Sun Times Issue 04 23 20

CORONAVIRUS ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID19 Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (866) 779-6121 or email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Acqua Bistro Delivery.......................9A Classified........................................10A Elite Auction.....................................3A Hallandale Beach................1A, 4A, 6A

Kodner Galleries...............................2A Stimulus Fraud.................................6A The AC Outlet...................................5A Virtual Art Classes............................5A

COVID-19 ALERT HALLANDALE BEACH 1A / 4A / 6A

A P R I L 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 • 1 0 PA G E S • V O L U M E 1 7 • I S S U E 3 0

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE RELIEF 6A

COVID-19 TEACHER SUPPLY DRIVE 9A

COVID-19 Florida Data

Attention COVID-19 Survivors

What You Need To Know?

Beach!!! The Hallandale CRA once again has stepped up and taken care of its small businesses by extending a life line as all other sources as of today have run out of funds!! A Special salute extended to Dr. Jeremy Earle, Assistant City Manager/ Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director!”

The Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Loan Program is comprised of two separate loans, the Business Employment Bridge

Education can ease fears, here is what you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida?

Adults 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are more likely to develop serious illness.

Here’s what you can do right now.

There are a few new tests that can identify the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. State and local public health departments have received tests from CDC. Florida recently partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. This partnership will increase the number of tests conducted each day and ensure Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that might help you make decisions about seeking medical care or testing. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested. There is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19.

CDC has guidance for who

Loan Program, Page 7A

Florida Data, Page 8A

Seeking Plasma Donations From Survivors According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies to the disease in their blood, referred to as convalescent plasma.

Researchers hope convalescent plasma can be given to people with severe COVID-19 to boost their ability to fight the virus.

Memorial Healthcare System is seeking plasma donations from COVID-19 survivors, and they have been registered to participate in Mayo Clinic’s Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program to test the use of donated blood as a treatment for people with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Community members who have recovered from COVID-19 may qualify to help people who are battling the virus. The Broward County-based hospital system is urging community members who fully recovered from COVID-19 to donate potentially lifesaving plasma. Memorial Healthcare System has partnered with Survivors, Page 8A

Toula Amanda Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the very popular Flashback Diner spoke of the new program, “Huge recognition goes today, April 17th, to the CRA and the City Commission of Hallandale Beach!”

The Hallandale Beach CRA Steps Up Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability & Recovery Loan Program The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) has created an innovated $500,000 stimulus program to assist local small businesses in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

The Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Loan Program was created to address the extremely challenging times associated with the Coronavirus, including the closure of local businesses and the layoff of countless numbers of employees. With the specter of a collapse of our local economy in

mind, and a possible increase in slum and blighted conditions, the HBCRA has developed these programs which are designed to work in conjunction with state and federal business disaster recovery programs that have been developed, approved and implemented over the past month.

Toula Amanda Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the very popular Flashback Diner spoke of the new program, “Huge recognition goes today, April 17th, to the CRA and the City Commission of Hallandale

HOPE AT HOME: To Support Mental Health During Coronavirus During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable. To address the stress of quarantine, Hope For Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) has created a HOPE at HOME daily email on mental health maintenance during the outbreak.

The free-of-charge newsletter shares advice from HDRF’s team of psychiatrists and research leaders, hosts live events on meditation and yoga, and gives insights and practical tips for taking control of one’s mental health while sheltering at home.

The HOPE at HOME daily activation started on March 23 and is available to anyone through the following link, www.hopefor

depression.org. It will continue through the end of quarantine.

“Our HOPE at HOME activation prioritizes mental health, self-care, and resilience,” said South Florida resident Audrey Gruss, HDRF Founder and Chair.

“Just because we are physically distancing doesn’t mean we have to be socially distant, which is deleterious to our mental health.”

Gruss added: “More than ever, we need to be reminded of how we are all inter-connected.

My hope is that people share this newsletter with friends and loved ones near and far, because so many people are struggling right now and so many need to feel supported.”

The HOPE at HOME newsletter creates a sense of community

Good Morning Hallandale Beach Virtual Breakfast, 6A

and draws on expert knowledge, while at the same time staying light and hopeful. Many of the doctors contributing advice are members of HDRF’s Depression Task Force (DTF), a collaboration of leading neuroscientists from around the world who are working to find new and better treatments for anxiety and depression. The leading psychiatrists on the HDRF Board also share valuable insights.

In addition to HOPE at HOME, HDRF is encouraging fitness with the virtual launch of their 5K race in April, Race of Hope. The run/walk allows people to feel that they are connected and part of a larger movement, no matter how far they may be from one another.

The cost is $29 and includes a

Governor Ron Desantis Set To Open Florida, 6A

During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable.

Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year. runner’s bib and a four-inch 2020 Race of Hope spinner medal.

100% of the funds raised will go directly to research that will transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented. For more information or to register, visit: https://join. hopefordepression.org/event/ 2020-virtual-race-of-hope/ e280190

What is HDRF, and a quick overview of their work/ achievements in the past decade: • HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated solely to advanced depresion research.

• Audrey Gruss founded the organiHome, Page 9A

Kodner Galleries Antiques and Much More, 2A

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A recent question I posed online to constituents was, is it safer shopping or walking in an open park? This prompted many to share their input. The super majority said they agreed it is safer to walk in a park so long as its safe and rules are in place and enforced.

I requested that we move on rules to open our parks for passive use only, but the rules have not been finalized yet.

This Past Week the Mayors Have Started To Discuss Openings

By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper

We are well into 40 days of the Corona Virus Epidemic. My prayers go out to all that may be suffering with COVID-19 or has lost a loved one. I also want to thank all the frontline workers.

Everyone that has continued to work thru this crisis deserves all our support. Therefore, we all must continue to follow the CDC rules. I know many of us are fatigued hearing it over and over, but it does protect us. Wash your hands regularly, even at home.

Social Distancing is a must.

When you are out and about and know you may be in close proximity to people or where social distancing is difficult, particularly while shopping or during food pick up.

We keep hearing about more testing, testing for antibodies, and now planning for a roll out of

openings. There is plenty of information to cover and it is important to have all the facts before making a decision moving forward. Numbers are important and useful for these decisions.

The hospital numbers suggest a peak as their admissions have flattened. The testing numbers show an increase, so the question becomes is that simply because more people are being tested. There has been a problem narrowing down an accurate number for our city. We have found that we were listed three times and other cities may be falling into our bucket. Cities like Pembroke Park and West Park may be listed with us due to zip codes.

