Corona Virus Information

Mental Health Awareness Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztb41DSW28s&feature=youtu.be

County Testing Pop-Up Sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOcmXbw8VAU&feature=youtu.be

For the latest information about COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov or call the Florida Department of Health 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-779-6121.

For the latest information and updates from Palm Beach County, visit http://pbcgov.com/coronavirus.

Individuals with questions related to the coronavirus should call the Florida Department of Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-779-6121 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. They can also visit http://pbchd.org for the latest health information. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Generally speaking, symptoms include: a fever of 100.4 or more, a cough or difficulty breathing, or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.  If you experience these (or similar) symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

 

How does COVID-19 spread?

Covid-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but research is still being conducted.

 

What is considered as “close contact”?

Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 infected person for a prolonged period of time (an hour or more) OR having direct contact with the infectious secretions of a COVID-19 infected person (such as being coughed/sneezed on).

 

What is an “exposure?”  

An exposure is when an individual is in close contact with a known COVID-19 positive person or a person being tested for the COVID-19 virus where personal protection (face mask, gloves, etc.) was not utilized.

 

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

Most providers are testing only when you are experiencing symptoms.  Be sure to contact your healthcare provider to determine if you meet the testing criteria.

 

At work I sit near someone who is coughing a lot.  What should I do?

All employees should practice social distancing as much as possible.  We understand some work areas are closer in proximity to one another than others.  Although a cough doesn’t necessarily mean someone has COVID-19, safety precautions should be used at all times for mitigation purposes.  Address your concerns with your immediate supervisor.  Your supervisor can contact your management team for further guidance, as needed.

 

Does the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office have procedures in place for first responders who encounter individuals with symptoms?

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has an exposure protocol.  We’ve contracted with a hazardous decontamination vendor and we provide disinfectant products to wipe down our vehicles and our equipment/gear.  Also, we have our Wellness Center staff, Risk Management staff, and a contracted Medical Director that provides guidance to our agency.

 

Are PBSO employees telecommuting? 

The Agency has taken extraordinary steps to reduce workplace density and create a greater degree of  “social distancing.”  The functional components across the agency have been evaluated for the feasibility of telecommuting and it has been implemented where possible.  It cannot be implemented unilaterally across the agency because of the varying degree of job functions that exist.

 

Hazard Pay:  Will first responders be given hazard pay during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The Sheriff, in partnership with the PBA, has agreed to provide the agency’s essential mission critical personnel with a 5% hazardous duty differential pay.

Palm Beach County Orders, Actions and Announcements

5/21/2020

Youth Services
Video: Being Aware and Managing Mental Health
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Day, May 21, 2020, Youth Services Clinical Services Education and Training Chief Shayna Ginsburg shares information on how we can all be more aware of our emotional states during this time and tips for managing emotions.

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the pre-summer food service program will not be distributing meal kits on Monday, May 25, at Highridge Family Center, Palm Beach County Main Library, and the Greenacres Branch Library. Instead, those locations will distribute meals the following day, Tuesday, May 26, along with regularly scheduled distribution sites at the Lantana Road Branch and West Boca Branch libraries.

5/19/2020

LIBRARIES
The Palm Beach County Library System is offering a walk-up holds pick-up service

The walk-up service will work as follows:

  1. Place hold requests by phone, library app or through the library catalog at pbclibrary.org.
  2. Wait for library staff to contact you letting you know your hold is ready to pick up.
  3. When you arrive at the library, call the branch phone number listed on a sign in front of the building.
  4. After verification, a staff member will check the item(s) out to your account and place the item(s) on a table or cart immediately outside the front entrance.
  5. Remain at least 6 feet away from the front entrance behind a designated marker until the staff member closes the doors. Once the staff member is back inside, please pick up your item(s).

At this time, all Library locations are still closed to the public. Library employees are available for assistance virtually during business hours. To access online services, please visit www.pbclibrary.org/virtual-library. The Palm Beach County Library System has many resources available to help students, parents and job seekers during this time.

Palm Tran
The lobby at 3201 Electronics Way in West Palm Beach, FL now open, no bus pass sales nor Palm Tran eligibility activities happen at this location. The lobby at 50 S. Military Trail, WPB 33415 remains closed. If you need assistance please call 561-841-4200 or visit our website at www.palmtran.org

5/14/2020

Will COVID-19 Alter Our Future Travel?
With only 4 short questions, the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) would like to hear how COVID-19 has impacted your current travel and how you expect travel patterns to change after restrictions are lifted. Please take the survey at PalmBeachTPA.org/Travel-Survey  and learn more about the TPA at PalmBeachTPA.org .

Palm Beach County Orders update from Sheriff Bradshaw

5/11/2020

BEACHES RE-OPENING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY
The county reopened all public, municipal and private beaches, including beach parks, in Palm Beach County, with the following conditions and restrictions:

  • Beaches will be open between sunrise and sunset only.
  • Parties accessing the beaches shall follow CDC guidelines by limiting gatherings to no more than
  • 10 persons and distancing themselves from other parties by six feet.
  • Municipalities may keep beaches closed at their discretion. Beach operations at the county-owned
  • South Inlet Park will follow restrictions for Boca Raton municipal beaches.

