Happy Thursday, Fellow Democrats!
 
 

DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS CLOSED

 
Our office is still officially closed to everyone.  We will be checking for phone messages and mail only twice a week.  If you are in need of anything, please do not come to the office.  Instead you can email Stacey at [email protected]  
 
Any and all in-person Democratic meetings that were previously scheduled are canceled. 
 
We hope you are all staying healthy and safe. 
Please note that all Covid-19 resources are at the end of the newsletter. 
 
 

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

 
April’s Volunteer of the Month is Linda Levine!  Linda has been an integral part of the Democrats of Indian River County for years.  She has taken on many leadership roles such as Precinct Captain and Candidate Development and Phone Banking Trainer (to name just a few).  She always steps up to the task when we need her.  Thank you, Linda, for always being there and helping us achieve our goals.  We greatly appreciate you!
 
 

 
 

 
PRECINCT ACTION COMMITTEE NEWS – WHAT’S HAPPENING?

 
The Precinct Action Committee (PAC) continues to meet weekly, via Zoom.  Our number one priority right now is to encourage Democrats to enroll with the Supervisor of Elections to VOTE BY MAIL.

Precinct Captains have been instrumental in our work.  They took on the task of mailing out hundreds of pre-filled Vote By Mail forms to Democrats in their Precinct.  Then they were trained in Virtual Phone Bank.  Now they are responsible for managing the volunteers in their precinct to make sure the phone banking is being completed.  Our Precinct Captains rock!  Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.  It doesn’t go unnoticed!  

We continue to train volunteers who stepped forward to help with phone banking, starting first in their precincts.  Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to participate in the training.  We greatly appreciate you! 

Here is a look at what our Zoom training looked like yesterday:
 
 
If you are interested in helping with this important work, contact the office: [email protected]
 
 

VIRTUAL PHONE BANKING VOLUNTEERS
 

If you are interested in helping with this important work, there is training for our phone banking volunteers three times next week.  Please contact Stacey to get enrolled in a one-hour Zoom training at: [email protected]
 
 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR PHONE BANKING

 
As we begin making calls to fellow Indian River County Democrats, we are in need of any foreign speaking (Korean, Creole, Spanish, etc.) volunteers who are willing to help.  If you are interested, please email Stacey at [email protected]
 
 

DEMOCRATIC CLUB UPDATE

The May meeting for the Democratic Club is CANCELED.
 
In a straw poll of the Democratic Club members conducted this week, the overwhelming choice for Biden’s VP choice is Stacey Abrams!
 
From those who picked a different candidate for VP, Stacey Abrams was their second choice. Some reasons Abrams would be the best choice: 

“A truth teller, who has the moral high ground and could debate Mike Pence and win convincingly.”
 
“The best running mate, she is politically savvy, highly educated, has leadership ability, and legislative experience.” 
 
“South Carolina pulled Biden from the dead with its black vote so it should be an African American woman, the truly elected governor of the state of Georgia.”

Kamala Harris was a distant second, followed by Michelle Obama, Susan Rice, Elizabeth Warren, Gretchen Whitmer and Amy Klobuchar.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote and explained the reasons for your choice!
 
Keep checking your emails for Democrats of Indian River news!
 

DEMOCRATIC FACE MASKS

 
We have Democratic Facemasks for sale!  They are being sold for $10.  Lovingly made by a fellow Democrat, we expect them to sell quickly.  Contact our office if you want one at: [email protected]
 


 
 

 
FLORIDA REOPENING – PHASE 1

 
Phase 1 includes the following provisions:

• Schools will continue distance learning. 

• Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited. 

• Elective surgeries can resume. 

• Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six feet between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity. 

• Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity. 

• Bars, gyms, and personal services, such as hair salons, are to remain closed. 

• Florida State Parks will reopen access to trails and beaches with limited facilities. 

• Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home. 

• All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others. 

• Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing. 

• Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can't social distance. 

 
For more information about these guidelines or to view these Executive Orders in their entirety, please visit FLGov.com/COVID-19.
 
 
 

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN

 
With all this time at home, why not write a few letters?  You can write a letter to the Editor or you can write your elected officials.  Letter writing is a great way to get your voice heard and show that you are involved and care. 
 
There is plenty to write about - unemployment, Nikki Fried’s recommendations to Governor DeSantis, health care, and Biden’s plan are just some examples. 

If you are interested in writing letters, please send an email to Stacey at [email protected] and she can send you a list of talking points to assist you. 
 


 

FDP VIRTUAL FUNDRAISERS

 
The Florida Democratic Party was the first state party in the country to pivot and start hosting virtual fundraisers and have helped a number of other states develop fundraisers modeled after them.  If you are interested in joining an upcoming virtual fundraising event, here is your opportunity:
 

 
 

 
POSEY SURVEY

 
Representative Posey has sent out another survey asking for feedback.  Let him hear from you!  Click on the link below for the short survey.
 

https://posey.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=4232&utm_campaign=192566-210
 
 

 
REGISTER TO VOTE FOR DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES FROM CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 8

As you know, it is very uncertain that the Democratic Party will be holding the National Convention in Milwaukee in August as planned. It is not yet clear how the nomination process will be worked out. However, The FDP has engaged a professional online voting company, YesElections, to provide electronic voting for district-level delegate elections.  You can be involved by voting for YOUR delegates that will represent Congressional District 8 with this voting service.  Congressional District 8 includes Indian River County, Brevard County, and a bit of Orange County.
 
Here's the process:
 
1. If you are a registered Democrat, you will need to request a ballot via e-mail by no later than Wednesday, May 13th. Click this hotlink to request a ballot: 
https://www.floridadems.org/delegates?mc_cid=17aa77f16e&mc_eid=87a4406806
 
2. You will then receive an e-mail on May 14th with a hotlink and a unique code to enter to access your ballot electronically. 
 
