• Eastern Florida State College – Palm Bay Campus
  • Free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing
  • 9am – 5pm, seven days a week
  • No appointment required

• MedFast Urgent Care
  • COVID-19 and antibody testing available
  • Pre-registration is required for testing, call (321) 633-3278
  • Multiple locations available

• Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera)
  • Free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing
  • Pre-registration is required for testing, call (321) 454-7141
  • Testing available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am – 12pm and 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Testing is also available in other cities throughout Brevard and at many medical facilities and clinics. If you are seeking a test for a minor, please contact your physician for a referral.

As a reminder, the Florida Department of Health recommends wearing masks or cloth facial coverings to limit the spread of COVID-19 and continue to practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash/sanitize hands frequently.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, and shortness of breath. Those experiencing emergency warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, should immediately seek medical attention.

CDC Self Checker

Visit the CDC website for information on Testing for COVID-19

Florida COVID-19 Information Hotline

The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 information hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866) 779-6121 or by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Florida Outbreak Data: See the latest outbreak data in Florida  View Stats

The 211 Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you with resources for food, mental health, legal support and more. Those in need of help can dial 2-1-1 or call (321) 632-6688. Visit United Way of Brevard for additional information.

Brevard County Emergency Management

State of Florida - COVID-19 Resource Center

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

211 Relief Fund

The 211 Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you with resources for food, mental health, legal support and more. Those in need of help can dial 2-1-1 or call (321) 632-6688. Visit United Way of Brevard for additional information.

Brevard Public Schools COVID-19 Updates

Get the latest updates from Brevard Public Schools

Child Care

Safe and affordable child care is a necessity for essential workers and all families who are eager to get back to the workplace. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic ChildCare.gov has created a new page where parents can connect with state specific resources to help them find, and pay for child care now during the COVID -19 pandemic and as the economy rebounds.

Parents, child care providers, and businesses can find direct links to state specific COVID-19 state resources at the top of every ChildCare.gov webpage. The page includes:

• the opening status of child care
• access to emergency child care (for essential workers)
• child care financial assistance
• help finding child care

ChildCare.gov is operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC). OCC administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and works with state, territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families to find child care programs that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school.

Community Feeding Operations

For information on food pantry locations and how to access help, utilize the United Way of Brevard’s COVID-19 Community Resource guide. It is recommended that you call ahead to verify availability.

Brevard Public Schools Food Distribution Centers (South Area)

These are challenging times, and Brevard Public School’s Food and Nutrition Services is committed to feeding students during the summer.  Meals are available to any child age 18 or younger.  Parents may pick up meals for their child as long as they bring a form of their child’s identification with them.  FNS will make necessary adjustments to these locations as necessary based on need, resources, and participation.

Starting Monday, June 1^st, meals will be distributed Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, at the following schools:

• Discovery Elementary - 1275 Glendale Ave NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907
• Palm Bay Elementary - 1200 Allamanda Road, N.E., Palm Bay, FL 32905
• Turner Elementary - 3175 Jupiter Blvd. SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909
• University Park Elementary - 500 W University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901

Coping / Mental Health Resources

If you find that you or someone you know needs help dealing with the stress of COVID-19 resources are available. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service offers a Disaster Distress Hotline available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990. Users can also text TalkWithUs to 66746 for text-based support.

Eviction and Mortgage Foreclosure

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-159, which extends Executive Order 20-94 until August 1 at 12:01 a.m.

On April 2nd, 2020, Governor DeSantis orders a suspension on evictions and mortgage foreclosures as a temporary relief to Floridians. Executive Order 20-94 will be effective for 45 days.

Internal Revenue Service

Via Notice 2020-17, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has delayed the 2019 tax payments from April 15^th to July 15^th, 2020. For more information, visit IRS website.

COVID-19 Tax Relief - Economic Impact Payments

The IRS has a new Get My Payment tool that allows you to check your Economic Impact Payment status. Check status of your Economic Impact Payments

Reemployment (Unemployment) Assistance

The Florida DEO provides Reemployment Assistance (formerly Unemployment Compensation) offering temporary wage benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Don't qualify for reemployment assistance? Many individuals that were deemed ineligible for state benefits may be eligible for federal benefits through the PUA program.

Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard - DEO has provided information on the number of reemployment assistance claims submitted and processed.

Space Coast Area Transit

ALL riders, both Fixed Route and Paratransit will be able to ride for free. Not charging a fare helps to create social distancing by allowing transit riders to enter and exit through the back door of the bus, as well as bypassing the fare box in the front of the bus. Additionally, effectively immediately, both North and South Space Coast Area Transit Bus Terminals will be closed to the general public until further notice. 

Check 321transit.com for updates.

