Playgrounds and City Hall Lobbies Opening as of June 1, 2020

Playgrounds:  Starting Monday, June 1, 2020, the City of Port St. Lucie is removing the barriers to the 20 playgrounds located inside City parks. The City understands that recreation is a good way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others. While playgrounds can offer health benefits, it is important that everyone follows the steps below to protect our community from COVID-19:

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    • All playgrounds have limited access to 10 people or fewer
    
    
    • Stay at least 6 feet away from others (“social distancing”)
    
    
    • If one playground is crowded, explore a new playground; there are 20 in the City
    
    
    • Continue to follow good hygiene practices and have kids avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth
    
    
  
  

 

Before opening on June 1, 2020, all City playground structures will be cleaned and disinfected. Once re-opened, all playground structures will be cleaned and disinfected once per week. If staff encounters larger than normal usage during the week, city employees will provide an additional cleaning service and disinfect to the playground for added protection.

The City does not recommend that parents bring household cleaning supplies to clean or disinfect the playgrounds, as we would not want to inadvertently expose others to potentially unapproved chemicals or potential subsequent damage to City equipment.

Manned Facilities: Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily

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    • Jessica Clinton Park, 3200 SE Southbend Blvd.
    
    
    • Lyngate Park, 1301 SE Lyngate Drive
    
    
    • McChesney Park, 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd.
    
    
    • Sandhill Crane Park, 2355 SE Scenic Park Drive
    
    
    • Sportsman’s Park, 201 NW Prima Vista Drive
    
    
    • Whispering Pines Park, 800 SW Darwin Blvd.
    
    
  
  

 

Un-Manned Facilities: Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily

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    • Charles E. Ray Park, 5626 NW Manville Drive
    
    
    • Fred Cook Park, 400 SE Glenwood Avenue
    
    
    • Girl Scout Friendship Park, 315 NW Heather Street
    
    
    • Jaycee Park, 1301 SW Bayshore Blvd.
    
    
    • Kiwanis Park, 1320 SE Floresta Drive
    
    
    • Milner Tot Lot, 5160 NW Milner Drive
    
    
    • Oak Hammock Park, 2983 SW Villanova Road
    
    
    • PSL Elks Lodge Friendship Park, 2264 SE West Blackwell Drive
    
    
    • River Place Park, 690 NW Bayou Country Lane
    
    
    • Rotary Park, 2101 SE Tiffany Avenue
    
    
    • Swan Park, 700 SW Carmelite Street
    
    
    • Turtle Run Park, 1945 SW Cameo Blvd.
    
    
    • Whitmore Park, 474 SE Whitmore Drive
    
    
    • Woodland Trails Park, 1485 SW Calmar Avenue
    
    
  
  

 

City Hall Lobbies: The lobbies of City Hall Building A and the Port St. Lucie Police Department, at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd, re-opened to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff will see citizens and customers by appointment only. The lobby of Building B (Building, Public Works and Planning & Zoning Departments) did not re-open this week. Those visiting City Hall are asked to keep in mind:

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    • The side entrances to Building A will remain closed to public access until further notice. Please use the main entrance.
    
    
    • Arriving visitors may ask questions and/or request an appointment as all meetings will be by appointment only at this time.
    
    
    • The main entrance of the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center will remain closed to the public through the duration of all summer camp programs. Approved Parks & Recreation programming may use the designated entrances.
    
    
    • Customers and citizens are encouraged to continue to use online and remote access to City services whenever possible.
    
    
    • Visitors are asked to observe CDC guidelines and social distancing and are requested to wear a mask or facial covering when entering City Hall.
    
    
    • Anyone entering City Hall may have their temperature taken via a thermal scanner. Those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should please refrain from entering the building.
    
    
  
  

Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards

Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope; IRS.gov answers frequently asked questions

IR-2020-105, May 27, 2020

WASHINGTON – As Economic Impact Payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card. The debit cards arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.”

Nearly 4 million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check. The determination of which taxpayers received a debit card was made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, a part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments.

Those who receive their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card can do the following without any fees.

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    • Make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted
    
    
    • Get cash from in-network ATMs
    
    
    • Transfer funds to their personal bank account
    
    
    • Check their card balance online, by mobile app or by phone
    
    
  
  

 

This free, prepaid card also provides consumer protections available to traditional bank account owners, including protection against fraud, loss and other errors.

