Cities to Gimenez: Freeze CARES Act spending until we get our fair share
Fight for COVID-19 funds in Miami-Dade heats up among city leaders and county mayor
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
TECO PEOPLE GAS:
Associate Member, Sergio Abreu of TECO People Gas has asked that we share the attached message regarding TECO’s donation to local charities that will benefit people financially affected by the pandemic. Please see the below COVID Donation.
CABALLERO, FIERMAN, LLERENA & GARCIA, LLP:
Associate Member, Andrew Fierman of Caballero, Fierman, Llerena & Garcia, LLP has asked that we share the attached Paycheck Protection Program resources which includes an overview of the program, a fact sheet for borrowers and a sample application. Please see the below PPP Flyers & Form.
BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA:
Associate Member Maria Luisa Gonzalez of Baptist Health South Florida has asked that we share the offer attached for virtual community health classes during this unprecedented time. Please see below Community Health flyers.
Baptist Health South Florida has asked that we share their COVID-19 FREE virtual exercise, meditation, and educational seminars via Zoom. Please see attached Virtual Community Health Classes.
For week of April 20-25 schedule please visit:
https://events.baptisthealth.net/ClassesAndEventsDetails.aspx?ceid=578ab116-8ffc-43e5-a29c-df6add05e745
For additional event information, please visit https://events.baptisthealth.net and type “virtual” in the search box.
Special Notice: To ensure you continue enjoying our programs, we have enhanced security. Effective, Friday, April 17, please use the password “zoom” in lowercase letters to join webinars.
ATLANTIC BROADBAND:
Associate Member, Jennifer Fernandez of Atlantic Broadband has asked that we share Atlantic Broadband’s initiatives to protect customers while keeping the community connected.
Please direct follow up inquiries and/or questions to:
Ms. Maia Mediavilla
Director, Marketing
C: 305.345.2754
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (M-DCPS):
MDCLC Board Member, Susie Castillo of Miami-Dade County Public Schools has asked that we share the attached resources for M-DCPS students regarding meal and mobile device distribution.
CIC HOTALING INSURANCE SERVICES:
Associate Member, Rene Alvarez of CIC Hotaling Insurance Services has asked that we share the attached recourse regarding Paycheck Protection Program, how to apply for SBA Disaster Loans, and information on emergency loans.
WASTE PRO USA:
Associate Member, Kenneth Rivera of Waste Pro USA has asked that we share the flyer attached-a message from Waste Pro crews. Please see below.
BECKER AND POLIAKOFF:
Associate Member, Alex Alamo of Becker and Poliakoff has asked that we share the resource below.
CABALLERO, FIERMAN, LLERENA & GARCIA, LLP:
Associate Member, Andrew Fierman of Caballero, Fierman, Llerena & Garcia, LLP has asked that we share the attached recourse regarding Paycheck Protection Program.
BERGER SINGERMAN, LLP:
Associate Member, Javier Vazquez of Berger Singerman LLP has asked that we share the flyer attached regarding SBA Loan Programs for Florida Small Businesses.
VERIZON:
Associate Member, Giovanni Castro of Verizon has asked that we share the flyer attached regarding what action Verizon is taking during the COVID-19 outbreak.
FPL:
Associate Member, Christopher Ferreira of FPL has asked that we share the attached message from FPL and the information below regarding FPL’s plan to lower bills for the second time this year amid COVID-19 pandemic. Please see below and attached FPL COVID-19 Fact sheet.
Florida Power & Light Company
Media Line: 561-694-4442
April 28, 2020
@FPL_Newsroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approves FPL’s plan to lower bills for the second time this year amid COVID-19 pandemic
- Lower fuel costs are enabling FPL to issue a one-time decrease of nearly 25% for the typical residential customer bill, beginning May 1
- FPL will issue the savings through a one-time bill decrease in order to accelerate savings to customers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rather than the standard practice of spreading out savings over the remainder of the year
- FPL previously lowered customer bills approximately 4% in January; bills remain among the lowest in Florida and the nation
JUNO BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today unanimouslyapproved Florida Power & Light Company’s plan to significantly lower bills for the second time this year and fast-track savings to customers amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to lower fuel costs, most customers will see a one-time decrease of nearly 25% on their May bill.
In Florida, FPL and other electric providers traditionally refund any fuel savings to customers over many months. However, given the abrupt financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, FPL will instead give customers the total annual savings in a single month’s bill. For FPL’s Budget Billing customers, the savings from this reduction will be averaged out on the customers’ actual bills for the next 12 months. Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease in May, that will vary by rate class.