Protect Yourself Against Scams

First and foremost, remember, Government agencies will never ask you for money as it relates to the Coronavirus.

Fraud & Scam Protection: The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website. The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams.

Reporting Fraud - click here for more information on how to report fraud.

City of Palm Bay – Community & Economic Development

In anticipation of a phased re-opening of business and industry, the City’s Community & Economic Development Department would like input from the local business community. What do you see as impediments to re-opening your business? How can the City and other local resource partners better assist to eliminate challenges to re-opening? Please share your questions, concerns and recommendations on restoring our local economy by completing a brief survey. Businesses can access the survey by visiting www.developpalmbay.org/reopen.

The City offers up-to-date resources for local businesses impacted by COVID-19 and has developed a Business Resiliency Toolkit, providing guidance for navigating the current economic crisis. Business resiliency planning can help to mitigate the impacts and disruption of disasters like COVID-19 and allow businesses to continue to function and return to normal as quickly as possible.

Contact the Community & Economic Development Department by emailing econdev@palmbayflorida.org or call (321) 409-7187.

Back2Business Directory

Palm Bay businesses that are permitted to re-open as well as those that have been able to remain open during COVID-19 are encouraged to input their business hours of operations, website and contact information to let residents and consumers know that they're open for business. This initiative is two-fold: support local business and provide needed products and services to residents.

The Back2Business Directory is limited to businesses operating within the city limits of Palm Bay. Business owners are required to maintain updates to their business information on the website. The Back2Business Directory is available at www.palmbayflorida.org/back2business. The Back2Business Directory serves as a key component of the first phase of the City's initiative to Open Up and Recover, known as OUR Palm Bay.

Back to Business Re-Opening Practices

As part of the first phase re-opening efforts, the City of Palm Bay has launched the OUR Palm Bay initiative in support of area businesses. The OUR Palm Bay campaign, short for “Open Up and Recover,” provides resources to assist businesses with resiliency planning, the identification of funding opportunities, and support re-opening of Palm Bay business, to include a Back2Business Directory whereby businesses that are open under the Governor’s Executive Orders may register to let residents know that they’re open for business. The OUR Palm Bay initiative also includes several local waivers, flexibilities, and temporary relief programs relating to business resumption within the city limits of Palm Bay.

OUR Palm Bay Waivers and Accommodations

• Building Permit fees waived for all projects valued at $50,000 or less
  • Valid June 1^st through September 31^st, 2020
• Code Compliance amnesty for eligible properties with old liens that are now in compliance
  • Valid June 1^st through December 31^st, 2020
• Penalties waived for delinquent Business Tax Receipts (BTRs)
  • Valid for businesses with 100 or fewer employees at each licensed location
  • Penalties for BTRs not renewed by October 1^st, 2020 will be waived through December 31^st, 2020

On May 4^th, the City released guidelines for outdoor dining. The City has historically not had formal outdoor dining regulations. In the past, requests for outdoor dining have been reviewed on an informal basis by Land Development Division staff. In order to expedite such requests in response to COVID-19, staff has implemented guidelines for restaurants to provide outdoor dining.

Restaurants seeking an outdoor dining certificate will be required to submit a site layout for plan review by Land Development staff. Restaurants will be required to maintain a six-feet separation between tables and meet certain provisions to be met relating to hours of operation, canopies, tents, or awnings and maintaining access to entrances or exits, fire lanes, hydrants or sprinkler connection points, drive aisles and back-up areas, pedestrian and handicap access, etc. Outdoor seating must be on a paved surface and seating capacity will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The re-opening of Palm Bay businesses is a key step in our community’s road to recovery following the outbreak of COVID-19. Make this step safely by following public health recommendations to protect employees and customers as we work together to get back to business in OUR Palm Bay.

Social Distancing

Practice social distancing in the workplace. Consider rearranging workspaces to ensure that employees are separated by a distance of at least 6 feet. Floor markings or signs may be used to remind customers to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Healthy Hygiene

Promote healthy hygiene in your business by encouraging employees to wash hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content may be provided for employees and customers if hand washing facilities are unavailable.

Personal Protective Equipment

Encourage the proper use of personal protective equipment such as facemasks and gloves as needed, Disposable gloves and masks should be disposed of appropriately after use to limit accidental exposure. A cloth facemask may be used when interacting with others to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Cleaning

Regularly clean and sanitize your place of business. Frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

As mandated by Governor DeSantis, businesses must take a phased approach to re-opening. Operation at 25% occupancy will ensure employees and customers have adequate space to proactive proper social distancing. Restaurants are required to separate dining tables by a minimum of at least 6 feet. Outdoor dining certificates are available and will be approved on a case-by-case basis by Land Development staff.