 

Phase 1 County Re-Open
Palm Beach County will begin reopening pursuant to the State of Florida Executive Order 20-112 as amended by order 20-120 effective 12:01 a.m. on May 11. Residents may provide or obtain services at the following establishments authorized to proceed to Phase 1:

  • Restaurants and food establishments licensed under Chapters 500 or 509, Florida Statutes, may allow on-premises consumption of food and beverage, so long as they adopt appropriate social distancing measures and limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy. In addition, outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing. Appropriate social distancing requires maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between parties, only seating parties of 10 or fewer people and keeping bar counters closed to seating.
  • In-store retail sales establishments may open storefronts if they operate at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA.
  • Barbershops, cosmetology salons, and cosmetology specialty salons that adopt appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures as outlined by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at the following link: myfloridalicense.com/emergency [myfloridalicense.com].
  • Museum and library facilities may open at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy, however, at this time Palm Beach County will not be opening these establishments and County library services remain virtual.
  • For up-to-date reopenings go to PBCGOV.com Reopening Plans.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation – State of Florida
For the latest information on the reopening of businesses visit the COVID-19 page at DPBR.

PBC TAX COLLECTOR ANNOUNCES SERVICE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Appointments will be required for in-person service beginning June 1. The agency’s website at www.pbctax.com offers the convenience of completing common transactions online without the need to visit a tax collector office. Many transactions can also be completed by mail. Several requirements and safety measures for in-person service take effect June 1 including:

  • Wait in your car. Lobby waiting areas will remain closed to the public. Clients may get in line 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment and must keep 6 feet of distance from other clients.
  • Come to your appointment alone. Only the person with the appointment will be permitted into the tax collector’s office. Exceptions will be made for caretakers for elderly clients, translators for clients speaking languages other than English, Spanish and Creole, and interpreters for hearing-impaired clients.
  • Wear a face mask. Anyone entering the tax collector’s office, including clients with appointments, shall be required to wear a face mask or cloth face covering.
  • Observe social distancing. Clients shall be required to observe social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance from other clients and following all markings on sidewalks and inside offices.
  • Do not pay by cash. Paper bills are known to contain bacteria and viruses for long periods of time. Clients should be prepared to pay by credit or debit card or a contactless payment method such as Apply Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

The Tax Collector’s Office located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach remains closed until further notice. All other offices remain open.

5/5/2020

The PBC Property Appraiser’s Office Reopen Office Locations to the Public

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office and five service centers opened to the public on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.

All office locations will limit the number of customers allowed inside and adhere to social distancing protocols in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Designated wait areas and markers will help keep customers and staff, a safe distance apart. Our office strongly recommends the public wear face protective coverings when entering all office locations. Our office is in daily communication with our County partners and we are working with them to ensure a clean and safe work environment for all.

The Property Appraiser Public Access (PAPA) website has always been known for its user friendly, online tools and resources. Our office encourages the public to conduct their business online rather than an in-person visit, by utilizing our services on the PAPA website: www.pbcgov.org/PAPA or contact us by phone at 561.355.3230, or email at PAO@pbcgov.org.

 

Tax Collector Offices Now Open

  • Belle Glade Service Center
    2976 State Rd.15, Belle Glade, FL 33430
  • Central Palm Beach Service Center
    4215 S. Military Trail, Greenacres, FL 33463
  • Delray Beach Service Center
    501 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
  • Northeast County Courthouse Service Center
    3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
  • Royal Palm Beach Service Center
    200 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
  • The Tax Collector’s Office located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach remains closed until further notice.
  • Clients must wear a face mask or cloth face covering at all times and follow social distancing protocols.
  • Only clients who cannot complete their transaction online or by mail will be admitted for service.

For more information, call the Tax Collector’s Office at 561-355-2264. Updates will be posted at https://www.pbctax.com/.

PBC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Distance Learning
PBCSD campuses will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year.  Distance learning will continue through the last day of the school year, Friday, May 29.

School Feeding Sites
The next school-based, free-food distribution will be Thursday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 51 locations throughout Palm Beach County. Parents or guardians who pick up meals on Thursday will be picking up a kit with three days’ worth of meals for each child.

Twice-a-week meal distribution will return on Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14, and continue through the month of May.  For the list of School District and Community Feeding Sites visit: PalmBeachSchools.org/FeedingSites

LIBRARIES

The Palm Beach County Library System is migrating its e-book and e-audiobook service from OverDrive to cloudLibrary. OverDrive will be available for use until Sept. 30. Titles can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2VTuNSa.

Virtual Services
The Palm Beach County Library System has many resources available to help students, parents and job seekers during this time. Staff are available by phone, email and chat to answer technology and other research questions through Ask-A-Librarian at www.pbclibrary.org.  Visit the virtual library page to view the resources available to you.

