Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Brevard County Allocates $18M for Rental Assistance for Residents Impacted by COVID-19

The Board of Brevard County Commissioners has allocated more than $18 million in federal dollars for an Emergency Rental Assistance Program for income-eligible Brevard County residents impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance and housing stability services, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing incurred due, directly or indirectly, to the novel coronavirus disease. Assistance is restricted to households whose income is at or below 80% of area median income ($55,350 for a family of four).

The application for the program will be available at all 17 Brevard County Libraries and the Law Library, on the Department’s website, http://www.brevardfl.gov/HumanServices, and through an online system https://brevardflhhs.seamlessdocs.com/f/EmergencyRentalAssistance.

Eligibility requirements include: 

• Applicant is a resident of Brevard County.
• Applicant is at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
• The applicant must sign all required documents (application, social security number waiver, release/request of information, etc.) or their application will be rejected/denied.
• Documentation of all income from the entire Household as reported on the Household Income Section of the application (include 2 months of bank statements, paystubs, etc., or a 2020 tax return (IRS Form 1040)).
• All members of a household must be accounted for in the application.
• For applications filled out by hand, please make sure that the writing is clear and legible.

The County has received $18,176,052 for the program from the federal government. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will be administered, as directed by Brevard County Commission, through the County's Housing and Human Services Department.

Reemployment Assistance

Reemployment Assistance benefits are available to Floridians who have been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Eligible individuals include those who have lost their job through no fault of their own, are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency, laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer, or caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Reemployment Assistance benefits, formerly known as Unemployment Compensation, can be filed online: www.floridajobsresources.com

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Phase 3 of State’s Reopening Plan

On Friday, September 25, Governor DeSantis held a press conference to announce Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Florida’s move to Phase 3 will remove restrictions imposed during the first and second stages of the reopening plan. 

Effective immediately, Phase 3 of Governor DeSantis’ Plan for Florida’s Recovery includes the following:

• All remaining state-level restrictions on businesses, including those on restaurants and bars, will be lifted and businesses may operate at 100% capacity.
• No COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent individuals from working or operating a business. 
• Local governments may not impose COVID-19 related restrictions on restaurants limiting capacity to less than 50% indoor capacity. No food service establishments may be limited to less than 100% capacity without an approved economic impact statement and public health justification for each limitation or restriction. 
• Local governments may not collect fines associated with COVID-related mandates. 

View Governor DeSantis’ full press conference here: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/9-25-20-press-conference-on-coronavirus-covid-19/

View Executive Order 20-244 here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-244.pdf

One Goal One Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis announced One Goal One Florida, an initiative to unite Floridians and urge them to work together in the fight against COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has been a significant challenge for all Floridians but I’m 100% confident we can, and will, overcome this challenge,” said Governor DeSantis. “To that end, I’m asking all Floridians to join me in this important effort – One Goal One Florida.”

Governor DeSantis is asking all Floridians to follow these simple, yet effective guidelines: 

1. Protect the vulnerable, including the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. 
2. Practice proper hygiene, including washing your hands. 
3. Practice social distancing by avoiding closed spaces and crowded places. 
4. Wear a mask if you are in close contact with others. 

Watch the Governor’s announcement.

Governor Ron DeSantis issues Phase 1 of Florida’s Recovery Plan

• Executive Order
• Slides from press conference
• 4/29/2020 Press Conference Outlining Phase 1
• Frequently Asked Questions about Phase 1
• Executive Order 20-120
• Department of Business & Professional Regulation Information for Barbershops
• Department of Business & Professional Regulation Frequently Asked Questions Related to Barbershops and Cosmetology Salons

Governor Ron DeSantis issues Phase 2 of Florida’s Recovery Plan

• Executive Order
• Slides from press conference
• 6/3/2020 Press Conference Outlining Phase 2

Cocoa City Council meetings are back open to the public attending, with social distancing guidelines in place until further notice. in order to continue to meet the guidance from State and Federal officials as it relates to social distancing and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, chairs in Council Chambers will be spread apart to maximize distance between attendees and masks will be provided in the lobby area. There are multiple ways the public can still participate in the meetings without coming in person:

• Link to the online agenda for Cocoa City Council Meetings. Ecomments will be accepted up until 30 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting.
• Link to the City of Cocoa, Florida Youtube Channel where the Cocoa City Council Meetings are live streamed.
• E-mail meeting@cocoafl.org to submit comments for Cocoa City Council Meetings.

