City of Hollywood COVID-19 Update

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The City continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and is taking the necessary precautions for the safety and well-being of our community. We are working closely with local and state officials and remain vigilant in following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Florida Department of Health guidelines.

Broward County Recreational Facilities Reopen

Broward County has issued a new Emergency Order that allowed for the reopening of some recreational facilities today, Wednesday, April 29th including certain county parks, golf courses, boat ramps, marinas, and pools in multifamily developments. All of the openings come with specific restrictions including limited hours, usage guidelines, social distancing requirements and other regulations to limit interaction. All beaches in Broward County remain closed, as well as non-essential businesses. For additional information about which facilities have reopened, please visit the County's COVID-19 website.

City Planning for Reopening of Recreational Facilities Next Week

Due to the current number of new COVID-19 cases in South Florida as documented by the Florida Department of Health each day, the City of Hollywood will not be reopening City parks, public or private golf courses, or boat ramps or marinas at this time. The City will continue to monitor the case data in preparation for the possible phased reopening of certain recreational amenities starting Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Information on closures and cancellations in the City of Hollywood is updated daily on the Emergency Orders and Cancellations page at www.hollywoodfl.org under City News.

General Obligation Bond
Advisory Committee
Virtual Meeting
Today, Wednesday, April 29th

The General Obligation Bond Advisory Committee will be conducting a Virtual Advisory Board Meeting at 6:00 PM today (Wednesday, April 29th) using Communications Media Technology (“CMT”). Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-69 pertaining to conducting local government meetings while under the public health emergency related to the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In accordance with this order and due to a prohibition on public access to City Hall because of the risk to public health, the City will be holding the meeting virtually using Webex Meetings.

Join the online meeting via Webex: https://hollywoodfl.webex.com/hollywoodfl/onstage/g.php?MTID=e30b9782159c82e6f3c65b6781b4333d9
EVENT NUMBER: 717 426 354
EVENT PASSWORD: GOBApril29

If you would like to listen to the meeting over the telephone, please call 408.418.9388.

The deadline to submit a comment has passed.

Important Update on Reemployment Assistance

(formerly Unemployment Compensation)

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, if you were denied Reemployment Assistance benefits or if you applied on or before April 4, you should reapply online at www.FloridaJobs.org (regardless of whether you have received a response from the department). This includes gig workers, independent contractors, the self-employed, people who just moved to Florida, or almost anyone else who wouldn’t normally be eligible for state benefits.

If you applied on or after April 5 for Reemployment Assistance benefits, the state will be able to process your claim and you do not need to reapply.

For more information on Reemployment Assistance, including the City's step-by-step Application Guide, help resetting your PIN, and a list of locations where you can obtain a paper application, please visit: http://choosehollywoodfl.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=184

Take the Census Today

10 minutes is all it takes!

National Self-Response Rate: 54.3%
Florida's Self-Response Rate: 52.2%

Hollywood's Self-Response Rate: 48.0%

Have you completed the Census questionnaire? It’s important that you do so. Your response ensures Hollywood receives federal support for a wide range of important services including public safety, education, healthcare and workers benefits. There’s Strength in Numbers…Make Hollywood Strong! Fill out your Census questionnaire today: www.my2020census.go v.

Have You Colored Your Turtle?

#StayStrongHollywoodFL

Looking for a way to show your Hollywood pride and send a positive message of hope, strength and unity? The City of Hollywood has created a downloadable coloring page for residents to decorate and display in their windows. Children are encouraged, with the help of a parent or guardian, to download and print out the City’s sea turtle logo coloring page from the City website. The coloring page can then be personalized and proudly displayed in a show of community spirit during our current “safer-at-home” emergency restrictions.

Annual Water Line Flushing
Program Set To Begin

The City's Department of Public Utilities' Annual Free Chlorine Line Flushing Program is set to begin on May 10th. The free chlorine portion of this program will end June 15th. If necessary, flushing may continue across the City through June 30th to achieve optimal system maintenance.

This annual flushing helps rid the water distribution pipelines of any accumulated sediments. The hydrant flushing may temporarily cause cloudy or discolored water, which should clear in a few hours. Residents may also notice a change in the taste of their water during this time as well.The cloudiness is due to sediment in the pipelines and is not harmful or hazardous. You can speed the clearing by opening your faucets and taps and letting them run until your water runs clear.

Typically, flushing will take place in the evening hours between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. when the demand for water is low.

Owners and managers of businesses with fish and shellfish holding tanks and users of kidney dialysis machines are advised that regular methods for testing and removing free chlorine will not be effective during the remainder of the flushing period. It will be necessary to test and adjust for chloramines after June 15th.

For more information on the discontinuance of Free Chlorination or additional quesitons, please call the City of Hollywood Water Treatment Plant at 954.967.4230. Ask for Carlos Aguilera, Public Utilities Manager, or Luis Montoya, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent.

Virtual Inspections

The City of Hollywood Building Department is now offering customers the option for Virtual Inspections for all inspections required during permitting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Building Officials proactively sought a reliable alternative to in-person inspections. The Virtual Inspection method is quick and easy for customers, and allows City Inspectors to clearly see the work that has been performed to ensure all safety requirements and building codes are met.

Visit the Hollywood website for more information or to schedule your Virtual Inspection.

Food Assistance for Hollywood Residents

Several organizations are providing food assistance for Hollywood residents. Visit the City's website for participating organizations.

Recovered from COVID-19? Your plasma can help!

Memorial Healthcare System is in need of plasma donors!
Learn how to donate potentially lifesaving plasma to those in need.

Safer at Home Emergency Order in Effect in the City of Hollywood

The City of Hollywood is currently under a Shelter-in-Place: Safer at Home Policy for residents. All individuals are ordered to remain home other than to engage or patronize essential businesses or conduct essential activities. This order doesn’t mean you are required to stay inside, but it does mean your travel is limited to and from essential businesses and services.

All are encouraged to read this order to familiarize yourself with what this means for you and your family. It's vitally important that all in Hollywood follow this order.

PLEASE NOTE: Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 for the entire state of Florida to remain "Safer at Home" through April 30, 2020. The order is in effect now. View all Emergency Orders and Cancellations.