Coronavirus

Phase II Reopening -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that all of Florida, including Broward County, is in Phase 2 of reopening, effective Monday, September 14. Broward County retains the ability to close certain activities, however, there will be no change to how businesses are currently operating under Phase 2, as existing Emergency Orders remain in effect. Read the complete Broward County News Release here.

New COVID-19 Testing Site Open at Mills Pond Park -- The Florida Department of Health is operating a new drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Fort Lauderdale’s Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9 Avenue. The site offers free drive-thru testing Monday – Wednesday and Friday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The testing site will be closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Testing will be available to anyone with or without COVID-19 symptoms. There are no age requirements and no doctor referral is needed. Appointments are not required. Patients will receive test results via text messaging. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Broward County at 954-412-7300. To learn more about coronavirus testing in Broward County, click here.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Broward slowly begins to decline, the County issued Emergency Order 20-24, which modifies some business restrictions. These modifications, however, could be rescinded if the numbers begin to rise again due to non-compliance. Review Broward's "Frequently Asked Questions" pertaining to face coverings here.

Broward County Emergency Order 20-23 Clarifies Requirements of Previous Orders: On July 29, 2020, Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-23, which clarifies requirements of previous active Emergency Orders. Effective immediately, Emergency Order 20-23 states:

Residents are not required to wear facial coverings in their homes, nor are they liable for any facial covering violations made by guests. All facial covering requirements from previous Orders remain in full effect.
Vacation Rentals Must Be Actively Managed and Provide Contact Information: Emergency Order 20-23, clarifies that short-term vacation rentals are not allowed to operate unless they are being actively managed by on-site owners or on-site management companies with staffing or security personnel on site 24 hours a day to enforce compliance with all applicable requirements. In addition, the owner/manager must provide the physical address of the vacation rental, the contact email address for the owner/manager, and the contact name and telephone number for the 24/7 staffing or security personnel to reopening@broward.org. This requirement will take effect for check-ins starting on or after July 20, 2020 through August 20, 2020. Exceptions include vacation rentals that are rented by individuals conducting military, emergency, governmental, health, or infrastructure response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, or people primarily engaged in non-vacation commercial activities.
Outdoor, open air events are not permissible unless a reopening or operating plan is submitted to Reopening@Broward.org and approved by the County Administrator.
The requirements for properly placed signage now apply to all establishments. The requirement is no longer limited to restaurants and retail establishments. 8.5" x 11” signs must be placed conspicuously throughout all establishments, printed in color whenever possible, and posted in English, Creole, and Spanish languages at all main entry points. Click here to download the approved printable signage from the County.
Although schools are excluded from the definition of "establishments," they are strongly encouraged to follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Extracurricular and non-academic activities, such as youth activities and summer camps, must comply with Attachment 16 of County Emergency Order 20-21.
Environmental activities permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to operate beyond sunrise to sunset, such as sea turtle nesting programs, are exempt from the guidelines for beaches outlined in Attachment 15 of County Emergency Order 20-21.

Click here to read Emergency Order 20-23 in its entirety.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Face Shields: It is not known if face shields provide any benefit as source control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings. Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended.

Broward County Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions and Penalties
Broward County Emergency Order 20-21 tightens COVID-19 restrictions and increases penalties for violators. Any business that violates a local emergency order related to COVID-19 including but not limited to, requirements for operating procedures, capacity and seating, facial coverings, social distancing, spacing of tables and chairs, prohibiting gathering at bars and counters, limiting the size of parties, and proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, will be forced to immediately close for 24 hours after their first citation. An additional 72 hours of closure will be added for each subsequent citation (e.g., 96-hour closure after a second citation, 168-hour closure after a third citation, etc.). In addition, any repeat violation is subject to a fine up to $15,000. Residents are urged to report business violations online at Mybroward.Broward.org or by calling 311.

Masks Mandatory in Broward County
Broward County Emergency Order 20-21 clarifies that facial coverings are required to be worn in public and private spaces, including at all establishments where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order also requires the mandatory use of facial coverings in residential facilities and condominium common areas (including reception areas, hallways, lobbies, and elevators), and requires that masks be worn by all persons in any establishment other than amenities regardless of social distancing; all people working in any establishment allowed to operate; all individuals who are obtaining any good or service from any establishment; and all workers in any establishment involved in preparing, handling or serving food. Any individual or establishment that violates the facial covering requirements is subject to a criminal and/or civil infraction, with fines up to $500 per violation for a criminal misdemeanor, $1,000 per day per violation for a civil citation, or up to $15,000 per violation for a known violation that is irreparable or irreversible. Read Emergency Order 20-21 in its entirety here Version OptionsCoronavirusHeadline.

