Covid-19 News
COVID-19 UPDATE: ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL) ADVANCE PROGRAM ENDED
The Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program officially ended Sunday, July 11, 2020. This was the program that provided grants of $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000 to applicants for the EIDL loans. The Advance program was ended after expending its $20 billion in funding. The EIDL loan program is still…
Read MoreFlorida Gulf Coast University offers the RESTART SWFL initiative
Florida Gulf Coast University is offering the RESTART SWFL initiative to help revitalize SWFL organizations and the economy of the overall region. Local organizations can earn the RESTART SWFL Seal of Confidence by taking a pledge to operate in a healthy, vigilant, fair, and ethical manner, and by viewing two webinars and passing quizzes about…
Read MoreSanibel Captiva Community Bank calls for coins due to COVID-19
Due to a national coin shortage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is asking consumers to turn in their coins for cash dollars. Existing customers also have the option to direct deposit the funds into their accounts. Coins do not need to be rolled in order to be turned in. Prolonged business…
Read MoreGovernor DeSantis Extends State of Emergency in Florida
July 7, 2020 – In a move that should not be a surprise to anyone, Governor DeSantis extended Florida’s COVID-19 state of emergency declaration for 60 days. His previous Executive Order 20-52 expired July 7, 2020. Today’s Executive Order 20-166 serves as the basis for much of the emergency action taken by Governor DeSantis and his state…
Read MoreUpdated Information on the Lee County Business Rehire Program
Monday, July 6, 2020, Lee County launched its COVID-19 business assistance program for job creation, named “Business Rehire.” The sentences in bold have been revised since the program was launched: It was originally reported that the “Business Rehire” program was available to small businesses that had been deemed as “non-essential.” In an update to the…
Read MoreFlorida Restaurant & Lodging Association Launches Seal of Commitment, Safety Promise to Guests
FRLA’s highest designation for hospitality safety and sanitation standards, Seal of Commitment is a promise that your restaurant or hotel meets safety and sanitation standards as designated by FRLA. Awarded establishments have invested resources to ensure that the location, staff, and guests remain safe and healthy. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see an…
Read MoreSouthwest Regional Manufacturing Association in partnership with FL Makes offers vital manufacturer apprenticeship program
What is the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program? The Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program is one of the first statewide registered programs sponsored by FloridaMakes focused on entry-level manufacturing skills for new and existing employees. The program is a competency-based, cost-effective alternative for employers to train their employees to their own standards. Through mentorship and technical instruction,…
Read MoreFAKE Mask ID Cards
This a picture of a “Face Mask Exempt Card” that claims to make the holder of the card exempt from mask requirements. The card is FAKE. The Department of Justice did not issue these cards and does not endorse them. That being said, some individuals with disabilities may be exempt from mask regulations. Some ordinances provide for this…
Read MoreJuly 2020 Regional Economic Indicators Report
Single-family Home Prices Single-family prices for Lee County fell by 1 percent in May 2020 versus May 2019, while prices in Charlotte and Collier rose 3 and 1 percent, respectively. Consumer Sentiment Index The Florida Consumer Sentiment Index improved in June 2020, up 6.1 points from May 2020. RERI Publishes Follow-up Survey to…
Read MoreCOVID-19 UPDATE: FLORIDA GOVERNOR EXTENDS FORECLOSURE AND EVICTION MORATORIUM UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2020
On June 30, 2020, the Governor of Florida, through Executive Order 20-159, extended the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions that was originally enacted by Executive Order 20-94 on April 2, 2020, until 12:01 AM August 1, 2020. Here is more information
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