Testing

Do you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and need to know how to proceed? Use the self-checker found on the CDC’s COVID-19 website to check your symptoms and discover the next steps you should take.

Brevard County is offering drive-through COVID-19 testing at these sites with the following criteria:

• Eastern Florida State College – Palm Bay Campus (250 Community College Parkway, Use the entrance from San Filippo Dr. SE & Jupiter Blvd.)
  • Free, drive-through testing, no appointment required.
  • Testing offered 7 days/week, 9am – 5pm. 
  • Testing available for adults and children of all ages.
  • Insurance information will be requested but is not required to receive a test.
  • There will be no copay or any fee charged.
  • Identification is no longer required but does expedite the process.
• Health First Pro-Health & Fitness (255 Borman Drive, Merritt Island) 
  • Monday through Saturday, 9a-12p
  • Appointment required, call 321-434-3131.
• Parrish Healthcare 
  • Appointment required for locations, call 321-268-6139 or text "covid test" to 321-204-1699.
  • Locations are rotated throughout the week.
    • Friday, April 30 and Friday, May 14, 1:30-3:30pm, at the Parrish Health and Fitness Center Parking lot, 2210 Cheney Hwy, Titusville.
    • Tuesday, April 8 and Thursday, May 20 12-1pm, at the Harry T. Moore Social Services Center parking lot, 725 S. Deleon Ave., Titusville
    • Saturday, April 17, 9-11am, at the Gibson Youth Center parking lot, 835 Sycamore St. Titusville

If you are exhibiting symptoms, or have questions about COVID-19, please contact The Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline (available 24/7) at 1-888-779-6121 or reach out via email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Cocoa City Council extends Outdoor Dining Permits through June 30, 2021

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Council adopted Resolution 2021- 13 to extend the expiration date of Resolution 2020- 146, as amended by Resolution 2020-218, to June 30, 2021 to continue to allow expanded outdoor dining options to those approved applicants due to the Covid- 19 emergency.

Brevard County Offers Small Business Assistance Grants

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – The application period for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to offset expenses and lost revenue related to the COVID-19 public health emergency has been extended until further notice by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners.

Applications are available at www.brevardfl.gov/BrevardCARES.

To be eligible through the Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Relief Program, the small business:

• Must be physically located in Brevard County
• Must have had 50 or fewer employees as of January 1, 2020
• Must have been negatively impacted financially by the COVID-19 public health emergency
• Must be enrolled in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program
• Applicant’s revenue losses or expenses utilized to establish program eligibility and grant amount must not have been reimbursed through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Small Business Administration (SBA) Debt Relief Program or other similar federal and state programs.

Nonprofits that are eligible must be a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6) or a 501(c)(19) as designated by Internal Revenue Code.

It's important to note:

• Businesses and Nonprofits are eligible to apply even if they have received other forms of assistance.
• Money received through the County's Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Relief Program are grants, not loans, and therefore do not need to be paid back.
• There is adequate funding available to help businesses and nonprofits that qualify.

On July 7, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)  allocated $10 million through the CARES Act fund for local governments to a Small Business and Non Profit Economic Relief Program. CARES Act funding will be made available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility requirements established by the BOCC for Brevard’s Small Business and Nonprofit Economic Relief Program and Specific priorities intended to advance economic development in Brevard County.

For more information, call 321-350-9194 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kits Available for Small Businesses

10/27/20 Update from Brevard County: 

BREVARD COUNTY, FL. – Brevard County Government has three events planned in November to distribute free Personal Protection Equipment to small businesses, retailers and restaurants.