The PSC approved FPL’s plan during a special agenda conference in order to expedite customer savings.
“In quickly coming together to thoroughly review and approve this plan, our regulators, once again, demonstrated their continued commitment to watching out for customers’ best interests by returning savings to them as quickly as possible,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy. “Traditionally, these types of savings are spread out over the balance of the year. However, challenging times call for exceptional measures. I believe this one-time bill decrease is the most effective way to infuse customers with much-needed money as we all navigate through this difficult and unsettling time together.”
| FPL’s Typical 1,000-kWh Residential Customer Bill | ||
| December 2019 | Current | May 2020 with one-time decrease |
| $99.90 | $96.04 | $73.36* |
| Before this decrease, FPL’s typical bill was about 30% lower than the U.S. average, according to the latest available data.** * FPL May bills also include a Solar Base Rate Adjustment, reflecting four new solar power plants entering service and generating clean, emissions-free energy for customers **U.S. average ($141.56) is based on Summer 2019 bills from 175 utilities, published by the Edison Electric Institute |
||
FPL’s typical monthly residential customer bill is already among the lowest in the state and nation and decreased nearly 4% in January, primarily due to lower fuel costs as a result of low natural gas prices. FPL has also invested in new, ultra-efficient natural gas power plants, large- scale solar energy facilities and a variety of cutting-edge technologies – all of which helped FPL reduce the amount of fuel it needs to provide electricity. Just like driving a new car instead of one built in the 1970s, FPL’s smart investments in modern technology have helped the company reduce operating and fuel expenses, which is why FPL is now the most cost-efficient electric utility in the United States and one of the nation’s most fuel-efficient and cleanest energy providers.
In addition, FPL’s free tools like the mobile app, personalized energy dashboard and Energy Analyzer are available to help customers manage their energy usage as hot weather and more people at home drive up bills.
Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than 5 million customer accounts or an estimated 10 million+ people across the state of Florida. FPL’s typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30% lower than the latest national average and among the lowest in the U.S. FPL’s service reliability is better than 99.98%, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all electric companies nationwide. The company was recognized in 2019 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Escalent for the sixth consecutive year. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,900 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, and has been ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune’s 2020 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of Gulf Power Company, which serves more than 470,000 customers in eight counties throughout northwest Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com,www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
VERRA MOBILITY:
Associate Member, Orlando Torres of Verra Mobility has asked that we share the link below regarding 14 WAYS TO STAY SAFE WHEN DRIVING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS. Please click the link below.
ATLANTIC BROADBAND:
Associate Member, Jennifer Fernandez of Atlantic Broadband has asked that we share the links below about a new initiative of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that is designed to help eligible health care providers deliver telehealth services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please see attached ABB Telehealth letter & ABB Press Release.
MOHAWK GROUP:
Associate Member, Gus Arana with Mohawk – Flooring Solutions has asked that we share that they ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS with their ??MADE IN USA?? Flooring Solutions. Made here and stocked. Take a look at their LVT plant in Georgia: https://mohawk360.showpad.com/share/Np6oBGXJ0VowhUi4TBPOe/0.
ENTERPRISE FLEET MANAGEMENT:
Associate Member, Jesus Granadillo of Enterprise Fleet Management has asked that we share the resource below.
Associate Member, Jesus Granadillo of Enterprise Fleet Management has asked that we share the resource below.
We offer safe, short-term vehicle solutions out of an abundance of caution and increased employee safety due to social distancing.
Those with a necessity to operate vehicles may need additional vehicles in order to separate employees or to meet increased demand as a result of COVID-19. Enterprise Fleet Management has established a special account code with our affiliate, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, for our partners here in South Florida. If you are eligible to take advantage of the State of Florida Rental Contract, please use that account number. Otherwise, a separate account number has been established: XZ41COV *Please note rates are different depending on the account number but feel free to share this information with your members or stakeholders as you see fit.
The link below has videos, safety precaution detail, and other helpful information but you will need to provide the account number separately. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jmYHPqiJ88
Brett A Frazee
Vice President
South Florida
(954) 354-5410 direct
866-869-0374 fax
(561) 289-4865 cell
Visit: https://www.efleets.com/
COMCAST:
Associate Member, Marta Casas-Celaya of Comcast has asked that we share the attached: Comcast’s Comprehensive Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic with links to important information.
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN…:
Associate Member Susan Trevarthen of Weiss Serota Helfman… has asked that we share the link below. It is a directory of emergency orders and related documents as a service to the community.