ABCMouse – FREE with your library card
The Palm Beach County Library System has partnered with Age of Learning to provide free home access to ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ during the period of our library are closed due to COVID-19. Just complete a form to receive an email with an access code and instructions to redeem the code online. Don’t have a card? You can get a temporary card which will give you access to all library online resources.

BookSquad
Looking for your next great read? Our BookSquad is available to help. Complete our online form and we will send you a personalized list of suggested titles.

Providing Read-Aloud to the School District’s Virtual Classrooms
Palm Beach County Library System is offering the School District virtual read-alouds in the virtual classroom. Teachers can select a book and time slots and fill out a form and one of our librarians will visit your virtual classroom to read a book to your students. Speak with your school’s media specialist to register. Librarians have access to many of the 2020 Sunshine State Readers.

PALM BEACH COUNTY VICTIMS SERVICES
The Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center helpline is available for information, options and support: 561-833-7273. Services are free, confidential and private.

 

PLANNING, ZONING & BUILDING
Some of the Planning, Zoning and Building public meetings for May and early June are being cancelled.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Palm Tran Lobby Closure
The lobby at 3201 Electronics Way in West Palm Beach, FL is temporarily CLOSED to visitors. If you need assistance please call 561-841-4200 or visit our website at www.palmtran.org

Palm Tran Fixed Route and Paratransit

  • All passengers should have a mask covering their nose and mouth while riding.
  • The number of people onboard has been limited to no more than 15 passengers.
  • Palm Tran Fixed-Route continues to operate on a Saturday schedule except routes 1, 2, 3, 43
    and 62 which are on a regular weekday schedule. Sundays continue to operate on a
    Sunday schedule.
  • Palm Tran Connection is essential trips only.

Go Glades Service
Palm Tran’s western community bus service, Go Glades, Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are currently not running a regular service. You will be able to book a trip directly to and from your destination by calling: (561) 649-9838.

  • The Palm Tran call center (561) 841-4BUS (4287) is operating from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Many trip planning functions may be done through the Palm Tran app and on www.palmtran.org.

Tri-Rail

  • Passengers are urged to wear masks while riding. Tri-Rail continues to offer an amended schedule until further notice, with 18-trains every 2 hours starting at 4:17 a.m. on weekdays, and 12-trains every 3-hours starting at 5:17 a.m. on weekends.
  • Trains have suspended fares and are operating on a modified schedule:
    18 trains on Weekdays, 12 trains on Saturday, 12 trains on Sunday.

Brightline

  • Train service is suspended until further notice.

 

SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY: https://swa.org/632/6702/COVID-19-Updates.

SUICIDE PREVENTION
For resources to help cope during the coronavirus pandemic please follow this link: Suicide Prevention and COVID-19.

JURY DUTY
All jury selection proceedings are suspended through May 29. Jurors who were summonsed for jury duty through May 29 do not have to report for service. Those with questions regarding jury service can call 561-355-2930 or visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/jury.

CIRCUIT COURT
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is limiting most face-to-face hearings. Anyone who enters the courthouse will undergo a non-invasive temperature scan. Any person who refuses to have their temperature taken or has a temperature of 100.4 º F, or higher, will not be permitted to enter the courthouses. For updated information, visit http://15thcircuit.com

LOCAL CALL CENTERS
PBC Emergency Information Center remains open 7 days a week from 8 am – 6 pm. @561-712-6400

  • Boca Raton 561-982-4900
  • Greenacres 561-642-2000
  • Town of Palm Beach 561-227-7070
  • Riviera Beach 561-812-6597
  • Wellington 561-791-4000
  • West Palm Beach 561-822-2222

4/29/2020

Marine Activities that are PROHIBITED per Emergency Order 2020-005:

  • ALL SANDBARS, ISLANDS and SHORELINES are CLOSED… NO ANCHORING
    To include Peanut Island, Munyon Islands, Beer Can Island and Jupiter Sandbars
  • NO Rafting or Flotillas of tying or roping of boats together. Must be 50 feet of each other.
  • If vessels anchor in deeper water, they must be 50 feet of each other.
  • Any Jet Skiers must be SINGLE Riders Only
  • Any violation or non-compliance can lead up to an Arrest/Civil Fine and your vessel being towed.

These guidelines are in place for the safety of Palm Beach County’s boating community.

4/10/2020

PBSO Corrections Division

  • Temperature units have been installed in the Main Courthouse, the STAFF entrance way of the Main Jail and the West County Detention Center
  • All Corrections Deputies are wearing masks and gloves (which are changed routinely)
  • We are temperature testing each and every inmate weekly in both jails
  • We are enforcing social distancing and hand washing through verbal conversation, educational videos, literature, and signs in the housing areas
  • As of today, April 10, 2020, NO Inmates have tested positive for COVID-19

4/9/2020

Cleveland Clinic’s Third Day of COVID-19 Testing at South County Civic Center 4-9-20:
This afternoon during the third day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the South County Civic Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida tested 235 patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida COVID-19 Screening Center representatives have scheduled 253 so far for Friday. Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250. You must call to be screened and confirm an appointment time.

Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Ninth Day of Drive-thru Testing in West Palm Beach for 4-9-20: During the ninth day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s C. L. Brumback Primary Clinics tested 503 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.  There were 91 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 50.  Thirteen children were tested and the youngest patient was two years old.  Patients are notified when their results are in.

 

4/8/2020

VIDEO UPDATE: NO WIPES IN THE PIPES!
Even if it says “flushable” on the packaging, Don’t flush those cleaning wipes! Why it’s so important to properly dispose of disinfecting wipes.

Cleveland Clinic’s Second Day of COVID-19 Testing at South County Civic Center 4-8-20:
This afternoon during the second day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the South County Civic Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida tested 213 patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida COVID-19 Screening Center representatives scheduled all 250 appointments for Thursday and have scheduled 80 so far for Friday.
Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250. You must call to be screened and confirm an appointment time.

Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Eighth Day of Drive-thru Testing for 4-8-20:
During the eighth day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s C. L. Brumback Primary Clinics tested 263 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.  There were 39 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 48.  Twelve children were tested and the youngest patient was two years of age.  Patients whose test results are in will be notified.

On Tuesday, call center representatives scheduled just over 600 appointments for COVID-19 drive-thru testing for tomorrow. Representatives screen callers for symptoms prior to registering and scheduling the patient. The Health Care District’s COVID-19 Screening Center did not accept calls today pending receipt of additional testing kits. If more testing kits are received overnight, the hotline will reopen tomorrow to schedule appointments for Friday and Saturday.

The Health Care District’s C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics’ staff conducting the testing, along with on-site Palm Beach County staff and members of the Florida Army National Guard, greatly appreciate the support and messages of thanks that patients are posting in their vehicle windows.

Belle Glade COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is available on a walk-up basis outside of the Primary Care Clinic at Lakeside Medical Center. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Individuals who believe they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to be tested are invited to walk up and see a provider for screening. If the provider determines they are a candidate for screening, they will be registered on-site and tested. Results will be communicated by a Health Care District provider as soon as they are available.

Field Hospital Plan for South Florida Fairgrounds In Place
Palm Beach County is in the process of implementing a plan to stage a field hospital at the South Florida Fairgrounds. With the assistance of the state, this hospital will be setup in case there is a significant surge in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Once the decision is made to open the field hospital, it will be made public through the media. This hospital will not be accessible to the public and will be used to take pressure off of local hospitals that have a surge of incoming patients due to COVID-19.

Car Washes Ordered Closed
Pursuant to Florida Governor’s Order 20-91 and the associated Miami-Dade County orders, which apply to Palm Beach County, commercial car washes are not included in the definition of essential businesses and are therefore ordered closed until April 30, 2020.

Businesses and recreational facility closures, social distancing and stay at home strategies are critically important to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The cooperation of all residents and businesses is requested and appreciated.

WATER UTILITIES

  • Effective immediately, and until further notice, the entrances to all Palm Beach County Water Utility facilities are closed, except for essential deliveries.
  • The drive-up window of the Jog Road Customer Service Center will remain open and staff will be available to process payments and help with account inquiries.
  • Anyone needing to make a payment is urged to pay via the web by visiting pbcwater.com.  via pay-by-phone by calling 561-740-4600 and selecting option 2, or by utilizing one of seven
  • drop boxes located throughout the county. Drop box locations can be found online at pbcwater.com.
  • Customers should not make cash payments via a drop box location.
  • Payments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 24740, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.
  • Customers wishing to establish new service, to disconnect an existing service or seeking answers to questions concerning their accounts can contact the call center by dialing 561-740-4600 or toll free at 877-477-1305 and selecting option 5.

 

4/6/2020

VIDEO UPDATE: PROPERTY APPRAISER CONTINUES UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE TO RESIDENTS
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office is still available online with many valuable services.

Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Sixth Day of Drive-thru Testing for 4-6-20:
During the sixth day of drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s C. L. Brumback Primary Clinics tested 580 patients at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.  There were 104 patients who did not show for their scheduled appointments. The average age of the patients tested was 50.  Twenty children were tested and the youngest patient was a one-year-old.  Test results are beginning to be received and patients whose results are in will be notified.

The Health Care District’s COVID-19 Screening Center representatives scheduled approximately 600 appointments for COVID-19 drive-thru testing for Tuesday and Wednesday within the first two hours of opening the phone lines. Representatives screen callers for symptoms prior to registering and scheduling the patient. The call center will open tomorrow to schedule the remaining appointments of approximately 450 for Thursday.  Appointments beyond Thursday will depend upon the receipt of additional testing kits which are not certain at this time.

The Health Care District’s C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics’ staff conducting the testing, along with on-site Palm Beach County staff and members of the Florida Army National Guard, thank patients for the support and appreciation they are demonstrating through signs posted in their vehicle windows.

