Clay County Times

Clay County Florida issued the following announcement.

Clay County Emergency Management, in Unified Command with the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, the Board of County Commissioners and Clay County Manager, is responding to COVID-19. The Clay County Local State of Emergency has been extended through July 31, 2020 and will be extended weekly as necessary. The Clay County Board of County Commissioners’ Division of Emergency Management website Alert.ClayCountyGov.com has a COVID-19 section to provide the most recent COVID-19 updates.

Clay County CARES Act Community Assistance Programs- The Board of County Commissioners is providing cash payments to non-profits, businesses, and individuals that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications and the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements are available at Alert.ClayCountyGov.com. Call the Clay County CARES Act hotline at (904) 529-4256 or email claycares@claycountygov.com with questions about the application process or eligibility requirements.

• Non-Profit Assistance Grants- Clay County based non-profit organizations may apply for funding for expenses related to providing food assistance, personal protective equipment, or other eligible community assistance programs related to COVID-19 relief.
• Family and Individual Grants- Family and individual grants for Clay County residents who have suffered an economic hardship are available in the form of a cash payment of up to $1,000 per household to assist with mortgage, rent, or utility payments.  Qualifying residents must prove an economic loss on or after March 1, 2020, that is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Business Assistance Grants- Clay County small businesses that have suffered business interruption on or after March 1, 2020, may apply for a cash payment of $2,000 to reimburse the cost of business interruption caused by required closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Call Centers

• The Clay County Emergency Operations Call Center is available to residents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. at 877-252-9362.
• The State of Florida Department of Health 24-hour Call Center is available at 866-779-6121.

COVID-19 Testing Sites for Clay County

Florida Department of Health, Clay County- A free drive through testing site for Clay County residents is open at the Florida Department of Health in Clay County Administrative Offices located at 1305 Idlewild Avenue, Green Cove Springs. A free pack of 5 reusable cloth facemasks will be given to each individual tested.  Call 877-252-9362 to make an appointment from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays

• Children under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• You do not need to have signs or symptoms to be tested.
• Please bring your Clay County ID and your own pen.
• Testing forms available at  Alert.ClayCountyGov.com. Forms will also be available on site.

If you have not been contacted within 5 days after testing, you may request your results by Calling: (850) 583-2419 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET or sending an email to: COVID19Results@cdrmhealth.com. You will be prompted to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

Please note, the testing lab may contact you with results by an unknown or private number. If your phone settings block these numbers, you may not receive the call.

 Fleming Island Target- Beginning July 24, a free state sponsored walk-up COVID-19 testing location is available in the Fleming Island Target parking lot: 1490 County Road 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003. Available to anyone 18 years or older, regardless of symptoms.

Testing hours:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week.

You will need: To remain in your vehicle, have a photo ID, provide name and contact information for registration.  Capacity to conduct 400 tests per day. Tests will be sent to private labs and results will be available within 5 – 7 days.

 Regency Mall Jacksonville- State funded free drive through /walk-in COVID-19 testing will be available indoors at the Regency Square Mall Sears located at 9501 Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville Fl, 32225. The site offers separate self-swab lanes for symptomatic individuals – appointments are recommended. Visit www.DoINeedACovid19Test.com to schedule a test.

 Additional Private Testing Sites- You must be symptomatic to do one of the following:

If you are insured and have a primary care physician, please contact your physician for evaluation and further direction. If you are uninsured or are insured and meet the criteria for testing, contact CareSpot for instructions. 

- CareSpot Middleburg 904-406-8240

- CareSpot Orange Park 904-213-0600

If you are uninsured or are insured, but don't have a primary care physician, please contact one of the following clinics regarding their sliding fee scale or if they accept your insurance.

- Palms Medical Group Orange Park 904-688-3000

- Aza Health Green Cove Springs 904-284-5904

- Aza Health Keystone Heights 352-473-6595

 The Clay County Board of County Commissioners, County Manager and Emergency Manager will follow all guidelines issued in Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Orders in Phase Two of the Re-Open Florida Plan.  

 Governor’s Executive Order 20-150 (Emergency Management COVID-19 Local Government Public Meetings)- Effective June 23, 2020 and extends Executive Order 20-69 until 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020.

Allowing local government bodies to use communications media technology, such as telephonic and video conferencing, as provided in section 120.54(5)(b)2., Florida Statutes.  