3. Voting occurs only between May 14th beginning at 2pm and closing on Saturday, May 16th at 2pm.
 
Candidates for delegates include folks from Brevard and Indian River counties.
 
 

 
COVID-19 RESOURCES

 
 
COVID-19 DATA TRACKER
 
To stay up-to-date on the cases of Covid-19 in Indian River County and the State of Florida, click on the link below.  Updates are put up every day at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 
 
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429
 
 
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ALERT INDIAN RIVER
 
Indian River County currently has 99 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The county knows you may have questions so they have activated the Emergency Information Center.  Operators are standing by to assist with your questions. Please dial 772-226-4000. The Emergency Information Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
 
 
 
 
 
COVID-19 STATE RESOURCES
 
FEDERAL ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS – UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION AND CHECK YOUR STATUS
 
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
 
FLORIDA COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS AND INDIVIDUALS
 
https://covid19.floridajobs.org/
 
FLORIDA REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FAQ
 
http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/ra-covid-19-faqs-eng.pdf?sfvrsn=805543b0_14
 
FEDERAL DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
 
In order to qualify for this benefit your employment or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. You must have been determined not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or Federal law).
 
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597
 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE & LOAN RESOURCES
 
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
 
ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN EMERGENCY ADVANCE
 
This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
 
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
 
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance#section-header-2
 
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
 
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The following entities affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be eligible:

• Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry based sized standard or the alternative size standard)

• Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, or Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of:

  • 500 employees, or

  • That meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500

• Any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location

• Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons

 
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
 
PPP INTERIM FINAL RULE - ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN PLEDGES OF LOANS (Effective April 14, 2020)
 
https://www.sba.gov/document/policy-guidance--ppp-interim-final-rule-additional-eligibility-criteria-requirements-certain-pledges-loans
 
 
RE-EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
FloridaJobs.org
 
PRICE-GOUGING HOTLINE
MyFloridaLegal.com
 
CORONAVIRUS TAX RELIEF
Irs.gov/coronavirus
 
SCHOOL CLOSURES UPDATE & EDUCATION RESOURCES 
Fldoe.org/em-response/
 
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS & TEENS
Summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com
 
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DATA DASHBOARD
www.tinyurl.com/COVID-19-Florida-Data
 
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
FLGov.com/2020-executive-orders
 
REBATE CHECKS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm967
 
REBATE CHECK FAQ’S FROM IRS
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
 
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS INFORMATION
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp#section-header-4
 
FLORIDA REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
 
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) recently announced a new, mobile-friendly online application for Reemployment Assistance available at FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication.
 
“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to ensuring Floridians are able to receive the benefits owed to them during this global pandemic,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.”
 
Those who have not filed a Reemployment Assistance claim should complete their application online or submit a paper application which is available for download here. All applicants will need to complete the following steps:
 
Step 1: Collect the following documents & information:
Social Security number 
Driver’s License or State ID number 
Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer 
Employer ID - FEIN number (this is found on your W2 or 1099 tax form)
Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number 
First and last day of work 
Gross earnings (before taxes are taken out) covering the last 18 months 
Reason for separation 
 
Step 2: Submit your Reemployment Assistance application online or by mail. CareerSource locations are available to assist with completing and submitting online applications. They are also providing paper applications at all CareerSource Centers. FedEx locations are also offering the option to print and mail applications for Reemployment Assistance free of charge.
 
Step 3: Receive your Reemployment Assistance application confirmation. If you mail your Reemployment Assistance application to DEO, a representative will contact you after your application is processed. A written determination will be provided electronically and/or by mail to explain if you are monetarily eligible, and if you are, what your weekly benefit amount will be.
 
 
CLEVELAND CLINIC COVID-19 UPDATE
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital continues to perform drive-through testing for COVID-19, by appointment only. To receive an appointment, individuals who believe they may have symptoms of COVID-19 must first call (772) 226-4846.
 
Drive-through testing is located in the employee parking lot on the northwest side of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has been designated for drive-through testing and entrances from 36th Street and Dr. Hugh McCrystal Drive are clearly marked. Testing is taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week.
 
While the Cleveland Clinic has adequate supplies and medical equipment, they are asking for the community to help source the following supplies to be even better prepared for any potential surge in patients:
N95 Masks
Surgical masks
Isolation gowns
Eye protection
Face shields
Gloves (NO latex)
Hand sanitizer
Disinfecting wipes
 
Donations may be dropped off curb-side at Cleveland Clinic Indian River 1000 36th Street, Vero Beach.
 
 
 
SALVATION ARMY SENIOR RESOURCE

In response to Covid-19, the Salvation Army will offer additional food services for seniors and high risk individuals.
 
Individuals can call the Salvation Army at 772-978-0265 Ext. 101 during Food Pantry hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-12 & 1-3) and request a “No Contact Pick Up.” Callers can provide their information over the phone and the Salvation Army  will load their car without the recipient getting out.

 
 
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
 
The Covid-19 Virus outbreak is stressful for so many of us.  If you need some resources to manage that stress, here are a couple of options:
The CDC has a website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
 
Locally, the Mental Health Association Walk-In & Counseling Center continues to remain open during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for same-day mental health screenings, crisis intervention, emergency visits, and new patient evaluations. They have adopted using telehealth for follow-up therapy for current patients and psychiatric medication refills. They will also be available by phone at 772-569-9788  for triages. Current patients who are sick or have a fever need to stay home and MHA will treat them via the telehealth services described above.
 
 
 
 

 
 

That’s all folks!  Stay healthy!  Stay home!