South Palm Beach County COVID-19 Testing Site Opening at South County Civic Center
A Palm Beach County COVID-19 drive thru testing site in collaboration with the Board of County Commissioners, Cleveland Clinic Florida, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will open Tuesday April 7th at 8:00 am. The testing site is located at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. Appointments are required.

Telephone registration began this morning. The caller line received over 2,000 calls before they opened and processed over eleven hundred calls by this afternoon. Most calls were answered within two minutes. Tuesdays appointments have filled up and Wednesday is nearing capacity. Appointments can be made at 561-804-0250.

SCHOOL INFORMATION
The School District of Palm Beach County continues its commitment to feeding students while schools are closed. Two important changes for the upcoming weeks:

  • For the week of April 6th feeding sites will be open Monday through Thursday. Those who come on Thursday to pick up meals will be receiving meals for both Thursday and Friday.
  • Starting Monday, April 13th and until further notice, the 35 feeding sites will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Two days’ worth of meals will be provided each days. Meals distributed will be lunch and dinner only.
  • Click here for School District locations distributing ‘Grab and Go’ bags filled with breakfast, lunch, supper, and a snack, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

PALM TRAN
Impact on Fixed Route and Paratransit Operations

  • Effective April 13, 2020 Palm Tran’s western community bus service, Go Glades, will be implementing a change to its daily service.
  • The change will consist of altering our service to a deviated route service to a general public dial a ride.

Palm Tran is taking all appropriate action to advise the residents of the western communities of this change through the use of printed flyers, signs and social media.

 

4/3/2020

Telephone Town Hall – Palm Beach County

1195445181899094722molumen_phone_icon.svg.hiListen in on the telephone town hall meeting with Palm Beach County leaders on Periscope: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1YqKDEARjBwGV

Governor's Executive Orders, Updates and Announcements

Governor’s Executive Orders

Videos & Press Announcements

Mental Health Awareness Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztb41DSW28s&feature=youtu.be

Salon Hair Opening Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVV6d7C6Hw&feature=youtu.be

Social Distancing at Play Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRIePMXi70g&feature=youtu.be

Palm Beach County EOC Media Conference, 04-27-2020

Palm Beach County Orders message from Sheriff Bradshaw

PBC EOC Corona Virus Update 3/25/2020

Corona Virus PSA from Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric L. Bradshaw

Palm Beach County officials address the latest information about the Corona Virus

BREAKING: Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and other Palm Beach County officials address the latest information about the Corona Virus

https://www.facebook.com/palmbeachcountysheriff/videos/213738143340104/

Gov. Ron DeSantis: Stop the spread of the coronavirus by postponing or limiting mass gatherings in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Florida by postponing or limiting mass gatherings.
The governor made that recommendation on Thursday at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Resources

COVID-19 TAX TIPS: ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
IRS.gov has answers to many questions people may have about their Economic Impact Payment.
Taxpayers who are required to file a tax return, can go to IRS Free File to file electronically. If they aren’t required to file, they should go to the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool and submit their information to receive an Economic Impact Payment.

For the complete lists of FAQs, visit the Economic Impact Payment and the Get My Payment tool pages on IRS.gov. The IRS updates these FAQs regularly.

Testing Sites

COMMUNITY TESTING SITES CLOSED ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Following direction from the State of Florida, the following state supported community based testing centers will be closed Friday and Saturday: FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, South County Civic Center and Lakeside Medical Center. Friday will be a partial tear-down day to ensure equipment is secured in anticipation of possible severe weather on Saturday, leaving time Sunday to reassemble the site for testing to resume on Monday. The Health Care District’s COVID-19 Testing Hotline will also be closed Friday to reschedule patients who are impacted and provide them with priority appointments for next week.  The Testing Hotline will reopen Monday, May 18, 2020 at 8 a.m. to resume scheduling appointments for testing.

 An updated listing of all Palm Beach County testing locations can be found on the County’s Coronavirus Testing information page: http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/Pages/testing-sites.aspx

Homebound Resident Testing
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is setting up appointments and testing homebound residents. The first phase of the plan involves testing those residents who are on the county’s Special Needs Registry. This is an ongoing process that is expected to take several days.

PALM BEACH COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING PROVIDERS
An updated listing of all Palm Beach County testing locations can be found on the County’s Coronavirus Testing information page: http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/Pages/testing-sites.aspx

 

Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
The Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County will resume public services at all locations beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 11, enabling customers to pay a traffic ticket, record mortgages and deeds, or conduct other business in person.

For the safety of customers and Clerk & Comptroller employees, new protocols have been implemented for anyone visiting Clerk & Comptroller offices. Those protocols include:

  • Requiring all visitors to Clerk & Comptroller offices to wear face coverings.
  • Installing Plexiglass dividers in customer service areas, to provide an additional layer of security for customers and employees.
  • Placing floor decals 6 feet apart inside customer lobbies, to ensure adequate social distancing.
  • Allowing only those with direct Clerk & Comptroller business to enter and line up in lobbies.
  • Monitoring lobbies to ensure they do not exceed capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.

For more information about the Clerk & Comptroller’s online services or its social distancing guidelines, please visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.

