May 1, 2020
The Latest News
On Wednesday, Governor DeSantis presented phase one of his statewide reopening plan . Effective on Monday, May 4th:
  • Restaurants must reduce capacity for inside dining to 25 percent of what is listed on the certificate of occupancy. No bar seating is allowed, but bar areas with tabletops may be open. Restaurants with outside seating must adhere to social-distancing requirements.
  • Retail may operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
  • Car washes and dog groomers may open.
  • Bars, gyms and personal services will remain closed.
  • Schools will continue distance learning.
  • Visits to senior living facilities are still prohibited.
  • Elective surgeries may resume.
  • Social distancing, including avoiding crowds of 10 or more, will continue
Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions and here for additional details provided by Pinellas County .

Pinellas County Commissioners voted on Tuesday to:
  • Reopen private pools and beaches. Beaches will reopen Monday May 4, at 7 a.m. Community and shared pools will reopen at 50% capacity and daycare playground facilities may reopen. Social distancing guidelines are required & will be enforced by law enforcement.
Pinellas CARES Assistance Programs
On Tuesday, the County Commission voted to approve 2 programs that will provide $170 million to the community.

  • $5,000 grants for small businesses to cover expenses like employee wages and rent. Applications open May 4th. 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

  • Up to $4,000 assistance for necessities like overdue rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills.
  • To apply text COVIDCARES to 898211 or call 211.
  • To qualify, individuals must:
  • Be a Pinellas County Resident
  • Have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Demonstrate loss of income as a direct result of COVID-19 (i.e. layoff or reduction in hours)
Fighting Chance Fund


The new, expanded guidelines for the Fighting Chance Fund are now in effect and there is plenty of funding still available! Travel agencies and tour operators are now eligible to apply. So are businesses that have been in operation for 6 months and are owned by non-St.Pete residents.
Free COVID-19 Testing
The Pinellas County Florida Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 testing on Saturday, May 2 at Frank Pierce Recreation Center, 2000 7th St. S., St. Petersburg. Call (727) 568-8028 to make an appointment.
Individual and Family Resources
Essential Workers in Need of Transportation
  • Check out this new program offered from PSTA
K  now an Artist in Need?
Help St. Pete plan for 2050 and Beyond
Free Lunches for Kids
New Hours for St. Pete Free Clinic
  • Click here for details/locations
Business currently closed?
  • You can temporarily suspend your dumpster service by calling the Sanitation Department at 727-893-7351
Need to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?
  • OneUnited is accepting applications from NEW clients
Don't have a bank?
How to Help
Donate Supplies at Tropicana Field!

Donate Food to Your Community Members!
Join your neighbors for a socially distant happy hour tonight and every Friday from 5-7 from your front porch!
Urban Brew and BBQ will be " Sharing Mothers Day " by providing single mothers alone on Mothers Day a complimentary brunch, handmade card, and potted orchid!
Looking for Information from a Previous Update?