Frequently asked questions continually updated on IRS.gov

Here’s an Internal Revenue Service alert regarding some recently delivered stimulus payments: Pay attention if you get a plain envelope in the mail that’s marked “Money Network Cardholder Services.”

A relatively small group – nearly 4 million people – are going to receive their Economic Impact Payment via prepaid debit cards, according to the Internal Revenue Service. That prepaid cards, which started rolling out May 18, are being used for some instead of a paper checks.

No, folks, it’s not a scam. It’s real stimulus cash.

The envelope contains a prepaid debit card that is loaded with your stimulus payment. Do not throw out this envelope or toss aside this card, as it can contain up to $1,200 for single taxpayers.

The cards are marked Visa debit card and the back of the card has the logo for MetaBank.

No, nothing seems to be simple about the rollout of the stimulus money that’s being issued as part of the coronavirus relief effort.

The federal government said it has already delivered stimulus payments totaling $239 billion to more than 140 million Americans. The money has arrived in a variety of ways ever since April, including direct deposit to bank accounts, Direct Express cards connected to other federal programs, and by receiving a paper check in the regular mail.

The IRS has two sets of frequently asked questions to help Americans get answers about their Economic Impact Payments, including those arriving on prepaid debit card. These FAQs include answers to eligibility and other many common questions, including help to use two Economic Impact Payment tools.

Get My Payment, an IRS online tool, shows the projected date when a direct deposit has been scheduled or date when the payment will be mailed by check or prepaid debit card. The Non-Filers Enter Payment Info Here tool helps taxpayers successfully submit basic information to receive Economic Impact Payments quickly.

The IRS regularly updates the Economic Impact Payment and the Get My Payment frequently asked questions pages on IRS.gov as more information becomes available. Taxpayers should check the FAQs often for the latest additions.

Here are answers to some of the top questions people are asking about the prepaid debit cards:

Can I have my economic impact payment sent to my prepaid debit card?

Maybe. It depends on your prepaid card and whether your payment has already been scheduled. Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that you could provide to the IRS through the Get My Payment application or Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. You would need to check with the financial institution to ensure your card can be re-used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number. If you obtained your prepaid debit card through the filing of a federal tax return, you must contact the financial institution that issued your prepaid debit card to get the correct routing number and account number. Do not use the routing number and account number shown on your copy of the tax return filed. When providing this information to the IRS, you should indicate that the account and routing number provided are for a checking account unless your financial institution indicates otherwise.

Will IRS be sending prepaid debit cards?

Some payments may be sent on a prepaid debit card known as The Economic Impact Payment Card The Economic Impact Payment Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A.

If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” The Visa name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. Information included with the Card will explain that the card is your Economic Impact Payment Card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

Can I specifically ask the IRS to send the Economic Impact Payment to me as a debit card?

Not at this time. For those who don’t receive their Economic Impact Payment by direct deposit, they will receive their payment by paper check, and, in a few cases, by debit card. The determination of which taxpayers receive a debit card will be made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), another part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments. BFS is sending nearly 4 million debit cards to taxpayers starting in mid-May. At this time, taxpayers cannot make a selection to receive a debit card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments

The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.

Quick links to the Frequently Asked Questions on IRS.gov:

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    • Economic Impact Payments: www.irs.gov/eipfaq
    
    
    • Get My Payment tool: www.irs.gov/getmypaymentfaq
    
    
    • Please go to EIPcard.com for more information about prepaid debit cards.
    
    
  
  

Pirate Radio Station Hosted Exclusively By Retirees

Pirate Radio Station Hosted Exclusively By Retirees Has Been Cheering Isolated Seniors Across the US

 

While many seniors have been forced to wait out the COVID-19 outbreaks in isolation, these retirees have managed to find connection and comfort through the airwaves.

Radio Recliner is an online pirate radio station that is hosted exclusively by elderly DJs from assisted living communities across the United States.

The project was launched by marketing firm Luckie back in April as a means of keeping lonely seniors entertained and optimistic during the pandemic.

The company only planned on airing new 60-minute shows every day for one month—but since the station has garnered more and more listeners, Radio Recliner has also attracted a team of 18 senior DJs to continue recording new segments.

In addition to new shows being aired every day at noon, the station now streams a continuous loop of old content to keep its fanbase entertained. On the Radio Recliner website, listeners can also submit song requests and ask the hosts to broadcast audio messages and shoutouts to friends and family members.