As of the writing of this article we may have 85 cases. To date we have had only one staff member test positive. The person was

on vacation and did not expose anyone. They believed they got it from their significant other while off from work.

It is better to look at the trend and the facts. They are now saying many people may have had COVID-19 and not even have known. The city still does not have the addresses of any specific cases, but we have seen that there are all different ages being affected. In addition, we do not have information on specific city deaths. As you can see it is pretty disjointed. I keep telling people that ask me the question about numbers I say, “Just treat everyone like they have it.”

This past week the Mayors have started to discuss openings.

Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach just convened at county group and the first list includes parks, mari-

nas and golf courses. The draft set out to make suggestions of how to open these amenities and what would be the safest way.

One Monday we had a Broward Mayors meeting to discuss these proposed items. The super majority seemed to agree that parks could open. It was interesting to find out that Coral Springs and Parkland have opened golf course already with these rules. Davie never closed their passive park system. They did close playgrounds and facilities.

After hearing these items, I requested that we move on rules to open our parks for passive use only. The rules have not been finalized yet. But if you wish to be notified please sign up for our notices at www.cohb.org/notifyme. We are looking at this week as a possible opening for

passive use only. There would be no parking, no open facilities, no playground or equipment use, social distancing would be followed and no groups or organized sports and masks would be needed to enter.

I also asked to look at how opening the beach would look.

Please remember we are not a commercial beach. We have many condos that call their beach their back yard. I asked there be no parking, no restrooms, no playground, no personal equipment or items, social distancing and masks would be required. There would be limited hours for access.

I have been working with staff and the Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce to establish a working group on how and when businesses would open.

We need to plan to see how and when they could be ready, what resources they would need and what rules are required varies by business. We need all the rules that will be implemented to insure Hallandale Beach business employees and customers are safe.

All these changes would depend on our shared personal responsibility, common sense is key. Enforcement is critically important. I really look forward to more input from our residents. A recent question I posed online to constituents was, is it safer shopping or walking in an open park? This prompted many to share their input. The super majority said they agreed it is safer to walk in a park so long as its safe and rules are in place and enforced.

Please join in our Open Public Zoom Forum to ask questions, give your input and learn more about what resources are available. The call in number is 1312-626-6799.

Wishing our neighbors that a celebrate a Blessed Ramadan that begins this Friday.

As always, I welcome your ideas, question and concerns. Let’s work together to make our city even better. I am available by phone/text 954-632-5700 or email jcooper@cohb.org. Working for you!

Always Have! Always Will!

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Close Quarters: Avoiding Inter-Pet Aggression During Quarantine With much of the nation under stay-at-home orders, cabin fever is at an all-time high.

Cohabitating with our loved ones and furry friends provides many benefits, but being in close quarters for extended periods of time can be difficult—for humans and their animals.

Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, is an emergency and critical care specialist who has plenty of experience with dogs, both at work and at home. She talks about the challenges pets may face in the COVID-19 era and how owners can help by providing structure to their pets through routine. “(In the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital) I’m seeing a different subset of emergencies because people are home,” Rutter said. “I’m seeing a lot of inter-pet aggression, such as big dog-little dog injuries or big dogcat injuries; those kinds of things. Pets take their anxiety out the same way we do, which is on the people around us or on the pets around us.”

Just as humans have found the disruption of daily life to be stressful and upsetting, pets have also picked up on the change. Rutter says it is important to provide pets with a strong routine to minimize their stress and reduce the risk of inter-pet aggression.

One excellent outlet that can

Just as humans have found the disruption of daily life to be stressful and upsetting, pets have also picked up on the change. Rutter says it is important to provide pets with a strong routine to minimize their stress and reduce the risk of inter-pet aggression. benefit both pet and owner is exercise.

“A walk provides a really important behavioral structure between an owner and a dog,” Rutter said. “It tells them, ‘I’m the leader; I’m taking care of you.

You don’t have to be anxious about all of this, because I’m in control.’”

Walking two dogs together also can be beneficial in fostering a peaceful household because it teaches them to work together.

Rutter compares this dynamic to working with a coworker you may not like—the encounter creates a shared cooperative experience.

Owners may also use their extra time at home to touch-up on their pet’s training, which can provide structure and enrich-

ment.

“It’s a great time to start teaching your dog tricks. It may seem superfluous to teach your pet to sit, to heel, to stay, or to roll over, but it actually provides a really good way of communication,” Rutter said. “That’s a really solid way for your pet to know that they’re making you happy, which is kind of what a lot of them live for, right?”

If pets do begin to behave aggressively toward each other, Rutter recommends watching for raised hackles (the hair along the dog’s backbone standing up), mounting behavior, having their ears perked straight up, and other dominant-type behaviors.

Confrontation can be prevented by separating the animals, by using a basket muzzle, or by

removing factors that spark conflict.

“Feed your pets separately, have toys enjoyed separately, and remove those items from the environment whenever animals are together that have had conflict,” Rutter said. “If the pets have ever had conflict in the past, they are going to continue to do so, and so, no food items, no possessions, toys or anything like that; all those things need to be separate.”

Pet owners can also help by reducing stress within their household.

“As a general rule, things that would be stressful for a child are also going to be stressful for an animal,” Rutter said. “For example, raised voices, lots of chaos in the environment, changing

routines, and having kids at home who wouldn’t normally be at home all the time.”

In extreme situations, aggressive pets may become dangerous to their humans and especially to small children who are unable to pick up on signs of aggression. Rutter recommends that pet owners review the American Veterinary Medical Association website on dog bite prevention to learn more about safe practices.

“Animal bites can be very serious, regardless of how they look on the surface, and always require urgent care by a physician,” Rutter said. “Identifying and avoiding opportunities for injuries to adults, children, and other pets is key.”

If pet owners have any concerns about their animal’s behavior, they should strongly consider reaching out to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. These specialists have a unique set of skills that help them identify problem triggers and develop solutions for the whole household.

“Repeated, worsening, or dangerous situations are best handled through professional care,” Rutter said.

Though the current situation is stressful for everyone—person and pet—monitoring your animal for signs of conflict while providing enrichment and routine to their daily lives can help your furry family stay happy until more normal circumstances return.