 

PBC Property Appraiser’s Office Reopen Office Locations to the Public

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office and five service centers are open Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

All office locations will limit the number of customers allowed inside and adhere to social distancing protocols in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Designated wait areas and markers will help keep customers and staff, a safe distance apart. We strongly recommend the public wear face protective coverings when entering all office locations. We are in daily communication with our County partners, working with them to ensure a clean and safe work environment for all.

On-line business is encouraged rather than an in-person visit. Log onto the website:  www.pbcgov.org/PAPA call: (561) 355-2866 or email at PAO@pbcgov.org.

 

PALM BEACH COUNTY Tax Collector Offices Now Open

  • The Tax Collector’s Office located at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach remains closed until further notice.
  • Clients must wear a face mask or cloth face covering at all times and follow social distancing protocols.
  • Only clients who cannot complete their transaction online or by mail will be admitted for service.
  • Belle Glade Service Center
    2976 State Rd.15, Belle Glade, FL 33430
  • Central Palm Beach Service Center
    4215 S. Military Trail, Greenacres, FL 33463
  • Delray Beach Service Center
    501 South Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
  • Northeast County Courthouse Service Cente
    3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
  • Royal Palm Beach Service Center
    200 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

For more information, call the Tax Collector’s Office at 561-355-2264. Updates will be posted at https://www.pbctax.com/.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Palm Beach County Housing Programs continues to offer assistance to homeowners and prospective renters through the following programs:

  • Foreclosure Prevention – Funding may be provided to assist with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowner insurance to prevent foreclosure.  Applicants can apply for up to $20,000.
  • Rental Assistance – Funding may be provided to assist with rental security deposits, utility deposits, connection fees, housing stability counseling and rent payments up to 12 months.  The best way to apply for assistance is through the Department of Community Services electronic system via the link below or by calling (561) 904-7900.
    https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/CSDServiceEligibility/Account/Login.aspx
  • The Purchase Assistance Program assists pre-approved applicants with financial assistance to purchase their first home.
  • The Rehabilitation/Repair Housing Assistance Program assists approved clients with rehabilitation or emergency repair to their owner-occupied homes.
  • The Workforce Housing Program assists approved buyers purchase homes at one of the workforce housing sites.
  • To discuss housing needs and available funding, contact DHES at 561-233-3600, or visit http://discover.pbcgov.org/hes/Pages/default.aspx.

 

LIBRARIES Unemployment Assistance
Many PBC Library locations are providing printed employment/re-employment applications for those affected by
COVID-19. These PBC Library System branches have forms available at the main entrance of buildings:

Acreage Branch 15801 Orange Blvd. Loxahatchee, 33407 (561) 681-4100
Belle Glade Branch 725 NW 4th St. Belle Glade, 33430 (561)996-3453
Gardens Branch 11303 Campus Dr. PBG, 33410 (561) 626-6133
Glades Road Branch 20701 95th Ave S. Boca Raton, 33434 (561) 482-4554
Greenacres Branch 3750 Jog Rd. Greenacres, 33467 (561) 641-9100
Jupiter Branch 705 Military Tr. Jupiter, 33458 (561) 744-2301
Lantana Road Branch 4020 Lantana Rd. Lake Worth, 33462 (561) 304-4500
Main Library 3650 Summit Blvd. WPB, 33406 (561) 233-2600
Okeechobee Blvd. Branch 5689 W. Okeechobee Blvd. WPB, 33417 (561) 233-1880
Royal Palm Beach Branch 500 Civic Center Way Royal Palm Beach, 33411 (561) 790-6030
Wellington Branch 1951 Royal Fern Dr.  Wellington, 33414 (561) 790-6070
West Boca Branch 18685 State Rd 7 Boca Raton, 33498 (561) 470-1600
West Boynton Branch 9451 Jog Rd. Boynton Beach, 33437 (561) 734-5556

Staff are available by phone, email and chat to help members who have questions or need assistance filling out
unemployment/reemployment forms through Ask-A-Librarian on our website at www.pbclibrary.org.

SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
The Pre-Summer Food Service Program operated by the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department in partnership with the Library System has added two new locations. In addition to distribution sites in West Palm Beach, Greenacres, Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, beginning May 12, meals will be available in Lake Worth and Boca Raton.

Meals are distributed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until all meal kits are distributed. Each eligible child receives a week’s worth of meals. Currently, the pre-summer feeding sites will be distributing food once per week, at each location through Wednesday, May 27.

Parents picking up kits without their child present must bring identification for the child. Acceptable forms include student ID, child’s passport or other government-issued ID, birth certificate, adoption decree, immunization records, and school demographics. Meal kits will not be provided to parents who do not bring their child or do not provide proper identification. Proper safety measures must be practiced.

