Coronavirus COVID-19

BEACHES:

FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY:

To protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors from the spread of COVID-19, all beaches, beach accesses and parking for beach access will be closed by emergency order. The closure will be in effect Thursday, July 2 at 6 p.m. to Monday, July 6 at 7 a.m.

This includes all public beaches, associated boardwalks, walkways, dedicated public parking areas and the area on the beach beginning at the entrance of the beach. This does not apply to property owners or residents or visitors who may access the beach via private crossovers. 

PARK FACILITIES & AMENITIES:

Social distancing and group size restrictions at all Martin County parks and facilities, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are required.

***Sailfish Splash Waterpark:

Sailfish Splash Waterpark reopened to the public on Saturday, June 6. View health and safety procedures.

**County Procedures for Youth Sports Programs:

The County now has procedures in place for Youth Sports Programs to return to play. View youth sports procedures.

*Skate Park Restrictions:

To ensure social distancing, a limit of 50 participants are allowed in the skate park at one time. Skate time is limited to 90 minutes if there is a wait. It is recommended that all participants and spectators follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.

BOATING:

All restrictions for all Martin County-owned boat ramps have been lifted as of Friday, May 1.

GOLF COURSES:

On Tuesday, June 2, the board rescinded the emergency order that placed restrictions on golf course operations, including the restriction on the number of people allowed per golf cart. Courses are still encouraged to follow PGA, USGA, CDC, and NGCOA COVID-19 guidelines. 

The Martin County Board of County Commissioners has been making plans and preparations to reopen offices to the public in a phased approach. The following county facilities and offices have reopened or have partially reopened to the public.

BLAKE LIBRARY:

Partially reopening for grab-and-go services: On Monday, July 6, the Blake Library in Stuart will partially reopen to provide computer access, printing and copying, reference services, and item pick-up. This includes Summer Reading Program prize pick-up.

At this time, only a portion of the first floor will be accessible. The bookshelves, magazine and newspaper racks, and children’s area will be closed until further notice.

For the health and safety of all visitors, face coverings are required and only 20 patrons will be admitted at a time to allow for 6-foot social distancing. The library will close midday from 12 to 2 p.m. for cleaning. The library is quarantining items and asks that all returns are put into the outside book drops.

While the reopening schedule for other library locations will be released soon, hold pick-up and access to Wi-Fi and mobile printing continues at all Martin County Library System locations during regular hours.

MARTIN COUNTY UTILITIES:

As of June 1, Martin County Utilities is open to the public, by appointment only. To make an appointment, customers should call (772) 221-1434, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Measures such as protective barriers and increased sanitization have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public. Customers are encouraged to wear face coverings when entering the building and to continue to use online, email and by phone options for conducting business whenever possible. 

Ways to make a utilities payment without an office visit:

• Pay online 
• Mail payment to: Martin County Utilities, P.O. Box 9000, Stuart, FL 34995
• Leave payment in a secure envelope in the blue dropbox located in parking lot at 3473 SE Willoughby Blvd. 

HUMAN SERVICES:

As of June 1, the Human Services Office is open to the public, by appointment only. To ensure the health and safety of employees and the public, clients are required to wear face coverings. To make an appointment, call (772) 288-5786, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

VETERANS SERVICES:

As of June 1, the Veterans Service Office is open to the public, by appointment only. To ensure the health and safety of employees and the public, clients are required to wear face coverings. To make an appointment, call (772) 288-5448, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Although some county offices remain closed to the general public, the county will continue to provide services with altered modes and methods in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to use online, email and over-the-phone resources to conduct county business.

ADMINISTRATION:

The Administration Building is closed to walk-in traffic.
For assistance, call (772) 288-5400
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

The Building Department is closed to walk-in traffic.
For assistance, call (772) 288-5916
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

All permits are being extended for an additional 90 days (or longer) during the crisis as needed and as of last week Code Enforcement is only enforcing Health Safety and Welfare issues.

LIBRARIES:

Excluding the Blake Library, which will partially reopen for grab-and-go services on Monday, July 6, all other branches of the Martin County Library System remain closed to the public.

All material due dates have been extended and no fines will accrue. Although our buildings are closed we will still be honoring holds at all library locations.You can pick up your hold by going up to the front entrance with your library card and a staff member will retrieve it for you. If you have additional questions, staff is available at (772) 288-5702 x5.

While libraries are closed, the following services will be provided: 

• Hold pick-up at each location (during normal library hours)
• Receive item returns in outside book drops
• Email and telephone reference (during normal library hours)
• Online classes and downloadable eBooks and eAudio (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

Any county service changes or updates due to COVID-19 will be listed below. 

MARTY PUBLIC TRANSIT:

MARTY, Martin County's public transit service, will continue to provide service for riders performing essential activities. Increased cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be performed on all vehicles and at bus stops with seating. 

Individuals utilizing public transit shall adhere to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regards to social distancing. Passengers should make every effort to sit or stand at least six feet from any other passenger and the bus operator. Individuals that are sick are asked NOT to board MARTY vehicles.

