An Update from the Town on COVID-19
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Mayor Alan Fiers
Dear Friends, Residents and Visitors:
I am reminded of the world War II news presenter, Gabriel Heatter. Although I was only four and five years old, I can still hear his booming voice opening the evening War news broadcast with: “There is good (or bad) news tonight”
Well, in the war against Covid-19 it seems there is some good news this week. As you will read in this update, the rate of new case growth in Palm Beach County is declining. The testing capacity is improving. And, although we now have one confirmed case on Singer Island, there are no confirmed cases in our Town. Let's keep our fingers crossed and say prayers to keep it this way.
By and large, folks have been most cooperative in limiting gatherings and maintaining social distances at six feet or more. Late last week we closed the Town parking lot and taped off areas in the Town walkway. This helped significantly to reduce both foot traffic and gathering in certain locations. Monday we closed the walkway between 33 Ocean and the Marriott to prevent access to the beach. The PBSO has increased foot patrols and their presence should be a gentle reminder to avoid congregating, especially on the Inlet pathway.
We held a short Commission meeting on Monday, April 6th. Roby DeReuil was elected Vice Mayor, a resolution to set procedures for future video meetings was adopted, and a new procedure for processing parking tickets was approved. Hopefully, we will have a video meeting system in place for the April 20th meeting. (Per the guidelines, only eight folks were in the chamber; others could call in.)
As you will see in the Town Clerk’s comments, the office is closed to official business. We continue working behind doors to keep things running. Public Works is on the job and keeping things moving forward.
Finally,
PLEASE
complete the Census forms. I did mine a few weeks ago, on-line. It is quick and easy.
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Chief Trevor Steedman
We’re Still in This Together
The Stay Home – Stay Safe: Safer at Home
initiative outlined in the State and County Executive Orders is having a positive effect. Although we are still seeing cases of COVID-19 increase in Palm Beach County, mainly due to increased testing capabilities, the rate of increase in cases per day is showing signs of slowing. Fortunately, we do not have any cases of the virus in Palm Beach Shores to-date. As an additional safeguard, the Town parking lot was closed to reduce the daily population influx from non-resident visitors. The Town and our Citizens have done an amazing job of voluntary compliance and making the necessary adjustments and sacrifices. These short-term disruptions and inconveniences are investments that will pay great dividends in the long-term health and quality of life in our community. Keep up the good work!
Regular updates and helpful links about COVID-19 are located on the Town’s web page. Recent and conflicting information about wearing cloth face masks in public spaces has created some confusion and generated several questions.
Here is the most recent guidance from the CDC:
- The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slow the spread of the virus.
Please also remember that your Town staff and their respective Departments are here with you through this pandemic. Although some of the administrative services have been modified, the Administrative Staff and Public Works are still here Monday through Friday. Your Emergency Services, except for the beach Lifeguards, remain on-duty to serve you 24/7. Please remember that we are also here to help in non-emergency settings. Your Fire Department and Emergency Management believe strongly in Community Risk Reduction and to that end, take on many non-traditional roles when it comes to public service. Instead of climbing on a wobbly kitchen chair to change your smoke alarm battery – call us! – We will be glad to stop by and assist you. If you or a neighbor are home-bound or more at-risk during essential tasks such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy – call us! – We may be able to stop by to pick up your grocery order or important prescription medication and drop it off to your door. These are just a few of the many ways we are happy to serve.
As always, please feel free to call or email me with questions, concerns or requests for assistance. Thank you for the support and understanding as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic together.
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Sgt. Steve Langevin
I hope all of you and your families are well and getting through this awful time.
As is the case in our small town, some big rumors can start and grow even bigger.
There was NO murder on Claremont Lane! It was a one-vehicle accident. The passengers in the rear of the truck were thrown from the truck bed. In an event such as this, with potential serious injuries, multiple PBSO deputies are sent to ensure the scene is maintained and investigated well. Those not needed return to their areas of service.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Palm Beach Shores. At one location, it was a combination of drugs and alcohol and a wild imagination. Two other locations involved persons with one of, or both of the above 2 inflictions.
When we do go on a call and COVID-19 is mentioned, the protective actions we take can make us look like a person from “The night of the Living Dead”. The equipment and training each of us have is second to none.
When the Governor first closed the beaches, we brought in 3 PBSO motorcycle units. This was done to keep traffic moving and let people know of the order by word of mouth and fliers we handed out. Just as in after hurricanes, many people wish to come to Palm Beach Shores to see the beaches and fish from the jetty.
We also have prepositioned patrol cars, brought in from other districts, and parked them in areas of our town to control parking, traffic, and deter crime.
All your deputies continue to patrol on foot, ATV, 3 wheeled Segway and patrol vehicles. We have called in the marine unit at times and the helicopter once. All resources of the Sheriff’s office divisions are at our disposal at any time. We receive real time intelligence and updates from PBSO in conjunction with homeland security and other agencies. I attend daily briefings from the North County Major at our daily (formerly weekly) captain’s meetings.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing everyone walking the parkway when this is finally over. Until, then, be safe and well. Please call us when in need at 561-688-3400 or 911. My email is langevins@pbso.org.
Sergeant Steve Langevin
PBSO Sheriffs Commander, District 20 Palm Beach Shores
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Evyonne Browning - Town Clerk
We hope that all of you are doing well and coping with this “alone” time that we all have to go through. It is difficult since everyone in this Town loves to interact with each other on a daily basis, especially our civic organizations. This too will pass and soon we will all be back to having card games, beach time, planning the events, and being able to interact with each other in less than 6 feet 😊.
Just to update everyone on how we are handling the “day to day” business of Town Hall, we have put the following practices in place:
- We are only accepting Building Permits on an Emergency basis (i.e. plumbing issues, air conditioning repairs and replacement, water heaters, electrical issue (power out, meter box, etc.), and roof leaks. If you have a question on whether your need is an emergency, please call Town Hall and we will assist you.
Our notary services, selling beach parking passes, and any other “face to face” needs are on hold until we receive the “all clear” to reopen Town Hall.
Our Code Enforcement Officer is working daily and driving the Town to ensure everyone is still maintaining their properties and following the Codes. If you have a question or a complaint, please do not hesitate to call us at 561-844-3457 to speak with Orlando, or you can email him orodriguez@pbstownhall.org.
Please know we are here from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to take your phone calls and assist you as best we can or direct you to where you can get assistance.
Here at Town Hall, we miss seeing your faces… Evyonne, Laura, Sandi, and Wendy
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2020 Federal Census
To All Of Us Who Love Palm Beach Shores:
We have a very low response rate to the 2020 Federal Census. By now, all residents of Palm Beach Shores know how important it is to answer. Our FEMA funds depend on us all.
Please respond. If you have not received a census form in the mail, please email Mary Stanton at
mmwstanton@aol.com
.
You can also go directly online to 2020CENSUS.gov TAKE THE CENSUS and respond directly to the census itself.
Mary Stanton
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Palm Beach Shores Townhall |
Website
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