 Emergency Order 2020-09 (Florida Department of Businesses and Professional Regulation) - Effective immediately, all vendors licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on-premises, who derive more than 50% of gross revenues from such sales, shall suspend sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.   

Governor’s Executive Order 20-166 (Emergency Management Extension of Executive Order 20-52- COVID-19 Public Health Emergency) effective July 7, 2020 and extended for 60 days.

Governor’s Executive Order 20-159 (Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief) Extends Executive Order 20-94 (Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief) until 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020.

 Governor’s Executive Order 20-139 Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step by Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery- By Order of the Governor, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020: All persons in Florida are encouraged to follow appropriate social distancing and safety protocols issued by the CDC and OSHA.

• All persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50 people.
• Clay County senior citizens and individuals with significant underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Clay County vendors licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on premises who derive more than 50% of gross revenues from sales of alcoholic beverages shall suspend such sales for consumption on the premises.
• Clay County restaurants licensed under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, may continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and beverages at tables at 50% of their indoor capacity, provided they derive 50% or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
• Clay County in-store retail businesses including gyms and fitness centers may operate at full capacity while maintaining appropriate physical distancing and sanitation protocols.
• Clay County entertainment businesses including, but not limited to, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades may operate at 50% capacity with appropriate physical distancing between groups and appropriate sanitation.
• Personal services may operate with appropriate safety guidelines as outlined by the Department of Health.
• All Clay County youth activity facilities and multipurpose fields are open to the public.
• Bookings at Clay County vacation rentals may continue.
• Elective medical procedures may continue at Clay County hospital and office surgical centers, dental office, orthodontic office, endodontic office and other health care practitioners’ offices.
• Clay County will not allow visits to nursing home or long-term care facilities during phase two of the reopening plan to avoid any possible exposure from asymptomatic individuals.

A complete list of all COVID-19 Executive Orders issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is located here: https://www.flgov.com/covid-19/.

Food Assistance Programs

Food Distribution Sites - An updated list will be maintained at www.Alert.ClayCountyGov.com under the “Food Bank Locations” button. 

Pet Food AssistanceClay County Animal Services has donated pet food available for Clay County residents who may be struggling to provide for their pets during this health crisis. Please call the Emergency Operations Call Center at 877-252-9362 to schedule a pickup time at the Clay County Animal shelter.

Anyone interested in collecting and distributing donations should contact volunteer@claycountygov.com.  

Government Updates- Municipalities

Green Cove Springs - https://www.greencovesprings.com/- 904-297-7500

The lobby of Green Cove Springs City Hall, Public Works Administration Building, and the Police Department Building are open to the public. Anyone entering these buildings, including staff, will be required to wear a cloth face covering or mask per CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Hand sanitizer and disposable face masks will be available in every lobby. All City departments are available by phone and email, and the Finance Customer Service drive-thru remains open.  Free WiFi is now available at Spring Park, connect to SpringParkGuest- no password needed. Contact Communications Coordinator Tiffanie Reynolds at 904-297-7046 or treynolds@greencovesprings.com with questions.

Keystone Heights - https://www.keystoneheights.us/ - 352-473-4807- The City of Keystone Heights lobby has reopened with a limited occupancy of 2 guests at one time. Please call in advance to make an appointment. Many services are available over the phone or through email at frontdesk@keystoneheights.us. Please continue to drop CCUA water payments in the drop box. Contact CCUA at 877-476-2282 for questions regarding water/sewer service.  All City meetings will be held virtually through August 1, 2020. All events on City property have been cancelled until further notice. No permits for special events on City property will be approved at this time.

Orange Park - www.TownOfOrangePark.com - 904-264-9565 - Town Hall is open to the public with a limit of 10 people at one time in public spaces. Residents are encouraged to use the online utility payment option at www.TownOfOrangePark.com. Building permits and inspections can also be done through the Town’s website.

Penney Farms – www.penneyfarmsfl.org - 904-529-9078- Town Hall business will be conducted by appointment only 

Government Updates- Constitutional Officers

Clay County Tax Collector’s Office - https://www.claycountytax.com/ - 904-269-6320- All office locations have reopened in a limited capacity during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  All customers will be encouraged to wear a mask.  Customers can complete many transactions online at https://www.claycountytax.com/. A drop box is available in the lobby of the County Administration Building for tax payments and tag renewals.