To minimize interaction between patrons and bus operators, MARTY is suspending the sale of on-board bus passes and fare box collection until further notice.

HAZMOBILE:

As of March 26, the HazMobile program is suspended until further notice, and we will no longer be going to the designated Public Safety/Fire Station locations throughout the County for residents to drop off their household hazardous waste. Residents will still have the option to drop off hazardous materials at the Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 9155 Busch Street in Palm City.

Community Information Center: Due to a decline in calls, Martin County has discontinued the Community Information Center phone lines, effective June 19 at 5 p.m. Dozens of library staff members answered over 3,500 calls since opening the lines on March 18, helping residents with information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 information will still be available here on the county’s COVID-19 webpage. 

Florida Department of Health: For all health-related questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 call center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

24/7 State Hotline: (866) 779-6121
Email: covid-19@flhealth.gov 
Website: floridahealthcovid19.gov

DOH Martin County: (772) 221-4000
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m – 5 p.m.

FEMA Rumor Control: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created a Rumor Control webpage to help distinguish between rumors and facts in response to COVID-19. 

CRISIS SUPPORT

If  you are in need of crisis or mental health resources, counseling and/or emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic, view the following link for a list of available COVID-19 crisis resources.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

Congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated funding to provide direct financial relief to American families as we deal with the impacts of the coronavirus. The IRS has issued updated guidance on how to ensure that you receive your payment in a timely manner.

PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida's state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply.  

FINANCIAL STABILITY

211: 

211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect residents with resources for food, paying housing bills, mental health services and more. For assistance, dial 2-1-1, (561) 383-1112, or text your zip code to TXT211 (898211). Service is free and confidential. For more information, visit the 211 website.

BASIC NEEDS:

If you are unable to meet basic needs like housing, food and healthcare:

• House of Hope: (772) 286-4673
• Salvation Army: (772) 288-1471

HOME ENERGY NEEDS:

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. Apply online via the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc., ALPI website.

UNITED WAY OF MARTIN COUNTY:

To assist Martin County individuals and families who are impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Martin County launched the COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund and has authorized up to $200,000 from their emergency fund to aid in recovery efforts.

United Way of Martin County is working with local direct service organizations to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. Learn more via the United Way Martin County website.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

The Martin County School District's Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Department is serving hot and cold meals to all students aged 18 and under. Each bagged meal served will have a ready-to-eat lunch and breakfast for the next day. Meals will be served 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the locations listed below while schools are closed. 

• Hobe Sound Elementary School
  11555 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
• J.D. Parker Elementary School
  1010 E. 10th Street, Stuart
• Jensen Beach Elementary School
  2525 NE Savannah Road, Jensen Beach
• Port Salerno Elementary School
  3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart
• Warfield Elementary School
  15260 SW 150th Street, Indiantown

**FNS is also providing meal service to St. Lucie Mobile Village in Indiantown.**

Hours of operation at each site are subject to change depending on community participation. Additional questions should be directed to Food & Nutrition Services at (772) 223-2655 or via email: AskFNS@martinschools.org.

DIAPERS AND FORMULA:

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition: (772) 463-2888 | mchealthystart.org

FOOD PANTRIES: 

• House of Hope: (772) 286-4673
• Salvation Army: (772) 288-1471

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The Florida Department of Children and Families' Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. To apply for the Food Assistance Program (SNAP), please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.

HOUSE OF HOPE FOOD DISTRIBUTION:

House of Hope is distributing prepackaged food directly into client’s vehicles. Clients on foot and bicycle will also be served. Those new to the House of Hope will need to bring the following information to access the service:

• Picture ID
• Proof of Martin County residency (current lease, mortgage or utility bill)
• For questions, call (772) 286-4673

MEALS ON WHEELS:

Are you in need of meal delivery due to COVID-19? Call Meals on Wheels at (772) 223-7826 or (772) 223-7825. The Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels program provides hot, noontime meals for those who are unable to shop or cook. 

Although Meals on Wheels primarily serves seniors, it is available to all Martin County residents who have a need for this service, whether on a permanent or temporary basis (for example, following surgery). For more information, visit the Kane Center website.

PREPARED MEALS FOR HOMELESS:

Love and Hope in Action: (772) 781-7002 | lahia.org

TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK:

Treasure Coast Food Bank supports a network of local emergency food assistance programs. If you are in need of food, please contact one of our agency partners listed on the Stop Hunger website.

For further assistance, contact the Treasure Coast Food Bank Partner Relations Dept. at (772) 489-3034 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

The Council on Aging of Martin County has many resources for Martin County seniors in need. For more information related to home-delivered meals, the emergency food pantry, 24-hour hotline, caregiver counseling, case manager navigator and the Day Medical Center, call the Kane Center at (772) 223-7826 or visit the Kane Center website.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

The Florida Veterans Foundation has teamed up with the American Legion of Florida to create the COVID-19 Project Vet Relief Fund. This will help with emergency assistance for those veterans who are affected by this pandemic around the state of Florida. Learn more via the Florida Veterans Foundation website.

