The outbreak of the COVID-19 has had far-reaching effects for Americans across the country, including us right here in Southwest Florida. Numerous federal, state, and local entities are providing resources to fight the spread, mitigate its effects, and help us continue to carry on with our daily lives. We’ve compiled many of those resources here for your convenience. As always please feel free to contact me if I may be of any assistance at [email protected].
Latest Updates
Latest Updates- Governor DeSantis issues safer-at-home order
- Florida Chamber of Commerce explains what the safer-at-home order means for you and more
- Updated CDC Recommendations on cloth face coverings
- Frequently asked questions about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stay-at-home executive order
- Florida governor suspends all evictions and foreclosures in the state amid pandemic
Disaster Relief
Grants Information for Households & Families
- Economic Impact Payments: what you need to know (from the IRS)
- Stimulus Check Information and FAQ’s (from US Senate Committee on Finance)
- Stimulus Check Calculator– find out how much you will be receiving in your rebate
Reemployment Assistance
- Florida Reemployment Assistance FAQ’s
- File Reemployment Assistance Claim – the claim system is currently experiencing overload. However, it is important that you still apply if you require assistance. Please note that the Department of Economic Opportunity has temporarily waived the one-week waiting period for unemployed persons to begin collecting benefits
Paycheck Protection Program
Federal Resources
State Resources:
- Division of Emergency Management
- Surveillance Dashboard
- Call Center: (866) 779-6121
- Reemployment Assistance
Local Resources:
- Lee County Schools Resources
- Lee County Services Page
- Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
- Southwest Florida Community Foundation
Mental Health Resources:
- CDC stress and coping resource page
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Handbook
- Mental Health America COVID-19 page
Educational Resources:
- Statewide School Closure Updates
- Scholastic Learn at Home – Educational curricula being offered for free while schools are closed
- Florida Department of Education scholastic resource list
- PBS Kids Daily Newsletter – Offers fun & educational activities your children can take part in at home
For Small Businesses:
- Department of Labor – Resources for workers & employers
- SBA Disaster Loan Assistance – Information on & application for the US Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program
- Small Business Bridge Loan Program – Information on the state of Florida’s small business emergency loan program
- Florida SBDC – Preparedness & recovery resources from the Small Business Development Council
- US Chamber Guide
For Senior Citizens:
Other Resources:
- Free meals for children under 18 – Provided by the Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Consumer Alert video from Attorney General Moody
- Disinfecting your home or facility if someone is sick
- Reemployment Assistance – Resources to help unemployed Floridians provided by the Department of Economic Opportunity
- Consumer Alert – Information on scams and forms of fraud targeting Floridians seeking medical advice, from the Attorney General
- Price Gouging reporting center – Provided by the office of the Attorney General
- Coronavirus Tax Relief
I hope you and your family are safe and that these resources are helpful to you. While they may not be physically in your presence, keep up with friends and loved ones as they too navigate this difficult time. We will get through this together.