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CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
PHASE 2
APPLIES TO ALL COUNTIES IN FLORIDA EXCEPT MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD AND PALM BEACH
Bars and Pubs
Can operate at 50% of building capacity with an emphasis on diminished standing room capacity and prioritized outdoor service, where full capacity is allowed, with seated services
Restaurants
Continue operating at 50% capacity, may now allow bar-top seating with proper social distancing
Retail
May operate at full capacity with responsible social distancing and sanitization protocols
Gyms and fitness centers
May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization
Amusement parks
May reopen if submitted reopening plan is approved by local government and state
Entertainment businesses
Movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.
Personal services businesses
Tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from Florida Department of Health (DOH).
FLORIDA THEME PARKS REOPENING SCHEDULE
Here’s the reopening schedule for the state’s theme parks:
June 1: Legoland Florida
June 5: Universal Orlando: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay
June 11: SeaWorld Orlando and the Aquatica and Discovery Cove water parks
June 11: Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island
July 11: Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
July 15: Walt Disney World: Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY:
13 THINGS YOU CAN DO ONLINE:
A list of County business you can conduct online:
As the community moves towards preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to conduct business online whenever possible. When it comes to handling business with Hillsborough County, there are several things you can do online, including paying certain bills and registering to vote.
Here are some examples of County-related business you can do online:
1. Change your address
2. Pay Traffic Tickets
3. Pay Medical Examiner fees
4. Look up your Permit Status
5. Pay Library Fines & Fees
6. Pay your Water Bill
7. Purchase a Conservation Pass and Boat Launch Pass
8. Get your Drivers License Renewed
9. Renew Auto Tags & Car Registration
10. Register to Vote
11. Pay your Property Taxes
12. File a Homestead Exemption
13. Request to Stop or Transfer Water Service
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
For more information on COVID-19, and any other potential emergency in the region, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system. Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor for updates.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home. The CDC recommends continuing social distancing while in public, avoiding groups of 10 or larger and using face coverings in public when you can’t maintain 6 feet away from others.
REDUCE YOUR RISK
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and toss used paper towels in the trash.
Wash after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Wash after touching someone.
If you don’t have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cough and sneeze into your bent elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash.
Health officials are recommending people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth when in community settings.
SURVEY REQUEST FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
We Want Your Input on How Hillsborough County Reopens! As we begin to reopen our community, the health and safety of our residents remains our number one priority. That's why Hillsborough County needs your input to help us provide you and your loved ones with valuable resources and useful information while we restore and reboot our community and economy. By taking our survey, you will give us an understanding of the concerns and challenges residents, workers, and employers have as businesses and community activities resume. Your feedback counts. So please take time to share it with us. Take the survey in English or Spanish today at HCFLGov.net/ReopenHC
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION UPDATES: WHAT'S NEW WITH THE CA?
NEXT OPENING PHASE FOR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FACILITIES
Starting June 15th, 2020 we will transition to opening the Community Association Designated Club Rooms listed below:
Amateur Radio, Apple Users, Art Club, Billiards, Bunka Art Stitcher’s, Ceramics, China Painters, Computer Club, DAV, Dollhouse Miniatures, History Society, Lapidary, Model Railroad, Needlecrafters, Photo Club, Potter’s Wheel, Sawdust Engineers, SCC Travel Club, Sew N sews, Shell Crafters, Stained Glass, Seniors VS Crime Office, Weavers and Woodcarvers.
In addition, the Outdoor Pool, Walking Pool and Atrium Walking Path will now operate without the session closures. The Outdoor Pool Usage Clubs (Deep Water/Shallow Water Aquasizers and Water Volleyball) can also resume.
The Fitness Center will remain as is with the two-hour sessions with one and a half hours of usage and then closure for thirty minutes for cleaning and sanitizing between sessions.
There will be continued monitoring for lesser capacity with social distancing and the suggestion of masks to be worn.
There will be no non dedicated club usage, meeting/social room usage of the facilities this time.
This is for Community Association and Freedom Plaza card holding members only, No Guests. King’s Point Gold Card holders may attend their affiliated club activities.
Hours of Operation for all facilities at this time will remain 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
On a cautionary Note: By using any Community Association Facilities you are voluntarily assuming all risks to possible exposure.
NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD OF DIRECTOR:
On June 1st, the Board of Directors, in an Action without a Meeting, voted to appoint Kim Roush as a Director to fill the vacant term on the Board which will run to January 6, 2021. Kim recently was a member of the SCCCA Long-Range Planning Committee. She and her husband are full-time residents of Sun City Center and have lived here since 2011.