PRICE GOUGING

Price gouging can be reported by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM.

FREE TAX FILING

Tax Day has moved from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. Through United Way's partnership with H&R Block, every household with a simple return can file their taxes for free at www.myfreetaxes.com. 

BUSINESSES

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD:

The Martin County Business Development Board (BDB) has created a centralized online resource, Martin County BIZHub, to help meet the ever-changing needs and interests of local businesses.

It features announcements, updates, links to state and federal business loan programs, connections to small business, job and workforce development partners and more. Businesses can also call the BDB at (772) 221-1380 or email info@bdbmc.org.

• If a company needs help determining if they are essential, they can contact the BDB: 
  • By phone: (772) 221-1380
  • By email: info@bdbmc.org
  • Online: Website
     
• If an individual needs to file a complaint about a business not complying with the Governor’s Executive Order, they can contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation:
  • By phone: (850) 487-1395
  • Online: Website

In addition, businesses affected by COVID-19 are asked to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey.

STIMULUS BREAKDOWN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:

The stimulus breakdown for small businesses includes the funding available, the four policy initiatives included in the federal stimulus package and FAQs to help walk small business stakeholders through this process. View the stimulus breakdown here. 

TOURISM, DINING, INDUSTRY

The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing offers resources for our local tourism industry, resources for small businesses and more at their Discover Martin website. 

We encourage you to support our local businesses by ordering from area restaurants that are offering take-out, delivery and curbside pickup services. For a list of restaurants offering amended services, visit Discover Martin's Dining at a Distance page.

MARTIN COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR:

As of June 1, full services are offered at the Willoughby Blvd, Palm City and Hobe Sound Tax Collectors’ offices. Residents are encourage to perform transactions online, by phone, by mail and curbside pick-up when possible. Please note the following safety measures are in place:

• Clients will temporarily be limited to Martin County residents
• Only the person conducting business will be allowed in the office
• A face mask or shield must be worn while in the office
• We ask residents to NOT pay by cash, if possible (payment can be made by check or E-check, credit or debit card, or Apple, Samsung or Google Pay

For more information, please visit the Martin County Tax Collector's website.

MARTIN COUNTY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT:

The Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court reopened for in-person services on June 1. Facilities will be reopened  with a gradual approach, with in-person service being provided by appointment only at:

• The Clerk's main office at the Martin County Courthouse. Call (772) 288-5576 for an appointment.
• For passport services at the Hobe Sound branch office. Call (772) 288-5553 for an appointment.

The public is strongly encouraged to continue using the Clerk's online services, chat service, telephone assistance of the drop box located at the Courthouse, 100 SE Ocean Blvd. It is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For those making in-person visits, a variety of safety measures will be in place. For more information, please visit the Martin County Clerk of the Court’s website. 

The Clerk announced that all jury trials have been cancelled by the Florida Supreme Court through July 2; limited court hearings will be held pursuant to court administrative orders. The Florida Court’s e-Filing Portal is fully operational for court case filings.

MARTIN COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER:

The Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office is open to walk-in traffic as of Monday, June 1. The Martin County Property Appraiser’s office would like to remind property owners that many services can be done online:  

• Homestead Exemption Applications
• Mailing address changes
• Interactive map search
• Tangible personal property returns can be emailed to: tpp@pa.martin.fl.us
• Real property ownership and sales search available on home page

For more information, please call at (772) 288-5608, email at info@pa.martin.fl.us, or try out our “Live Chat” available on the website. Get your questions answered instantly by clicking the chat bubble icon.  A representative will happily assist you.

MARTIN COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS:

The Martin County Supervisor of Elections' Office is open to walk-in traffic as of June 1. If you would like to vote by mail in the upcoming primary and general elections, register to vote or update information, please visit the Martin County Supervisor of Elections website, call the office at (772) 288-5637 or email elections@martinvotes.com.  Elections staff will be available to assist you. Spanish assistance is also available.

MUNICIPALITIES

• City of Stuart
• Town of Jupiter Island
• Town of Ocean Breeze
• Town of Sewall's Point
• Village of Indiantown

AT&T:

All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program. Eligibility for Access from AT&T has been expanded to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Visit the AT&T website for more information. 

COMCAST:

Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity internet subscribers. View a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots.

Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

FPL:

For customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, FPL has resources available to help, and to the extent they are available, will continue to connect customers with resources from federal, state and local authorities.

For now, FPL is suspending disconnections through May 31. For more information, visit the FPL website.

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOLS:

All Florida school districts will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. All Martin County School District and school-related events, programs, athletic events and activities have been canceled for the same time period, with the exception of high school graduation ceremonies.

The district continues to collaborate with health and safety experts to tentatively plan traditional graduation ceremonies in late July. More information will be released as it becomes available. Continue to monitor the Martin County School District's website.