New CFPB Video Helps Consumers Understand the CDC Eviction Order

Watch the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) new video “Take action to avoid eviction using the CDC order” to learn about the latest Center for Disease Control (CDC) eviction order and how it can help consumers.
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City of Fort Pierce

COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM

The COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program has been extraordinarily successful in that as of close of business Wednesday, May 6, 2020 over 1,400 businesses and residents were pre-screened for program participation. Due to this strong level of participation, the pre-screening  / application process ended Friday, May 8, 2020 at 12 Noon.

CITY FACILITY PUBLIC ACCESS

  • City Hall – Closed to the public with appointment only access for Building Department.
  • Sunrise Theatre – Closed to the public, including the box office.
  • Police Department Main Station and Substation – Closed to the public.
  • City Marina – Open to the public and practicing social distancing.
  • Indian Hills Golf Course – Open to the public and practicing social distancing.
  • Beaches – Open for physical recreation including walking, jogging, fishing, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, collecting seashells, kayaking, paddle boarding or other activity provided that social distancing requirements are maintained.
  • Parks – Open, including South Causeway and Jaycee Park.
  • Boat Ramps – Open.

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The City Commission meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.  The public may attend the meeting in person or submit comments in writing, including your name and address, to:  cityclerk@cityoffortpierce.com no later than noon on Monday. All meetings are broadcast live on TV Channel 27 and streamed online at: www.cityoffortpierce.com.

HELPFUL CONTACTS

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center
866-779-6121
Email: covid-19@flhealth.gov

St. Lucie Public Schools
772-462-3800
www.stlucie.k12.fl.us

211 Community Helpline
211 is a community helpline and crisis hotline that provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment, and referral to community services for people of all ages.

State of Florida Emergency Coordinating Officers
https://www.floridadisaster.org/state-eoc/eco/

Florida Community Health Centers / Fort Pierce

Drive-Thru Testing
772-461-1402
https://www.fchcinc.org/

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Tent Testing
772-419-3360
https://www.martinhealth.org/

COMMUNICATIONS

Citizens may subscribe to receive email and text messaged updates through the “COVID-19 Information” alert center on the city’s website. Visit https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/856/COVID-19-Information for updated information and community resources regarding COVID-19.

Additional Resources Available for St. Lucie County Residents from FPUA

Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) understands that the Coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the St. Lucie County community in many ways, especially economically. Below is a list of programs currently offering COVID-19 related financial assistance to FPUA customers and/or residents of St. Lucie County, including Fort Pierce.

FPUA Programs Available to FPUA Customers

  • COVID-19 Residential Payment Program offers residential customers the opportunity to finance their balance up to 12 months to pay at zero percent (0%) Please call customer service at 772-466-1600, ext. 3900.
  • COVID-19 Commercial Payment Program offers commercial customers the opportunity to finance a balance equal to their deposit amount with up to 6 months to pay at zero percent (0%) Please call customer service at 772-466-1600, ext. 3900.
  • Project Care COVID-19 Relief Fund is available to residential customers experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please contact Mustard Seed Ministries of Fort Pierce at 772-465-6021 or the ALPI (Agricultural & Labor Program, Inc.) appointment line at 844-356-8138. Eligibility requirements

    Connecting with FPUA Customer Service

    • The Customer Service call center (772-466-1600, ext. 3900) is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We urge customers with a past-due balance to call and set up payment arrangements to avoid assessment of late fees and disconnection of services.
    • The drive-thru window will be open extended hours from 7:30 am-5:00 pm. The drive-thru is typically very busy in the morning, visit late morning or early afternoon to shorten wait times.
    • The 24-hour Kiosk is available on the west side of the building at 206 S 6th Street and accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and check payments.
    • Please call 772-466-1600, extension 3900 if you prefer to set up an Individual appointment with a customer service representative. 

    Alternative Payment Options*

    Please visit www.fpua.com for information on:

    • Remote Payment Locations
    • Quick Pay, including PayNearMe Locations
    • Phone Payment Options, including by text
    • Mobile Payment Options, including internet and auto pay

    FPUA will continue to communicate regularly through our website (www.fpua.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/teamFPUA), and news releases. FPUA is proud to serve you, as we face this challenge together.