We did receive eight (8) applications to fill the interim Board vacancy. As expected, those members stepping forward were well credentialed. Thanks to all of them for their interest in our community. We urge them to consider submitting an application to run for one of three positions that will be open for the three-year term beginning January 6, 2021.
ENTERTAINMENT SERIES CANCELLATION NOTICE
In an abundance of caution, the SCCCA 2020-2021 Entertainment Series is cancelled. To ensure the health and safety of our members, both the Friday night dance series and the Sunday show series will not occur. We are hopeful that we will be able to hold some smaller entertainment events at a later date during the year, practicing social distancing. Tickets would be available on a first come first serve basis, with CA members have first priority. We also plan to hold free Bandstand concerts for our members, again observing social distancing. Watch for announcements on upcoming events. If you had tickets to the March 2020 Jersey Tenors show that had to be cancelled due to the Safe at Home Orders, refund checks will be mailed to you at the address on record, provided at the time of your ticket purchase. Please be patient as these checks will be mailed out over the course of the next several months.
JULY FOURTH FESTIVITIES CANCELLATION NOTICE
The Board of Directors has come to the realization that the July 4th Breakfast and Pool Party will no longer be able to be held under the current conditions of social distancing that will most certainly continue for some time to come. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
WATER RESTRICTIONS: Hillsborough County Approves Lawn Watering Restrictions for South County. Limits are scheduled to last through June 30. Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 6, 2020) - Hillsborough County Public Utilities announced today new irrigation hours for the south-central area of the County in an effort to conserve water and maintain water pressure during high demand periods. The temporary ordinance limits lawn watering to 8:30 a.m. to noon and 6 p.m. to midnight on allowable irrigation days. Watering the lawn at residential or commercial properties from midnight to 8 a.m. will not be permitted. The restriction on watering days is still in effect countywide. A full listing of irrigation restrictions is available on the County's website at HCFLGov.net/WaterRestrictions. It also does not apply to reclaimed water customers, wells and other alternative water sources.
WHAT'S NEW WITH THE CA?
NEXT OPENING PHASES FOR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FACILITIES
Starting on June 1st, 2020 we will transition to opening the Community Association Office, Library, Information Center, Indoor Walking Pool, Indoor Locker Room, Atrium Walking Path and the Fitness Center.
These facilities will be handled in the same procedural manner as the Outdoor Pool. We will have one entry point for the Indoor Pool, Walking Path and Indoor Locker Rooms which will be the North Atrium Main Entry Doors. We will have one entry point for the Fitness Center which will be the Main Entry Doors to the Fitness Center. There will be a two-hour sessions with one and a half hours of usage and then closure for thirty minutes for cleaning and sanitizing between sessions.
There will be a lesser capacity with social distancing and the suggestion of masks to be worn.
Capacity will be 10 people in the Walking Path Area, 20 people in the Walking Pool/Locker Room Area and 40 people in the Fitness Center. The Offices, Library and Information Center will adhere to strict social distancing regulations and will operate at their normal hours.
There will be no club usage of these facilities or club room usage at this time.
This is for Community Association and Freedom Plaza card holding members only, No Guests.
The Lap Pool is closed at this time as it is still being resurfaced and repaired but will be included once it is completed.
Hours of Operation will be 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
On a cautionary Note: By using any Community Association Facilities you are voluntarily assuming all risks to possible exposure to COVID 19.
TESTING:
LATEST COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION and Data for Hillsborough County. Residents who want to be tested should call (813) 272-5900. Insurance is not required. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing will take place at one of the county's testing sites. However, testing will not proceed without an appointment. More data here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
RESOURCES FOOD:
Finding Food Funds Low? Here’s Where to Find Help
Food Assistance for Seniors – Hillsborough County residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging Services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally-funded program. For more information on receiving meals and to apply, call (813) 272-5250.
FOOD DELIVERY
EVERY TUESDAY FOOD DELIVERY FOR FAMILIES IN NEED - The American Ideals Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entity, located at 1501 La Jolla Avenue (SouthShore United Church of Christ building) is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay, also a 501(c)(3) organization to provide prepared meals to Sun City Center and neighboring communities. Beginning Tuesday, April 21, and continuing every Tuesday thereafter (unless noted), prepared food will be delivered to this location and be available for distribution. Pre-registration is necessary. Call: (813) 770-4842 to reserve the number of meals you need. You will be contacted with the time your meals will be ready. The (AIF) is helping to bring a little bit of hope while observing social distancing. For more information about this local organization, please see: https://www.aif501c3.org/the-flash.
