Latest Update:
August 1, 2020 5:55 PM
Key Takeaways from the Hurricane Isaias News Conference on July 31, 2020.
WEATHER PROJECTIONS
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for all of the Florida’s east-coast counties, including Orange County.
A hurricane watch has been issued for neighboring coastal counties, which means there is about 48 hours before those areas start to feel tropical-storm-force winds.
Based on the latest projections for inland areas, Orange County anticipates the potential for wind and rain late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. However, the timeline and those conditions could change as the storm approaches.
For more information about severe weather, continue to follow local news media and Orange County Government on Facebook, Twitter and its online newsroom.
STAY PREPARED
Residents are urged to stay prepared before any major storm. For a list of resources and preparedness tips, including generator safety, building a hurricane kit and more, visit ocfl.net/storm.
Residents who require special needs transportation assistance should pre-register their needs through Orange County’s Special Needs Program by calling 311, or filling out the application online at ocfl.net/PSN.
ORANGE COUNTY STANDS READY
Orange County Government and its Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the path of Hurricane Isaias, and remain in direct communication with our state and local partners, as well as the National Weather Service.
- Shelter: Given the current path of the storm, community shelters have not been opened. If shelters need to open, capacity will be expanded to better accommodate social distancing due to COVID-19. Currently, 84 percent of the County’s hotels are open and ready to assist those from coastal areas who are seeking shelter inland.
- Office of the Fire Marshal: The County’s team has been in communication with all 108 assisted living facilities in Orange County to ensure they are prepared for possible inclement weather and to identify any unmet needs for the facilities.
- Stormwater Management Division: The County’s team is proactively monitoring and assessing stormwater drains, canals and ponds, as well as other sites in anticipation of rainfall across the County.
- Public Works: Equipment to remove debris is ready to deploy if needed. The County has extended its free, self-serve sandbag giveaway until Saturday, August 1, 2020. For locations, hours of operation and more hurricane preparedness information, visit ocfl.net/Storm.
Latest Update:
August 1, 2020 2:09 AM
Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference 7/30/20
COVID-19 NUMBERS
Orange County has an increase of 408 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported since 7/29/20, bringing the County’s total to 7,259 cases over the past two weeks. The County’s overall positivity rate is 11.5 percent, and a recovery rate at 74 percent. There have been a total of 212 resident deaths in Orange County, with 22 of those deaths from residents who were younger than 55 years old.
Below is information from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County on cases and positivity rates for the past two weeks.
View Orange County’s dashboard snapshot that is updated daily at [ocfl.net/Covid19Snapshot]ocfl.net/Covid19Snapshot.
MORATORIUM ON EVICTION EXTENDED
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has extended the state’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium until September 1, 2020. In order to help residents navigate tenant rights, evictions and other housing assistance information for COVID-19, Orange County Government put together some answers to frequently asked question on these topics.
Visit [ocfl.net/housingFAQs]ocfl.net/housingFAQs for more information.
SEVERE WEATHER
Orange County Government continues to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Isaias and stands ready for response if needed. Even as the storm continues to track east, residents should be aware that severe weather may be in the forecast for this weekend. Inland counties may experience 35-55 mph winds, and 1-2 inches of rain.
For more information about severe weather, continue to follow local news media and Orange County Government on Facebook, Twitter and its online newsroom.
FREE SANDBAG PROGRAM EXTENDED
The County has extended its self-serve sandbag giveaways until Saturday, August 1, 2020, pending the severe weather. All sandbag supplies will be provided. However, residents must bring their own shovels and wear a mask while on site. Participants will also receive free masks and hand sanitizer at each location. To date, Orange County Government has provided nearly 40,000 sandbags to residents. Anyone with an Orange County address – including those living in the municipalities (cities) – can obtain free sandbags.
For locations, hours of operation, and more hurricane preparedness information, visit ocfl.net/Storm.
TESTING
Due to the potential of severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Isaias, COVID-19 testing at the Econ Soccer Complex, as well as the state-run testing facility at the Orange County Convention Center will be closed on Friday, July 31, 2020. Stay tuned to social channels regarding re-opening dates.
For future details on testing availability, visit ocfl.net/COVID19.
EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR CARES ACT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
More Orange County small businesses can still qualify for funding to help them overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Orange County’s Small Business Grant Program recently expanded eligibility of its program to allow more businesses to qualify. Companies that have received $75,000 or less in Federal Pay Check Protection (PPP) loans will now be eligible.
Additionally, the program has “micro-grants” to serve more home-based businesses in the community. Select home-based businesses will be eligible for up to a $3,000 micro-grant, of no more than 10 percent of their 2019 revenue. More information to come on ocfl.net/OrangeCARES.
To implement these changes in the application, the portal will temporarily close on Friday, July 31, 2020, at 5 p.m. Any application that is not complete by that time will be disabled, and businesses will have to reapply when the portal reopens again on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 8 a.m.
