| March, 2020

Date Extended for Property Tax Filing

Posted on 29 March 2020 by JLusk

The state has extended the final due date for the 2019 property tax payments that was due this coming Thursday. According to an order from the Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director, Jim Zingale, “The date for citizens and businesses to pay property taxes in all Florida Counties is extended from March 31 to April 15, 2020.”

Those payments submitted electronically or postmarked by the April 15th date will be considered timely payments.

The order also applies to “property tax returns filed by a railroad, railroad terminal, private car and freight line and equipment company property.” The deadline for those entities was originally April 1st, but is also being moved to April 15th.

To read the entire order, please visit: https://bit.ly/2JigikW

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Community comes together during COVID-19 outbreak

Posted on 29 March 2020 by JLusk

By Rachel Galvin

COVID-19 has brought our world to a standstill it seems. Business are closing. Employees are out of work. Everyone is glued to their TVs waiting for the latest news and home hoping to not get sick, or that someone they know doesn’t get sick. They are isolating in hopes that they do not spread it to others if they are the ones who have it. We are all in this together. But during this crisis, people still need basic needs – food, water, toilet paper, some of which are in short supply these days as people hoard the goods as quickly as they hit the shelves. Luckily, some members of the community have stepped up to lend a helping hand, and, at the same time, have worked to keep their own businesses going in a new way, and be able to still pay their employees during this difficult time.

The staff at Olympia Flame are now delivering items from their community market. Photo provided by Danielle Rosse.

One of those clever business owners is Danielle Rosse of Oceans 234. Her restaurant is usually bustling with people as it right on the beach. But now that the beach is closed and restaurants have been limited to take-out only, she had to shift gears to keep her business going. She came up with an idea that not only would help with that, but also help out the community. She turned her seaside locale into a community market that delivers. 

We have turned our restaurant into a community market offering grocery essentials for pick-up or delivery. I saw that grocery stores were empty with food and supplies, and knew that I had instant access through my suppliers. I wanted to find a way to provide value to our community and also be able to keep some jobs. We are charging $10 for delivery. The delivery charge as well as any tips collected are being collected to support our non-working team members,” said Rosse.

Some of the staff at Olympia Flame are still on-hand to serve customers for pick-up and take-out.

She is not the only business owner able to stay open at this time. Olympia Flame Diner has been busy offering take-out. This family owned business has been open since 1991. Their full menu is available but  during reduced hours. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Owner Patty Miranda said, “We’re all trying to navigate this new normal while trying to help our community. I have been keeping in touch with other local restaurant peers. We are trying to comfort each other.”

 

Bia and Rafael at Casa Maya are some of the staff available to fulfil take out and pick up orders. They also have closed alcohol available shown on the table).

Meanwhile, The Cove Shopping Center seems pretty empty, but there are still a few places open, including Casa Maya, which is offering take-out from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the week and noon to 9:30 p.m. on the weekend. Not only do they offer up their menu items, but also packaged alcohol. In addition, they are now offering delivery. 

While the Wyndham Resort is closed, General manager Claude Dubois says that their Burger Craze restaurant is still open for pick up, as well as take-out via Uber Eats and Grub Hub. Orders can be placed at 954-596-5949. The Cafe’ Med and Patio Bar, however, are closed.

“Needless to say that very sadly this situation is affecting everyone in Deerfield Beach and the beautiful country that we live in. We want this situation to be under control as soon as possible so we can have our team members come back to work as soon as possible and do what we do best, taking care of our wonderful guests,” said Dubois, who added, “We remain very positive that it will be over soon and we are taking advantage of this opportunity to make the property look even better than it has and on enhancing our services for when we reopen.”

These are only a few of the many restaurants still open for take-out. If you know of others, please contact The Observer and let us know and we will put the word out on our Facebook. Email us at observereditor@comcast.net

Stay safe!

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Safer at Home

Posted on 27 March 2020 by JLusk

The Broward County issued Emergency Order 20-03 issued on March 26,  strongly urges individuals to remain home other than to engage in essential activities. Essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies are still open. See the order listed below to get all of the details. You can still go for a walk outside. If you are around other people while doing so, practice social distancing — same thing in the grocery store. This means stay 6 ft. away. Limit your grocery shopping. Try to stock up once –maybe get enough for a week. Do NOT hoard.

