Covid-19 News
Breaking News: DBPR Closes Bars Statewide
Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued Emergency Order 2020-09, which closes bars for on-site alcohol consumption EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. Here’s what it says: Establishments that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from the sales of alcohol beverages must suspend sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises. These establishments can continue…
Read MoreFRLA Encourages All Florida Residents and Visitors to Wear Masks, Releases Updated Operating Recommendations
TALLAHASSEE – In response to the Florida Department of Health issuing an updated public health advisory over the weekend, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today issued updated safety and operating guidance for members of Florida’s hospitality industry to ensure employee and guest safety. Among the recommendations, FRLA is strongly encouraging all Florida residents and visitors to…
Read MoreBeautiful Health was first ribbon cutting for Blue Zones Project® SWFL since COVID shutdown
(Naples, FL – June 18, 2020) Beautiful Health celebrated their Blue Zones recognition with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 11. The event was captured live on Facebook by the staff of Blue Zones Project® Southwest Florida. “The Blue Zones Project® and Power 9 principles are so important to a happy and healthy life and…
Read MoreFlorida Department of Health Issues Public Health Advisory Saturday, June 20, 2020
Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance. Please see link to the Press Release for further details. The Public Health Advisory provides the following recommendations: All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social…
Read MoreSBA Reports Money Left in PPP expires June 30, 2020 with New Forgiveness Rules
SBA Reports Money Left In The Paycheck Protection Program Amount of Funding Remaining $129,753,635,070 The above number is an approximation SBA is currently revising remaining funds amount with the enactment of the Paycheck Protection program Flexibility Act of 2020. Available funds captures approvals net of cancellation as well as loan increases, decreases, and reinstatements. This approximation accounts…
Read MoreSBA Now Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance
By Small Business Administration: Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. Notice: Now Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans…
Read MoreRevised Forgiveness Application for the Paycheck Protection Program and New “EZ” Forgiveness Application Form
With the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act of 2020 on June 5, the SBA on June 16 issued a revised the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (new form) and updated the instructions (updated instructions). Below are some highlights to the revised PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and instructions: Health insurance costs for S…
Read MoreLee Commissioners approve expanded LeeCARES programs
Fort Myers, FL, June 16, 2020 – The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a plan to allocate federal CARES Act dollars for Phase 2 of its LeeCARES Business Assistance, Food Security, and Individuals & Families assistance programs. Lee County’s COVID-19 Business Assistance Program for Job Creation (Business Rehire). The program: Provides grant…
Read MoreSWFL Chamber Panel: COVID-19 recovery requires working together
Special to SWFBT By Karen P. Moore, SWFBT Publisher Everything related to COVID-19 happened so fast and everything after has evolved even faster. So it is difficult (if not impossible) to figure out where we are headed today, tomorrow and next year–with our businesses, cities and local economy. I’ve been so busy trying to “keep…
Read MoreLee County’s Small Business Relaunch Assistance Program application window to close Friday
Fort Myers, FL, June 10, 2020 – Lee County Government will close its current application window for its LeeCARES Small Business Relaunch Assistance Program at 5 p.m. Friday. County staff will continue to assess and process the nearly 2,200 applications received since the program launched May 26. The county has trained and allotted employees to work nights…
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