St. Lucie Public Schools Child Nutrition Services will be serving meals for students in our community from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Monday-Friday at the following expanded sites starting on Monday, March 23.
"Grab and Go" meals include breakfast and lunch.
• Dan McCarty Middle School
• Forest Grove Middle School
• Francis K. Sweet Elementary
• Lakewood Park Elementary
• Weatherbee Elementary
• Westwood Academy
• White City Elementary
• Morningside Elementary
• Northport K8
• Port St. Lucie High School
• Rivers Edge Elementary
• Bayshore Elementary
• Manatee K8
• Oak Hammock K8
• West Gate K8
• Windmill Point Elementary
For more information, visit: https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/coronavirus-updates/
COMMUNICATION
We are committed to keeping our residents safe and informed - all public notices will be provided on the city’s website, social media channels and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents may subscribe to receive updates through the “COVID-19 Information” alert center on the city’s website: www.cityoffortpierce.com. Archived updates are also available on the city’s website.