Stay Home

You should stay home if you are sick or if you believe that you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Employers may consider alternative working arrangements such as telework and should maintain leave policies and practices that are consistent with public health guidelines. The CDC does not recommend that businesses require employees to submit a positive COVID-19 test result to approve sick leave due to a high demand for testing and wait times.

Outdoor Dining Guidelines During COVID-19

The City of Palm Bay has no formal outdoor dining regulations in the City’s Code of Ordinances. To support local restaurants, the City intends to review and expedite outdoor dining requests on a case-by-case basis. Restaurants will be asked to submit an informal outdoor seating plan for Land Development staff to review. Learn More

In response to COVID-19, the State of Florida has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on local business operations to help direct State resources and enable access to federal programs. The City encourages any business affected by COVID-19 to complete the survey.

Results from the survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans

Governor DeSantis issues Executive Order 20-95 suspending assessment and collection of taxation imposed for all notes and written obligations (SBA guaranteed loans) made under Title I of the CARES Act 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides small businesses with working capital loans up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. Learn more.

Express Bridge Loans

The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses. 

If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

Short-Time Compensation Program for Employers

Florida DEO offers Short-Time Compensation Program to help employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees.

Re-employment Assistance Program for Employees

The Florida DEO provides Reemployment Assistance (formerly Unemployment Compensation) offering temporary wage benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announces the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide funding support to small businesses across the State impacted by the pandemic. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Learn more.

Department of Revenue

Department of Revenue has extended the deadlines for Sales Tax for adversely affected taxpayers due to COVID-19. Learn more.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS has announced that it will delay the 2019 tax payments, originally due on April 15, to July 15, 2020. Learn more.

Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida’s Space Coast

The EDC of Florida’s Space Coast offers a list of regional resources available to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce

Keep in touch with your local chamber, the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce for continued support.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. CARES Act Small Business Guide and Checklist

FPL COVID-19 Business Resource Center

FPL understands just how disruptive the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been and remain committed to doing the right thing for customers and the communities they serve. As Florida begins to re-open, FPL is continuing their crisis policies and will suspend electrical disconnections through May 31.

FPL have put together some resources for businesses as they begin to reopen and resume normal operations. Visit FPL Business Resource Center to find information about:

• What demand energy is and how it works
• Tips on how to minimize your demand energy
• Federal funding resources

Building Division Customer Service
Phone: (321) 953-8924
Email: building@pbfl.org

Inspections: To schedule an inspection, call (321) 952-3484 or schedule online.

Permit Expiration Dates Suspended During COVID-19:
On March 9^th Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-52 declaring a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19.  Under this order, Section 252.363 of the Florida State Statute, the expiration of permits are suspended for the duration of the emergency and allows permits to be extended for an additional 6 months once the State of Emergency has been lifted. 

After the State of Emergency has been lifted, those wishing to extend the permit expiration will be required to notify Palm Bay Building Division in writing within 90 days of their intent to exercise the extension.

OUR Palm Bay Waivers and Accommodations:

• Building Permit fees waived for all projects valued at $50,000 or less
  • Valid June 1^st through September 31^st, 2020

Land Development
Phone: (321) 733-3042
Email: landdevelopmentweb@pbfl.org

Code Compliance
Phone: (321) 952-3430
Email: pbcodecompliance@pbfl.org

Code Enforcement throughout the City will continue. Staff will prioritize new cases using health, safety and welfare criteria.

OUR Palm Bay Waivers and Accommodations:

• Code Compliance amnesty for old liens that are now in compliance
  • Valid June 1^st through December 31^st, 2020

Business Tax Receipts
Phone: (321) 952-3419
Email: biztax@pbfl.org

OUR Palm Bay Waivers and Accommodations:

• Penalties waived for delinquent Business Tax Receipts (BTRs)
  • Valid for businesses with 100 or fewer employees at each licensed location
  • Penalties for BTRs not renewed by October 1^st, 2020 will be waived through December 31^st, 2020.

Passports - Acceptance of passport applications is suspended until further notice. Visit U.S. Passport website for the latest updates on passport operations in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Fire Non-Emergency: (321) 409-6300

Housing and Community Development
Phone: (321) 726-5633 extension 3542
Email: HDCinfo@pbfl.org

Parks and Recreation
Phone: (321) 953-8912

Police Non-emergency: (321) 952-3456

Procurement
Phone: (321) 952-3424
Email: procurement@pbfl.org

Procurement is grateful to our vendor partners in helping meet the operational objectives of Palm Bay in a contactless environment. We have not decreased the number of solicitations we’ve issued or contracts we have awarded back to the business community. As such, Procurement will continue with contactless operations with the following protocols:

