Locals: PCB Roundup of COVID-19 Emergency Measures
Panama City Beach Council
In hopes of preventing the further spreading of COVID-19, local officials have voted to temporarily close the beaches, agreeing to reconvene at intervals to assess whether or not to extend the closure. In addition:
• All public gatherings at City facilities and property with more than 10 people are prohibited until at least May 1, 2020.
• City recreational sports leagues, tournaments, fields, and special events are prohibited until at least May 1, 2020.
• The Community Center at Lyndell Center is closed for at least 60 days.
• All public places/businesses/restaurants/retail stores are encouraged to have alcohol-based hand sanitizer at the entrance.
• Citizens are encouraged to utilize online or telephone services to conduct business with the City.
• Limit public interaction with City services in: Utility billing, Code Enforcement, HR, Civil Service, building inspection, routine police and fire contact.
For the latest updates from Bay County: Bay County Cornavirus Info.
For the latest updates from the City of Panama City Beach: Panama City Beach Coronavirus Info.
Governor Executive Orders
On April 1, 2020 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the rate of infection during the global coronavirus pandemic. The order went into effect at 12:01 am Friday, April 3rd and lasts for at least 30 days. Executive Order 20-91 requires all those in the state to “limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.”
Check here for clarification of essential services and activities: FAQ on Essential Services and Activities.
On March 27, Gov. DeSantis announced the suspension of any new vacation rentals for a period of 14 days. The governor also called for roadside checkpoints on interstates and main thoroughfares to check for potential COVID-19 cases coming into the state. All visitors arriving from New York and other hot spots must enter a period of quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry, or for the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter.
All restaurants and food establishments have temporarily closed their dining rooms. However, many are offering curbside pickup and delivery services. See a list here: Restaurants for Take-out/Delivery.
Some local activities and attractions, such as fishing charters, dolphin tours, and water sports rental locations which operate outdoors are open.
Area bars, nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers closed beginning March 17 for at least 30 days statewide per Gov. DeSantis. Elective surgeries are also postponed.
More Info
Bay County Schools
Gov. DeSantis has closed all schools through at least May 1, 2020. For the latest school updates, click here: Bay County Schools COVID-19.
The school system is distributing meals for students via bus routes and school sites. For more information and to find the pick up point closest to you, click here: Bay County Schools Meal Distribution.
Students will continue learning at home. For more information on online learning, click here: Bay County Schools Online Learning.
Recreational Vessel Update
Currently, all recreational boats must be at least 50 feet apart. Each recreational vessel must not have more than 10 people on board. Some license renewal deadlines have been extended. Check MyFWC.com for updates.
For more information on the coronavirus, how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick, visit the CDC’s website, here: CDC.
For more information on Florida coronavirus cases by county or zip code, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard here: Florida Dashboard.