Virtual Art Classes Offered To Individuals And Small Groups The Art and Culture Center/ Hollywood is excited to present online one-on-one and small group instruction in performing and visual arts disciplines for children, teens, and adults.

Despite being physically separated during these challenging times, the Center is thrilled to offer an opportunity to stay connected to the arts and to each other. They will connect you with a working professional artist who conducts online lessons via Zoom or other online conferencing platform in either one-on-one or a small group format. No prior experience is required to participate; each lesson is adapted to meet the students where they are.

Visual Arts: In their private visual arts lessons, students will have the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge in multiple areas. Students will explore concepts such as color theory, perspective, and principles in

design, while exploring subject areas like still life and realism.

During the course of the lessons, participants will have the guidance of the instructor as they create unique pieces of inspired art.

Voice: In their private voice lessons, students will explore their vocal skills, expand on their vocal performance knowledge, and/or fine tune their preexisting talent. Students will learn proper breathing techniques, increase their vocal range, and find their sound. Throughout the lessons,

participants will be introduced to various singing techniques and exposed to many genres and musicians. At the conclusion of the lesson package, the instructor will help the student(s) create a little memento to share with friends and family.

Piano: In their private virtual piano lessons, students can either begin to learn and hone basic skills or expand on their preexisting piano knowledge.

Students will explore piano techniques, proper piano posture/fingerings, and music theory. At the

conclusion of the lesson package, the instructor will help the student(s) create a little memento to share with friends and family.

Acting: In the Art and Culture Centers private acting lessons, students will learn the different techniques and processes incorporated in acting performances.

Beginners can start their acting journey by practicing the proper uses of an actor’s main tools: body and voice. Experienced performers will grow their preexisting knowledge of beatwork, subtext, monologue analysis,

and various acting styles. At the conclusion of the lesson package, the instructor will help the student(s) create a piece of theater to share with there friends.

Available for ages 5 and up, including adults! Join the Art and Culture Center in these new and exciting virtual lessons, register today www.artandculturecenter.org/ online-classes/. The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is located at 1650 Harrison St. Hollywood, FL 33020. For more information call 954-921-3274 or visit www.artandculturecenter.org.

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Track Your Stimulus Payment to Prevent Fraud Attorney General Ashley Moody recently issued a Consumer Alert urging Floridians who have not already received a stimulus payment from the federal government to take steps to avoid benefits-related scams.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, millions of Americans have already received stimulus payments and millions more are still waiting on the emergency benefits. The IRS created a payment tracking tool for those still waiting.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This new tool can help Floridians avoid stimulusrelated fraud. By working directly with the IRS to track your payment—the likelihood of being duped by scammers sending fake messages designed to steal payments or personal information is greatly reduced. I want to encourage all Floridians to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 news and government actions associated with the pandemic, so they are better prepared to spot and report scams.”

can be accessed at www.my floridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/new sreleases.

Consumer Alert: COVID-19 Robocall Scams Abound Consumer Alert: Scammers Know Direct Deposit Stimulus Payments are on the Way Consumer Alert: Download Tips to Guard Against COVID-19 Scams Consumer Alert: Scammers Exploit US Census and COVID-19 to Rip Off Floridians Consumer Alert: Scammers Use COVID-19 Stimulus Package to Target Floridians

The new payment tracking tool can be accessed at IRS.gov.

On the website, users can also access the IRS tool designed to allow beneficiaries to request an earlier stimulus payment.

Payments are being made via direct deposit and checks in the mail. While we understand the website experienced some early

glitches, it appears to now be operating. If you have issues accessing the site, contact the IRS at 1(800) 829-1040.

Even before the U.S. Congress passed the COVID-19 stimulus package, scammers were already sending fake message designed to exploit the payments to steal people’s per-

sonal and financial information.

By working with the IRS directly, Floridians should be better prepared to ignore scam messages.

Attorney General Moody issued nine Consumer Alerts since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Florida. Several of these alerts listed here are related to stimulus payments and

To view previous Consumer Alerts about emerging COVID-19 related scams go to http:// myfloridalegal.com/Consumer Alert.

Anyone who encounters a coronavirus stimulus package scam or any other types of COVID-19 fraud, should contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or MyFloridaLegal.com.

Mortgage Foreclosure & Eviction Relief What landlords, tenants, and homeowners should know about the CARES Act Eviction Moratorium. Congress passed the CARES Act to address the COVID-19 crisis. As of March 27, 2020, tenants living in federally subsidized housing or if the landlord has a federally backed mortgage loan (FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.) are protected from eviction and foreclosure.

What does the moratorium do?

1. Prevents landlords from filing evictions for non-payment of rent or charge late fee for the next 120 days (through July 25, 2020).

2. After the moratorium lifts, and if rent is still outstanding, landlords must give tenants a 30day notice to pay outstanding rent before filing an eviction. It does not cover cases filed before the moratorium, evictions based

STATE OF FLORIDA FEDERAL Emergency Management COVID19 Mortgage, Foreclosure and Eviction Relief On April 2, 2020 the Governor signed Executive Order Number 20-94 which imposes an eviction and foreclosure moratorium for 45 days or until May 17, 2020.

What does the moratorium do?

1. Prevents landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent.

on other reasons besides nonpayment of rent, or non-covered tenancies. For more information about CARES Act Eviction Moratorium, visit www.nhlp.org

Housing Administration (FHA), Veteran’s Administration (VA), and Dept. of Agriculture / Rural Housing Service (RHS). For more information call your lender.

3. Provides homeowners with foreclosure protection for federally backed loans such as loans provided by Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mae (GSE), Federal

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Mortgage forbearance for 180 days with possibility for an additional 180 days.

MULTI-FAMILY MORTGAGES -

Mortgage forbearance for 30 days with possibility for an additional two 30-day periods.

Lenders cannot charge additional fees, penalties, or interest outside the normal term on either dwelling. Lenders cannot move for foreclosure or order sale or execute a foreclosure sale for 60 days starting March 18, 2020.

2. Prevents landlords from filing new evictions until the moratorium lifts.

Broward Sheriff’s Office have ceased all eviction activities during this public health crisis until further notice. Go to www.sheriff.org for more information. Tenants are still responsible for the rent. If tenant cannot afford to pay rent, they should contact their Landlords to negotiate a payment plan.

Good Morning Hallandale Beach Virtual Breakfast Join the Hallandale Beach Chamber for their monthly “Good Morning Hallandale Beach” breakfast. This month their guest speaker will be Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. She will provide an update about CARES Act implementation as it applies to small businesses and answer legislative questions.