Monday Distribution:

  • Highridge Family Center, 4200 N. Australian Ave., West Palm Beach
  • Main Library, 3650 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
  • Greenacres Branch Library, 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres

Tuesday Distribution:

  • Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road, Lake Worth
  • West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton

Wednesday Distribution:

  • Belle Glade Branch Library, 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade
  • Loula V. York Branch Library, 525 Bacom Point Road, Pahokee
  • Clarence E. Anthony Branch Library, 375 SW 2nd Ave., South Bay

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that school-aged children, 18 years and under, continue to receive nutritious meals beyond the school year and during the summer months (June – August) as well as times of emergency school closures.

 

Car Payment Deferral Programs
For Floridians having trouble making car payments and who are worried about having their car repossessed,
some payment deferral programs have been created by car manufacturers.

OFFICE OF EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity will host “Tuesday’s Tips,” a weekly teleconference created to provide up-to-date information to the small business community. The teleconference will be presented weekly for the small business community and will include tips for sustaining business in response to COVID-19 and other information to support local small businesses.  For more information, contact OEBO at oebo@pbcgov.org or 561-616-6840.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Effective April 1, 2020 the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) benefit limits per household have increased in the following matter

  • Qualifying households will receive a benefit amount of up to $750 on a past due bill, to resolve their energy crisis.
  • Households that do not have an energy crisis, but whose total income is at or below 150% FPLG, will receive a credit of $200- $600.
  • The benefit amount will depend on total household income, household composition, and if there are any elderly, disabled or children under age six (6) in the household.

PALM BEACH COUNTY VICTIMS SERVICES
The Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center helpline is available for information, options and support: 561-833-7273. Services are free, confidential and private.

Re-employment Assistance
Local FedEx stores are providing free printing and mailing for re-employment assistance applications.
Click Here for a list of locations.

Rental and Employment Assistance

  • Residents concerned with rent assistance may contact the Palm Beach County Human Services   Eviction Prevention Program. Call 561-904-7900 or apply online at pbcgov.org.
  • You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury. For more information go to the Paycheck Protection Program.
  • If your employment has been impacted by COVID-19, you may file a Reemployment Assistance Claim through CONNECT, Florida’s online Reemployment Assistance http://floridajobs.org/.
  • Looking for work? You can search for jobs 24/7 by accessing the Virtual Career System from your computer or mobile device. Learn more —-> http://ow.ly/F0QZ50yX3cO

Food Assistance: United Way: 211palmbeach Emergency Palm Beach

PARKS AND RECREATION

  • All parks and golf courses, both public and private remain closed until further notice.
    Virtual Recreation Center – PBC Parks TV
  • Watch educational videos and take a virtual park tour, check out animal feedings, story time and learn fun activities that you can do from home.

ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL
Pet owners should prepare now in the event that they become sick or if they must be hospitalized. This is especially important for residents who live alone.
Consider becoming a foster parent or adopting a dog, cat, or kitten(s). For more information about fostering, Click here
View pets available for adoption online: https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/snap/home

SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
The April 15th Meeting of the Governing Board of the Solid Waste Authority has been cancelled.
SWA asks residents to refrain from tree trimming in April.  All garbage bags should be tied securely for disposal so waste workers do not come in contact with any potentially virus-contaminated waste.

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County has developed a COVID-19 website https://swa.org/632/6702/COVID-19-Updates.

 

PARTNERING AGENCIES

The Small Business Agency is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts during these unprecedented times. The positions include:

  • Call Center Customer Service Representative
  • Document Preparation/Legal Review/Loan Closings
  • Loan Processing/Credit Analysis/Mortgage Underwriting
  • Program Support

Apply today

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County is offering a limited number of child care scholarships for those serving on the front-line of the COVID-19 response. This is available for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old for up to 60 days for these critical employees.
For more information, call: 561-514-3300.

LIBRARIES

  • Virtual Story Time
    The Palm Beach County Library System is hosting virtual story time on YouTube, and sharing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am.
  • Technology Assistance
    The Palm Beach County Library System is offering one-on-one chat with a librarian. They can assist with any of your technology needs, including navigating the virtual classroom. Video chat sessions are available through the Zoom app. Call 561-233-2600 to book an appointment.
  • Homework Help
    com and Live Homework help is a free library service that offers online tutoring in math, science, social studies and language arts. Live one-on-one sessions are available every day from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am. Assistance in Spanish is available from 2:00 pm – 12:00 am.
  • Career Development
    The Library has many free online resources to help you advance your career during the “Safer at Home” order. You can learn new skills, update your resume, and utilize programs to prepare you to return to the workforce.
  • Free E-Card
    Get a free temporary e-card for any child in Palm Beach County. The card allows you to
    access online resources and services. Visit http://www.pbclibrary.org/virtual-library to sign up for the e-card.
  • TEMPORARY FREE E-CARDS
    The Palm Beach County Library System has given out 3,082 free temporary e-cards to residents so they can access our online resources and digital materials.  To receive your e-card visit our website at www.pbclibrary.org and click on the Virtual Library icon.  You can use this card to “check-out” e-books, e-audiobooks, e-movies & TV shows, e-music and e-magazines.  http://www.pbclibrary.org/downloads

PALM BEACH COUNTY BUILDING DIVISION

  • The Palm Beach County Building Division’s South County Permitting Office is closed until
    further notice.
  • The majority of permit types that were previously submitted in the South County office are now able to be submitted via our online system ePZB Admin login, and more permit types are being added to the system frequently.
  • Visit our website for more information: Online Submittal Building Permit Notice (PDF).