Distributions will be held at the following locations (no appointment is needed):

North - Wednesday November 4, 2020 at Titusville Library, 2121 South Hopkins Ave., Titusville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Central – Thursday November 5, 2020 at Central Reference Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

South – Friday November 6, 2020 at the Melbourne Library, 540 East Fee Ave., Melbourne, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To receive a PPE kit, a license, business card or document that displays the business name and address must be presented. Businesses are eligible to receive up to two kits.

PPE kits provided by the County  contain 200 procedure masks, 25 reusable cloth masks, 2 boxes of gloves and 2 bottles of hand sanitizer. When filling out an application, businesses will be able to choose a preferred location to pick up free PPE once distribution begins on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Small businesses, retailers and restaurants that have collected free PPE from the County during previous distributions are still eligible for PPE, but must apply.

The PPE kit distribution was approved by the Board of County Commissioners to support small businesses, retailers and restaurants with supplies to sustain operations during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.

Original Press Release from Brevard County: 

Small businesses in Brevard County that employ 25 or fewer workers can apply beginning Monday, July 20, for County-provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits funded through the federal Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act).

The PPE kit distribution was approved by the Board of County Commissioners to support small businesses with supplies to reopen and sustain operations during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.

PPE kits provided by the County will contain 200 procedure masks, 25 reusable cloth masks, 2 boxes of gloves and 2 bottles of hand sanitizer. Applications are available online beginning Monday at www.brevardfl.gov/BrevardCARES. Distribution of the PPE kits will be held from Monday, Aug. 3, through Friday, Aug. 7, at various locations in the county.

Small businesses eligible for the PPE kits must meet the following criteria:

• Must have 25 or fewer employees
• Must be located in Brevard County

Must operate within the following industry segments:

• Health Care
• Children services and youth camps
• Museums and historical sites
• Amusement and recreation centers
• Independent restaurants
• Barber Shops, beauty salons, nail salons, and personal care services

Once approved, businesses may choose from the following locations and times to pick up their PPE kit:

• Monday, Aug. 3: Titusville Library, 2121 South Hopkins Ave., Titusville, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 4: Central Brevard Library and Reference Center, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 5: Cocoa Beach Library, 550 North Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 6: Melbourne Library. 540 East Fee Ave., Melbourne, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 7: Brevard County’s warehouse, 7740 Technology Drive, West Melbourne, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, call (321) 350-9275.

Brevard Workforce Recovery Assistance Program

CareerSource Brevard in partnership with The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has announced a NEW Workforce Recovery Assistance Program available to Brevard’s small (fewer than 50 employees) businesses, impacted by COVID-19. Bring valued employees back to work -- we’ve got their pay covered for up to 16 weeks! Funds are limited for this assistance program and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply today for the Workforce Recovery Assistance Program! Application deadline: July 31, 2020. 

#CocoaReadytoLaunch

The City of Cocoa is working with local business owners to gather ideas and information on how they plan to safely re-open their businesses. Cocoa City Council approved a resolution to allow for the expansion of outdoor dining options and signage options to aid the economic recovery efforts of Cocoa Businesses and market the safe re-opening efforts of our local small businesses. In accordance with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Florida Economic Recovery Plan, the City of Cocoa will work with local business owners to promote the safe re-opening of Cocoa businesses. As the State and City prepare to reopen and with guidance from the CDC and the Governor, this page will be updated with resources and tools to help our local business owners. For more information visit, www.ChooseCocoa.org.

Small Business Administration: Paycheck Protection Program

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.

More information from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding the Paycheck Protection Program.

Florida nonprofits can apply through the Florida Community Loan Fund.

Historic Cocoa Village Business Links

Online Marketplace

Business Listing

Small Business Grant Information

Learn more about whether your small business might qualify for some of these $5,000 to $10,000 grants and find out how you can apply today.

Information on Governor DeSantis’ Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency Executive Order (20-91) :

• Executive Order (20-91) regarding essential services and activities during COVID-19 emergency
• Essential Services information & FAQs from Florida Chamber of Commerce
• A list of essential services can be found on the Florida Division of Emergency Management COVID-19 page
• Guidance on the essential critical Infrastructure workforce from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Information from the State of Florida:

Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens tomorrow, March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020. For more information, visit the Governor Ron DeSantis COVID-19 Bridge Loan Program website. 