This Safer at Home order is in place for the protection of public health and to slow the spread of the Coronavirus among the community. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the United States has the potential to become the center of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Florida now has over 2,300 total cases. Miami-Dade, Broward County, and Palm Beach County combined have 55% of Florida cases. It is reported that there are confirmed cases in every Broward County jurisdiction. City officials strongly urge residents to take this order seriously and Stay at Home.

The County order takes effect on Friday, March 27, 2020, at 12:01 .a.m. and can found at https://www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/Documents/BC-EmergencyOrder20-03.pdf

To support the County order, the City of Deerfield Beach City Manager has issued Emergency Order 2020-03, effective Friday, March 27, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. In addition to the Executive Orders issued by the Governor, The Emergency Orders issued by the County, and the Emergency Orders issued by the City, this Order imposes the following:

· The International Fishing Pier is now closed to the public until further notice.
· To further promote social distancing and adhere to the latest CDC guidelines, areas where members from different households congregate and use shared facilities, all pools that are amenities of a hotel, motel, homeowners or condominium association, rental apartment or other multifamily development are hereby ordered closed until further notice.
· All golf courses within the City are hereby ordered closed until further notice.

For additional information on COVID-19, visit www.dfb.city/covid19. For additional information, you are encouraged to call the Broward County COVID-19 hotline, 954-357-9500.

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DB City Facility Closures

Posted on 26 March 2020 by JLusk



To do its part to control the spread of COVID-19, the City of Deerfield Beach has closed all City facilities to the public. Residents who need assistance with essential City functions must make an appointment with the corresponding department. Below is a comprehensive list of facilities, departments, services, and contact information. Please note these closures will remain in effect until further notice.

City Hall 
City Hall is closed to the public, with limited operations by City employees.

Financial Services
The Cashier’s Office, Utility Billing, and Parking Enforcement are now taking online payments, mail-in payments, or use of the dropbox outside the main entrance of City Hall from the parking lot.
For all Finance inquiries, call 954-480-4227 or email web.finance@dfb.city

Parks and Recreational Facilities 
– All City parks and recreational facilities are closed. This includes playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis center, municipal swimming pools, pavilions, picnic tables, and recreational centers.
– The International Fishing Pier has reduced its hours of operation from 6 AM – Midnight daily and is only open to Deerfield Beach residents for fishing only. There is no sightseeing available.
– All beaches are closed in the State of Florida per the Governor’s Executive Order 20-70.
– The Pioneer Park and Villages of Hillsboro boat ramps are closed.
– Cemetery services are available by appointment only at 954-571-2672.
All Parks & Recreation inquiries can be emailed to  web.parks@dfb.city

  Planning and Development Services
– Planning, Landscape, and Certificates of Use services are available by appointment only 8 AM – 5 PM, Mon-Fri. Please call 954-480-4206 to make an appointment.
– Building Services and Code Compliance Services are available by appointment only 7 AM – 4 PM, Mon-Fri. Please call 954-480-4238 to make an appointment.
– Inspections are still taking place by appointment only.
– All payments can be made online or by use of the dropbox outside the main entrance of City Hall from the parking lot.
  Planning & Development services  inquiries can be sent to  web.code@dfb.city  

  Sustainable Management
– All residential solid waste and recycling collections continue as normal until further notice.
– The Drop-Off Center is closed until further notice.
– For changes to your commercial and roll-off-services, please call 954-480-4391.
– Payments can be made by phone, online, mail, or by use of the dropbox outside the main entrance of City Hall from the parking lot.
For Sustainable Management inquires, please call 954-480-4391 between the hours 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Mon – Fri, or email  web.solidwaste@dfb.city

Economic Development / CRA
Economic Development is helping local businesses with disaster funding applications and business assistance by phone.  To schedule an appointment or for inquiries, please call 954-857-9793.

  Community Development 
Community Development is not taking any new grant applications at this time. Appointments are available for those with existing applications. Please call 954-480-6420 for all inquiries, or email communitydevelopment2@dfb.city.

  Center for Active Aging
The Center’s Alzheimer’s Daycare and Preschool are closed. The Community Bus Shuttles, Express I & II, are running Mon – Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM until further notice. Counseling services and meal deliveries are still taking place as needed.
For more information and referral services, please contact 954-480-4449.

Environmental Services 
– Water and Waste Water Services are operating normally.
– To report street light outages, traffic and walkway hazards, and traffic signal malfunctions, or any water or wastewater issues, please call 954-480-4400/954-480-4270.
– Engineering permit services are available by appointment only. Please call 954-480-4400/954-480-4270 to make an appointment.
– The non-public safety after hours and weekend emergency services call line is 954-480-4370.