“For this generation, radio was the original social media,” Luckie chief creative officer Mitch Bennett told The Tennessean. “Dedicating a song to someone you love, and having them hear it along with everyone else, is a special way of connecting. It’s a great time to bring that feeling back.”

Need more positive stories and updates coming out of the COVID-19 challenge? For more uplifting coverage, click here.

IKEA Released Instructions on How to Build the 6 Best Blanket Forts

After spending several months in self-isolation with their kids, some parents might be running out of ideas on how to keep their kids entertained for the remainder of quarantine.

Thankfully, IKEA has published a set of how-to guides for the perfect family activity: building blanket forts.

Now just like every other set of IKEA furniture, there is some assembly required—but the Swedish company made sure to include illustrated instructions for each of their designs.

The Russian IKEA Instagram page published 6 blanket fort designs earlier this month, all of which can be made using such household items as pillows, chairs, tables, standing lamps, laundry pins, and—of course—blankets.

The designs range from classically modern blanket structures—like the Höuse and the Cåmping Tent—to more fantastical setups like the Cåstle and the Förtress. For a more outdoorsy housing design, blanket architects could try building the Wigwåm or the Cåve.

Although IKEA used a lot of their own furniture products for the designs, they did encourage parents to replace them with whatever home furnishings and supplies are at their disposal.

IKEA Russia developed the blanket fort illustrations in collaboration with advertising agency Instinct as a means of encouraging families to stay at home during quarantine—because after all, who doesn’t love blanket forts?

If you’ve also happened to work up an appetite from building your elaborate blanket fort structure, IKEA also released a recipe for Swedish meatballs so that families in quarantine could enjoy the delicacy from home.

Need more positive stories and updates coming out of the COVID-19 challenge? For more uplifting coverage, click here.

Honoring Memorial Day

Today we honor the memory and dedication of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the name freedom.

Today we recall their selfless devotion and outstanding courage that inspire us to make their sacrifice meaningful.

Today we remember our fallen heroes for they are the reason that we are free.

Today we recognize the America Spirit present in each and every one of us.

Today our resolve to work together during tough times makes us eternally grateful to all who go above and beyond.

And most of all, Today we salute with pride, the men and woman who gave their all on this Memorial Day.

Thank You from your Friends at the Mortgage Masters Group.

The Saints Golf Course Driving Ranges to Reopen on Friday May 22

DRIVING RANGE – Reopens Friday, May 22, 2020

 

Driving Range Rules

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      1. All range balls will be distributed from the Pro Shop only. No tokens will be sold.
      
      
      2. Social distancing measures are in place to ensure 6 ft. distancing between each range station.
      
      
      3. All range balls distributed to each individual MUST be hit. If you have remaining balls, please return them to the pro shop, to avoid sharing range balls with other customers.
      
      
      4. Please return baskets to the starter’s shack or to the pro shop so they can be disinfected for the next customer.
      
      
   
   

 

Thank you for complying with the regulations. We are proud to be able to share this amenity with you again.

DRIVING RANGE HOURS OF OPERATION

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      • Friday-Tuesday, 7 a.,. to sunset
      
      
      • Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      
      
      • Thursday, 8 a.m. to sunset
      
      
    
    
  
  

Port St. Lucie Dog Parks Reopen

The City of Port St. Lucie’s three dog parks reopened to the public on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

 

At each of the three Port St. Lucie City dog parks, Lyngate Park, McChesney Park and Woodland Trails Neighborhood Park, sanitation protocols will include: benches, access gates, pet waste stations, and other frequently touched locations will be sprayed with disinfectant each morning prior to opening to the public. Staff will spray the benches and other frequently touched locations in the afternoon, in an effort to reduce the potential spread of germs.

Staffing levels at each of our three City dog parks vary.

LYNGATE PARK

At this time, Lyngate Park, which is a 16-acre property, has three staff (two FT and PT) onsite to monitor the park. There is no one stationed at this Park, specifically the Dog Park section, to consistently monitor that social distancing and allowed capacity is followed. Signage will be prominently displayed, though, advising patrons to follow the protocol of no more than 10 people per dog compound within Lyngate Dog Park.

