Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis thanked members of the Florida Legislature for providing the necessary resources to address the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19. The Legislature’s action will support the Florida Department of Health’s ability to receive new funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The Florida Department of Health now has the ability to receive nearly $28 million in critical federal funds to support Florida’s ongoing efforts to mitigate and contain COVID-19,” said Governor DeSantis. “These funds will increase capacity in our state labs for more testing and support our efforts to investigate and monitor cases. I thank Senate President Galvano and House Speaker Oliva for their swift action to make these dollars available.”
Today the Florida Department of Health received a notice of award for nearly $28 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the COVID-19 response in Florida.
“The Florida Department of Health will immediately begin working with the federal government to access these dollars,” said State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees. “Our state labs and epidemiological teams are working around the clock and this grant will help ensure we can continue to increase our capacity to combat COVID-19.”
Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s and the Attorney General’s Office warn that scam artists will use the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear it has caused for many to take advantage of Florida consumers, especially the state’s vulnerable elderly. It is important to remain vigilant during this time. With many schools and businesses closed, there is plenty of downtime for people right now. Social media activity will increase to pass to the time. Predators will attempt to capitalize using various methods. Here are some of the scams that are being reported nationwide:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online. Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for more information.
- Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out at the time of this article. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer. Visit the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government for more information.
Received a Restaurant Review about Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale. Janet says she had Eaton’s Beach salmon. The salmon had a glaze that made the dish, the salad, red wine vinegrette, crisp lettuce tossed with corn, Applewood bacon, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, heart of palm, cucumbers, and egg. The service was friendly and very efficient. The price was $16.99 and I feel was well worth it. The writter says she has several food allergies and the server was more than gracious to have the kitchen meet her needs. Janet says I always feel they take care of the needs of those who have food issues.
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Took my wife to dinner for her birthday. She choose Horse and Hound. It was packed house, long wait to get seated but it was worth it. Monday night 2 for $25 Prime Rib was super great, fixed just the way I ask. My son’s and their wives attended. Really good experience. Continue reading
PUBLISHERS NOTE: This really feels different not going anywhere, not going to business meetings, working at home. Working a little bit around the farm working on my garden. Stay in my robe till noon but working on the computer. Well back to the news releases:
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CIA agent Robert A. Levinson captured in Iran while on a mission has been reported dead. He was captured some 13 years ago, he was the longest American captive to date.
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My assignment in life is to see your own individual expression is on paper. Your opinion is important!
The marketing manager at a regional banking chain explained it this way: “I won’t advertise in a daily newspaper where readers only look for last night’s scores and skim the headlines,” she said. “But I regularly buy ads in weekly or monthly papers that are read page by page and remain in the house a week or longer.”
Community newspapers are still the most effective way for readers to reach a broad market. They also create consensus, cooperation and “hometown” pride. But community papers will have to change if they want to remain viable. Continue reading
The purpose of the CEP is to be the One-Stop Shop and Voice of the Business Community. We are the designated economic development organization for all of the Ocala Metro. While many focus on our Business Attraction successes (bringing in new major employers like McLane, Dollar Tree, and FedEx) or our Business Services programs (such as Business After Hours, TuesdayTalks, and Leadership Ocala Marion), it is our Business Retention and Business Creation efforts that really have the ability to impact the business community. This is especially true as we go through a difficult crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Business Retention efforts are focused on assisting existing businesses throughout the community with a particular focus on primary employers (manufacturing, distribution, and large office). We work with approximately 200 businesses every year REGARDLESS of their partnership with the CEP. In other words, a business does not have to be a CEP partner to receive assistance. Much of this work is focused on removing barriers to their growth. Sometimes this means connecting them existing resources on the local, state, and federal level. Other times it means we are connecting them with other businesses to the benefit of both. Continue reading
Dear Friends,
As this column is being prepared, we are a few weeks in to the COVID-19 scare that has taken up much of our focus in the U.S. and most parts of the world. In Senate District 12, we have been very fortunate thus far, with only one reported virus case in the tri-county area of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. So far, just over 200 cases have been reported statewide but that number is expected to be bit higher by the time this column reaches you. The response by our Governor and emergency management directors has been exceptional. In a state of 22 million people, that number could be much higher had it not been for their great leadership and quick response.
As we continue to monitor the situation, my message today is simple. Use caution. Not panic, fear or anxiousness but ordered and intentional caution. CDC guidelines for avoiding getting sick aren’t much different than those that are given for the common flu and that’s important to remember. Enduring these necessary precautions should help the risk to recede in the coming weeks. We should remain thankful, patient and resolved. Continue reading
by A.J.(Tony) Powell
Just so you know: Corona Virus Disease = “CO VI D-19″ – Get it?
Q-Who is most at risk?
=Older people with severe/chronic medical conditions including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
=Also 80% of Covid deaths were over 65 years with many over 85.
=Overall, most infections were very mild or even no reported symptoms.
Q-Are you at risk?
=Scientists claim that the virus can last for three hours on any surface. Four hours on copper; Twenty-Four hours on cardboard and TWO or THREE DAYS on plastic or stainless steel (Like Your Fridge!). It is also detectable in the air for three hours. Continue reading
Leesburg commissioners approved ordinances that opens the door for Villages to expansion of their massive retirement community Leesburg. It’s about Tax revenue!
Ordinances for annexation, rezoning, a comprehensive plan. They affect parcels in the Villages of West Lake of 2,845 acres generally located near County Road 48, County Road 471 and the Florida Turnpike area.
Commissioners approved development agreements for the 1,382-acre parcel. The agreement for Area A establishes procedures for both the city and The Villages Land Co. as the development moves forward. It calls for the area to be fully developed over the next 30 years and it sets design standards, land uses and processes moving forward.
The agreement also calls for up to 7,900 residential homes and 535,000 square feet of retail space. Some of the property also can continue to be used for agricultural. Continue reading
CORA Physical Therapy 8768 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages. CORA Mulberry Lane provides state-of-the-art treatments with licensed clinicians laser-focused on superior outcomes, and passionate about personal care. The highly trained staff specialize in Pre- and Post-op Rehabilitation, Vestibular Treatments, Fall Prevention and Hands-On Manual Therapy.
COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Personal prevention measures are fundamental in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The department recommends that individuals:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