RESOURCES FOR PETS:
VETERINARY SERVICES DURING CORONAVIRUS THREAT:
As the reduction in community services starts to affect our daily lives, GMFC (Global Military Family Coalition, Inc.) thought it would be helpful to provide you information and resources on health-related topics that might be concerning you or your families. Families come in all shapes and sizes and many of you have furry, feathered, or scaled members that you consider parts of your family.
1. Your pet is likely enjoying all the additional time you’re spending at home! Are you worried about how COVID-19 may affect them? The CDC has no evidence that your pets can carry or spread the disease but check out these CDC pages that should answer all your questions:
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID19animals
2. Even if you’re in in a “stay at home” status, veterinary services are still available across the country. Most vet clinics are asking clients to stay in their vehicles while their animals are examined or treated, and many request that you postpone elective procedures such as spays, neuters, and dental cleanings to conserve PPE (gowns, masks, gloves) for the human hospitals. Call your veterinarian if your animal is sick, needs emergency assistance, prescription refills, or your animal is due for vaccines.
a. DoD Veterinary Treatment Facilities are open but are prioritizing services to ensure the health of military working dogs to maintain readiness. Care to privately owned animals will be prioritized based on availability and need. It is recommended that you call first.
3. Lastly, if you’re lonely, this is a great time to adopt or foster a pet. Many animal shelters are full and less traffic means more vulnerable animals so ask your local shelter if you’re interested in temporary foster or adoption. Please only do so if you can continue to care for your new addition once your life returns to normal.
a. https://humanesocietytampa.org/fostering/ 813.774.4346
b. www.animalluvrs.org
If there are topics you would GMFC like us to present, or if you have any feedback at all, please feel free to post them on our Facebook page or send them to info@globalmilitaryfamilycoalition.ngo
Jean Bennett Stratis, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Global Military Family Coalition, Inc.
RESOURCES STRESS AND ANXIETY:
24 HOUR HELP LINE OFFERED BY CIGNA
Cigna is also providing free resources for all customers, clients and communities to support them during these times of high stress and anxiety. The company has opened a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-866-912-1687) to connect people directly with qualified clinicians who can provide support and guidance. Additionally, the company will offer a webinar to the general public raising awareness about tools and techniques for stress management and building resiliency, along with the ability to join telephonic mindfulness sessions. More Information can be found at www.cigna.com. "Anxiety is understandably high as we are learning more about the spread of this disease," said Douglas Nemecek, M.D., Cigna's chief medical officer for behavioral health. "Aligned to our focus on whole-person health, we are expanding behavioral support and resources for everyone – whether they are Cigna customers or not – to help everyone stay resilient during this critical time.
CHEW ON THIS - TALKING OVER LUNCH ABOUT OUT NEW NORMAL
"Chew On This" is a series of free workshops facilitated by BayCare Behavioral Health's Community Health Activation Team. Mental health has never been more important than now amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19. Topics change weekly but all provide a chance to talk, share, and learn strategies to improve wellness.
Registration is required for these free events: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chew-on-this-talking-over-lunch-about-our-new-normal-tickets-107712216138 #virtualsupport #chewonthis #mentalheathsupport #mentalhealth
FEELING STRESSED DURING THIS TIME OF ISOLATION? WANT SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during these challenging times. Many people are experiencing increased levels of stress, fear and anxiety. The need for social distancing makes it harder to access our normal social supports. Being in contact with people who can relate to your experiences is comforting. Centerstone’s CareLine can help you learn about coping skills, find resources, and feel supported. If you or someone you know needs to talk, the team at Centerstone is available to help. 24/7 CareLine - 941-782-4300 #CstoneNeverQuits
TELEHEALTH AT BRANDON MENTAL HEALTH
Now offering Telehealth to new and existing clients! Brandon Mental Health provides an essential service and is continuing office appointments with recommended precautions to protect our patients and their health from the COVID-19 virus. If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or feel you might be contagious, please stay at home and call us at 813-315-8648 to reschedule. For office appointments, we will maintain the recommended social distance during all interactions. Please wait in your car and your therapist will text or call you when they are ready for you to come to their office. https://brandonmentalhealth.com/
TELEHEALTH: CALL GRACEPOINT
Adult Crisis: 813-272-2958
Children's Crisis: 813-272-2882
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: 813-264-9955
TELEBEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Welcome to the 21st Century
Telebehavioral health, or telehealth, is the latest innovative platform in mental health services. Thera-link, one of the top telehealth providers, is the venue that the Marriage and Family Training Center utilizes to meet the needs of its clients. This platform is HIPAA compliant, confidential, and safe. The Marriage and Family Training Center's founder, William R. Cruz, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Cruz provides individual, couple, family and group counseling. For more information and to book an appointment, go to www.mftcfl.com.