McCHESNEY PARK

McChesney Park, which is a 24.5-acre parcel, is also staffed with a total of three FTE’s. The same staffing protocols will take place at that dog park as described above for Lyngate, and, most specifically, for the dog park located within McChesney Park. Again, while signage will be prominently displayed, when the two (at most) staff members are onsite, they will be monitoring the dog park area, however, this is no one assigned to be present at the entrance to the dog park area.

WOODLAND TRAILS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Lastly, at Woodland Trails Neighborhood Park, which a 13-acre property, there is no onsite staff present. Rather, this park, similar to the vast majority of our neighborhood parks, is unmanned and is monitored, on a “roving” basis, by our Parks Crew. There will be an added assignment for the crew to more closely frequently Woodland Trails, to ensure that, while signage is in place directing that CDC protocols to be followed, social distancing is maintained in each of the two dog compounds.

State of Florida 2020 Sales Tax Holiday

The 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This sales tax holiday begins Friday, May 29, 2020, and extends through Thursday, June 4, 2020.

During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information and a list of qualifying items, please see the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Information Publication on the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Port St. Lucie City Fitness Centers Reopen

CALL TO RESERVE

Effective Monday, May 18, 2020, both of the City’s fitness centers will re-open to the public in a modified structure.

• Members only can call to reserve a specific hour, each day they wish to utilize either Community Fitness & Wellness Center or the Humana Fitness & Wellness Center.
  
  •  Members may only reserve one day at a time, and may not call and reserve, for example, the 6:00 -7:00 a.m. time slot on Monday, Wednesday & Friday of the upcoming week. Each caller may make only one reservation for themselves and one reservation for one other person. Each caller must speak to a live person and must receive their reservation number and time slot for reservation verification.
  
  


• Drop in’s will be worked into the schedule as space is available. No telephone reservations will be accepted for non-members.


• Staff will print the caller’s first & last name in the hour requested not to exceed 12 persons per hour at Community Fitness and 20 persons per hour at Humana Fitness (as determined by social distancing recommendations).


• No personal training will be offered at this time.


• Fitness classes and the Rock Steady Boxing program will not resume at this time.

 

Humana Fitness & Wellness Center: 772-807-4499

Hours of operation are:

• Monday–Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Under this modified re-opening, this center will be closed from 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, to allow for the disinfecting/sanitization of equipment. No reservations will be accepted from 2 to 3 p.m.


• Friday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Under this modified re-opening, this center will be closed from 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, to allow for the disinfecting/sanitization of equipment. No reservations will be accepted from 2 to 3 p.m.


• Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 a.m. -6 p.m. Under this modified re-opening, this center will be closed from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday, to allow for the disinfecting/sanitization of equipment. No reservations will be accepted from 1 to 2 p.m.

For members who wish to reserve the 6 a.m. hour slot on weekdays, or the 7:30 a.m. hour slot on Saturday or Sunday, members may begin calling at 5 p.m. the evening prior.

 

Community Fitness & Wellness Center: 772-873-6432

Entrance through Community Center front doors only. Users are encouraged to utilize front parking lot.

Hours of operation are:

• *Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Under this modified re-opening, this center will be closed from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday, to allow for the disinfecting/sanitization of equipment. No reservations will be accepted from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.


• *Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. noon.


• For members who wish to reserve the 5:30 a.m. hour slot on weekdays, or the 8 a.m. hour slot on Saturdays, they may begin calling at 5 p.m. the evening prior. For the 8 a.m. hour slot on Sunday only, members may begin calling at 10 a.m. noon on Saturdays.

*The normal hours of operation at the Community Fitness & Wellness Center are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For this modified re-opening, we are adjusting the hours to be Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday to be 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Based upon reception of adjusted hours, the City may adopt this revised schedule when the fitness center is allowed to be re-opened to the public without restrictions.

 

Click here for more information: www.cityofpsl.com/government/departments/parks-recreation

A Call from Port St. Lucie City Hall

The City of Port St. Lucie recognizes that COVID-19 is not only threatening our physical health, but also our emotional and mental well-being. The City has launched a new initiative that aims to help residents feeling the strain of self-isolation with a friendly call from City Hall.

A nomination form is available on the City’s website, www.cityofpsl.com/callfromcityhall, which asks residents to nominate an individual to receive a call from the Mayor or City Council member. The form asks for contact information for the individual being nominated, as well as how long they have been a resident of the City and if they have any special occasions coming up, like a birthday or anniversary. A special notes section is included where the nominator can include a special note about the person that the Council Members could incorporate into the conversation. Once the form is filled out, one of the five Council Members will reach out to the nominee within seven days. If you or someone you know needs a little reminder that they are not alone – please fill out the form to receive a friendly call from City Hall.