MUNICODE:
Associate Member Dale Barstow of Municipal Code has asked that we share the resources below.
How to Stream a Virtual Public Meeting using Zoom and YouTube!
Description: Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19 through US communities, Federal, State, and local mandates are limiting public gatherings. As a result, Local government operations must transform, including changing the way public/legislative meetings are held. Join us as we share our tips and best practices to help you run an effective virtual meeting.
Time–Apr 2, 2020 02:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Tips and best Practices to Help You Run an Effective Virtual Meeting:
Webinar: How to Stream a Virtual Public Meeting using Zoom and YouTube!
https://municode.zoom.us/webinar/register/9715853396502/WN_YI8rbHyMTianwB3ARkp5WQ
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY(NSU):
Associate Member, Gisela Blanco of Nova Southeastern University has asked that we share a link that contains several webinars that the College of Psychology will be hosting in the upcoming weeks. The webinars NSU will be featuring will be discussing mental health tips, anxiety during these times and much more. Please see click the links below.
Link: https://www.nova.edu/sharkchats/
Featured webinars:
- How to Manage a Misbehaving Brain
with Jaime Tartar, Ph.D.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
Register HERE - Join us for Yappy Hour! BYOP (Bring Your Own Pet): The Benefits of the Human-Animal Bond During COVID-19
with Ariann Robino, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Monday, April 27, 2020 | 5:30 P.M.
Register HERE - School’s OUT… Why Social and Emotional Connectedness are More Essential than Ever
with Anna K. Owens, Ph.D.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 | 2:00 P.M.
Register HERE - Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility
with Scott Poland, Ed.D.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 | 12:00 P.M.
Register HERE
MIAMI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS:
Associate Member Ana Maria Rodriguez of Miami Association of Realtors has asked that we share their new initiative; Virtual Open House Program.
Good Morning,
We hope this letter finds you, your families and your peers safe and well. With more than 52,000 members, the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) is the largest local REALTOR Association in the nation. Our members and the real estate industry are a keystone of the business community and the backbone of the economy. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor DeSantis further evidenced the importance of the housing industry by deeming real estate an essential business in his Executive Order #20-91.
To help ensure continuity in serving local residents with their housing needs, we have created the safe and robust South Florida Virtual Open House Program where our REALTORS – and your residents – can continue to show homes in your cities and communities while adhering to the CDC’s recommended social distancing guidelines.
As fellow community leaders, we invite you to partner with us on this key initiative at NO COST to you. As a program partner, you agree to share and display the South Florida Virtual Open House link prominently on your website, social media channels and in any email communication. This would be another way to let residents and business leaders know that we are doing our part to serve them and support the economy in challenging times. Your participation in this program will also generate local, national and global exposure and visibility for your organization through our expansive promotion to our members, the business community, consumers, and our 223 Global Partners.
While our Virtual Open Houses will be ongoing, to launch this initiative, we are hosting the South Florida Virtual Open House Week May 1 – May 10, allowing partners ample time to position the South Florida Open House links and market the program to respective audiences.
With acceptance of this great partnership, we will send you simple follow-up links and verbiage that you can post on emails, social media channels, websites and other portals.
www.SouthFloridaOpenHouseSearch.com
We look forward to working with you on this important program and to jointly helping our communities continue to thrive despite the current adversity.
Ana Maria Rodriguez, MSL
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
Direct (305) 468-7017 | Cell (305) 773-4355 | Fax (305) 468-7018 | ana@miamire.com
MIAMI Association of REALTORS®
700 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd. Suite 400 Miami, FL 33166
Main (305) 468-7000 | Fax (305) 468-7030 or 7070
Miami HQ | Coral Gables | Northwestern Dade | Aventura Broward: Northeast Broward |Sawgrass | JTHS
Ana Maria Rodriguez, MSL
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
Direct (305) 468-7017
Cell (305) 773-4355
VERRA MOBILITY:
Associate Member, Orlando Torres of Verra Mobility has asked that we share the story below. Dangerous driving behaviors are increasing. As communities work to keep us all safe, motorists can help by obeying traffic laws, and technology can help PD’s enforce those laws without social exposure and contact. Please click the link below.
Open road syndrome? Tampa Bay speeds up during the crisis
Red-light data from Tampa shows drivers are stepping on the gas on emptier roads
GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (GMCVB):
Associate Member, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s ‘Miami Eats’ Program Partners with ‘Meals For Heroes, Miami’ to Support Frontline Responders While Aiding in Restaurant Recovery. Please click the link below.