This event is a “virtual breakfast”, and is open to all business owners and professionals to receive an update on issues

impacting our state and community in South Broward as well as the surrounding areas to network, refer business and develop new relationships. Advance registration is required. This will be a virtual breakfast via Zoom, please register at hallandale beachchamber.org/events/. Once registered, (Members Complimentary, Non-Members $5) you will receive the Zoom link in your confirmation email to attend the meeting.

Coffee with City of Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper The next Hallandale Beach Chamber breakfast “virtual” event will be held May 7th. This monthly “Good Morning Hallandale Beach” breakfast is very popular. The guest speaker for the May event will be City of Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper. This event is open to all business owners and professionals to receive an update on issues impacting our city as well

Join the Hallandale Beach Chamber for their monthly “Good Morning Hallandale Beach” “Virtual” breakfast. This month their guest speaker will be Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and for the month of May the guest speaker will be City of Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper. as surrounding areas. Advance registration is required.

This will be a virtual breakfast via Zoom, please register at hallandalebeachchamber.org/eve

nts/. Once registered, (Members - Complimentary, Non-Members - $5) you will receive the Zoom link in your confirmation email to attend the meeting.

Governor Ron DeSantis Set To Open The State In Stages Following the president’s lead, Governor Ron DeSantis says he wants to reopen most of Florida. “What the president put out in terms of stages, we will obviously use that as kind of like a base line,” DeSantis said. “It doesn’t mean Florida is going to do every single thing they say or not say.” DeSantis, like the president, is appointing a task force to recommend a timeline.

Last Thursday, the president outlined a three phase plan that calls for individual social distancing, not gathering in groups more than ten for now, no more than 50 in phase two, and large crowds in phase three. Nonessential travel would be phased in as well, which means minimal at first and unrestricted later. For employers, phase one includes strict physical distancing, but restaurants could open, though bars and employee common areas would remain closed.

In phase one, schools would stay closed, long-term care and hospital visitations would be prohibited, but gyms could re-open with physical distancing.

Ultimately, the goal is to restart the economy.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he would be putting together a task force focused on reopening the state in three separate phases, two weeks after issuing a statewide stay-at-home order (Expires on April 30) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

DeSantis Is Ready To Open Some Florida Beaches Gov. DeSantis on Friday gave the green light for some beaches and parks to reopen if it can be done safely, and north Florida beaches became among the first to allow people to return since closures because of the coronavirus. Florida officials were

criticized for leaving beaches open during part of the spring break period last month. Most counties closed their beaches in response or kept them open under very restrictive conditions.

Other more high-profile beaches in South Florida - including Miami Beach - were closed by state order. At a news confer-

ence in Fort Lauderdale, Gov. Ron DeSantis said some municipalities should feel free to start opening up parks and beaches, if that can be done safely, with distancing guidelines remaining in place. The governor said it was important for people to have outlets for getting exercise, sunshine and fresh air.

Task Force for Reopening State Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he would be putting together a task force focused on reopening the state in three separate phases, two weeks after issuing a statewide stay-athome order (Expires on April 30) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

At a news conference on Saturday, DeSantis said the task force would create short, medium and long-term recommendations, and would be comprised of small business owners and locally elected officials. The task force will talk to doctors, business leaders and elected officials across the state to get the best ideas for a staged opening throughout Florida. The governor said different parts of the state could have different reopening plans, like southeast Florida which has been hard-hit by the coronavirus. Florida could also see a gradual reopening like President Trump outlines in his three-phase reopening guidelines. The governor says he plans on having the team meet every day this upcoming week, turning in recommendations by Friday and announce on Monday.

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Dark Blue - Hallandale Beach City Boundary Orange - Hallandale Beach CRA Boundary Light Blue - Opportunity Zone Area

Loan Program with loan amounts up to $50,000, and the Emergency Business Cash Infusion Program with amounts up to $15,000. Both loans are available only to those businesses located within the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). In accordance with Florida Statute 163 Part III, the loans are not available to businesses outside of the CRA. The goal of the program is to provide businesses located within the CRA area with immediate financial relief to avoid temporary or worse, permanent closure. The HBCRA Board voted Wednesday, April 15, 2020 to approve the Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Loan Program.

Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Loan Program details: Business Employment Bridge Loan The Business Employment Bridge Loan is a forgivable bridge loan designed to work in conjunction with other federal and state programs in order to provide a direct cash incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

Under this program, businesses are encouraged to rehire those that they may have previously laid off. The program is an acknowledgement of the challenges that many businesses have with accessing funds at the federal and state levels due to the extremely high amounts of applications that are being received by agencies associated with those entities.

The program provides a bridge loan of up to $50,000, and is available to qualified for-profit small businesses including, sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, that as of March 9, 2020 had been in business within the CRA for at least one year.

Qualified small business applicants must be an employer business with between 2 to 100 employees. The loan has a maturity of two years at an interest rate of 0%. Only one loan may be made to eligible businesses. The interest rate will be interest free for a period of two years. The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).

Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. Personal guarantees are required.

Businesses that apply for and receive the funds, are required to prove that they have applied for various Federal and State loans.

Additionally, the CRA has added an innovated component to the loan which requires those receiving the loan to pay a living wage to their employees, and, if the business happens to be a restaurant, food that would normally be thrown away at the end of the night must now be donated to a local shelter or food pantry as a part of the CRA’s Zero Food Waste program.

According to Dr. Jeremy Earle, the Executive Director of the CRA, as well as an Assistant City Manager, “the CRA is taking an innovated step in ensuring that, not only will a local business receive the financial help that they need during these challenging times, but that the employee is also paid a fair wage.

Additionally, the CRA wants to ensure that, where it can influence the process, restaurants that would typically throw food away at the end of the evening would now be required to donate that food to a shelter or pantry as a part of the CRA’s Zero Food Waste Initiative. The initiative will help to feed the increasing numbers of those who are facing food insecurity.”

Emergency Business Cash Infusion Loan The Emergency Business Cash Infusion Loan is a partially forgivable bridge loan, designed to work in conjunction with other federal and state programs in order to provide a direct cash incentive for small businesses to help them through this challenging period associated with the Coronavirus pandemic. The program is an acknowledgement of

the challenges that many businesses have with accessing funds at the federal and state levels due to the extremely high amounts of applications that are being received by agencies associated with those entities.