 

Monty Python ‘Silly Walk’ Signs Around the World Are Encouraging Pedestrians to Laugh in the Face of COVID

Pedestrians all over the world are being encouraged to loosen up on their daily strolls through their neighborhoods by showing off their best silly walks reminiscent of the iconic Monty Python sketch from 1970.

Homeowners from Michigan to Ontario have been erecting signs in their front yards asking passerby to strut their goofy stuff similarly to the original “Ministry for Silly Walks” comedic sketch.

This is not the first time that Monty Python fans have implemented their own real-world silly walk directives; back in 2014, a town in Norway published a now-viral montage of local pedestrians busting a move in front of their own public silly crosswalk sign.

Now amidst the novel coronavirus outbreaks, people like Liz Koto in Detroit have been encouraging people to find joy in these turbulent times by showing off their best silly walks.

Since putting up the “jurisdiction of silly walk” signs in her yard several weeks ago, she has launched an Instagram page dedicated to sharing the dozens of amusing walks that have been captured by her doorbell camera.

Cynda Fleming told CTV News that her own silly walks sign in Leaside, Toronto has resulted in a similar source of endless entertainment, which she says is “better than Netflix”.

“I just wanted to do this to bring some positivity into this crazy situation we’re in right now and it just, I think, gives permission for people to be positive and silly,” she told the news outlet.

This is just one of many inspiring stories and updates that are coming out of the COVID-19 news coverage this week. For more uplifting coverage on the outbreaks, click here.

NEW ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

News from Congressman Brian Mast

 

I am working closely with federal, state and local officials to monitor coronavirus and provide relief to everyone in our community who needs it. Over the last several weeks, my office has received thousands of questions covering a wide range of topics. Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions to date:

I am a Social Security Recipient. Where is my Economic Impact Payment?

Social Security Beneficiaries Who Filed Taxes: If you receive social security benefits, but also filed a tax return in either 2018 or 2019, then the IRS will use your tax return information to distribute your economic impact payment. If you provided bank account information for direct deposit on your most recent tax return, then your payment will be arriving soon if it has not been delivered already. However, if you did not provide direct deposit information to the IRS (even if the Social Security Administration already has the information), then the IRS will mail a paper check to your home address on file automatically. This distribution process has already begun, but the IRS has said this process could take weeks to complete. You can check the status of your payment here.

Social Security Beneficiaries Who Did Not File Taxes: If you receive Social Security benefits and did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, then there is no action needed on your part for you to receive your economic impact payment. The IRS will distribute your payment automatically via the method you receive your Social Security benefits (direct deposit, Direct Express debit card or by paper check). Distribution to this category has already begun.

You can learn more about the status of your Economic Impact Payment on the IRS’s website.

I have a federally-insured mortgage. Is there any assistance available for me?

As part of the CARES Act, Congress directed mortgage providers to offer relief to those with Federal Housing Administration loans whose finances have been impacted by COVID-19. This included empowering mortgage holders with the option of a 6-month forbearance, which can also be extended for an additional 6 months, if needed.

At the end of the forbearance, you may also qualify for loss mitigation options that could protect you from having to pay your missed mortgage payments all at once, such as the FHA’s COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim. You can learn more about your options at HUD’s website.

If my unemployment application is approved, will my benefits be retroactive to the time I was laid off?

Yes. If you attempted to apply and were not able to file a claim between the weeks of March 9, 2020 to April 9, 2020, your claim date can be adjusted to the date you originally tried to apply. If you are eligible, you will be paid all benefits due. Click here to request retroactive benefits.

Where can I get a coronavirus test?

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your primary health care provider. They will be able to direct you to testing. Click here to learn more about testing locations in the 18th Congressional District.

I’m a 1099 employee or self-employed. How do I apply for CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?

If you are a 1099 employee or self-employed and applied for unemployment assistance on or before April 4, the State of Florida is requiring you to re-apply at www.floridajobs.org. The system will tell you that you are ineligible for state benefits, which is accurate; however, you are eligible for federal CARES Act unemployment assistance, which the Department of Economic Opportunity will follow-up with you about once you apply. I disagree with the decision to require applicants to re-apply, and I have strenuously voiced this concern to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity; however, these are the rules that they have set and now must be followed to obtain benefits.

