District 6 - May 2020 Newsletter

May 2020

Friends,

We begin this month with more changes as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately we are seeing some progress, and we are cautiously optimistic as we go forward. Here I’ve gathered the latest information for you regarding the ease of restrictions on our beaches, businesses and more, along with helpful resources for a variety of needs. What keeps me going during this challenging time? Seeing our community coming together to help friends, neighbors, and sometimes perfect strangers with a meal, a mask, or an encouraging word. It’s truly inspiring to see this spirit of unity throughout our city – St. Pete still shines, even during a storm such as this. Whether you have volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay, donated to Daystar, called an elderly neighbor to check on them, or simply stayed home to keep yourself and others healthy, thank you for doing your part. My work continues as your City Council Member, and I am here for you. If you have questions, need information, or for help connecting with resources, please call my office or send me an email. I’ll assist you in any way I can. Stay strong and healthy, St. Pete.

Best regards,

Gina Driscoll

COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Governor DeSantis

Passed an executive order that takes effect on Monday. It allows:
Restaurants to offer outdoor seating with social distancing and indoor seating at 25% capacity
Retail to operate at 25% of indoor capacity
Elective surgeries to resume
Bars, gyms and personal services must remain closed
Schools must continue distance learning
Social distancing measures will continue

Pinellas County Commission

Voted to support Governor DeSantis' order. They also voted to reopen private pools and county beaches.
Beaches will reopen Monday at 7 a.m.
Community and shared pools may reopen at 50% capacity and daycare playground facilities may reopen. Social distancing guidelines are required & will be enforced by law enforcement.

St. Petersburg City Council

Voted to support Governor DeSantis' phase one plan.
Mayor Kriseman said he "does not anticipate" adding any further restrictions to DeSantis' plan.

Resources for Businesses

From St. Petersburg

The Fighting Chance Fund has been expanded! Businesses are no longer required to be at least 50% locally owned. It also now includes:
Businesses that have been operating for at least six months
Travel agencies and tour operators
Individual businesses that operate within a co-working space or lease space from another business

From Pinellas County

Applications for the Pinellas CARES Small Business Grant Program open on Monday. The program offers up to $5,000 for small businesses to cover expenses. To qualify, businesses must:
Occupy commercial space in Pinellas County
Have 1 to 25 Full Time Equivalent employees
Be operational since at least 10/1/19 and still open 2/29/20
Expect to return to full operations after crisis

From the Federal Government

Resources for Individuals and Families

Fighting Chance Fund

$500 dollar grants are available for individuals who were terminated furloughed, or had their salaries reduced as a direct result of COVID-19. Click here to apply!

Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance

Up to $4,000 assistance for necessities like overdue rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills.
To apply text COVIDCARES to 898-211 or call 2-1-1.
Click here for more information.

Free Meal Sites for Kids

Check out this new interactive map

Free Food for Those in Need

From Feeding Tampa Bay
From the St. Pete Free Clinic

Freelancers Relief Fund

Donate or apply here

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

Donate or apply for the grant here

Unsure if you can be evicted?

Click here for information from Bay Area Legal Services

Emotional Support

A new emotional support hotline is available from Pinellas County. Call 727-524-4464 or visit this website

Help your Community

Sign up for the city's new Utility Bill Round-Up which allows you to round up your bill to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to St. Pete families in need. You can also make a donation of any amount!

Your Voice is Needed!

City Hall is still hard at work on two significant items that will help shape the future of St. Petersburg – the StPete2050 Plan, and the FY 2021 Budget. We need your input in order to ensure that these both reflect the values of our residents.

What are your hopes for St. Pete's future? Let us know by clicking here to take the Vision 2050 Survey

Learn about the City's FY21 Budget and share your input. Click here for more details about this virtual event!

Stay Busy and Help Others!

Check out St. Pete Together , an online space to match those with local resources to those who need support during the COVID-19 crisis.

If you’re healthy and looking for ways to volunteer in an environment where health and safety protocols are followed, here are a few opportunities where help is needed now:

Gina Driscoll

Councilmember and Vice Chair, District 6

[email protected]

727-893-7117