The Loan program provides funds up to $15,000 and is available to qualified for-profit small businesses including, sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, that as of March 9, 2020 had been in business within the CRA for at least one year.

Qualified small business applicants must be an employer business with between 2 to 100 employees.

The loan has a maturity of 18 months at an interest rate of 0%.

Only one loan may be made to eligible businesses. The interest rate will be interest free for a period of 18 months if payments are made on time. The loan may be forgiven for businesses who apply for loans less than $5,000 Application Period: April 15th, 2020 through September 30, 2020 contingent on the availability of funds. For more information on the Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Loan Program visit cohbcra.org or contact the HBCRA COVID-19 Hotline at 954-787-2055.

Other Business Programs and Incentives The Hallandale Beach CRA is committed to helping businesses succeed and grow. Their team works to bring a vibrant, innovative, local competitive economy in the HBCRA Area by creating an environment that promotes the retention, expansion and attraction of businesses and by incentivizing new commercial and mixed used developments in the area. The City of Hallandale Beach has been ranked as a Platinum City by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in which they have adopted a streamlined permitting ordinance.

They are always available to assist in fast tracking your permit. They will continue to work diligently to improve the HBCRA’s overall business climate and market Hallandale Beach as an excellent location for business, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Facade Improvement Grant The Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program (CFIG) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area.

Throughout the CRA there are also Priority Areas of focus in which have varying levels of funding availability. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and update the exteriors of existing buildings, with an emphasis on improving the viability of healthy retail uses and generally increasing the “curb appeal” of the business corridors in the CRA. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/pro-

grams/business-programsincentives/.

Low Cost or No Interest Loan Program The Low-cost or no interest loan program is designed to accelerate the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new start-up businesses in the CRA, with an emphasis on attracting the availability of new goods/services, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life in the CRA. The program guarantees a portion of the loan to reduce borrower equity requirements and/or reduce interest rates. It also subsidizes a portion of the monthly interest cost to provide a lower effective interest rate to the borrower. You can apply at https:// cohbcra.org/programs/businessprograms-incentives/.

Interior Renovation Grant Program The Commercial Interior Renovation Grant (CIRG) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. Throughout the CRA there are also Priority Areas of focus in which have varying levels of funding availability. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and improve the “energy efficiency” of existing buildings in the CRA, with an emphasis on bringing these buildings up to current building codes and making them more viable for occupancy. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/programs/business-programsincentives/.

Economic Development Incentives Program The goal of Economic Development Incentives program is to accelerate the attraction of new major businesses within the CRA and to reduce the risk of developing/constructing speculative commercial space in the CRA. Director Cash/Job Creation Program: The Direct Cash/Job Creation incentive is an incentive program paid solely by the HBCRA. Through this program HBCRA may provide direct cash payments of up to $2,000 per new Job created, to a maximum of $200,000, to companies starting, relocating, or expanding within the CRA. Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Incentive: The QTI Refund Incentive Program is a tax refund program wherein eligible companies may receive refunds of taxes paid to the State of Florida on corporate income, sales, and insurance premiums, as well as certain other taxes paid to the State of Florida. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/ programs/business-programsincentives/.

Neighborhood Amenity Incentive Program The Neighborhood Amenity Incentive program is designed to accelerate the availability of

desirable goods and services needed by residents, businesses, and employees in the CRA. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/ programs/business-programsincentives/.

Business Incentive Loan The Business Incentive Loan Program was established by the City of Hallandale Beach City Commission as a means to stimulate the local economy through business expansion, improvements, and job creation.

Under this program the Hallandale Beach CRA provides loans at 0-3% APR for exterior rehabilitation, expansion and/or relocation costs. The program offers assistance of up to $50,000 for business owners currently leasing their storefront and up to $200,000 for commercial property owners. The loan will cover up to 80% of the total project cost. Awards are given on a first come, first serve basis, subject to Board approval. The property must be located within the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency district as outlined in the HBCRA Boundaries Map. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/programs/ business-programs-incentives/.

Fashion, Art and Design District Priority Area Incentives The Fashion, Art and Design District (FADD) has been deemed a Priority Area (designation allows the CRA to create incentives that are specifically designed to implement the objectives outlined in the application) for the purposes of promoting the renovation of building facades, and encouraging the development of such uses including but not limited to: Microbreweries/ Wine Bars, Specialty Coffee shops, Trendy urban restaurants, Specialty Donut shops, Family oriented restaurants, Music Venues, & Art Galleries. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/programs/ business-programs-incentives/.

Property Tax Reimbursement Program The Property Tax Reimbursement program was created to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, update existing buildings, and encourage new investment/ development with an emphasis on enhancing the overall CRA, improving the quality of existing buildings within the CRA, and attracting new construction to the CRA. All properties within the CRA are eligible including all commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use (residential/commercial) buildings with uses permitted by applicable land use codes or approved conditional uses that have had substantial capital improvements or new construction. You can apply at https:// cohbcra.org/programs/businessprograms-incentives/.

Commercial Kitchen Grant Program The Commercial Kitchen Grant (CKG) is an incentive pro-

gram to encourage restaurant development within the Fashion, Art and Design District (FADD), and along Foster Road. The HBCRA desires to improve the operating efficiency of existing restaurants in the CRA and attract new restaurants to the CRA, with an emphasis on creating a dining destination within the City. Funding priorities for the CKG will apply specifically to the following types of businesses: Microbreweries/ Wine Bars, Specialty Coffee shops, Trendy urban restaurants (including health food), Specialty Donut shops, Family oriented restaurants. You can apply at https:// cohbcra.org/programs/businessprograms-incentives/.

Commercial Signage Grant Program The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) Commercial Signage Grant Program (CSGP) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and update the exteriors of existing buildings, with an emphasis on improving the viability of healthy retail uses and generally increasing the “curb appeal” of the business corridors in the CRA. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/ programs/business-programsincentives/.

Property Tax Reimbursement Eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, update existing buildings, and encourage new investment/ development with an emphasis on enhancing the overall CRA, improving the quality of existing buildings within the CRA, and attracting new construction to the CRA. You can apply at https:/ /cohbcra.org/programs/ business-programs-incentives/.

Tenant Lease Surety / Tenant Rent Subsidy Accelerate the attraction of new start-up businesses and reduce the vacancy of commercial space in the CRA, with an emphasis on energizing groundfloor space and creating job opportunities in the CRA. An additional objective is to reduce the risk of developing/constructing speculative commercial space in the CRA. You can apply at https://cohbcra.org/programs/ business-programs-incentives/.