• Contactless Bid Drop Off: Bids can be dropped in the “Bid Drop Box” located outside our office doors. Bids must be sealed and marked with the company name and solicitation number on the outside. If you need assistance or would like a receipt, please knock on our door and step back to the social distancing markers and someone from our office will be glad to assist you.
• Virtual Bid Openings & Evaluation Team Meetings: Bid openings occur on Wednesdays at 10 am. Evaluation Team meetings for Requests for Proposals are scheduled as needed. In accordance with the Governor’s direction, public meetings can still be held virtually. For every scheduled bid opening and Evaluation Team meeting, Procurement has a teleconference number and conference ID for interested parties to call in. These numbers are posted on the City’s website under the Calendar www.palmbayflorida.org/calendar. You can also access them from Procurement’s homepage, under Events www.palmbayflorida.org/procurement.
• Contactless Vendor Service: The Procurement Department website has information on all bid opportunities, scheduled meetings, surplus property auction links, vendor registration links, and a guide to doing business with the City. Please visit www.palmbayflorida.org/procurement. For any additional questions on doing business with the City, contact our office from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, by calling (321) 952-3424 or emailing procurement@pbfl.org.

Public Works Customer Service
Phone: (321) 952-3437
Email: pwcustomerservice@pbfl.org

Driveway and Lot Drainage
Phone: (321) 952-3403
Email: PWDriveway@pbfl.org

The service desk is available; however, customers will need to use the doorbell at the main entrance to gain entry.

Utilities Department Customer Service
Phone: (321) 952-3420
Email: ucs@pbfl.org

• Phone Payments: Credit/Debit card payments are accepted via phone by calling Utilities Customer Service at (321) 733-3069
• Applying for Service: Guests can complete and submit the application online. Then E-mail or fax the required documentations, along with a copy of your driver’s license, to us at: ucs@pbfl.org or (321)727-0693 (fax). Contact the Utilities Customer Service Office (321) 952-3420 to pay the required deposit.
• Financial Relief: We understand that many of our customers are experiencing financial stress during these uncertain times. If you are experiencing or anticipate a financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out to Palm Bay Utilities Customer Service. Contact Customer Service at (321) 952-3420 to discuss options and arrangements that are available to you.

Virtual City Council Meetings

City Council will hold Council Meetings in a virtual format to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.  

View Agendas and Minutes

How to View Meeting

The virtual meeting will be broadcast for viewing by the public via the following channels:

• The City’s webpage
• The City’s Facebook page
• The Space Coast Government TV (SCGTV) channel. The broadcast on SCGTV will also have closed captioning.

How to Provide Comment

Any person may be heard by the City Council, through the City Clerk and upon registering pursuant to the published notice for not more than three (3) minutes, on any proposition before the City Council, unless modified by the Council.  Only one public comment may be submitted per meeting under the Public Comments heading; only one public comment may be submitted per agenda item, irrespective of the method. Comments may be provided via (321) 726-2740, a dedicated City of Palm Bay public comment voicemail.  Voicemail messages must be recorded twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting;

1. Members of the public may submit written comments by emailing the comments to publiccomments@palmbayflorida.org.Written public comments must be received twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting;
2. If you would like to show a presentation while you speak, the electronic file must be provided to staff for screening no later than 2:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting.

The City urges members of the public to remain at home and practice social distancing.  Public meetings are not required to be held in a physical location if alternative methods allow public participation and observation.  The City may provide accommodations for speakers desiring to appear in person, subject to all applicable legal and social distancing measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

If an individual decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be required, and the individual will need to ensure that a verbatim transcript of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes).  Such person must provide a method for recording the proceedings verbatim.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing special accommodations for this meeting shall, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting, contact the Office of the City Clerk at (321) 952-3414 or Florida Relay System at 711.

Please note that Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-69 suspended the requirement of a quorum to be present in person or requires a local government body to meet at a specific public place.  The Executive Order also allows local government bodies to utilize communications media technology, such as telephonic and video conferencing for local government body meetings.

Errands and Going Out

Before deciding to head out, know your risks and consider the newest CDC guidelines on Errands and Going Out

Avoid touching your face, which includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Hand Washing

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Social Distancing

Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infection diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together (no groups larger than ten), closing buildings, and canceling events. Also, try and keep at least six feet between you and other people.

Do not shake hands, here are some other ways of social greeting.

• Just say “hello”
• Smile
• Wave
• Give a nod

Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you're sick except to get medical care.

Clean and Disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Face Masks

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.

Cloth face coverings should:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Visit the CDC website for more information on how to make your own cloth face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Visit the CDC website for information on Testing for COVID-19

Chief Hoog, Palm Bay Fire Rescue

Chief Moya, Palm Bay Police Department

See more of our video messages on the City of Palm Bay YouTube Channel