General Inquiries
For general inquires Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, please call 954-480-4200 or email at web.cityclerk@dfb.city.   All citywide communication can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and City News on the City website  www.dfb.city

The City of Deerfield Beach will be providing updates related to COVID-19 and impacts to the community and city services through the following social media handles:

Stay informed and stay safe!

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COVID-19 Hotline

Posted on 26 March 2020 by JLusk

 

The Broward County Call Center opened a special telephone line to assist the Florida Department of Health in Broward County in answering public questions about COVID-19, including conducting pre-screening for testing eligibility. The new number is 954-357-9500. The temporary COVID-19 call center will accept calls from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

This service should not be confused with Broward County’s normal 311 call center operation, which will continue to operate its normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as part of County business operations. Please do not direct members of the public to call 311 for COVID-19 questions. Those inquiries should be directed to 954-357-9500.

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Business closures in Deerfield due to COVID-19

Posted on 26 March 2020 by JLusk

Complete List of Business Closures

To protect the health of Deerfield Beach residents and contain the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the State and the County have issued orders directing the closure of non-essential businesses. The following is an updated list of industries that have been instructed to close until further notice.

Restaurants, Food and Alcohol Sales

All restaurants and food establishments licensed under Chapter 500 and 509, Florida Statutes, are mandated to suspend on-premises food consumption. Such establishments may continue to operate their kitchens for delivery, take-out and exterior pick-up food services.

All vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises shall cease the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink or in sealed containers for consumption on the premises.  Such vendors may sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off-premises in accordance with the conditions in Governor Executive Order 20-71.

Entertainment Establishments

All bars, nightclubs, taverns, pubs, cocktail lounges, breweries, dance halls, movie theaters, concert houses, playhouses, halls for hire, auditoriums, bowling alleys, video arcades, and sports and entertainment facilities, including but not limited to such establishments contained within a hotel or other enclosed structure, are ordered closed. 

Gyms and Fitness Centers

All gyms and fitness centers and fitness studios are ordered closed.

Exemptions:  Gyms and fitness centers, which are amenities of hotels and have a capacity of 10 persons or less, are an amenity of a residential building, are interior to any fire or police station, or are located inside any single-occupancy office building.

Non-Essential Business Closures

All non-essential retail and commercial business locations are ordered closed except to the extent necessary to perform Minimum Basic Operations.  (See County Emergency Order 2020-01 for more info on businesses deemed non-essential and essential).

Public Gatherings

All public gatherings of any type, whether organized or otherwise, of greater than 10 people are prohibited.

Exemptions:  Grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, retail stores, banks, credit unions, financial institutions, hardware stores, auto supply stores, hospitals, healthcare and medical facilities, pharmacies, drug stores, medical supply companies, and land or facilities owned and managed by the County, School Board, North Broward Hospital District, the State, or Federal Government are exempt.

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Boca Bacchanal Grand Tasting

Posted on 21 March 2020 by JLusk

By Rachel Galvin

Every year, food and wine lovers flock to one of the most popular events of the year in this area, Boca Bacchanal’s Grand Tasting. This year, the event was held on March 7 (the day after the Vitner Dinners) at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. In addition to over enjoying tasty tidbits from local restaurants, as well as drinks, guests could bid on over 100 silent auction items. There was also a pop-up Bloomingdale’s Red Carpet Touch Up Station. In addition, world-renowned painter of wine Thomas Arvid was on-hand to paint live and had some of his pieces on display, as well as donating to the silent auction. Proceeds benefited the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum (BRHS&M). Guests enjoyed the event so much that they did not want to leave! Find out more about the BRHS&M at https://www.bocahistory.org.

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BSO Update on Coronavirus

Posted on 21 March 2020 by JLusk

Message from Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony:

The Broward Sheriff’s Office is committed to public safety and the health of our community. We will continue to keep you up to date on any BSO news important to you and your family on the coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
BSO remains fully prepared to provide the highest level of service to all Broward residents and visitors. Here are some important things you should know:
 
BSO PRECAUTIONS
First responders play a vital role in responding to public health concerns such as COVID-19. Based upon CDC guidance, BSO employees are:

  1. Practicing enhanced hygiene practices
  2. Limiting face to face interaction to only when operationally necessary
  3. Taking reports over the phone as opposed to in person
  4. Screening public access to BSO facilities

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) FOR BSO
BSO currently has enough PPE to do our job. Like many agencies across the nation, BSO is faced with the harsh reality that supply chains which provide important protective equipment are facing diminished capacity. We are monitoring our resources and providing guidance to our staff on the recommended use of personal protective equipment.  
 