There are more programs available from the Hallandale Beach CRA, to view a complete list visit, https://cohbcra.org/programs/. For more information about the Coronavirus Small Business Sustainability & Recovery Loan Program a dedicated hotline is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm by calling (954) 787-2055. You can also visit https://cohbcra.org. To view the official CRA Map go to https://cohbcra.org/cra-maps/, and for Corona Virus Updates visit https://cohbcra.org/corona/.

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Page 8A southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

Florida Data

and staff, and help keep the community safe and healthy. The new clinic was created through a collaborative initiative involving Banyan Medical Systems, Pivot Concierge Health, the City of Aventura and the Aventura Mall.

From Page 1A should be tested, but decisions about testing are at the discretion of state and local health departments and/or individual clinicians. To find the most upto-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage, www.floridahealth.gov/COVID19. For information and advisories from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website, https://travel.state.gov/content/ travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/ covid-19-information.html/.

For other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day.

Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth .gov.

COVID-19 Dashboard To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health maintains a COVID-19 dashboard that is updated twice daily, https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/ap ps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d

Where The clinic is located outdoors at the Aventura Mall (Expansion Parking Garage next to Apple Store).

When Operations began on April 13, 2020, and operate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837 c86. Additionally, the Department is providing detailed information on cases in the counties most impacted by COVID-19 through the twice-daily report.

When to Seek Medical Attention If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.

Emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, this list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency, and notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

How To Get Tested COVID-19 testing differs by location. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your medical provider first. You can also visit your local health department’s website (www.floridahealth.gov) to look for the latest local information on testing. While supplies of these tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find a place to get tested. Last week a testing site in Aventura opened up, just outside the Apple store. Here are the specifics on this sites testing.

Local Testing A new clinic and website offers screening, testing, and telemedicine for the community with immediate access available to first responders and seniors age 65 and older. Banyan Medical Systems, a nextgeneration healthcare services

delivery and technology company, and Pivot Concierge Health, an integrative well-care clinic, announced this month the opening of Aventura’s first drivethru testing clinic for COVID-19 to expand the availability of testing in South Florida, reduce the burden on local area hospitals

Testing appointments are required and must be made through an online screening questionnaire at www.covid aventura.com. First responders and seniors age 65 and older will be given immediate access to testing by completing the online questionnaire or calling 402-8858125.

COVID-19 Florida Data (As of April 19, 2020) Total Cases In Florida - 25,996 Mortality Rate In Florida - 2.86% Case Data For Broward - Total Cases: 3,960 Case Data For Miami-dade - Total Cases: 9,166 % Of Us Fatalities That Are In Florida - 1.9% % Of Hospital Beds Available In Florida - 42.33% % Of Total Hospital Beds Still Available In Hardest Hit Counties Broward - 36.9% % Of Total Hospital Beds Still Available In Hardest Hit Counties Miami Dade - 43.6% Percentage Of Floridians Tested W/ Positive Results - 10.4% Percentage Of Floridians Tested W/ Negative Results3 - 89.6% Helpful COVID-19 Resources www.realclearpolitics.com/coronavirus/ www.floridahealth.gov www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

How To Protect Retirement Savings: In These Uncertain Times The COVID-19 pandemic is causing millions of Americans to worry about their retirement savings and investments. Stocks are riding a roller coaster and the recent $2 trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress potentially means larger tax bills down the road to help pay for it.

Greg DuPont (www.dupont wealth.com), an estate and tax planning attorney, says amid much uncertainty, those planning for retirement or already in it need to be keenly aware of those factors while seeking options for more financial stability.

“We don’t know where the bottom of the stock market is, or if it will come back to its highpoint before the coronavirus,” DuPont says. “It could be a wild ride going forward, which is a big reason people should seek more certainty in their planning.

“And when the federal government dumped trillions of dollars on top of what was already a significant deficit, and with indications that more trillions are coming our way, you need to ask yourself, ‘When is the reckoning day on those packages?’ It will come during your retirement; personal income tax will go up in the future. Protecting yourself from that reckoning means being able to diversify your assets from tax exposure.”

DuPont offers these tips to protect retirement money in the wake of COVID-19: Rely on a Roth IRA. With the market downturn reducing the value of 401(k) and IRA accounts, DuPont says, it’s prudent to consider a Roth conver-

Survivors From Page 1A OneBlood for the plasma collection.

“We celebrate COVID-19 patients in our community who are recovering from this virus everyday and now we call upon them to help others who are suffering with the virus,” said Candi Sareli, MD head of research for Memorial Healthcare System.

“The donation process is simple, but it is only for donors who meet the required screening criteria.” According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, people who’ve recovered from COVID19 have antibodies to the disease in their blood, referred to as convalescent plasma.

Researchers hope convalescent plasma can be given to people with severe COVID-19 to boost their ability to fight the virus. The immediate goal of this research is to determine if convalescent plasma can improve the chance of recovery for people with the most severe symptoms. A sec-

“We don’t know where the bottom of the stock market is, or if it will come back to its highpoint before the coronavirus,” DuPont says. “It could be a wild ride going forward, which is a big reason people should seek more certainty in their planning.

sion “to protect yourself from the inevitable tax increases heading our way to pay for the COVID-19 bailouts.” One advantage of the Roth: It’s a retirement savings account allowing your money to grow tax-free. “It’s funded by your after-tax dollars, meaning you’ve already paid taxes on the money you put into it,” DuPont says. “In return, when you withdraw after age 59 1 ⁄ 2 or i n reti ment, you pay no taxes, not even for the earnings on your investments.”

Beware of the bond market. In the past, many financial advisors recommended an asset mix of

80% stocks and 20% bonds for people who were investing over the long term. Then, as the person got nearer to retirement, they would allocate more to bonds because of their stability. That idea has shifted, DuPont says.

“From where we are right now, there is no place but up for interest rates in the bond market,” he says. “So that’s not the place for people to be in if they’re a retiree, because bonds are not paying anything now, and the ones that have decent yield are at risk of cratering on you.”

Consider a fixed annuity or fixed-index annuity.