    About FPUA: Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a municipal utility whose mission is “to provide our customers with economical, reliable, and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.” Fort Pierce is one of more than 2,000 communities in the United States served by a community-owned electric utility, and one of very few who also provide water, wastewater, natural gas, and Internet services.  Public utility systems are owned by the people they serve. All benefits from our locally controlled utility remain right here in the community. Additional information is available at www.fpua.com. 

     

    PSL COVID-19 Information (Specific resource sites)

    • The 1PSL hotline at 772-871-1775 and web portal http://www.cityofpsl.com/1psl are available to our citizens to streamline information and answer questions during this unprecedented time. Call takers are available for both English and Spanish speakers.  After hour calls are answered by our Police Service aids on a recorded line. If you are calling to reach the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department for an emergency matter, please hang up and dial 911. To report a non-emergency to the police, a hotline has been set-up at 772-871-5001 or you can file a report online at www.CityofPSL.com/PoliceReport For the latest updates about the City of Port St. Lucie’s fight against COVID-19 go to www.cityofpsl.com/covid19
    • The City’s COVID-19 workforce webpage www.cityofpsl.com/covidworkforce will navigate Port St. Lucie entrepreneurs and business owners to available resources during this pandemic.
    • The City of Port St. Lucie’s Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) can be reached by phone at 772-871-5010 or online at www.CityofPSL.com/NSD. NSD offers a wide variety of information including code compliance, solid waste, available grants, and community resources. Specific information is available at www.cityofpsl.com/communityservices including:Government Services, Information & Help (Non-Profit), Educational & Youth Resources, Employment & Financial Assistance, Food Assistance, Health & Well-being, Housing, Homeowner & Home Buyer Assistance, Homelessness, Legal Services, Senior Services, and Volunteers & Donations. 
    • A Waste Pro Liaison for the City of Port St. Lucie is available by phone at (772) 873-6317. Customers may also text questions or concerns for trash pickup to (772) 202-5150.
    • In response to the substantial financial hardships of COVID-19, the City of Port St. Lucie will administer two Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Grant Programs through the Neighborhood Services Department. The first one begins on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 8 a.m., and an applicant can pre-qualify online at www.cityofpsl.com/communityservices. For more information, click this link.

    City Council Meetings

    Port St. Lucie’s City Council holds regular meetings that occur on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 6:30 p.m. (depending on holidays). The City Council holds a special meeting on the third Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Additional council meetings maybe called as needed, please check our calendar.

    Stay Connected

    There are many ways to stay informed and connected to City Hall, including:

    • Mobile App

    Residents are encouraged to download the 1PSL app to stay connected with Port St. Lucie’s City Hall – no matter the time or day. Citizens can use the 1PSL mobile app to request services, pay their utility bill, ask questions, and learn about City news and updates. The new 1PSL mobile app is free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  Those who prefer to use the telephone can call 772-871-1775 (1PSL) at any time of the day and reach a 1PSL navigator who can assist with questions or requests. For those who prefer to use their computer, the 1PSL web portal can be accessed at www.cityofpsl.com/1PSL   (we have a GREAT video that could be embedded – let me know if you want it)

    • Website

    On the City’s website www.cityofpsl.com, you can discover more about the City government, including events, public meetings, and services, explore our interactive maps, pay your water bill, and much more.

    • Social Media

    Staying informed has never been so easy with the City’s social media accounts. Connect with the City of Port St. Lucie on social media.

    • E-Newsletter

    The City’s monthly e-newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on all that’s happening in your community. Text PSLNEWS to 22828 or signup online at www.cityofpsl.com/newsletter

    • TV

    Watch public meetings and programming on PSL-TV20.  PSL-TV is available on Comcast (Channel 20), AT&T U-Verse (Channel 99) and the City’s webpage at www.cityofpsl.com/tv

    For All Residents

    211

    Call, text, or chat with your local 211 to speak with a community resource specialist in your area who will help you find services and resources that are available to you.

    Call 2-1-1 or visit: https://www.211.org. 

     

    Direct Financial Assistance

    The CARES Act authorized direct financial assistance for individuals up to $1,200 per individual and $500 per child. For the vast majority of Americans, no action is needed to obtain the assistance because it will be distributed automatically; however, there are some unique circumstances that require action. The following resources are available to explain the details of how this money will be distributed:

    FPL

    Florida Power & Light will continue to assess our COVID-19 policies to ensure we’re supporting customers experiencing hardship while also balancing the needs of all of our more than 5 million customers. Customers struggling to pay their bill can take action now and by calling, toll-free, at 800-226-3545, to discuss their situation.