COVID-19 SCREENING
I am concerned for the well-being of both employees and the public. One of my top priorities is to ensure that our employees are cared for and that our first responder workforce remains capable of responding to calls for service. As such, all commands are diligently monitoring personnel for exposure. Employees are following guidance provided by the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. As for the public, we encourage you to use BSO’s online resources and only respond to a BSO facility when essential. You may be subject to a health screening when visiting a BSO facility.
 
BSO OPERATIONS AND CLOSURES
While we value face-to-face interactions, we understand the need to reduce risk to both citizens and employees during this time of recommended social distancing. As such, we have modified the way we are providing many BSO services. In some cases, some services have been temporarily suspended and offices closed. Please see below for important information:

  • LAW ENFORCEMENT: Our law enforcement district offices remain fully operational. While some of the districts have closed their lobby to the public, district offices remain open and are still assisting the public. For more information call the BSO district directly or visit www.sheriff.org/LE
  • CIVIL PROCESS: BSO has temporarily suspended all eviction actions until further notice. If you have additional questions regarding civil process, please call (954) 831-8787, Monday-Friday 8:45 am-4:45 pm. 
  • PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING: The Public Safety Building will remain open to the public during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Visitors may be subject to a health screening prior to being granted access. 
  • RECORDS DIVISION: The Records Division window is closed to the public at the Public Safety Building. Individuals wishing to request a copy of a report, background check or other type of records request, can do so by clicking here
  • EVIDENCE UNIT: The Evidence Unit will be closed to the public beginning March 24, until further notice. If you have specific questions, please call (954) 765-4351. 
  • HUMAN RESOURCES: Human Resources is accepting all documents electronically. For anyone who is unable to upload documents via computer access, a Human Resources drop box is available at the lobby desk inside the Public Safety Building. Questions regarding recruitment should be directed to RecruitmentUnit@sheriff.org
  • INMATE VISITATION: The BSO Video Visitation Center will close to the public on Monday, March 23, 2020. However, remote video visitation will continue to be offered. This service allows you to interact with an inmate from anywhere you have internet access by using your smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam. Visitors are required to create a Securus Online account. We are offering free vouchers to allow professionals, family and friends to visit remotely at no cost. Visitors can contact the Visitation Center at (954) 982-6925 for more information on how to access the free vouchers. 
  • BSO DRUG COURT TREATMENT: The Drug Court Treatment Divisions is conducting services via phone. Drug testing hours are limited. For more information, please call your counselor or the Drug Court Treatment Division at (954) 497-3610.
  •  DAY REPORTING AND REENTRY DIVISION (DRRD): DRRD services are available by phone. They are still providing bus passes, housing, case management, therapy sessions, etc. for clients who have these needs. For more information, please call your supervision specialist or DRRD at (954) 831-5300. 
  • MISDEMEANOR PROBATION: All BSO Misdemeanor Probation offices are closed to the public. Clients are asked to call or email their assigned supervision specialist for alternative reporting instructions. Please be patient during this time as they work to return each request.  Please also note, drug testing is suspended until further notice. It remains the responsibility of all clients to comply with all conditions of probation or the Misdemeanor Diversion Program. If you are experiencing any issues, or have any concerns about your supervision conditions, please call or email your assigned supervision specialist. We are here to work with you through these unusual circumstances.

COVID-19 TESTING
Drive-thru testing is now open in Broward County. BSO deputies will be onsite providing security and traffic control throughout the day.
 
Testing locations include:

  • PEMBROKE PINES: Memorial Healthcare System
  • C.B. Smith Park (900 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines)
  • 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Drive thru testing will be provided only to those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and who meet the specific criteria. This includes first responders, medical personnel, people age 65 or older, individuals who have traveled internationally from an affected geographic area or who are immune compromised with symptoms. Nurses will screen prospective patients to determine eligibility. You must bring ID. For more information, click here.
 
The following locations are testing by pre-registered appointment only.

  • WESTON: Cleveland Clinic – call (954) 659-5951 or click here.
  • POMPANO: Broward Health – call (954) 320-5730 or click here.