If you are a 1099 employee or self-employed and applied for unemployment assistance on or after April 5, then there is no action needed. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will follow-up with you once they process your claim. While I don’t control this state agency, if you are having any problems contacting the Department of Economic Opportunity, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for help at 202-225-3026 and I will do everything within my power to assist you.

If you are unemployed and have not yet filed an application for unemployment assistance, then you can apply at www.floridajobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Finally, the following resources are also available to help explain the details of answers to the above questions:

• The IRS website


• Get My Payment Tool


• Direct Financial Relief Frequently Asked Questions


• Guidance To Receive Individual Assistance For Social Security Recipients


• Timeline of Payment Distribution


• Additional Information For Non-Filers


• The Florida DEO Website


• How To Apply For Unemployment Insurance


• Unemployment Insurance FAQs

As always, your 18th District Congressional Offices are open and ready to help. Please do not hesitate to contact the office at 202-225-3026 if you have any questions or need any assistance. You can also learn more and sign up for breaking coronavirus news alerts here:

SIGN UP HERE

To learn more about my work on your behalf, please visit my website.

For more photos and videos, please join me on social media:

      

It is an honor to represent you in Congress.

Sincerely,


Brian Mast

United States Congressman

City of Port St. Lucie implements COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Programs

In response to the substantial financial hardships of COVID-19, the City of Port St. Lucie will administer two Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Grant Programs through the Neighborhood Services Department. The first one begins on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 8 a.m., and an applicant can pre-qualify online at www.cityofpsl.com/communityservices.

Assistance is limited to a one-time payment equal to a maximum of 2 months’ rent or mortgage payments, not to exceed $3,000.00, and until grant funds are exhausted.

The Port St. Lucie City Council unanimously approved both programs at its May 11 meeting. To listen to the full discussions and in-depth details about both programs, a video of the meeting is available at https://psl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

All grant applicants must be pre-qualified to be considered for temporary rental and mortgage assistance. Proof of hardship is required. Funding will be available on a “first-ready” basis for April’s and beyond rental/mortgage payment. Priority will be given to households with a total loss of income and not receiving any other forms of funding or grants. An application will be reviewed based on household size and income. To assure you meet the requirements for the program, visit www.cityofpsl.com/housinggrant. Once pre-qualified, the applicant will be sent instructions for completing the next steps in the application process. When approved, grantees will be notified, and payments will be processed within 10 days after receiving payment documentation. This program is funded by a special revenue fund that is designated for affordable housing programs and projects, funded by developer contributions not property taxes.

The second Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Grant Program is in the planning phases for requirements and application. Funding from the federally- funded Community Development Block Grant Program will be used to implement this program. More information about the second program will be released at a later date when those details are finalized.

The City’s Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program was created to assist income-eligible City of Port St. Lucie households (primary residence within City limits) with a temporary rental or mortgage relief to avoid displacement due to a partial or total loss of income as a direct result of COVID- 19. For specific grant concerns or questions, call 772- 871-1775 (1PSL) or e-mail the City of Port St. Lucie at COVIDgrant@cityofpsl.com.

Utility assistance will not be provided with this program. For information on utility assistance, call 211 or visit the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Beaches See Huge Increase in Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests After Travel Restrictions in Florida and Thailand

From fish returning to the Venice canals to deer in the streets of London, many of the shelter-in-place orders and lockdowns resulting from the coronavirus spread have allowed for nature to come back in some of the least-likely places.

Thailand is the latest nation to make headlines from the phenomenon, after the Thai government placed a ban on international flights and a strong encouragement to stay at home.

Though the coronavirus has shut down Thailand’s tourism economy, a season of peace and salvation for rare leatherback sea turtles has emerged. Endangered in this area of Southeast Asia, they are nesting here for the first time in five years.

The largest of all living turtles, the leatherbacks have made 11 nests on Thai beaches this spring—more than at any time during the last two decades.

“This is a very good sign for us because turtles have a high risk of getting killed by fishing gear and humans disturbing the beach,” the director of the Phuket Marine Biological Centre told The Guardian.

Similar Good News in the Sunshine State

 

In Florida, too, the number of leatherback sea turtle nests have skyrocketed compared to last year.

