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Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Blog

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Provides Reemployment Assistance Update - May 26, 2020

5/27/2020

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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. As of May 25, DEO has paid 1,011,298 claimants a total of nearly $3.5 billion ($3,495,198,816). 

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation:
  • This week, the Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is now available. This program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to a claimant who has exhausted their Reemployment Assistance benefits.
  • Floridians will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of their current claim is exhausted. Floridians who have already exhausted their benefits or have a Reemployment Assistance claim that expired after July 1, 2019, will also be able to apply.
  •  Through PEUC, Floridians may be eligible for up to $275, in addition to the $600 through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), in weekly benefits. The additional $600 through FPUC applies only to weeks of unemployment beginning March 29, 2020 and ends with the week ending July 25, 2020.
  •  All claimants participating in PEUC will still be required to claim weeks on a biweekly basis, certifying that they remain unemployed and are able and available for work during the weeks they are receiving PEUC. The first week a claimant can be eligible for this benefit is the week beginning March 29, 2020, and the last payable week is the week ending December 26, 2020.
  • Unemployed Floridians who have exhausted their state Reemployment benefits will be notified with the next steps for PEUC. 
·         Click here for PEUC Application Process.
·         Click here for PEUC Frequently Asked Questions.
·         Click here for COVID-19 Employment Scenarios.

 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance:
  • The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA. 

ADDITIONAL UPDATES:
  • DEO will be conducting nightly maintenance to the CONNECT system to process claims and payments. CONNECT will be available from 8 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. daily. This schedule does not affect individuals that wish to file a new claim. Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim."    

HOW TO APPLY FOR REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE:
DEO has a mobile-friendly online application for individuals filing a new Reemployment Assistance claim available here. For a step by step guide on how to apply read more here. For the Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide which includes frequently asked questions, please click here. For additional information about Reemployment Assistance benefits visit www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19.
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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces $12 Million in Additional Funding for Disaster Relief Employment for Eligible Floridians in Response to COVID-19

5/27/2020

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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that Florida has been awarded $12 million in federal funding through the Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant in response to COVID-19. This federal Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant will provide disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs, employment and training services, and supportive services to eligible Floridians.
Disaster relief employment includes humanitarian assistance and cleanup activities. These activities may involve:

  • Providing medicine, food and other supplies to individuals in need;
  • Assisting with setting up quarantine areas and providing assistance to quarantined individuals;
  • Working at food distribution centers and other community-support organizations;
  • Cleaning schools or sanitizing quarantine or treatment areas; and
  • Other activities related to organizing and coordinating recovery and quarantine efforts.
Individuals who qualify for disaster relief employment are dislocated workers, workers who have been temporarily or permanently laid off as a result of COVID-19, self-employed individuals who have lost work due to COVID-19 and individuals who have been unemployed long-term. 

For information regarding Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants, Floridians should visit http://www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team to find a local Career Center. 


About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org. 

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Nassau County Vacation Rental Plan Toolkit

5/21/2020

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Nassau County has received the official notice of approval from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on the the Nassau County Vacation Rental Plan. Effective immediately, vacation rentals can begin accepting and welcoming reservations again.

Below are a list of resources to assist with implementing the new Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan: 
  • Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Approval of Nassau County Vacation Rental Request 
  • Approved Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan
  • State and Nassau County Executive Orders
  • ​Mandatory Quarantine Information - This information is also outlined in the plan and executive orders, but this document provides a quick glance guide to the quarantine requirements.  
  • ​Cleaning Protocol Signage from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau - You are welcome to use these printable copies of cleaning protocol signage. You may wish to also post your own cleaning protocols to provide additional details to your guests. 
  • Nassau County Short-Term Vacation Rental Sample Guest Screening Form – while you can conduct the guest screening however works best for your businesses, we have provided a sample guest screen form that you may edit for your use. 
  • Reporting – as with all short term rentals in Nassau County, the plan requires the reporting to the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau using the Daily Lodging Log. You must submit the number of occupants, location of origin (state and city), and the arrival and departure dates of ALL guests using the daily log form here or when your information change. 

For assistance with the sourcing of cleaning supplies for your business, please contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce at (904) 261-3248 or info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 
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    Nassau County Short-Term Rental Plan

    5/19/2020

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    A plan for short-term rentals from the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners was sent to the State this morning. 
    ​

    County Manager, Mike Mullin, and Assistant County Manager, Taco Pope, met with the Tourist Development Council this morning to review a draft plan to be submitted to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations to reinstate short-term rentals in Nassau County.