Clay County Property Appraiser – https://ccpao.com/- 904-269-6305- The main office in Green Cove Springs is open to the public for walk-in service during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Office visitors are requested to follow physical distancing guidelines. The Orange Park branch will remain closed at this time. A drop box is available in the Administration Building and Orange Park branch lobbies.

Supervisor of Elections – www.ClayElections.gov - 904-269-6350- Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office has resumed regular operations Monday- Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be open to the public, and customers, in very limited capacity, will be permitted to wait in the lobby.  Most tasks may be completed online or over the phone. Customers can register to vote, make updates to their information, find election dates, and more at www.ClayElections.gov. Voters are encouraged to request Vote by Mail Ballots for the August 18 Primary and November 3 General Elections.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office - https://www.claysheriff.com/- Non-Emergency Line: 904-264-6512- Lobbies are closed- call ahead for in person services. Some services have been postponed- full list here: https://www.claysheriff.com/news/clay-county-sheriffs-office-covid-19-response/.

Clay County Clerk of Court & Clay County Courthouse – www.clayclerk.com, (904) 269-6302

• Court operations are now at a Phase II status, per judicial order; in-person court appearances remain extremely limited with the majority of hearings conducted online.
• Call Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for information about Clerk’s Office services and continued restricted building entry rules; protective face masks are required.
• COVID-19 health screening for entry is conducted at main courthouse in Green Cove Springs and at the Orange Park branch office; Middleburg and Keystone Heights branch offices remain closed.
• Convenient drop-boxes are available at Green Cove Springs and Orange Park locations for submission of Recording documents, court filings and payments for citations/fines.
• Court hearing dates/times are subject to change; stay up to date with E-Notify, a free email/text alert system for parties involved in adult criminal cases.  www.clayclerk.com/e-notify-alert-system

 Government Updates- Board of County Commissioners

 The Board of County Commissioners of Clay County, Florida will hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., in the BCC Meeting Room, 4th Floor, Clay County Administration Building, 477 Houston St, Green Cove Springs, Florida and by Microsoft Teams.

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting either in the BCC Meeting Room, 4th floor, Clay County Administration Building, or by viewing the meeting on Comcast Channel 260, or as streamed live from the Clay County website at www.claycountygov.com, or on the Clay County, FL Government Facebook page at www.facebook.com\ClayCtyBcc, or by listening to the meeting telephonically at (904) 552-4094 or (833) 450-2718 (Toll-free), use Conference ID 522 544 400#.

To be heard at the meeting for public comment, please complete a comment card if you attend in the BCC Meeting Room, or register telephonically at (904) 529-4114, commencing on July 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. and prior to the public comment item for which you wish to be heard, if you attend virtually.

Additional instructions regarding viewing of and participation in public meetings can be requested by emailing publicrecords@claycountygov.com. Copies of meeting agendas are available at www.claycountygov.com/about-us/agendas-minutes. 

Please note, meeting room capacity and physical distancing guidelines will be followed.  All entrants into the boardroom will be screened. All in-person guests are encouraged to wear a cloth face covering/mask. 

Those wishing to do business with Clay County Government should call the Clay County Government Switchboard at 904-284-6300 to make an appointment. You will be prompted to select a County department or Constitutional Officer. You may also call the County department directly:     

• Building Department:  904-529-5394
• Health Department:  904-529-3784
• Planning & Zoning:  904-541-3814
• SHIP:  904-278-4700
• Code Enforcement: 904-284-6310 Code.enforcement@claycountygov.com Appointments only
• Engineering and Public Works: 904-284-6335
• Clay County Animal Services: 904-269-6342
• UF/IFAS Extension: 904-284-6355

Clay County Parks and Recreation- All playground equipment is open for use during regular hours (Sunrise to Sunset). All Clay County youth activity facilities and multipurpose fields are open to the public. Camp Chowenwaw Park is open for overnight camping. The pool at Camp Chowenwaw is now open to the public. Call 904-259-8058 or email Camp.Chowenwaw@ClayCountyGov.com for reservations. Clay County park facilities and pavilions are now accepting reservations for day-use. Email Parksandrecreation@claycountygov.com to make your reservations.