Help Slow the Spread of Coronavirus by Avoiding the ’The C’s’
The Florida Department of Health reminds everyone to protect themselves and others by wearing masks in public and avoiding the Three Cs:

Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least six feet from others.

In addition to avoiding the three Cs and wearing facial coverings in all public spaces, individuals should continue to practice social distancing by staying at least six-feet away from others; stay home when sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; clean and disinfect countertops and frequently used surfaces often; and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). Learn additional prevention tips here.

Track the Virus: View the Florida Department of Health tracking map for current Coronavirus statistics for Florida and Broward County. To learn more about coronavirus testing in Broward County, click here.

Important Reminder: As more businesses and amenities reopen throughout Broward County and across South Florida, COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Residents, visitors, and businesses must remember that this is no time to let your guard down. Please remain vigilant and continue to follow these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to help fight the spread of the Coronavirus.

Broward County Emergency Order 20-18: Outlines penalties for establishments that fail to comply with Emergency Orders mandating sanitization, social distancing, facial coverings, and other requirements intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Broward County FAQ Guide: Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Guide for answers to many of the most commonly asked questions related to the phased COVID-19 reopening. The document provides information about what businesses may currently operate, along with details regarding rules, regulations, and requirements that must be followed by employees and customers to protect public health and safety.

All Broward County Emergency Orders can be accessed here, including: Emergency Order 20-17, which requires retail establishments and restaurants to post signage containing information regarding social distancing and facial covering requirements, to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These signs must be at least 8 ½ x 11 in size and printed in color when possible. Signs must be conspicuously posted throughout the establishment and at all entry points. There must be at least one sign in each language throughout the establishment.

CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Businesses -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes.” The guidelines offer specific recommendations and best practices for cleaning and disinfection of a wide range of entities, including restaurants, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, childcare programs, faith-based organizations, recreational facilities, transportation companies, and more. The CDC also released "Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees," which offers strategies and recommendations for employers responding to COVID-19, including those seeking to resume normal or phased business operations.

State Surgeon General Advises Everyone to Wear Masks in Public: State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, M.D. issued a public health advisory recommending that all individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible. The advisory encourages individuals to follow CDC guidelines with regard to what types of face coverings are available and should be utilized. In addition, the State Surgeon General recommends that all individuals should refrain from participating in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For those in crowds smaller than 50, social distancing should be practiced by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and by wearing a face covering.

Oakland Park Updates

Parks and Recreation/Tennis & Pickleball -- Dillon Tennis Center, Pickleball at Wimberly Fields and Tennis/Pickleball at Royal Palm Park and Greenleaf Park are open. For a list of the new guidelines with modified hours, visit the City’s Parks and Leisure Services page for complete details.

“Keep it Moving” -- Select Oakland Park City parks are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for passive use only. This includes walking/jogging, biking and personal boat/kayak launch. All other activities are prohibited. Please practice social/physical distancing, wear face masks while in public spaces and help us “Keep it Moving” on our paths. For a list of parks that are open and additional information, please visit our Parks & Leisure Services website.

The Bark Park, playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, exercise equipment, basketball, volleyball, bocce facilities remain closed.

Library Update -- Curbside pick-up at the Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library is now available. To request materials, you must have an Oakland Park Library card in good standing. Call the Library during staff hours (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 954-630-4370 to request materials or send an email to: danielleg@oaklandparkfl.gov. The turnaround time will be 24 hours or the next business day.

Once materials are pulled and checked out, staff will call patrons to let them know materials are ready for pick-up.
Patrons can knock on the front door or call the Library when they arrive. Please stand 6 feet away from the door and staff will open the door and place materials outside.
If an item is not owned by the Library, it will be treated as a patron request and procured through the Library’s usual process.

Sanitation Services -- Bulk, Garbage, and Recycling Collection Services continue to operate on their regular schedules.

Water & Wastewater Services -- Residents and businesses are reminded that disinfecting wipes, although many claim to be “flushable” are generally not, and should not be flushed down the toilet as doing so may result in plumbing problems at home or further down the line. The same applies to tissues, paper towels, and napkins. Please dispose of these items in your garbage.

Properly Dispose of Used Gloves & Face Coverings -- Place in Trash Cart and Never Flush! As more and more people wear gloves and face coverings in public to protect themselves and help slow the spread of COVID-19, it is essential to remember to properly dispose of these items in your trash cart after use. Gloves and face coverings should never be left on the ground, on sidewalks, in streets, or in parking lots. These items may be contaminated and could potentially pose a risk to workers who have to pick them up. In addition, used masks and gloves are not biodegradable or recyclable. Those discarded on streets and sidewalks can easily make their way into our storm drain system, potentially causing drainage problems and polluting our oceans and waterways. Please be respectful of others, particularly during this challenging time, and dispose of these items correctly in your trash cart.

