Covid-19 News
Restaurants invest in tech tools to increase safety during the pandemic and beyond
As restaurant operators continue to look for ways to serve customers safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, many are outfitting their eateries with high tech solutions to increase sanitation and facilitate contactless payment and other touchless tasks. Many of these new tools and systems come with high price tags, but operators increasingly view them as an…
Read MoreFlorida TaxWatch COVID-19 Taxpayer Task Force Releases Tax Policy Recommendations for State’s Fiscal Recovery
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch (FTW) today released the recommendations of its COVID-19 Taxpayer Task Force which was established in May 2020 to discuss opportunities and options to ease the financial and administrative burdens on Florida taxpayers created by the pandemic and help Florida’s economic recovery. Made up of public policy professionals, tax and budget experts, and leaders of…
Read MoreAirbnb Announces Global Party Ban
Today, Airbnb Communications is announcing a global ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings, including a cap on occupancy at 16. This party ban applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice. How we got here Unauthorized parties have always been prohibited at Airbnb…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Stimulus Executive Order and Memoranda Summarized
By Jennifer Rohen – Principal CliftonLarsonAllen Email T. 314.925.4326 Key insights On August 8, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order and three memoranda that provide or extend COVID-19 relief to individuals and organizations. At this time, it is uncertain whether the executive order and three memoranda will be legally challenged. Stay tuned for more…
Read MoreBREAKING NEWS: FAQs for Restaurant Employee Screening Protocols
On August 6, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-192, which rescinded the previous employee screening requirements for restaurant employees. Now, employees who have previously tested positive do not need to receive two negative tests before they can come back to work. Employers are required only to implement screening protocols pursuant to CDC guidance. The Department of Business…
Read MoreNew ‘sanitizing tunnel’ could mark return of sports, business in America
We’re approaching six months since COVID-19 forced our economy, and us, to pause. Although most small businesses and restaurants have reopened, we still aren’t able to enjoy a ballgame, theatrical performance or Hollywood blockbuster in person. Despite social distancing guidelines and growing acceptance of face masks, people still don’t feel comfortable venturing into crowds. A…
Read MoreLee CARES Small Business Rehire Grant
English: APPLY NOW: Businesses have an opportunity to apply for help through the LeeCARES Business Rehire grant program. Assistance is available to eligible businesses (and some nonprofits; see below) that are rehiring employees laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants of $5,000 are available for each full-time employee (or FTE equivalent) rehired. Funds…
Read More$1,000 Government Grant for Freelancers, Gig Workers, Independent Contractors
Under the CARES Act, independent contractors, gig workers, and freelancers affected by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to receive a government grant of $1,000. Businesses do not have to repay this money to the government. Eligible businesses include sole proprietorships with or without employees, independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers. Applicants must have been in business as…
Read MoreImportant Alert Regarding SBA Website
Oh behalf of John Talmage (Director of Lee County Economic Development) and Brian Hamman (Lee County Commissioner) by Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Email The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently tracking an unknown malicious cyber actor who is spoofing the Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 relief webpage via phishing emails. These…
Read MoreThe Immokalee Foundation receives modified grant from Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
The Immokalee Foundation recently received a $25,000 technology grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. Originally awarded as a challenge grant, the modified funds supported the foundation’s technology needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation grant helped us transition our Career Pathways programming to virtual platforms in response to the…
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