Juno Beach is the most densely nested sea turtle beach in the entire world, with an estimated 21,000 nests last year from various species.

Only 2 weeks into the summer nesting season of 2020, staff at the Loggerhead Marine Life Center have found and marked 76 nesting sites for the leatherback—a “significant increase” over last year’s count along the 9 and ½ mile beach.

With no dogs or people walking over nests and exposing eggs, there’s a good chance the eggs will survive the 60 days until hatch day.

“Our leatherbacks are coming in strong this year. We’re excited to see our turtles thrive in this environment,” Sarah Hirsch told West Palm Beach’s WPEC-TV news.

“Our world has changed, but these turtles have been doing this for millions of years and it’s just reassuring and gives us hope that the world is still going on.”

By the end of the nesting season, if the increased numbers continue, it could provide a valuable boost for the vulnerable species.

City of Port St. Lucie Mortgage and Rental Assistance

City of PSL Advisory #18 on COVID-19

 

PORT ST. LUCIE – The City continues to adapt to the evolving situation regarding the COVID-19 virus. As of 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2020, the City of Port St. Lucie had these updates:

City Manager’s Weekly Video Update: Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn’s latest weekly video update is now available to watch here.

Mortgage and Rental Assistance: On Monday, May 11, 2020, the City Council will be voting and reviewing proposals regarding assistance to help with hardship due to COVID-19. There are two sources of funding they will consider providing, both emergency rental and mortgage assistance. The Council will also discuss eligibility and how residents can apply.

Port St. Lucie’s City Council holds regular meetings that occur on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 6:30 p.m. (depending on holidays). There are three ways to watch City Council meetings:

• Visit the City’s website at www.CityofPSL.com/TV


• Cable customers tune in to AT&T UVerse Channel 99, Comcast 20, and Blue Stream Fiber Channel 20


• Watch it live on the City of Port St. Lucie’s Facebook @CityofPSL

 

Waste Pro Reminder: All Waste Pro services are operational. Please have all waste out for pickup no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. For your convenience, waste may be set out the night before your collection day. If customers experience a delay in collection, please contact our Waste Pro Liaison at (772) 873-6317. Customers may also text questions or concerns for trash pickup to (772) 202-5150. Waste Pro and the City are asking residents not to throw away cans or buckets of paint unless the paint is completely dry, and the lids are removed. You can put fresh kitty litter in the cans or buckets to help dry out the paint. Additionally, there are products available for purchase at home improvement stores that will cause the paint to harden quicker.

1PSL

Residents are encouraged to download the 1PSL app to stay connected with Port St. Lucie’s City Hall – no matter the time or day. Citizens can use the 1PSL mobile app to request services, pay their utility bill, ask questions, and learn about City news and updates. The new 1PSL mobile app is free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  Those who prefer to use the telephone can call 772-871-1775 (1PSL) at any time of the day and reach a 1PSL navigator who can assist with questions or requests. For those who prefer to use their computer, the 1PSL web portal can be accessed at www.cityofpsl.com/1PSL.

Social Media and Website:

The City’s COVID-19 webpage https://www.cityofpsl.com/covid19 is accessible with all relevant information. The City’s Facebook page @CityofPSL and the City’s Twitter page, @CityPortStLucie and NextDoor App page also will have up-to-the-minute information.

Happy Mother's Day

On this Mother’s Day Weekend, we want to send out a special wish to ALL the Mom’s, that have blessed and graced our lives.

Mother’s are some of the strongest people that we have ever known.  We admire ALL of the Mom’s for their Strength, Kindness and Compassion.

Mother’s are Our Teachers and Our Best Friends.

We don’t say it often enough, but Our Mother’s mean the world to each and every one of us, and every year that passes, we are more grateful for every Mother each and everyday!

Today and every day, it is our honor to wish each and every mom a Very Happy Mother’s Day!

Your Friends at the Mortgage Masters Group.

 

St. Lucie County reopening select parks, facilities Thursday May 7th

Several county parks and facilities will reopen Thursday, but with restrictions following state and federal guidelines regarding the coronavirus,  the county said Wednesday.

The Savannas Recreation Area and Campground, 1400 E. Midway Road, will begin taking overnight reservations Thursday  but only 16 sites, about 25% of the spaces, will be available, according to the county news release.

