July 2020, Vol. 14, Issue 7
Dear Friends,
As I write this message our nation is experiencing one of the most difficult chapters in its history. More than 110,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 including over 400 in Palm Beach County. As we continue to face record unemployment and business struggle to reopen, I have put together a comprehensive list of resources that can help. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors – anyone who needs a hand during this difficult time.
On a brighter note, I am excited to let you know we launched an entirely redesigned website for the agency. The new design is ADA compliant and mobile responsive, making it easier for everyone to use.
A friendly reminder, our offices will be closed Friday, July 3 for the holiday. Have a safe and fun 4th!
Sincerely,
Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Tax Collector’s Office Helps Business Owners Apply for Financial Assistance
From May 22 to June 12, our agency was proud to help local business owners apply for financial assistance through the Palm Beach County CARES Restart Business Grants program. The program dedicated $60 million in federal dollars to local businesses impacted by the pandemic. Most of the funding is earmarked for small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.
Applicants were required to provide a copy of their local business tax receipt, a document that many business owners had misplaced. On May 22, the first day of the application period, clients came to our Administrative Office in the Governmental Center seeking help.
At the time, our office was still closed due to the pandemic. Tax Collector Gannon worked with county officials and building security to safely admit clients. Once inside, our team went to work helping numerous business owners get their business tax receipt so they could apply for this important grant.
The county may reopen applications depending on how much money it disburses.
For more information, please visit Palm Beach County’s Housing and Economic Sustainability webpage at discover.pbcgov.org.
Comprehensive List of Resources for Those Affected by the Pandemic
COVID-19 Testing
- Palm Beach County Health Information at (561) 712-6400 or public@pbcgov.org
- FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches call (561) 642-1000
- South County Civic Center call (800) 209-7919
- Belle Glade: Primary Care Clinic call (561) 642-1000
- List of over 60 local testing sites at discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus
- Homebound residents may call the Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center (EIC) at (561) 712-6400 for a pre-qualifying assessment for in-home testing
Hunger Relief
- School District of Palm Beach County summer feeding program at 50+ school feeding sites. To learn more visit palmbeachschools.org
- Food assistance also available through the Department of Children and Families
Veterans
- Veterans with COVID-19 symptoms should call the VA Medical Center (561) 422-8262
- Veterans in distress should call the VA 24-hour hotline at (800) 273-8255 or text 838255
- List of smartphone apps for self-help and coping strategies at mobile.va.gov
- VA-specific information at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs COVID-19 webpage
Unemployment Assistance
- Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Program at floridajobs.org or call (800) 204-2418
- Paper applications in English, Spanish and Creole are available at all FedEx office locations
- Get help finding a job through CareerSource Palm Beach County
Senior Citizens
- Area Agency on Aging Helpline at (866) 684-5885 for assistance with food, electricity bills, Medicare and caregiver resources
- 211’s Sunshine is a free program that provides a daily phone call with a friendly help and well-being check for seniors who are feeling isolated and alone. Call 211 or visit the website at 211palmbeach.org
Mental Health Resources
- Palm Beach County Youth Services provides free telemental health services for children and families by calling (561) 242-5714
- Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety and fear due to COVID-19 may call the Catholic Charities Counseling Program hotline at (844) 848-6777
Local Business Tax Collection Begins
Business owners must pay local business tax online July 1 through Sept. 30. Property owners offering short term rentals are required to obtain a local business tax receipt for each rental unit. Check with your local municipality for additional business tax payment information requirements.
Stay Healthy and Vote by Mail
I urge Palm Beach County voters to sign up to vote by mail. Voters can request a Vote-by-Mail ballot online from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Return postage on Vote-by-Mail ballots is prepaid. Stay healthy and vote by mail!
IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES & DEADLINES
2020 Primary Election | 2020 General Election |
July 20, 2020 August 18, 2020 | October 5, 2020 November 3, 2020 |
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Jul. 1 | Local Business Tax Collection Begins |
| Jul. 3 | Independence Day Holiday. Offices Closed |
| Jul. 4 | Independence Day |
| Born in September? You can renew your registration up to 3 months before the expiration date. |