SPECIAL EDITION • CORONAVIRUS COVID–19 UPDATES
GAZETTE APRIL 2020
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR BURKETT Dear Surfside Neighbors, While I’d love to begin with the exciting news about what the recent Surfside election has brought us, I must first address the ongoing health emergency.
By this time, you know that staying home, staying calm and thus, staying safe, is the best advice for powering through this emergency. All your newly elected officials are 100% engaged in caring for, and protecting the lives of all our residents, especially our most vulnerable. Officials Burkett, Paul, Velasquez, Kesl and Salzhauer have each insisted on putting the COVID-19 crisis at the top of each agenda, and have committed to weekly meetings – that will not stop - until our Town and residents are out of danger and safely back on the road to the new and bright future, one that the voters of Surfside said they wanted on March 17th.
Resources to help during this emergency can be found on our Town website – and if you can’t find what you need there, just call the Town, or any of your elected officials, we’re all reachable – which is the beauty & rarity of our small Town way of life, it’s a quality of life that can’t be duplicated! To that end, if you haven’t seen our current agenda, I’m going to outline here some of what’s in it and what I expect we will get done – rapidly. • We’ve reallocated “resiliency” funds that were targeted at solving imaginary problems that may have occurred in the distant future, to addressing resident issues now! • We’re addressing the neglected Beachwalk.
• We’re talking about lighting up the Community Center pool (with turtle sensitive lights) and extending its hours. • We’ve made the meetings accessible to everyone, by moving our meetings to your computer and now – everyone gets to speak – on any issue important to each resident! • We’re moving full speed ahead with immediate funding for the restoration of our parks. • We’ve got Surfside flood control on the agenda for immediate action.
• We’re going to reappoint all our boards with new members committed to putting residents first! - Continues on Page 2
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR BURKETT
- Continued from the previous page
• We’re pulling the plug – right now – on outlandish or wasteful contracts, agreements, studies, vendors & resident un-friendly initiatives. • We’re moving to take our beach back from beach chair businesses - and give it back to residents. • We’ve got the following on deck for action – and expect we will get it all done - rapidly! – Undergrounding the powerlines – Lower property taxes and water bills – Designated walking paths, stenciled on the roadsides, throughout the residential area – Reworking the entire zoning code – halting wild over-development – I have asked our Commission to act on my Charter amendment proposals for 3-year term limits, $1 pay limits and strict limits on the sale or lease of any Town property There’s much more…but I’ve run out of space. I want to end with warm congratulations to my colleagues on their respective election victories. They are all smart, good and caring Surfside residents. I’m excited to be working with each of them and look forward to getting great things done in our Town. However, I’m mostly excited about the fact that they’ve all committed to keeping Surfside the amazing small-Town jewel that it is – and now, given that commitment, Surfside’s small Town way of life is safe! – Please take care, Charles
TOWN OF SURFSIDE CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
NOTICE CITON CILPUBLIC BUP SURFSIDE POLICE ARE WORKING 24/7 FOR RESIDENTS
During the coronavirus health crisis, our Surfside Police are working 24/7 to keep you and your families safe. The Surfside Police practice physical distancing, but as first-responders patrolling our Town, that is not always possible. This is another reason you should stay at home – for your health and for our police officers. The Police Department lobby remains open to the public for emergencies only. It is strongly recommend you call the PoliceDuring Department non-emergency number 305the global coronavirus outbreak, 861-4862 callof911. ,kaerbbefore tuo suricoming vanoroc lto abthe olg elobby. ht gnirFor uD emergencies the Town Surfside recommends the following
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GRANTS PERMIT EXTENSIONS
SAFETY IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT
During the global coronavirus outbreak, Miami-Dade County requires all persons working in or visiting grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible, to wear facial laicos efasby a nithe atniaCDC. M org ni gnirehcoverings tag diovA as defined
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For residents and local businesses to focus on their health and safety, the Town is doing the following as a courtesy:
• For utility payments due within the next 30 days, the Town is not imposing any new late fees or penalties. As a reminder, utility bills can be paid online. Wear a cloth face mask or covering to help prevent ro ksam ecaf htolc a raeW the further spread of tneverp pleh ot gnirevoc COVID-19 fo daerps rehtruf eht 91-DIVOC
DON’T FALL VICTIM TO A COVID-19 SCAM
• For permits expiring soon, the Building Department is Avoid gathering in groups Maintain a safe social granting residents a 30-day extension. of 10 or more people distance (at least six feet between you and others)
FINANCIAL RELIEF AND RESOURCES FOR SURFSIDE BUSINESSES AND JOB-SEEKERS
This isSurfside for yourfeatures health and safety! of resources on its website a number The Surfside Police Department cautions residents Please stay safe, stay calm and stay home. who have been finanfor individuals and businesses efas dna htlarelated eh ruoy scams. rof si sihCall T about!ytCOVID-19 the Police cially impacted by the health crisis. This information .emoh yats dnnon-emergency a mlac yats ,efas number yats esaeat lP (305) 861Department’s is regularly updated. Additionally, the Town’s website 4862 to report any fraudulent activity. To report includes ways you can help support local businesses. COVID-19 fraud go to: www.justice.gov/coronavirus To learn more, go to: https://www.townofsurfsidefl. gov/news-and-events/pages/covid19 For questions, call Town Hall at 305-861-4863
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or visit www.townofsurfsidefl.gov.
