Posted in Health

Gulf Breeze reports 13 active COVID cases

   Published Date: November 17, 2020

CITY OF GULF BREEZE COVID-19 PHASE III UPDATE

The City has been operating under Phase III of its Phased Re-Opening Plan since September 30, 2020.

As of today, there are thirteen (13) active COVID-19 cases inside the city limits of Gulf Breeze. The City is closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 and will continue to evaluate public health guidelines to determine what actions can be taken to minimize the impact to residents and City employees.

Active cases are reported directly from the Department of Health to City emergency services, and are updated daily. Florida Dashboard statistics relate to a larger “Gulf Breeze” region.

Executive Order 20-244, issued by Governor Ron DeSantis on September 25, 2020, suspended the ability of local governments to enforce via fines and/or penalties their mask mandates against individuals. The Order did not nullify such mandates however, and businesses may still be required to adhere to the requirements of local mask mandates as they apply to businesses. The City’s Mask Mandate is still in place and was extended by the City Council on Monday, November 2 through January 4, 2021.

Phase III operating updates include:

Mask Order

  • Masks are required in all customer-oriented businesses and public facilities, except as specifically excluded in the attached Resolution, which was extended by the City Council Monday, November 2, 2020.
  • Masks must be worn in all customer areas inside city facilities, except when social distancing can be maintained.
  • The City will continue to take administrative actions consistent with the City’s Pandemic Disease Plan, emergency declarations and other emergency provisions including, which include temperature screenings.

City Hall

  •  City Hall is open for lobby walk-in service.
  • City Council meetings have returned to pre-pandemic protocol allowing for in-person attendance by the Public. The use of Communications Media Technology (CMT) to broadcast meetings has been discontinued.

Parks and Recreation

  • The City is planning a “Merry Market” event to support local businesses on December 12. The event will be held outside and social distancing guidelines will be adhered to.
  • Special events and tournaments, and Special Event permitting for all City-controlled public property and events requiring City services have resumed.
  • Community Center returns to normal operating hours: 7:30 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
  • Group reservations and organized fee for service programming such as Jazzercise, fitness classes, etc. have resumed; however, the Community Center will continue to operate at no more than 50% capacity. All such group programming and activities may be limited based on CDC social distancing guidance.
  •  Outdoor facility rentals with reservations, playgrounds, and concessions will reopen; however, the boat launch and Shoreline Park South waterfront area remain closed due to Hurricane Sally damage and heavy rocks and debris in the water.
  •  Park restrooms are open.
  • The after-school program will remain suspended for the school year.

Utility Billing

  • Utility cut-offs will occur for delinquent payments with no requested financial hardship deferrals.
  • Credit card and online processing fees have resumed. Customers are encouraged to sign up for auto pay here: https://cityofgulfbreeze-ktmle.formstack.com/forms/bank_draft_request