 Below are some important updates regarding other county services:

  • BROWARD COUNTY COURTHOUSES: Broward county courthouses are closed to all visitors. Jurors should contact the Juror Information Hotline at (954) 831-7051 for up-to-date reporting instructions. For additional information regarding criminal trials and appearances, traffic court, etc., please visit browardclerk.org.
  •  BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS: Beginning March 16, all Broward County Public Schools are closed. For the latest up to date information, please visit browardschools.com.
  •  BROWARD COLLEGE: All classes are suspended from March 14 – March 22, including face-to-face, online, as well as field experience courses, and law enforcement academies. Remote learning will begin on Monday, March 23. For the latest up-to-date information, please visit broward.edu.

SCAM ALERT: As fears over COVID-19 are on the rise, so are scammers who are trying to exploit the situation. From cheap and shoddy merchandise to phishing emails and fake charitable causes, criminals are cashing in on this epidemic.
Spot a Scam:

  • Scams can include social media posts, texts and websites meant to take your personal information and money and infect computers.
  • Think twice before investing in companies who say they are working on a coronavirus cure. Check official sources like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission before being lured into a scam.
  • Be aware of fake fundraising. Verify the charity is legitimate. If someone wants donations in cash, gift card or by wiring money, don’t do it.
  • Watch out for online marketing of vaccinations or products claiming to treat the virus.
  • Do not click on unfamiliar links or emails. Phishing emails may mention the coronavirus, medical supplies or claim to be from government, national or local health organizations in order to get users to open the message that unleashes malware.
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus.
  • Be aware of entering personal information into websites.
  • Be aware of price gouging. If you see this, please contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office or call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226).

CORONAVIRUS QUESTIONS 
If you have any questions related to the coronavirus, call the Florida Department of Health Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Individuals who are concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the Florida Department of Health in Broward County at (954) 412-7300 and their healthcare provider. If you are having difficulty breathing, call 911.
 
We have created a dedicated source to communicate important information to you: www.sheriff.org/sherifftony. If you have additional questions about BSO services or departments, please direct message us on social media or email ask_the_sheriff@sheriff.org.
 
The Broward Sheriff’s Office stands with our community partners and state and local officials to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to update you as the COVID-19 situation evolves. 
 
Remember, by remaining calm, strong, and united, together we will get through this.
 
Service Equals Reward
 
Sheriff Gregory Tony

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Fish Fry at St. Ambrose

Posted on 21 March 2020 by JLusk

On March 13, St. Ambrose held its Fish Fry. For $10, guests got two pieces of fish and potatoes,  as well as coleslaw.  Drinks were also available for sale.  Kids also sold bakery items.  

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Deerfield closures due to COVID-19

Posted on 20 March 2020 by JLusk

 
As the City of Deerfield Beach prepares to head into the weekend, officials want to remind residents of recent closures and other restrictions that have been enacted by the city, county, and state government to fight the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions and closures are as follows:
 
1. All bars, nightclubs, taverns, pubs, cocktail lounges, breweries, dance halls, movie theaters, halls for hire, auditoriums, bowling alleys, video arcades, and sports and entertainment facilities, including but not limited to such establishments contained within a hotel or other enclosed structure, shall be closed.
 
2. All restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments shall cease all on-premises dining. These establishments may continue to operate drive-thru, delivery, take-out, and exterior pick-up food services during their regular permitted hours.
 
3. Effective Monday, March 23rd, the Community Development Block Grant bus shuttle service is suspended until further notice. Residents are encouraged to use Deerfield Beach Express I & II for their transportation needs. No changes have been made to the Express I & II service at this time. For more information on senior services in Deerfield Beach, call the Center for Active Aging at (954) 480-4449.
 
4. Please be reminded that all public beach areas east of the beach boardwalk are closed until further notice. Lifeguards and law enforcement are on duty to ensure that the public is aware and adheres to these beach restrictions. On-street parking and the Main Beach Parking Lot are also closed.
 
All public gatherings of any type, whether organized or otherwise, of greater than 10 people are prohibited. 
 
However, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, retail establishments, banks, credit unions, financial institutions, hardware stores, auto supply stores, hospitals, healthcare and medical facilities, and pharmacies will remain open. Please remember to adhere to the social distancing recommendations. City officials want you to stay safe and healthy. 
 
For additional information and resources, visit City News at dfb.city, or the Emergency Management Coronavirus webpage at www.dfb.city/COVID19.
 
 

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