SURFSIDE GAZETTE APRIL 2020
TOWN OF SURFSIDE CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
CDC RECOMMENDS FACE COVERING WHILE IN PUBLIC
Recent studies have shown that many individuals with coronavirus lack any symptoms and can unknowingly transmit the virus to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to help slow the spread of coronavirus, particularly where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and in any area of significant community-based transmission.
IT IS EASY TO MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTH FACE COVERING
Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional public health measure. The CDC released a video with easy instructions on how to make a face covering using rubber bands and a scarf, bandana o r t-shirt. Go to https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/ news-detail/2020/04/06/how-to-make-your-own-face-mask-using-items-from-around-your-house
WEARING A CLOTH FACE COVERING
When applying a face mask, it should: • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face • be secured with ties or ear loops • include multiple layers of fabric • allow for breathing without restriction • be regularly laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Note that cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2 or anyone with trouble breathing, incapacitated or unable to remove the mask without assistance. The cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that ATTENTION LANDSCAPERS must be reserved for workers and &healthcare OUTSIDE VENDORS medical first responders.
NEW TOWN EMERGENCY MEASURE FOR OUTSIDE VENDORS A new Town Emergency Measure requires all outside vendors working in Surfside to wear a face mask or covering and maintain a safe social distance when working in the area. This includes landscapers, pool care, exterminators, repairman and all service providers. Residents are recommended to reduce landscape service to once per month.
YOUR PETS AND THE CORONAVIRUS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the coronavirus disease is spread to humans through person-to-person contact and there have been no reports of pets spreading the virus in the U.S. However, there have been reports of different animals testing positive for COVID-19 and these cases are believed to be human-to-animal transmission. The CDC believes there’s no reason to think any animals, including pets in the U.S. might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID19 to humans. Anyone who is sick with the coronavirus should restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people. All pet owners should always wash their hands after contact with their pet.
SAFETY TIPS WHILE SHOPPING
During the global coronavirus outbreak, the Town of Surfside requires landscapers and outside vendors to wear a face mask or covering and maintain a safe social distance when working in the area.
While shopping at a busy store such as a grocery or phara reminder, the the use of leaf blowers. macy, the most importantAsstrategy isTown to prohibits stay six feet away is for your safety and ours! Thank you for understanding. from other people. This isThisthe distance people can pick up coronavirus droplets through the air from a cough or sneeze. Other ideas you shouldForconsider: questions, call Town Hall at 305-861-4863 or visit www.townofsurfsidefl.gov. • Designate only one person per family to do the shopping. • Go shopping at a time that’s less busy. Google the store and you can often find out when foot traffic is low. • Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean hands and a disinfectant to wipe down cart handles before and after shopping. • Minimize the amount of products and items that you touch while in the store. • Use a credit or debit card. Try not to hand over bills or receive change. Use you own pen to sign receipts or use a virtual payment system like Apple Pay. • If groceries are delivered to your home, avoid a direct hand off by having the bags left by your door. Tip the driver electronically.
As this is a rapidly changing situation, the information in this Surfside Gazette may have changed since printing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Town website: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov and sign up for email notifications. APRIL 2020 SURFSIDE GAZETTE
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STAY CONNECTED AND AWARE WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION What is the difference between CodeRed and Email Notifications?
CodeRed is an emergency notification service that enables Town officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message or email and social media regarding time sensitive and emergency situations such as hurricanes and the current coronavirus health crisis.