    The final plan was submitted at 11:04 this morning. A copy can be found attached below. CLICK HERE to download the documents. Once approval is received from the State, an Emergency Order will be issued to codify the plan. 
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    Florida Department of Health Nassau County Expands COVID-19 Testing to Include Asymptomatic Individuals

    5/13/2020

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    Florida Department of Health in Nassau County has expanded COVID-19 Specimen Collection Testing to include those individuals who are asymptomatic (without signs or symptoms of COVID-19) and wish to know their current status. This point-in- time testing is not antibody testing, it is diagnostic testing to show if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus.

    This will provide information regarding the number of active cases of COVID-19 within our community so we can best prepare and respond to this public health threat. The Department of Health in Nassau’s expanded testing initiative, called “May2Day” with a goal to test 2% of our community each month, began on May 7, 2020 in support of the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.

    Florida Department of Health in Nassau County’s COVID-19 Mobile Testing events will be offered, while test supplies last and weather permitting, on a first come, first serve basis, at identified locations across the county. Those who wish to be tested, please note the following:
    • This May2Day Expanded COVID-19 specimen collection/testing is a free service;
    • No more than four (4) people in the car;
    • A form of photo identification is needed for each person to be tested;
    • Bring your own pen to use when completing testing forms;
    • No pets in the car.
    Florida Department of Health in Nassau County’s COVID-19 Specimen Collection Sites will vary based on location for increased accessibility to residents. Current testing locations are below:
    • Hilliard-Nassau County Health Department -37203 Pecan St, Hilliard, FL 32046 (1st and 3rd Thursday morning of May)
    • Callahan-45377 Mickler St, Callahan, FL 32011 (1st and 3rd Thursday afternoon of May)
    • Yulee-Yulee Middle School (bus zone)- 85439 Miner Rd, Yulee, FL 32097 (Thursday, May 14th)

    As part of this expanded community testing effort, the COVID-19 Specimens for Testing will be shipped to a state-contracted commercial laboratory. Results of COVID-19 testing will be provided as the lab results become available to the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County. Routine testing of prioritized high-risk individuals who are ill are conducted at the Health Department clinics. For more information on Florida Department of Health in Nassau County’s COVID-19 Expanded Specimen Collection for Testing, please call 904-875-6100 or
    visit http://Nassau.FloridaHealth.gov/.

    For information on COVID-19 in Florida, including health protection information, daily reports by county, and the COVID-19 Dashboard, please visit the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated website: https://FloridaHealthCoVID19.gov/.

    The COVID-19 Call Center which is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at: 1 (866) 779-6121. Inquiries can also be submitted to the Florida Department of Health via email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
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    Chamber of Commerce Workforce Assistance Program

    5/11/2020

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    The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce has announced its services to assist workers who are left unemployed or unpaid due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

    In partnership with Barnabas Center, the Chamber of Commerce has created a Workforce Assistance Program and Information Hotline. Individuals who need assistance with rent, utilities, food and other necessities may contact the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce office at (904) 261-3248 or via email at info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. Applicants may be eligible if work hours have been reduced due to the Coronavirus pandemic, or if the workplace closes or instructs employees not to go to work, resulting in not being paid. Proof of Nassau County residency is required. 

    "Early in March, as the situation evolved, we recognized the need to serve as an information source for not only businesses but residents. We are in a unique position with outreach to the entire community and the knowledge, structure and resources to help" said Regina Duncan, President, Nassau County Chamber of Commerce. 

    Job seekers are encouraged to continue to visit the Now Hiring page on our website. Available job openings and other resources are updated on a regular basis. 

    For more information on the Workforce Assistance Program, Information Hotline, or any of the other programs offered by the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, call (904) 261-3248 or email info@NassauCountyFLChamber.com. 

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    Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival Spring Institute

    5/11/2020

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    The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival today announced that the Spring Institute, scheduled for June 1-7, 2020 and featuring the Dover Quartet mentoring both the Balourdet and Ivalas String Quartets, has been rescheduled to June 2021.
     
    Christopher Rex, Artistic Director, has said that the Festival is investigating whether coaching can be accomplished using either Skype or Zoom. In the meantime, plans are being made to celebrate the Festival’s 20th Season in 2021 with an outstanding lineup of musical talent.

    About the AICMF
    Now in its 19th season, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is one of the nation’s most respected music festivals. The Festival is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Visit us on Facebook.
    Contact
    Dr. Joe Marasco, Executive Director
    904/261-1779
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    City of Fernandina Beach to Reopen On-Beach Parking at Seaside Park

    5/7/2020

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    After consultation with the City Commissioners and public safety officials, 

    The City of Fernandina Beach will re-open on-beach parking at Seaside Park (Sadler Road), effective at 6:00 A.M., Friday, May 8, 2020. Due to the likely heavy use at that area, visitors are strongly encouraged to maintain social distancing and employ personal protective measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, outdoor recreational facilities at Central Park (tennis, pickleball and petanque courts [and waterfront petanque courts]) and Main Beach (skate park) will be available for use at the same time. 