A fixed

annuity is a contract between the consumer and an insurance provider. “With a fixed annuity, the insurance company guarantees growth of your principal and a minimum interest rate,” DuPont says. “It provides a way to save money over the long term, allowing interest to accumulate taxdeferred typically at a higher rate of interest than CDs.” A fixedindex annuity also is a taxdeferred, long-term savings option that provides principal protection in a down market.

Returns are based on the performance of an underlying index.

“It gives you more growth poten-

ond goal is to test whether convalescent plasma can help keep people who are moderately sick from getting sicker.

Donors must meet all of the required screening criteria for blood donation and the additional FDA criteria, which include: Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by an FDA approved laboratory test, Complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation and a documented negative COVID-19 FDA approved test OR Complete resolution of symptoms at least 28 days prior to donation.

If a potential donor meets the identified criteria, they should fill out the form online at https:// www.oneblood.org/CCP/CCPform-donor.stml. To get the most up-to-date information on Memorial Healthcare System and the latest developments on COVID-19, visit https:// www.mhs.net/patients-visitors/ coronavirus-disease.

Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest public healthcare systems (by revenue)

in the U.S. and a national leader in quality care and patient satisfaction. It is highly regarded for its patient and family-centered approach at facilities that include Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center in Wellington, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Memorial Hospital Pembroke, and Memorial Manor nursing home. To learn more, visit mhs.net.

disease and there is some information that suggests it might help some patients recover from COVID-19.

What is Convalescent Plasma?

Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that is collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV2. COVID-19 patients develop antibodies in the blood against the virus. Antibodies are proteins that might help fight the infection. Convalescent plasma is being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19 because there is no approved treatment for this

I Have Fully Recovered From COVID19. Am I Eligible to Donate Plasma?

People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 for at least two weeks are encouraged to consider donating plasma, which may help save the lives of other patients. COVID-19 convalescent plasma must only be collected from recovered individuals if they are eligible to donate blood.

Individuals must have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 documented by a laboratory test and meet other donor criteria.

Individuals must have complete resolution of symptoms for at least 28 days before they donate, or alternatively have no symptoms for at least 14 days prior to donation and have a negative lab test for active COVID-19 disease.

I Haven’t Had COVID-19.

What Can I Do to Help?

You can consider donating blood! One blood donation can

tial than a fixed annuity and safety and security unlike investment in the stock market,” DuPont says. “That can happen through the performance of the index, and the annuity can periodically lock in gains so the value does not decline if the index performs negatively.”

Consider a cash-value life insurance policy. “An appropriately structured cash-value life insurance policy can be indexbased, which gives you the potential of good growth in the savings,” DuPont says. “If you have that growing for a reasonable amount of time, you can get that cash value out tax-free to take care of things during your lifetime. It could have a higher rate of return than in a bank, and it grows tax-deferred.”

“These are highly uncertain times and planning for as much certainty as you can is crucial,” DuPont says. “This crisis does provide an opportunity for Americans to take a deep look at their retirement plan and be better prepared for unanticipated emergencies, while also protecting their long-term security.”

About Greg DuPont Greg DuPont (www.dupont wealth.com) is the founder of DuPont Wealth Solutions. He has been serving clients as an estate and tax planning attorney in Ohio since graduating from Capital University Law School in 1992. A Certified Financial Planner™, he’s also been in wealth management for the past 14 years.

DuPont obtained his accounting and finance degree from Ohio State University

save up to three lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply. Donor centers have experienced a dramatic reduction in donations due to the implementation of social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Blood is needed every day to provide lifesaving treatments to a variety of patients.

You can help ensure that blood continues to be available for patients by finding a blood donor center near you to schedule your donation.

Visit www.oneblood.org for a donation location near you.

Additional Information Further investigation is still necessary to determine if convalescent plasma is safe and effective as a treatment for COVID-19, and whether it might shorten the duration of illness, reduce morbidity, or prevent death associated with COVID-19.

For more information about the Recommendations for Investigational COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma visit www.fda.gov.

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southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, April 23, 2020 Page 9A

Ways to Help Nurses During the Coronavirus Pandemic America’s nurses are on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus, providing safe, quality, compassionate and nondiscriminatory care to those they serve, many of whom are doing so at significant risk to their own well-being.

The American Nurses Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association, created the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science and data-based information to nurses serving on the front lines.

“Nurses always answer the call to serve their patients, communities and country during times of crisis,” said American Nurses Foundation Chair Tim Porter-O’Grady, DM, EdD, ScD (h), APRN, FAAN, FACCWS. “As we confront the new and emerging challenges of this pandemic, nurses are and will continue serving on the front lines in extraordinary ways.”

To show your support during this uncertain time, consider taking part in these four key actions: 1. Text THANKS to 20222 to donate $10.

One of the easiest ways to directly support nurses is to donate $10 to the Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses,

Nurses are reliable and proven responders during infectious disease emergencies, providing essential care where it is needed most. spread the word to others using the hashtag #ThanksNurses, and visit ThanksNurses.org.

with such as doors, shopping carts or credit card readers.

2. Stay home. Only leave home for essentials and maintain a safe distance from other people.

4. Follow local guidelines. Seek guidance from local public health officials, such as those at your county health department.

3. Wash your hands. Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. It is also important to wash your hands after going out in public and touching items that others may have come in contact

Nurses are reliable and proven responders during infectious disease emergencies, providing essential care where it is needed most. Following simple steps like these can go a long way toward keeping people healthy.

Donations will help provide direct

financial assistance, mental health support and science and data-based information to benefit nurses. Visit ThanksNurses.org to learn more.

About the Support Fund The American Nurses Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses is a nationwide effort to provide direct financial assistance, mental health support and science and data-based resources to benefit nurses. The Johnson & Johnson company and its

TYLENOL brand made a $1.5 million commitment to launch this fund.

A portion of the donations will help support Nurses House, Inc., a national fund for registered nurses in need. The American Nurses Foundation is partnering with this organization to help nurses affected by COVID-19.

Nurses who are unable to work due to COVID-19 infection, are caring for a family member with COVID-19 or are under mandatory quarantine can submit an application for assistance.

COVID-19 Virtual Learning “Teacher Supply Drive” Broward Education Foundation and Office Depot, Inc. have partnered to launch the COVID-19 Virtual Learning Teacher Supply Drive to help Broward County Public Schools educators purchase much needed remote learning tools.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers have had to rapidly adapt their teaching methods and build virtual classrooms. Educating students in an online environment requires a different set of tools such as microphones, headsets, green screens, whiteboards, and so

Home From Page 1A zation in 2006 in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression.

