Coronavirus COVID-19

On April 29, Governor DeSantis released Phase 1 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. plan for Florida’s Recovery, which outlines a phased approach to reopening and is based on these guiding principles:

• Focus on the health and safety of the public
• Continued priority of protecting the vulnerable
• Protecting residents’ civil liberties
• Continued partnership with local communities
• Ensuring public confidence
• Planning for economic recovery and our healthcare system readiness

Highlights of Phase I include:

• Organized youth activities, including sports leagues, clubs, programs and summer camps, may operate
• Restaurants may offer outdoor seating, with increased indoor seating at 50% capacity beginning May 18
• Retail can operate at 50% of indoor capacity beginning May 18
• Museums and libraries may operate at 50% of indoor capacity beginning May 18
• Hair and nail salons can operate but must follow established guidelines
• Schools continue with distance learning
• Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited
• Elective surgeries statewide can resume
• Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside of their home

View Executive Order 20-131
View Executive Order 20-123
View Executive Order 20-120 | FAQs
View Executive Order 20-112 | FAQs 
View Guiding Principles for Reopening
View the Task Force Report

Drive-thru Testing:

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is performing drive-thru testing for COVID-19 by appointment only at Martin North Hospital in Stuart and Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie.

Anyone over the age of 16 who has a fever and respiratory illness (such as cough, runny nose, sneezing) or any patient with a fever and gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea, vomiting) is eligible for testing. 

For an appointment, individuals who may have symptoms of COVID-19 must call (772) 419-3360, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For additional information, visit martinhealth.org.

Directions and hours:

Martin North Hospital
200 SE Hospital Ave.
Stuart, Florida 34994

Testing Hours:
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Tradition Hospital
10000 SW Innovation Way
Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987

Testing Hours:
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Florida Community Health Centers, Inc.

FCHC is performing drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at their Indiantown Center location, at 15858 SW Warfield Boulevard, by appointment. Individuals are requested to call to setup an appointment for screening, evaluation, and testing at (772) 597-3596. Telehealth appointments are also available. For more information, visit fchcinc.org.

CDC Prevention Guidance:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Practice social distancing and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

View additional prevention information from the CDC.

Face Coverings:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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. 

A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms. The cloth face covering should be used in combination with social distancing.

View additional mask information from the CDC. 

Community Information Center: Martin County’s Community Information Center is staffed to answer questions regarding county business, closures, services and general information from our elected and constitutional officers and community partners. 

Community Info Center: (772) 287-1652 
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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.

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 is launching 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

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MARTIN COUNTY:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is providing meals to children under the age of 18, regardless of whether or not they are club members. Free, ready-to-eat meals for families are also available. Meals provided will include dinner and a snack, and can be picked up drive-through style outside from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily at the following locations: 

• Meals are available for pick up at:
  • Cole-Clark Club, 11500 SE Lares Ave., Hobe Sound
  • Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, 17375 SW Palm Beach St., Indiantown
  • H. Wayne Huizenga Club, 1150 SW Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City
  • John & Marge Bolton Club, 4731 SE Flounder Ave., Stuart
  • Hobe Sound Mobile Village, 11411 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound

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.**

Parents/guardians and/or students can drive, bike, or walk to these locations. Effective March 27, 2020, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will not require students to be present to receive meals, but parents/guardians should be prepared to provide one of the following documents to receive a meal for their child(ren) who are not present: 

• School ID (any school - MCSD-operated school, charter or private)
• Birth certificate/passport/religious record
• Daycare record

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.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has extended the unemployment benefits hotline hours to better serve individuals seeking assistance. The hotline is now available seven days a week at (800) 681-8102.

Governor DeSantis has waived the eligibility requirements for claimants currently seeking unemployment. Claimants do not need to register with the state job search portal (Employ Florida) and do not need to submit the number of employers they contact each week.

The suspension of these requirements has a retroactive start date of March 15, 2020 through May 2, 2020 pursuant to Governor’s Order 20-52. For more information, visit the Florida DEO website.

If you do not have internet access and need assistance completing the online application, please contact Martin County Health and Human Services at (772) 288-5785. Paper copies of the application can be found at participating FedEx locations. In addition, if you need help with finding employment, please visit www.careersourcerc.com or contact Career Source at (866) 482-4473.

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.

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES

Martin County Tax Collector: As of Tuesday, May 19, the Willoughby and Hobe Sound Tax Collectors’ offices will be open for driver licenses only Other transactions are still available online, by phone, by mail and curbside pick-up. Please note the following safety measures will be 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
• Please call (772) 288-5600 to schedule appointments for learner’s permits and printing licenses from passed driving school road tests

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

Martin County Clerk of the Court:  The Martin County Clerk of the Court’s facilities are closed to walk-in visitors until further notice; however, essential services remain in place for protective injunctions, Baker and Marchman Acts, judicial waivers and Risk Protective Orders. Marriage licenses and ceremonies are also available. Other services will be provided by phone or email and a drop box is available at the Courthouse Complex from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

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.

In addition, the Clerk would like to remind residents that many services and records are available online and that court fees and traffic tickets can be paid online or by phone. Also, E-notify is a great, free way to get reminders about court hearings. For more information, please visit the Martin County Clerk of the Court’s website.

Martin County Property Appraiser: The Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office will open to walk-in traffic on 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 closed to walk-in traffic. 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.