Email notifications are the e-blasts sent out directly by the Town of Surfside to provide updates from the Town including Town Commission meetings, community events and coronavirus updates. Since early March 2020, the Town has sent 30 COVID-19 updates via email notification.
Sign-up for both at the Town website: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/subscribe
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OUR SURFSIDE BUSINESSES WHENEVER POSSIBLE!
Help us support our local businesses during these difficult times by continuing to patronize our local restaurants through takeout or delivery services, or by purchasing gift cards for future use. If available, it is suggested to order directly through the restaurant instead of going through a third-party app.
Josh’s Delis – Order through UberEATS
Serendipity – Order through Postmates ChaiWok – Order Now
The Carrot – Order through UberEATS
Backyard BBQ and Brew – Order through Postmates Rustiko – Order through UberEATS
The Harbour Grill – Order through Grubhub
The Greek Place – Contactless delivery 20% off (305) 866-9628, curb side pick-up also available. Cafe Vert – Order directly
Surf Club Restaurant – Order between noon and 7 pm. Pickup between 6 to 8 p.m. Call or email to order: (305) 768-9440 or reservations@surfclubrestaurant.com STREET Kitchen – Call to order: (305) 763-8267 Subway – Order directly
Flanigan’s – Order directly
Morelia – Order through Postmates Moncheese Pizza – Order directly Lahh Salon – Buy gift card
Esmell Miami – Buy gift card
The Scarlet Letter – Buy online
Pampaloni Silver – Buy online
SAVE LIVES BY STAYING SAFE AT HOME On April 1, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a new stay-home order, requiring ALL persons in Florida to limit their activity to essential services until April 30, 2020 4
SURFSIDE GAZETTE APRIL 2020
PREFERRED COMMUNICATION SURVEY To ensure effective communication with our residents and businesses, especially during the coronavirus health crisis, the Town of Surfside would like to know how you prefer to receive information. Please take a few minutes to fill out this brief communication survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/surfsidefl or complete the enclosed paper survey and mail it to Mayor Burkett. See mailing instructions on the back.
1. What are the current communication channels you use to receive information from the Town of Surfside? Circle all that apply. • Town website • Email • Town Gazette • Flyer • Text message • Phone call
• TV Channel 663 (Town Commission broadcast channel) • Community bulletin board • Town Commission meeting • In-person workshop or event • Other (please specify)
2. How would you prefer to receive communication from the Town of Surfside? Circle all that apply. • Town website • Facebook • Email • Twitter • Town Gazette • Instagram • Flyer • Nextdoor • Text message • Community bulletin board • Phone call • Town Commission meeting • TV Channel 663 (Town Commission • In-person workshop or event broadcast channel) •Other (please specify) 3. What is the best way to reach you during a crisis situation and/or hurricane? Circle all that apply. • Text Message • Phone call •Email
• Flyer • Facebook • Twitter • Other (please specify)
4. Please let us know what information you would find helpful to assist you in making informed decisions, especially during a crisis, as well as provide comments/suggestions pertaining to Town communication. Thank you.
PLACE FIRST CLASS POSTAGE HERE
MAYOR CHARLES W. BURKETT 1332 Biscaya Drive Surfside, FL 33154
PREFERRED COMMUNICATION SURVEY FOLD ON THE DOTTED LINE WITH THIS SIDE ON THE OUTSIDE
TAPE THE OTHER THREE SIDES
Take a few minutes to complete this communication survey on the other side of this page and mail to Mayor Burkett To mail, fold this sheet on the dotted line with this side on the outside. Then tape the other three sides. Place a first-class stamp on the upper right corner.
SAVE A STAMP AND COMPLETE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/surfsidefl
STAY CONNECTED AND AWARE WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION
Connect with Us Connect with Usare facing the worst As you know, the Town of Surfside and global community
As you know,crisis the Town Surfside and global (COVID-19) communityisare facing the worst global health in ouroflifetime. Coronavirus a serious threat to global health health crisis inand oursafety, lifetime. Coronavirus serious threat to everyone's which is why we(COVID-19) need YOU is toatake action! everyone’s health and safety, which is why we need YOU to take action!
Please stay home, stay calm and stay informed. We urge you to sign up for Code Red emergency alerts and important updates Please stay home, stay calm and stay informed. from the Town of Surfside. It only takes a few minutes!
