April 21, 2020
• Local State of Emergency declaration extended from April 24 – May 1; public beaches and pools remain closed
• Commission’s next virtual meeting slated for Tuesday, April 28
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended its Local State of Emergency declaration through May 1. Public beaches, pools and playgrounds remain closed.
The extension renewed all County orders pursuant to the Local State of Emergency except for Resolution 20-23, which implemented Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Safer at Home order requiring individuals to stay home except for essential activities. Businesses not listed as essential by the state must remain closed through the duration of the order unless they are reclassified by the state. The state order is set to expire on April 30. If the state order expires as scheduled on April 30, the County can revert to its own Safer at Home order issued on March 25, amend it or issue a new order.
Data-driven decision making
The Commission is carefully weighing the pandemic’s public health concerns with its impacts on livelihoods, businesses and recreation. County Administrator Barry A. Burton, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Florida Department of Health in Pinellas officials will review all available COVID-19 data, and Burton will receive input from the County municipalities, in anticipation of next week’s meeting. Burton will also discuss the latest on the anticipated CARES Act funding. The County is awaiting CARES Act federal guidance on what the allowable uses will be for the anticipated funds.
Improved website
Also Tuesday, Pinellas County introduced its redesigned, mobile-friendly website, http://covid19.pinellascounty.org. The website provides comprehensive information about the County’s COVID response, plus recommendations for citizens, businesses, frequently asked questions, stay-home tips, health information and links to a variety of assistance.
Next Tuesday’s Commission meeting is at 9:30 a.m. and will be held virtually.
Full Press Release Here