COVID-19 Update
Santa Rosa County officials met this morning regarding executive order 20-91 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday afternoon which states that all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or to conduct essential activities. Those essential services are listed in the order and its attachments which includes a list from Miami-Dade County and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The order makes allowances for worship, recreation, and taking care of pets and friends or loved ones and is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Fri., Apr. 3 through Apr. 30.
Executive order 20-91 regarding the stay-at-home order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. Fri., Apr. 3 through April 30
Miami-Dade executive order (referenced in EO 20-91) with detailed essential businesses
CISA list of businesses and workers are considered essential
Florida governor’s full list of executive orders
“I have spoken with officials in the cities of Milton and Gulf Breeze along with the town of Jay and we are all operating with the guidelines of the governor’s executive order,” said County Administrator Dan Schebler. “People should only go out of their homes to work if they provide essential services, to obtain necessary items or services and for essential activities including recreation but at all times we must follow the recommendations on social distancing guidelines set by the CDC. During this public health emergency we really need to think about what is necessary. Going to the pharmacy, bank or grocery store is necessary; taking your entire family to a big box store and perusing every aisle to see what might be for sale is not.”
What does this mean for residents, businesses and organizations in Santa Rosa County?
The board of county commissioners regular meeting scheduled for April 9 has been cancelled and agenda items will be postponed. The Board of County Commissioners will meet on April 23at 9 a.m. as currently scheduled.
Santa Rosa County offices remain temporarily closed to the public except by appointment. Several facilities are closed completely including the south end service center and the visitors information center.
Essential county services are being provided via the county web site, email, phone and drop-off. A full list of county office closures with phone numbers and emails for staff is available at www.santarosa.fl.gov/covid19.
Public works staff and county contractor crews will still continue working on projects deemed essential, while following guidelines published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention including but not limited to open construction sites such as the pier and restroom facilities at Navarre Beach, Fidelis Park and more.
Parks are open but playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Residents are asked to use facilities responsibly and not to congregate in groups larger than ten.
Law enforcement will ensure CDC social distancing guidance in public places is being followed. Concerns such as observed large group gatherings, beach access violations, non-essential activities and/or businesses, price gouging, social distancing and other violations can be reported to the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office online here.
Privately owned businesses are responsible for social distancing measures on their property.
“If you are 65 or older or have underlying health conditions you should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary for you to go out, and if you are sick or symptomatic, you must stay home unless you need medical attention,” stressed Public Safety Director Brad Baker. “Every interaction minimized will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The only way we are going to beat this is if we all take personal responsibility and do the right thing.”
For the latest information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit Santa Rosa County’s COVID-19 resource page, www.santarosa.fl.gov/covid19.