We urge you to sign up for Code Red emergency alerts and important updates from the Town of Surfside. It only takes a few minutes! Visite www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/subscribe
Visit: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/subscribe
Need Help with Sign Up?
Need Help with Sign Up?
We understand that technology access and familiarity with different communication channels varies from resident to resident.
We understand that technology access and familiarity with different communication channels varies from resident to resident. For assistance with sign up, call Town Hall at 305-861-4863 with sign up, 9call HallMonday at 305-861-4863 and dialFor “0” assistance during business hours, amTown - 5 pm, through Friday. and dial “0” during business hours, 9 am 5 pm, seven days a week. After hours, call the Surfside Police non-emergency number at 305-861-4862. After hours, call the Surfside Police non-emergency number at (305) 861-4862.
Support for At-Risk Seniors Support for At-Risk Seniors & Disabled If you are an at-risk senior, disabled or have an underlying medical condition
Whether you want help withcall signing up for Code or need prescriptions and need support, please the Surfside PoliceRed non-emergency number or other necessities delivered to your door, the Surfside Police are here to help. Call at 305-861-4862. the non-emergency number (305) 861-4862. For emergencies call 911.
For regular updates, visit www.townofsurfsidefl.gov For COVID-19 questions, call the Florida Department of Health's Hotline at: 1-866-779-6121 As this is a rapidly changing situation, the information in this Surfside Gazette may have changed since printing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Town website: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov and sign up for email notifications.
TOWN OF SURFSIDE CORONAVIRUS UPDATE SURFSIDE KEEPS AN EYE ON AT–RISK SENIORS For our at-risk seniors or residents with special needs, our Surfside Police Department is here to assist you. For support, call the police non-emergency number at 305-861-4862. If you are a senior citizen 65 years or older and are having problems getting meals, call Miami-Dade County at 311. For other programs for seniors, go to https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/ pages/covid19
Officer Edward Carrasquillo delivering a care package to a Surfside senior.
LOCATIONS FOR COVID-19 TESTING SITES Note that each of these testing sites has specific instructions, hours and restrictions. Contact the site before going in person. For information visit: https:// www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/news-and-events/pages/ covid19 • Medrite Urgent Care 4621 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach CALL FIRST (305) 735-3909 • Marlins Park 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125 CALL FIRST (305) 499-8767 • Hard Rock Stadium 347 Don Shula Drive Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 CALL FIRST (305) 499-8767 • Amelia Earhart Park 401 E. 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013 CALL FIRST (305) 268-4319 • Aventura Mall 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 CALL FIRST (402) 885-8125 or www.covidaventura.com Note that Miami-Dade County is offering at-home coronavirus testing for seniors and adults with disabilities (18 and older). The tests are free to those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and will be administered by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units in partnership with Jackson Health System. To make an appointment, call (305) 499-8767.
EMERGENCY MEASURE PROHIBITS CONSTRUCTION IN SURFSIDE
To help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and serve the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Surfside, the Town has issued an Emergency Measure, prohibiting construction. The measure excludes emergency repairs and limited work to secure a site. The Emergency Measure will continue until April 30, 2020, unless canceled earlier or extended by the Town Manager.
DO YOU HAVE COVID-19 QUESTIONS? CALL THESE HOTLINES
• For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 hotline by calling 1.866.779.6121 or by emailing covid-19@flhealth. gov. • For updates from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, please visit covid19.dadeschools.net or call M-DCPS hotline at (305) 995.3000. • The Town of Surfside is available to assist the community in all times of need. For questions pertaining to COVID-19 in the community, call Town Hall at (305) 861-4863 and dial “0” between 9 am - 5 pm seven days a week. For concerns outside those hours, please contact the police non-emergency number at 305.861.4862.
SURFSIDE ORDERS MANDATORY ISOLATION OF INDIVIDUALS TRAVELING TO AREA
To combat the further spread of coronavirus, Surfside has issued a Emergency Order mandating that individuals traveling to Surfside from outside of the U.S. or from any of 19 U.S. states, must self-isolate or quarantine for the entire duration of their visit to Surfside, or for 14 days beginning on the day of their arrival, whichever is shorter. The Emergency Order applies to people traveling from areas with substantial documented coronavirus cases in their communities, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. The order may be amended to include additional states where community spread is documented by the CDC.
As this is a rapidly changing situation, the information in this Surfside Gazette may have changed since printing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Town website: www.townofsurfsidefl.gov and sign up for email notifications.