TELE-THERAPY
Edmond Dubreuil LCSW, from the Community Mental Wellness Center, Sun City Center. I would like to inform you due to the Corona Virus I now offer tele-conferencing sessions from the safety of your home. This service is approved by your insurance provider. If you need support during these trying time please contact me and we can set up an appointment. If you are interested please call or text my at 813-777-9777 or email me at edubreuil @tampabay.rr.com.
WEST COAST FLORIDA MENTAL WELLNESS COALITION
Like the Crisis Center, a new alliance of local agencies that helps people with mental health issues and addictions is seeing an uptick in inquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition is comprised of almost 30 hospitals, government and law enforcement agencies, health-care groups, schools, businesses, and others with interests in mental health in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties. It formed in 2019 so members with mental health expertise in specific areas could get a collective, big-picture view. The Coalition is braced for a surge of inquiries, especially as people assess their circumstances as a result of the coronavirus. “Coming out the other side will be the big challenge,” says Carrie Zeisse, the Coalition’s president and CEO. Email the Coalition at info@wcf-mwc.org.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
HELP FOR HELPING!
If you are part of a non-profit organization helping seniors in Sun City Center, there are funds available to assist you.
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay wants to know how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting our Sun City Center nonprofits and matching donors with those financial needs. To share your need or to contribute, go to www.cftampabay.org/response
SAFETY AND SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF:
REMINDER, DUE TO AN INCREASED NUMBER OF THEFTS, SCC residents are asked to keep their garage doors secured, to lock their car and house doors and make sure personal items are out of sight.
AVOIDING CORONAVIRUS SCAMS FROM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU:
https://www.bbb.org/council/coronavirus/
SCAMS AGAINST VETERANS - There have been reports of individuals fraudulently posing as VA employees and who are contacting patients in an attempt to collect medical supplies and equipment, particularly items used for personal protection like rubber gloves and masks.
VA would NEVER contact patients and ask them to return supplies and equipment after issuance of such items. If you or a Veteran you know are being targeted by this type of fraudulent activity, please contact the VA Office of the Inspector General. You can submit a complaint 24/7 by visiting www.va.gov/oig/hotline. You can also report concerns via telephone by calling 1-800-488-8244, on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
HCSO Community Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Merry who continues to be watching over the safety of our Sun City Center residents. He has asked that the following scams be communicated with your staff, clients & patients:
1. Phone calls about the stimulus checks in an attempt to get the victim's bank account information. It begins by saying they are the Treasury and they need to direct deposit the money.
2. There are people going door to door claiming to be with Homeland Security and offering at-home testing. This is a Medicare scam and the cons charge Medicare thousands of dollars for non existing Medicare services.
SOMETHING TO DO WHILE SAFER-AT-HOME:
FROM THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER: Until We Can Be Together
Write your experiences, your feelings to purge your COVID stress. Please send your poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction to our new on-line Creative Writing Project - The Covid-19 Pandemic.
We believe writing helps us cope with stress, improves our mental and our physical health, and benefits both the reader and the writer through sharing of thoughts--fearful and funny. The on-going crisis we are currently experiencing will pass, but for now we hope you will use this outlet to get your creative juices flowing.
So here are a few ground rules:
1. Submit your work to: info@firehouseculturalcenter.org
2. There are no word limits, but the topic must be Covid-19 related.
3. Editing will be limited, but gratuitously colorful language will of necessity be deleted.
The prompt to get you started is: How I Feel about Covid-19. Editor: Ann Mohin is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, poet & playwright. Her play, The Farm She Was, was adapted from her New York Times Notable Book & produced at The Palace Theater in Hamilton, NY. In Washington D.C. was a publishing editor for ten years. Who divides her time between upstate New York & Florida.