• The mission of HDRF is to fund cutting-edge neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression and other related mood disorders.

• In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a collaboration of nine leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real-time, at the HDRF Data Center.

• HDRF has invested over 35 million dollars in advanced depression research to date.

About Depression: • In the United States, depression affects over 20-million

much more.

“Teachers in Broward County Public Schools have had to adjust curriculums and truly improvise, purchasing virtual learning tools out of their own pockets,” said Shea Ciriago, executive director Broward Education Foundation. “They are working hard to keep our community’s children engaged, focused and learning but our teachers need your help.”

“Office Depot is proud to partner with Broward Education Foundation to support Broward’s school teachers during these

adults each year – that is one in 10 adults.

• Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year.

• Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide.

• Depression costs society $210-billion annually – 60% of which represents reduced efficiency at work and costs related to suicide.

The Crisis in Research and Treatment • Over 50% of those diagnosed with depression do not respond to existing treatments.

• It has been 35 years since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI anti-depressants, there has been almost no change in the treatment of depression, just tinkering with existing approaches.

• Although depression is one of

challenging times,” said Alex Price, National Director of Community Investment for Office Depot, Inc. “In addition to providing teachers with access to the tools they need at home to keep students learning, Office Depot will also be matching donations to this virtual learning supply drive, up to $5,000.”

“As we reinvent public education to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, our teachers have taken on this extraordinary challenge, without hesitation, to meet the needs of our students with our distance learning envi-

the most serious and prevalent conditions in the US, it is ranked 77th (out of 250) in the amount of federal funding it receives.

• Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued brain research What Makes HDRF Different • The Depression Task Force represents the most innovative approach to neuroscience research today • The Task Force has created an unprecedented research plan with each member executing a piece of the plan in their own laboratories. By avoiding wellworn paths of research, the team is shaking up the field for answers that will finally lead to new treatments for depression.

• They share results in real-time at a centralized data bank. This allows them to leverage data to accelerate research. This is unheard of in the entire scientific research field which is normally competitive and not collaborative.

ronment,” said Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie.

“The Teacher Supply Drive will provide tools so our teachers can be as creative as possible in engaging the minds of our students. We thank Office Depot for their partnership with Broward Education Foundation that makes this possible.” To make a contribution, please visit teachersupplydrive.com Free Resources for Families & Teachers In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention guidance, schools throughout Florida are on extended breaks in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Florida Department of Education has compiled a list of free resources, offered by state and federal agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations to help school districts, colleges, educators and families ensure continuity of learning during this time. To see what could be available to your family visit, http://www.fldoe.org/ em-response/resources-families .stml.

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN TIMES

Page 10A southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, April 23, 2020

Price Gouging Crackdown: More Than $240,000 in Refunds Have Been Secured As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague Florida, Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office is working hard to fight price gouging and protect consumers. The efforts are producing results for Floridians. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has already secured more than $240,000 in refunds for consumers and continues to look into allegations of price gouging. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Since the emergency declaration, we have been working diligently to review and act on the thousands of price gouging reports flooding into our office. Our first goal is to stop price gouging in real time so Floridians can afford the essential commodities they need to protect their health—and I am proud to say we are meeting this goal with approximately 185 outrageous online posts removed and more than $240,000 in refunds quickly issued.

“But our work does not end there. We are also preserving evidence, issuing subpoenas and taking other legal measures to

advance our price gouging investigations. Floridians can help us in this endeavor by reporting outrageous increases to my office.”

Since activating Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline, the Florida Attorney General’s Office has: • Received approximately 3,350 consumer contacts about the price of essential commodities; • Made more than 4,500 referrals and contacts to merchants about allegations of price gouging, refunds and scams; • Secured more than $240,000 in refunds related to travel, leisure and product purchases; • Issued 65 subpoenas to further price gouging investigations; and • Worked with online platforms to deactivate more than 185 posts offering items for outrageous prices.

Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a

single 24-hour period.

For tips on reporting price gouging and a list of the commodities covered under the state’s price gouging laws during the COVID-19 state of emergency go to http:// myfloridalegal.com. Price goug-

ing can be reported by calling 1 (866) 9NO - SCAM, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or downloading the NO SCAM smartphone app.

Since the COVID-19 emergency declaration, Attorney General Moody has issued 10

Consumer Alerts with information about emerging scams and tips to avoid fraud. To view the latest alerts and to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 related scams, visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Alert webpage at myfloridalegal .com/Consumer Alert.

$19 Million in Federal Student Aid Still Available for Broward Students Broward County Public Schools Offers Free Help for Completing Application There’s no better time than right now for students to secure Federal Student Aid funds for their education, and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has online assistance available to help.

Approximately $19 million in federal funds have yet to be claimed in Broward County. To determine eligibility, students have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students are automatically considered for up to $6,300 in Federal Student Aid if the student or anyone in his or her immediate family receives free or reduced lunch, Medicaid benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children. Apply soon to get your part of the federal aid.

Errors made during the application process are the main reason why FAFSA submissions are rejected.

To assist with the successful completion of the FAFSA, BCPS is offering free online labs every week:

Register at: https:// seahawkFAFSA.eventbrite.com

Saturdays: 3 – 5 p.m.: Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/650326615 Register at: https://B2LFAFSA.eventbrite.com

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS has nearly 270,000 students and approxi-

Weekdays beginning at 9 a.m.: Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/688621111

For additional information, visit browardschools.com/FAFSA or contact the District’s Broward Advisors for Continuing Education at 754-321-1675.

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mately 175,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 89 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages.

To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/ browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.

To place your Classified Listing in our print and digital publications, please call (954) 458-0635, or email suntimesgraphics@aol.com.

The deadline to place your ad is 5pm every Tuesday.

APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

LINE ADS Starting at

$

2000

(954) 458-0635

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS STARTING AT $1000 (954) 458-0635

Aventura Flamenco Towers

APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR RENT

LINE ADS Starting at $2000 (954) 458-0635

Unit 706, Split 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, marble appearance ceramic floors throughout, large balcony overlooking PGA Golf Course & lake, Washer / Dryer, kitchen has beautiful Granite Countertops & Backsplash, building completely renovated.

1 covered parking space, pool, gym, dry sauna, 5 minutes to shopping, etc., $239,000.

Call Cecile for more information: (305) 725-6015