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SURFSIDE GAZETTE APRIL 2020
PARKS & RECREATION KEEP BUSY AT HOME FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND SENIORS Lace up your sneakers and work up a sweat with new virtual classes conducted by the Surfside Parks and Recreation Department via ZOOM. The team is offering a regular rotation of fitness workouts and sessions for all ages. A listing of classes are available on the Town website. Parks and Recreation are also offering a variety of activities for the family and seniors from a gardening class, Zumba for kids, arts & crafts, mindfulness tips, and a meet-up for pre-teens and teens. Below is a partial list of cool activities that residents can do from the safety of their home. For more activities, including Zoom classes: https://www.townofsurfsidefl. gov/news-and-events/pages/have-fun-at-home
VIRTUAL ONLINE ACTIVITIES
• Silver Sneakers has a video exercise class specifically fit for seniors. • Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach will have video lessons on sea turtles and other marine life topics. You can watch the lessons live at 2 pm Monday-Friday on their Facebook page. Scroll down to “Posts” to tune in. • New World Symphony is offering virtual concerts via Facebook. • Frost Art Museum, The Wolfsonian-FIU, Jewish Museum of Florida, the Louvre, the Guggenheim and many others are engaging arts and culture lovers through virtual tours. Check their websites for more information. • The Art Institute of Chicago - Explore thousands of artworks in the museum’s wide-ranging collection. • The Boca Raton Museum of Art is offering art education and experiences on its website. • Take a tour of the Pérez Art Museum in Miami • Check out the Food Network’s Top Vegan Recipes • The Metropolitan Opera in New York is broadcasting an opera every day at 7:30 pm for free on its website. Visit their website and select the current date to tune in. • Every day, National Public Radio (NPR) posts a list of concerts available online for that date. • Travel + Leisure magazine put together a list of 12 major art museums that offer virtual tours. • National Parks Tours: Available for Yellowstone, Kenai Fjord and others. Find a Park on NPS.gov, hover over Learn about the Park, and then over Photos & Multimedia, and click Virtual Tour. • Musical Shows will raise your spirits while still staying safe. There are 11 musical TV shows available. Go to Playbill.com APRIL 2020 SURFSIDE GAZETTE
CALLING ALL PRE-TEENS & TEENS!
The Surfside Parks and Recreation will be hosting ZOOM group discussions with teens in the community to receive input on fun activities and engage in lively conversations while stuck at home. Virtual meetups will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Pre-Teens and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Teens, every Tuesday and Thursday, starting April 6, 2020. This is a friendly environment for teens and it’s a great way to make new friends. For any questions regarding the teen program, please contact Carlos Malvarez via email at cmalvarez@townofsurfsidefl.gov
ACTVITIES FOR CHILDREN
• Cyclone Soccer is posting 10 free online soccer training videos enabling children to learn in their background. Go to https://www.cyclonesoccermiami.com/online-training. • Coronavirus explained for kids: a story on National Geographic Kids approaches the subject in a clear way written for children: https://www. natgeokids.com/uk/discover/ science/general-science/ what-is-coronavirus • Virtual Tours of famous Museums: https://www.travelandleisure.com/ attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours • PBS Kids: https://pbskids.org/video/livetv • Browse and Listen to Free Online Family Radio Stations: http://www.kidzsearchcom/radio.html • Jungle Island is posting lessons for children on its Facebook page Monday–Friday at 11 am, featuring Everglades Exploration, Spread Your Wings and Primate Practices
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 457
9293 Harding Avenue Surfside, Florida 33154
TOWN COMMISSION
TOWN OFFICIALS
Charles W. Burkett, Mayor mayor@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Guillermo Olmedillo, Town Manager golmedillo@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Tina Paul, Vice Mayor tpaul@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Lillian Arango, Town Attorney larango@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Charles Kesl, Commissioner ckesl@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Julio Yero, Police Chief jyero@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Eliana R. Salzhauer, Commissioner esalzhauer@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Sandra Novoa, MMC, Town Clerk snovoa@townofsurfsidefl.gov
Nelly Velasquez, Commissioner nvelasquez@townofsurfsidefl.gov
BUSINESS NUMBERS Town Hall Police Fire Rescue Emergency
(305) 861-4863 (305) 861-4862 (305) 861-1115 911
TOWN WEBSITE www.townofsurfsidefl.gov
TELEVISION ACCESS Channel 663 (Atlantic Broadband)