CABALLERO FIERMAN LLERENA & GARCIA:
Associate Member, Andrew Fierman of Caballero Fierman Llerena & Garcia has asked that we share their loan program update. View Document >
OTHER RESOURCES:
Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, has partnered with New Directions Behavioral Health to offer a free bilingual helpline to assist all Floridians with the stress they may feel during the COVID-19 health crisis. The toll-free helpline connects individuals with specially trained behavioral health counselors who can assist anyone experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma and grief due to the health crisis.
24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline
Free Bilingual Emotional Support
833-848-1762
Information about pet adoptions is on www.miamidade.gov/coronavirus
Scroll to “Closures and Updates”
Click “County Services” and first one that pops up is ANIMAL SERVICES.
DIRECT LINK:
http://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/county-updates.page
CABALLERO FIERMAN LLERENA & GARCIA:
Associate Member, Andrew Fierman of Caballero Fierman Llerena & Garcia has asked that we share a list of matters to consider and document when evaluating the good faith certification that was made on the PPP application.
MARCUM LLP:
Associate Member, Moises Ariza of Marcum LLP has asked that we share the message below and an update.
MARCUM LLP / Moises D. Ariza, Partner: In light of the tremendous challenges organizations are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcum launched the Marcum Coronavirus Resource Center. It provides up-to-the minute guidance on the CARES ACT, free webinars, and industry insights. As the world faces the reality of the pandemic, maintaining local government operations remains a priority, second only to the health and safety of our communities. Marcum shares a “Local Government Insight” which touches base on the fact that local governments need to make sure they have enough cash on hand for essential services. Thus, one of the first things local governments should do is slow the net flow of cash out the door and find ways to rebalance the budget.
MIAMI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS:
Associate Member, Ana Maria Rodriguez of Miami Association of Relators has asked that we share the information below regarding the South Florida Virtual Open House Showcase.
MIAMI — MIAMI Association of REALTORS (MIAMI) members have added more than 2,000 virtual open houses and virtual tours during the MIAMI REALTORS South Florida Virtual Open House Showcase (SouthFloridaOpenHouseSearch.com), which runs from May 1-10. Consumers from around the globe have virtual access to property tours, open houses, and direct interaction with Realtors and other industry experts while adhering to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended social distancing guidelines during COVID-19.
“MIAMI REALTORS are pivoting to use leading-edge technology and tools to service their clients during COVID-19,” MIAMI Chairman of the Board Jorge Guerra Jr. said. “Through virtual open houses and tours, homebuyers can shop from the comfort and safety of their own home. They can ask for video and virtual tours or schedule a personal video walkthrough.”
SouthFloridaOpenHouseSearch.com has already attracted 28,000 visitors and 90,000-page views during the Showcase. Top-five countries visiting SouthFloridaOpenHouseSearch.comare: Colombia, Philippines, Venezuela, Brazil, and India. Top-five visitors by state are: Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, and California. Top-five U.S. metro visitors (excluding Florida) are: Washington D.C./Hagerstown, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
The Virtual Open House Showcase relaunches MIAMI’s South Florida Virtual Open House Program virtually. While COVID-19 is expected to temporarily impact home sales on a global level, MIAMI remains optimistic the robust fundamentals of the South Florida housing market will minimize the impact, and sales activity will resume later in the year, as things normalize and pent-up demand builds.
Current interest rates make purchasing a home an excellent decision. Interest rates are at near all-time lows, and some lenders are extending lock-in rates for up to 90 days.
About the MIAMI Association of Realtors
The MIAMI Association of Realtors was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating 100 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of six organizations, the Residential Association, the Realtors Commercial Alliance, the Broward-MIAMI Association of Realtors, the Jupiter Tequesta Hobe Sound (JTHS-MIAMI) Council, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Council and the award-winning International Council, it represents 52,000 total real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local Realtor association in the U.S. and has official partnerships with 223 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI’s official website is www.MiamiRealtors.com
CONTACT:
Lynda Fernandez, 305-468-7040 or lynda@miamire.com
Chris Umpierre, 305-468-7047 or chris@miamire.com
C.A.P. GOVERNMENT, INC.:
Associate Member, Carlos Penin of C.A.P. Government, Inc has asked that we share information regarding their electronic plan review and inspections. Please see attached CAP EPR Flyer.
DISASTER PROGRAM & OPERATIONS:
Associate Member, Gabrielle Benigni of Disaster Program & Operations has asked that we share their PPE offering items and her contact information below. View Pricing >
Gabrielle Benigni
President, DP&O, Inc.
Cell: 561-436-3383