    Help With Medicare

    The following changes have been made to assist those with Medicare:

    • Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs.
    • Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations related to COVID-19.
    • These benefits also apply to those with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
    • Telehealth services have been expanded to give you access to healthcare providers from the safety of your own home.
    • Click here for a full list of Medicare resources.
    Help With Social Security

    The following information may be helpful to those receiving social security benefits:

    • Social Security payments will continue to be delivered as scheduled.
    • Local offices are closed to in-person visits, but help is still available by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
    • Additional information is available here regarding stimulus check distribution for social security beneficiaries.
    • Click here for a full list of resources from the Social Security Administration.
    Help For Veterans

    Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath) are ‎encouraged to contact:

    • 1-877-741-3400 or visit va.gov/coronavirus
    • You can also contact our local West Palm Beach VA medical center by calling 561-422-8262
    • Additional resources for veterans are available here
    How YOU can help

    If you are in a position to help those who have been hurt by this economic downturn, here are a couple resources:

    • Volunteer Florida is the State of Florida’s official portal to learn more about opportunities to support those in need in our state.
    • FEMA has information online about how you can help, including where companies can donate medical supplies, equipment and services to assist with the COVID-19 response.
    • Lucie Medical Reserve Corps Seeks Volunteers   St. Lucie County is looking to build a reserve of qualified medical professionals to deal with an increase in COVID-19 cases if the need arises. The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County operates a Medical Reserve Corp that can be activated in emergencies such as the pandemic that is impacting Florida and the rest of the world. Any licensed healthcare professional who is willing to volunteer in the event there is a need for additional doctors, nurses, EMTs and other healthcare experts are encouraged to register at https://www.flhealthresponse.com/mrcvolunteer.Under Florida Statue 110 law, sovereign immunity is provided to volunteers. State Statue 768.28 is the Sovereign Immunity Law and 768.1355 is the Volunteer Protection Act which allows licensed professionals to volunteer, and have their licenses  protected. Every medical professional that registers will be vetted by the Florida Department of Health before being activated.
    Learning Launchpad

    Learning Launchpad locations are providing FREE school-day care for St. Lucie Public Schools’ MySchool students whose families have been impacted by COVID-19. Through a partnership with St. Lucie County, the Children’s Services Council along with its network of funded afterschool program providers are offering parents a free option for their child during the school day.

    Click Here for more information. 

    Treasure Coast Food Bank

    For those whose pantry is barely stocked and whose budget is stretched thin, it’s nearly impossible to plan for a pandemic like the Coronavirus. As we take extra precautions with cleanliness and hygiene in our homes and workplaces, these simple measures may not be possible for others without our help – homebound seniors wonder how to get food and supplies, workers worry about missed wages if companies are asked to close, and families consider how a two-week quarantine would impact their daily lives.

    For information on assistance, or if you’d like to serve as a volunteer, visit https://stophunger.org/cvprep/

    Unemployment

    There is a new website to file for unemployment at the Department of Economic Opportunity. Additionally, you can now submit applications via mail. Those without access to the website, paper copies in English, Spanish and Creole will be available outside the following sites:

    • Kilmer Library
      101 Melody Lane in Fort Pierce
    • Lewis Library
      2950 SW Rosser Blvd, Port St. Lucie
    • Morningside Library,
      2410 SE Morningside Blvd, Port St. Lucie
    • St. Lucie County Community Services Office,
      437 N 7th St, Fort Pierce

    CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC): careersourceflorida.org

    • CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC) announced it is working with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to ensure that all Floridians receive the benefits they’re entitled to. To facilitate this process, CSRC will assist DEO with the distribution of mail-in applications for reemployment assistance benefits throughout the local workforce development area. St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River County residents who still need to file for reemployment assistance benefits may pick up printed applications from door-mounted brochure display boxes at any one of four CSRC career centers.
    • CareerSource: Local Job Opportunities
    Unemployment Insurance

    The CARES Act also included $250 billion in expanded unemployment insurance benefits.