City of Miami Beach Update on COVID-19, 8/18

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

We continue to provide our residents and businesses with the latest updates from the City of Miami Beach during this pandemic. We urge you to wear a mask in public, practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly.

Special Commission Meeting A Special Commission meeting is being held tomorrow, August 19 at 1 p.m. and will be televised on MBTV and streamed live on Facebook. This meeting will discuss: (i) possible amendment to the Emergency Order regarding short-term rentals to conform with the recent County revision, (ii) the City’s response, if any, to the decision by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools to start the year with the on-line teaching only, and (iii) authority to execute interlocal agreement with Miami-Dade County for CARES Act Distribution. The Commission Chambers will be closed to the public, but you can watch the meeting via Zoom at https://miamibeachfl-gov.zoom.us/j/83715996963 How to provide spoken public comment during the City Commission Meeting: The public may provide spoken comment by dialing telephone 301.715.8592 or 877.853.5257 (Toll Free). The Webinar ID is 837 1599 6963#. Press *9 to raise a hand to be placed in queue to speak.

Lottery for COVID-19 Assistance The City of Miami Beach has received Coronavirus Relief Funds from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) to provide emergency rent, mortgage, and maintenance/HOA fees assistance to households adversely impacted by COVID-19. Miami Beach households earning up to 120% Area Median Income ($58,440 for a household of one) can apply online via the City’s website for help with: Rental assistance (including rent arrears, deposits and utility payments) Mortgage payments (including principal and interest as well as insurance and property taxes paid via escrow only) and homeowner association fees. The assisted property may not have any current City liens and cannot be under any forbearance agreement in order to qualify for assistance Housing re-entry assistance such as security deposits, utility deposits and temporary storage of household furnishings Applications for the assistance lottery will be accepted beginning tomorrow, August 19 at 9 a.m. and close on Wednesday, August 26 at 4 p.m. Click here to enter the lottery. A computerized lottery of submitted applications will be held on Monday, August 31 at 9 a.m. to establish a numerical order for processing these applicants. Inclusion in the lottery waitlist does not mean your application is confirmed eligible or that the applicant will receive assistance.  For more information, call the Office of Housing and Community Services at 305.673.7491.

North Beach Drive-Thru Food Distribution South Florida Seniors in Action, Farm Share and Commissioner David Richardson will host a drive-thru food distribution tomorrow, August 19. Wednesday, August 19 9 AM - 11 AM 8700 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL The food distribution is on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Please remain in your car and open the trunk when it's your turn in line. If you do not have a car and would like to qualify for food assistance, please call or register online. Phone: 305.604.CITY (2489) or www.miamibeachfl.gov/food

Hurricane Message from Mayor Gelber As we are in the midst of hurricane season, it’s important to recognize that Miami Beach is vulnerable to storms and flooding. Since 97% of Miami Beach is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, the city encourages purchasing hurricane and flood insurance policies. Learn more in the brief video below and by visiting www.mbrisingabove.com and selecting the “Flood Awareness” tab.   Haga clic aquí para leer en español.