Coronavirus: City Of Largo Compiles Resources For Local Businesses

Press release from the City of Largo:

March 25, 2020

The City of Largo remains committed to helping the business community. Largo’s Emergency Management team is regularly monitoring the evolving health concerns in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and taking the proactive measures necessary to help protect the health and well0being of our City. For the latest updates, information and resources, including updates about facility closures, visit Largo.com/COVID19.Largo Economic Development will remain operational to assist customers via phone and email. Please contact us at ecodev@largo.com for assistance or contact us at 727-586-7360. In addition to checking this page often for resource updates, please follow our Facebook and Linkedin pages to be updated as additional resources become available.

Largo Business Services

The City of Largo is following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for social distancing and has closed Largo City Hall to the public. This decision was made in response to emerging public health concerns of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and a proactive measure to ensure the health and safety of our staff, residents, and customers.

• Planning staff will continue to assist customers via email at AskaPlanner@largo.com and via phone at (727)587-6749 Ext. 7301.

• The Building Division will continue functioning for permitting and plan review via online, mail in and drop-off options, with inspections. Permit review times may be belayed in particular cases. Learn more about Building Division services offered at this time.

• The City’s Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department understands that some commercial customers have had service hours cut-back or eliminated by state law or due to health concerns, resulting a reduction of solid waste materials. Staff is available to analyze your current needs and make recommendations on service changes, as needed. Learn more about options available to commercial customers.

Business Damage Assessment Survey

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local businesses, including those in Pinellas County. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement economic relief programs for businesses can begin.

Purchasing

• The Division of State Purchasing organized the Florida Emergency Supplier Network and Florida Emergency Purchasing Network to assist state agencies and local governments with purchasing functions during emergencies.

• Current Emergency Suppliers

• Apply to become an Emergency Supplier

• If your manufacturing business has the ability to support the manufacture of alternative Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and eye protection, or has access to PPE supplies from elective surgery sites, dentists, hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors and other businesses, please contact Pinellas County Economic Development at (727)464-7332.

Loans

• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is available to small business owners in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage from COVID-19. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Assistance is available by calling the Department of Economic Opportunity’s COVID-19 Call Center at 1(833)832-4494.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for working capital to Florida small businesses suffering susbstantial economic injury as a result of COVID-10. The agency is offering up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Apply online. The deadline to apply is December 18, 2020.

Restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has provided a Frequently Asked Questions document to assist restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs.

• Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has produced a list of local businesses that offer take-out and delivery, and a list of businesses that offer digital gift cards for purchase to help with current revenue while people practice social distancing. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has also created a hub of resources for local business. If you have something to add, please contact PR@VisitSPC.com

Resources for Employees

• For employers who may need help retaining their workforce during times of temporary slowdown may be eligible for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Short Time Compensation Program.

• The Department of Economic Opportunity administers the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, which provides assistance to individuals whose employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• For restaurant and bar employees:

  • CORE - Children of Restaurant Employees resources and financial support

• The Bartender Emergency Assistance Programis meant to aid service industry personnel experiencing financial difficulties as a direct result of the outbreak.

Other resources:

• CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers

• Florida Department of Health Businesses and Employers page regarding COVID-19.

• Florida businesses can also visit http://floridadisaster.biz for more information.

• The Florida Chamber has created a resource page called Follow Facts; Not Fear

• SCORE is offering remote business mentors at this time.

• The American Bankers Association has published a resource page with information on bank actions to assist customers.

Updated: 3/25/20 at 11:26am

This press release was produced by the City of Largo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.