PLANNING, ZONING & BUILDING
All Planning, Zoning, and Building public meetings for April are canceled. All public hearings scheduled at those meetings are postponed to dates to be determined. Once revised dates have been determined, the meetings will be rescheduled and all appropriate parties will be advised.

LOCAL CALL CENTERS
Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center remains open 7 days a week from 8 am – 6 pm.
561-712-6400

  • Boca Raton 561-982-4900
  • Greenacres 561-642-2000
  • Town of Palm Beach 561-227-7070
  • Riviera Beach 561-812-6597
  • Wellington 561-791-4000
  • West Palm Beach 561-822-222

or contact your municipality.

Suicide Prevention:  For resources to help cope during the coronavirus pandemic please follow this link: Suicide Prevention and COVID-19.

211 HELPLINE AND CRISIS LINE is Free, Confidential, and Available 24/7. 211 Provides Crisis Support, Suicide Prevention, and Assistance with Available Resources and Services for People Of All Ages, and is Multilingual Capable.

Dial 2-1-1 or Text your zip code to 898211
211 staff also respond to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990

211’s Sunshine is a free program that provides a daily phone call with a friendly hello and well-being check for seniors who are feeling isolated and alone.  The Sunshine program is for individuals 60 or older, or those who are housebound or disabled. Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211palmbeach.org/seniors [211palmbeach.org]

UP-TO-DATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DASHBOARD
Find the latest information about your specific zip code and cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard can be found here at the bottom of the page: COVID-19 Dashboard .

 

TRANSPORTATION

Palm Tran
The lobby at 3201 Electronics Way in West Palm Beach, FL now open, no bus pass sales nor Palm Tran eligibility activities happen at this location. The lobby at 50 S. Military Trail, WPB 33415 remains closed. If you need assistance please call 561-841-4200 or visit our website at www.palmtran.org.

Palm Tran Fixed Route and Paratransit

  • Palm Tran resumed a normal schedule beginning on May 18.
  • All passengers are required to have a mask covering their nose and mouth while riding.
  • The number of people onboard has been limited to no more than 20 passengers on fixed-route buses.
  • The buses will begin operating on a typical weekday schedule.
  • Saturdays and Sundays to operate on their regular schedules for those day.
  • Palm Tran Connection is essential trips only.

 

Go Glades Service

  • Palm Tran’s western community bus service, Go Glades, Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are currently not running a regular service. You will be able to book a trip directly to and from your destination by calling: (561) 649-9838.
  • The Palm Tran call center (561) 841-4BUS (4287) is operating from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Many trip planning functions may be done through the Palm Tran app and on org.

Tri-Rail

  • Passengers are urged to wear masks while riding. Tri-Rail continues to offer an amended schedule until further notice, with 18-trains every 2 hours starting at 4:17 a.m. on weekdays, and 12-trains every 3-hours starting at 5:17 a.m. on weekends. Trains have suspended fares.

Brightline

  • Train service is suspended until further notice.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
All Natural Areas are closed to the public until further notice.

JURY DUTY
All jury selection proceedings are suspended through May 29. Jurors who were summonsed for jury duty through May 29 do not have to report for service. They do not need to take any further action.  Those with questions regarding jury service can call 561-355-2930 or visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/jury.

CIRCUIT COURT
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is limiting most face-to-face hearings. In order to protect the public’s constitutional right to access and to ensure the progress of essential proceedings, the courthouses have remained open.  To help ensure that no person infected with COVID-19 enters the courthouses, anyone who enters the courthouse will undergo a non-invasive temperature scan. Any person who refuses to have their temperature taken or has a temperature of 100.4 º F, or higher, will not be permitted to enter the courthouses.  For updated information, visit http://15thcircuit.com

Contact Info

COVID-19 Testing Site

COVID-19 Call Center
Available 24/7
1 (866) 779-6121
or email:
COVID-19@flhealth.gov

 

PBC Information Line
Open Daily 8am – 6pm
561-712-6400
or email:
public@pbcgov.org

PBC Parks & Golf Re-Opening (EO 2020-005)

Keep Golf Safe Keep Golf Safe
County Parks Re-Opening Guide County Parks Re-Opening Guide

FTC COVID 19 Scams Flyer

COVID 19 Scams Flyer from the FTC English CDC Workplace School and Home Guidance Español

HSI S.T.O.P. COVID 19 Fraud HSI S.T.O.P. COVID-19 Fraud

Corrections Division
Jail Coronavirus FAQ

Whitehouse Coronavirus Guidelines

Whitehouse Coronavirus Guidelines English CDC Workplace School and Home Guidance Español

CDC Workplace School and Home Guidance CDC Workplace School and Home Guidance

RSS COVID 19 News

Accessibility by WAH