Physical distancing of 6 feet between people and all other CDC guidelines should be followed when using parks, facilities or pavilions.  

Clay County Public Libraries- All Clay County library branches are open from 1-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Email libraryinfo@claycountygov.com for more information or call the branch directly, contact information here: https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/library.  Call for information on available curbside options. Indoor browsing is allowed with capacity limited to less than 50% of building occupancy. Physical distancing guidelines will be followed at all library branches and no on-site gatherings are permitted. Study and meeting rooms remain unavailable to the public.

Clay County Animal Services- Gates at the shelter in Green Cove Springs are open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursdays the Shelter will be open from 12-6 p.m. Lobby access will remain restricted, please check in at the table near the entrance.  Appointments are required to access the shelter and can be made in advance or on site. Please email CCAS staff at clayadoptions@claycountygov.com or call the shelter at 904-269-6342 to schedule an appointment.

Curbside Solid Waste Collection- Effective Tuesday, July 21, 2020, the collection of curbside recyclables in Clay County will be temporarily suspended through at least July 31, 2020. Clay County’s contracted waste hauler Advanced Disposal Services has seen substantial impacts from COVID-19 and the related stay at home orders. Curbside collection of recyclables will resume as soon as possible. 

This temporary suspension includes the unincorporated areas of Clay County and Keystone Heights only and does not include municipal collection services in the City of Green Cove Springs, Town of Orange Park, and Town of Penney Farms. The current recycling options include: 

1. Save and store recyclable containers until curbside collection resumes. Rinse and flatten plastic bottles and aluminum cans to save space in bins. These items may be stored in a 40-gal or smaller sized container and will be collected in that container once service resumes.

2. Bring your recyclables to the Recycling Center at the Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility in Green Cove Springs, or any of the four Environmental Convenience Center in the County. See locations and hours here: https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/environmental-services. There will be no charge to drop off recyclables. Please be sure to secure loose items with a tarp that is strapped to the vehicle or trailer.

3. Customers that are not able to store or transport recyclables, may place containerized recyclables curbside on their regular garbage collection day, as a last resort. Residents should continue to place bagged garbage and yard debris curbside the night before your designated pick up day. Trucks may arrive earlier than usual in some areas due to staggered shifts. If your items are not picked up on your designated day, check the waste for an information tag to see if an issue was identified preventing the collection. If no tag is present, please report the missed service at https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/environmental-services/report-an-environmental-issue or call Advanced Disposal directly to report a missed collection service at 904-695-0500.

Clay County District Schools - Call Center 904-336-0090  CCDSCallCenter@myoneclay.net - The Summer Food Service Program began June 8 and will run through July 30, 2020. Meal service will be Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals can be picked up inside the school cafeteria for off-site consumption. Lunch will be provided and include a breakfast for the following day. Anyone 18 years or younger may receive breakfast and lunch at no charge and with no application process. Visit https://www.oneclay.net/ for details.

Florida Department of Health in Clay County- http://clay.floridahealth.gov/ - 904-529-2800 - The DOH-Clay Administration Building lobby in Green Cove Springs is open with limited capacity, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All customers entering the building are encouraged to wear a mask. One customer is permitted to enter the lobby at a time. Call 904-529-2800 option 5 upon arrival. You may call prior to arrival for an appointment.

WIC at Bear Run will be available Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. until further notice. Telehealth and curbside services at the Bear Run site will be available until September 30, 2020. WIC services in GCS are temporarily unavailable except through special appointment only. 

Mental Health - Most insurance providers now allow Telemental Health resources.  Contact your insurance provider to find a counselor in your area or call Clay Behavioral Health at 904-291-5561. Medicare and Medicaid have also opened this service.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-237-TALK (8255) - Help a loved one, friend or yourself, the lifeline is free, confidential, and always available.

Senior Centers - Call your local senior center for assistance. To-Go meals will be provided Monday –Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the client’s registered center. Call 904-284-3134 for any additional information.

• Orange Park Center, 414 Stowe Ave. – 904-269-4731
• Green Cove Springs/Clayton and Mildred Revels Center, 604 Walnut St. – 904-284-3134
• Middleburg Senior Center, 3916 Section St. – 904-291-3520
• Keystone Heights Senior Center, 125 NE Commercial Circle – 352-473-7121 

Original source can be found here.