The CDC also has resources for businesses and employers.

Information from the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce:

FL Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & Paycheck Protection Loan

Florida Bridge Loan - $50K to $100K, one year balloon payback, no interest. Short term, interest free working capital loans, not a grant. Need the following: 2 years completed personal tax returns, 2 years business tax returns, evidence of economic injury (usually that means a YTD Profit and Loss showing the revenue loss), evidence of 2 to 100 employees. Either apply online or mail to the central location. (Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, 107 E. Madison Street, MSC-160, Tallahassee, FL 32399-4120)

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - Up to $2M, up to 30 years, can be used to pay back the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan. Apply directly at the SBA. There is also a grant aspect of this where if you apply the SBA will provide some money up front.

NOTE: all of the details relating to the immediate grant funds may not be available since the CARES act just passed.

Loan Application

SBA Webinar on EIDL

SBA Paycheck Protection Loan – this is an SBA 7A loan where businesses would apply at a bank. Not all the lenders are noted yet, but we suggest you start at the bank that you are doing business with. Details are still be finalized.

US Chamber Information Sheet

Summary from Senator Rubio

Inside the CARES Act: Emergency EIDL Grants

Many businesses are calling and eager to learn more about the granting portion of the CARES Act. Here is what we know so far, but keep in mind the implementation of this is still being worked out.

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, which provided additional assistance for small business owners and non-profits, including the opportunity to get up to a $10,000 Advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven.

Those entities include small businesses, sole proprietors, private non-profits, independent contractors, cooperatives, ESOPs, and tribal units, all with under 500 employees that apply for loans in response to the COVID-19. Upon verification, the government, through lending institutions that work with the SBA, will provide grants up to $10,000. The applying entity has to have been in business for at least a year, which may be waived, but certainly before January 31, 2020.

If you wish to apply for the Advance on your EIDL, please use the link below and fill out the form as soon as possible. In order to qualify for the Advance, you need to submit this new application even if you previously submitted an EIDL application. Applying for the Advance will not impact the status or slow your existing application.

SBA Streamlined Application

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

COVID-19 Business Resources

Below are some resources that may assist or inform you, your family and employees during this uncertain time. For more resources visit: CocoaBeachChamber.com/covid-19/

Re-employment Assistance

FloridaJobs.org

Price-Gouging Hotline

MyFloridaLegal.com

Coronavirus Tax Relief

Irs.gov/coronavirus

In accordance with the Center for Disease Control in order to keep the community and our employees safe, City Council has approved that all events and non-essential public meetings scheduled at City owned facilities from March 17, 2020 through June 30, 2020 be cancelled or rescheduled to a future date to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. If an event chooses to cancel, we will be offering full refunds on any fees paid to the City for that event. The following special events/meetings were scheduled for this time period:

• March 19 - YMCA Prayer Breakfast-Postponed
• March 21 - Spring Break Family Picnic-Cancelled, possibly postponed
• March 27 - Friday Fest-Cancelled
• March 28 - Duck Race & Car Show-Duck Race will be held virtually, Car Show cancelled
• March 28 - Cocoa Fire Department 100th Anniversary Open House-postponed
• April 3 - VIP Run-postponed
• April 4 - Trash Bash-postponed
• April 4 - St. Mark’s Fundraiser-postponed
• April 7 - City of Cocoa Citizens Academy, Community Services Presentation-postponed
• April 8 - City of Cocoa Citizens Academy, Graduation at City Council-postponed
• April 18 - Keep Brevard Beautiful Plant Sale-postponed
• April 24 - Friday Fest-cancelled
• April 25 - American Cancer Society Relay for Life-postponed
• April 26 - Space Coast Tri-Cocoa Tri-postponed
• May 2 - Preclampsia Promise Walk-postponed
• July 4 - Independence Day Celebration

For private rentals please contact our Leisure Services Division at (321) 639-3500 to reschedule your event or to seek a refund.