VETERANS INFO AND RESOURCES:
TRANSPORTATION FOR VETERANS
Veterans Ride Free to Appointments During COVID-19
The Florida Veterans Foundation today announced its partnership with Uber to create the ‘Veterans Ride Program’ for Florida Veterans who may have limited transportation options when trying to keep essential medical appointments during coronavirus. The program will be overseen by the Foundation who has partnered with The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) which includes all VA facilities around the state of Florida. “This is a profound gesture on the part of Uber to recognize the importance of helping transportation disadvantaged Veterans getting to and from their appointments especially during these difficult times,” said Lew Wilson, President, Florida Veterans Foundation. Visit www.HelpFLVets.org for a map of participating Florida VA facilities only. Veterans interested in participating in the program can contact their local VA facility in Florida to receive an Uber code. Each trip is limited to a $25 value and the supply of free rides is limited to the first one thousand trips. The free ride codes will be issued to Veterans on a case by case basis by each local VA facility after a brief evaluation. For Veterans who do not have an Uber app, they may dial 1-833-USE-UBER, where the rider will be paired with a live team member that confirms the trip request, provides an upfront price quote (which would be free up to $25 using the free code), and uses the same marketplace technology powering the Uber app to help find a ride. To use this feature, one will need an SMS or text-based mobile phone to receive important messages about the ETA, the driver’s license plate details, and the driver’s name. Riders continue to receive messages before and during the trip, and once it concludes, will receive a trip receipt. There is no extra charge for using this service, though carrier message and data rates may apply.
VETERANS UPDATE FOR SOHI/Riverview Clinic patients
From George Denby Section Chief SOHI Clinic in an update to Bill Hodges:
So far, SOHI is still open for appointments, but no one under 18 can enter the building and patients can only have one escort with them
Many of our services have stopped right now, -NO Audiology, NO Podiatry, NO Pulmonary unless scheduled or CPAP issue, NO Prosthetics,
We have sent all of our Volunteer staff home until further notice. There are many more updates and they are changing by the minute.
God speed and be careful,
George L. Denby, Jr
Section Chief (HAS)
South Hillsborough (SOHI) VA Clinic
NO PLACE TO GO? HOW ABOUT A RADIO SHOW?
INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO LISTEN TO VETERANS CORNER RADIO SHOW: HOW TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST – VETERANS CORNER RADIO PROGRAMS.
WHEN USING AN ANDRIOD PHONE OR TABLET(ANYTHING OTHER THAN IPHONE)
1. Go to the Google Play Store in your Apps, Type in to the search bar (small magnifying glass) Google Podcasts. When it comes up click on it and then install.
2. Once Google Podcasts is open on the search bar, search for Veterans Corner Radio.
3. When Veterans Corner Radio comes up in the search click on it.
4. Once it is on your screen click on the subscribe button and it will notify you of any new shows.
5. While there click on one of the shows and start listening.
WHEN USING AN IPHONE OR APPLE TABLET
1. Apple products come preloaded with the podcast button. It is purple and looks like a bullseye and is in your apps.
2. Click on the button and a search page will appear.
3. Type in Veterans Corner Radio and it will bring the podcast back to you. Click on the Veterans Corner Radio logo.
4. Once it is on your screen click on the subscribe button and it will notify you of any new shows.
5. While there click on one of the shows and start listening. (Send comments to Bill@billhodges.com)
FUTURE POST COVID-19 FEATURED EVENTS! SAVE THE DATE!
Veteran's Ongoing Event
Since Veterans are our Country's Caregivers by providing us with our freedom, it is only right that we preserve their memories for future generations. From philosopher George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
With this thought in mind, Sun Towers Retirement Community along with the American Red Cross and The Library of Congress will be capturing the memories of Veterans to be preserved for all time on the website of the Library of Congress.
If you are a veteran, please contact Sun Towers to schedule your appointment in order to have your account of your military history preserved. This recording will take place on the third Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and will take approximately 45 minutes for each Veteran so appointments are nexessary and may be made by calling Sun Towers at 813-634-3347.
For more information, please visit: http://www.loc.gov/vets/
Warmest regards,
Debbie Caneen
Director of Admissions
Sun Towers Retirement Community
101 Trinity Lakes Drive
Sun City Center, FL 33573
813-892-2990
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE VIA EMAIL SO THAT YOU ARE UP TO DATE ON WHAT SUN CITY HAS TO OFFER?
If so, please send an email with your request to: SccFreeAds@tampabay.rr.com
If so, please send an email with your request to: SccFreeAds@tampabay.rr.com
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