Tent camping and access to the dog park, playground, Palm Island, pavilions and picnic tables will remain prohibited. Congregating in groups of 10 or more also remains prohibited.

The track at Lawnwood Stadium, 1302 Virginia Ave., will open for individual use, but group sports and practices will not be allowed.

St. Lucie County Skate Park, 2100 Virginia Ave., will reopen with limited access. Only 10 skaters at a time will be allowed in the park. If attendance becomes an issue, time will be limited to one hour.

Skaters with active annual memberships will be reimbursed for one month when their card expires because of the shutdown.

Lawnwood Tennis Complex, 1302 Virginia Ave., and Pepper Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts, 3302 North A1A, will resume operations with only four players allowed per court.

The St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, 15601 W. Midway Road, will reopen for outdoor events such as dog shows and equestrian events with limited capacity.

Horsebacking riding on the beach has resumed at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3500 South A1A, both for the Tours on Horseback and individual permit holders. Those with annual permits to ride on the beach will be provided a 41-day extension when their certificates expire.

Fairwinds Golf Course, 4400 Fairwinds Drive, resumed operations Friday, with limitations such as single-rider golf carts, expanded tee times and online/telephone booking only. The Rusty Putter restaurant is open for take-out orders only.

Facilities still closed are St. Lucie County Aquarium and Regional History Center, 420 Seaway Drive; and all park playgrounds, basketball courts and athletic fields.

 

Read the Article online Here

Keona Gardner covers the cities of Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County. Contact her at 772-221-4206 or keona.gardner@tcpalm.com with news tips.

‘Goat 2 Meeting’ Service Lets Farm Animals Make Cameo Appearance on Your Next Zoom Call to Support Shelter

We’ve seen some incredible displays of creativity during the long weeks of COVID-19 self-isolating. (GNN even produced a fun television pilot.) But nothing quite matches the brilliant strategy of a California animal shelter which is struggling to pay its bills during the lockdown.

Sweet Farm Animal Shelter, a nonprofit sanctuary started by a Silicon Valley tech employee, is using the animals’ daily empty schedules to inject humor into hundreds of business meetings taking place—by necessity, now—over Zoom, Google Hangouts, or other video chat program.

Teleconference organizers can contact Sweet Farm and for less than $100 have one of the farm animals make an appearance during their next video-conference call—sitting in as a rather distracted member of the group.

The initiative is known as Goat 2 Meeting, which is a pun based on another popular teleconference software, GoToMeeting. Not only goats are available, though. You can arrange visits from turkeys, sheep, pigs, and llamas, as well.

For readers who haven’t used Zoom, the caller who is speaking is the one who appears on the screen, so imagine a goat bleat not only interrupting your boss, but replacing his face with a goat’s!

Speaking with Business Insider, Anna Sweet, the brains behind Goat 2 Meeting reported that more than 300 requests for animals have come in since the middle of March when they launched the program. One video conference set up for lawyers sent notices that their kids were invited to the call to take a virtual tour of the farm.

“I think we’re all a little stressed with what’s going on — many of us have been sitting inside,” Sweet told Business Insider. “We’re just hoping to bring some smiles to people’s faces, while bringing them out to the farm at the same time.”

If you are interested in bringing a farm animal onboard for your next teleconference, fill out the request form on the Goat 2 Meeting website.

Share the Good News Network with your friends, family & co-workers and spread some much needed sunshine and laughs.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This day marks a historic victory by the Mexican army over the invading French. The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. The Mexicans were largely outnumbered. However, led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin they managed to hold off and defeat the French.

Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day. But it has come to symbolize pride in Mexican heritage and resistance to foreign domination. In California, it has been celebrated since 1863, and it has become an annual ritual of Mexican-American culture.  In fact, Los Angeles, CA boasts some of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations anywhere!

So however you choose to celebrate the day… Happy Cinco de Mayo to all.

GUIDANCE FOR SEEKING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has announced new requirements and application processes for individuals seeking unemployment benefits:

If you are self-employed, a contracted worker or gig worker and applied for unemployment benefits prior to April 4, the DEO has advised that claimants must resubmit a new unemployment claim.

The DEO has released a “Benefits Scenario” flow chart to advise claimants how to apply for benefits based on their current unemployment status.

If you are seeking to apply for a new unemployment benefit claim, claimants should apply at https://covid19.floridajobs.org.

COVID-19 Safety Recommendations for Essential Businesses