    The City's restroom facilities at Main Beach and Seaside Park will be opened and available for use on Friday, May 8. Under the terms of a Nassau County contract, the restrooms will be cleaned and maintained four times daily. 

    The challenges of overcoming the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic remain, and the local State of Emergency remains in effect to provide tools necessary to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of the City of Fernandina Beach. 

    The community has taken great measures to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, and residents and visitors should continue those efforts. 

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    Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Charitable Foundations Contribute Over $160,000 To Local Nonprofits

    5/5/2020

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    Apr. 30, 2020-- Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM) through its two independent charitable foundations in the U.S. and Canada contributed over $160,000 to 23 local nonprofits that are addressing community needs in rural Florida, Georgia, Ontario and Quebec.

    “Weathering this crisis means pulling together,” said Paul Boynton, President and Chief Executive Officer at Rayonier Advanced Materials. “It’s our responsibility to help our neighbors in need. These nonprofits are doing critical work assisting those who need it most. The Company and its employees are proud to support them.”

    The local nonprofits organizations were selected according to their mission and need. RYAM worked with local governments to identify nonprofits that reach the most vulnerable residents during this difficult time. Some of the selected organizations offer food assistance to residents, while others serve senior citizens, provide mental health services or shelter victims of domestic abuse.

    “We know these gifts will make a difference,” said Jay Posze, President of the RYAM foundations, “not only by providing these deserving nonprofits with some much-needed assistance, but also by spotlighting the truly indispensable work they do. We hope others are encouraged to give as well.”

    RYAM’s lending partner, CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America, is also providing $10,000 in additional funds through its 2020 Sharing Success program for selected organizations—which provides dollar-for-dollar matches of donations by eligible customers to nonprofit organizations in rural communities across the country.

    “Over many years, we have found that the most impactful way for CoBank to deploy charitable funds is to do so in partnership with customers, employees and other Farm Credit institutions,” said Tom Halverson, CoBank’s president & chief executive officer. “That is the approach we have adopted with COVID-19. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Rayonier Advanced Materials to support these important relief efforts."

    Foundation Contributions:
    Wayne County, GA
    Tabitha’s Place
    Wayne County Family Connections
    Good Samaritan Center
    Fair Haven Shelter

    Nassau County, FL
    Barnabas
    Council on Aging
    Salvation Army Hope House
    Micah’s Place
    Starting Point

    Jacksonville, FL
    Hubbard House

    Quebec and Ontario
    Association Place au Soleil
    Nipissing Transition House
    Samaritain du Nord
    Fondation du Centre
    Table des aînés
    Entretoise
    Maison St-André
    Corporation de la maison
    Kapuskasing Food Bank
    Cochrane Food Bank
    Chapleau Food Bank
    The Table Food Bank
    Salvation Army Huntsville
    ​

    About Rayonier Advanced Materials
    Rayonier Advanced Materials is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in filters, food, pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications. The Company also manufactures products for lumber, paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada and France, Rayonier Advanced Materials employs just over 4,000 people and generates approximately $1.8 billion of revenues. More information is available at www.rayonieram.com.
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    If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher! Teacher Appreciation Week 2020

    5/4/2020

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    By: Dr. Kathy Burns, Superintendent of Schools

    Where would we be without teachers?  Without teachers there would be no other profession!  The influence of a great teacher is lifelong.  If you don’t believe it, ask a child, a middle-aged person, or a senior citizen who their favorite teacher was, and they will respond without hesitation.  The response usually includes a story about why that teacher holds a special place in their heart.  It’s often been said that teachers affect eternity and you never know where their influence will end.  The week of May 4th is Teacher Appreciation Week.  This year, more than ever before, let’s take the time to thank our teachers.  When the 2019-2020 school year started, no one could have ever predicted what teaching and learning would look like in the final weeks of the year.  But… because teachers are teachers, in just a few short days, they made the transition to distance learning.  Over the past few weeks, we have received emails, calls, notes, and messages about our teachers going above and beyond for their students.  The halls may be empty, the classroom may have moved, but one thing will not change…teachers will never stop teaching, caring, sharing, giving, and going the extra mile to make a difference in the life of their students.  Thank you, Nassau County Teachers, for doing your best work during this challenging time.
    ​
    Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

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    Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
    961687 Gateway Blvd., Suite 101-G  |  Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
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