View and download the "Talking Trash" update

More City Facilities Updates:

City Hall and all City buildings remain closed to the public until further notice.
Due to the closure of City Hall, the City Commission meetings can be accessed remotely. Please view the meeting on City webstream on website, Comcast channel 78 or ATT Channel 99. Public comments (250 words maximum) can be emailed to publiccomments@oaklandparkfl.gov by 6:30 p.m. the day of the meeting.
All City community centers are closed until further notice.
All City events and facility rentals are suspended until further notice.

Other city services remain operational, but our staff is on a modified schedule for safety reasons. Activities such as building inspections and code response may be limited. City staff continues working in most offices (other staff remotely) and available by telephone and email. View contact information here.

Many services are available 24/7 online at: http://www.oaklandparkfl.gov/312/Permit-Access including:

Schedule an Inspection
View Inspection Details
View or Print Comments
Make payments through EnerGov (permits submitted after Nov. 2019)

Building & Permitting customers are encouraged to call the City’s Building Division at 954-630-4350 or email: building@oaklandparkfl.gov.

During these precautionary measures, residents and businesses are advised and encouraged to utilize the City’s online services and conduct their business remotely whenever possible. Oakland Park’s online services include:

Business Tax Receipts
City Commission Agendas
City Commission Meeting Webstreaming
Code Enforcement
Permit Access
Public Records Search
Registration for Parks and Leisure Activities
Request Tracker
Utility Bill Payments (no transaction fees for online payment with credit/debit card)

The safety of citizens and employees are always a priority. Here are some important precautions residents can take.

Review the current Federal Social Distancing Guidelines here.

To limit the potential community spread of COVID-19, the City of Oakland Park implemented restrictions for the general health, safety, and welfare of the community. Pursuant to Section 252.38(3) and 252.46, Florida Statutes and pursuant to Article II of the Charter of the City of Oakland Park, with the adoption of Emergency Ordinance 0-2020-006, authorized the City Manager and Mayor to take any necessary action to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Oakland Park related to the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus.

This Citywide order places more stringent restrictions on permissible use, social distancing requirements, essential business employee screening, essential business cleaning protocols, and a lowered limit on gatherings of people who are not immediate family members. Read our Frequently Asked Questions to help ensure everyone understands the vital importance of this public health order. The Frequently Asked Questions are available in Spanish.

COVID-19 Food Distributions on Thursdays at Mills Pond Park: Due to the ongoing need in our local community for essential groceries, the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors host weekly drive-thru food distributions on Thursdays from 9 a.m. until the food runs out at Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9 Avenue. Produced in partnership with Feeding South Florida, the free events are intended to provide healthy and nutritious food to those who are most in need due to job loss, income loss, or the inability to cover their monthly expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of one box of food per vehicle (while supplies last). Recipients must remain in their vehicles and will be instructed to open their trunk when volunteers are ready to load it. To access Mills Pond Park, please enter from southbound NW 9 Avenue (Powerline Road). For more details, call Oakland Park’s Coronavirus Call Center at 954-630-4335. For more information about Feeding South Florida, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org. If you would like to volunteer to assist with Food Distribution Events, please call Oakland Park’s Community Volunteer Corps at 954-630-4502.

Broward County and Broward County Schools Launch Together4Broward.org: Broward County and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) have launched Together4Broward.org, a webpage that offers access to community resources. Together4Broward.org has as its first priority supporting access to nutritional foods. The website highlights dozens of locations across Broward County offering healthy meals, including food banks, 49 BCPS schools – serving “grab and go” meals once a week for children 18 years and younger and the adults who accompany them – as well as churches and local government agencies that provide a range of support services. This community resource is a collaborative effort by a coalition of independent agencies and community supporters working together to ensure families have access to crucial services during the unprecedented health crisis and economic downturn. For details, visit Together4Broward.org.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Grab-and-Go Meals: Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) reminds parents that grab-and-go meals will be available for students at elementary, middle, and high school locations throughout the District and breakfast will also be available to all BCPS students at no charge. Meals will be available on Thursday, August 20, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and from 3 - 5 p.m. The weeks following, meals will be distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at the same times, in bundles that include multiple days-worth of meals. The afternoon hours were added to provide greater convenience for parents assisting their students with eLearning during the morning hours. View for complete details about grab-and-go meals and how to apply for free or reduced-price meals. Please visit browardschools.com/schoolreopening for information and guidance on eLearning and the new school year. Parents and guardians may visit browardschools.com/parentuniversity to view webinars on what to expect for the new school year.

BCPS Identifies Child Care On-Site Service Providers within High School Zones: Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) partners with numerous organizations to continue to support and share resources for students and families. The District has created a map and list, broken down by BCPS high school zones, for private On-Site Child Care Service Providers and locations. Families should contact the Child Care Service Providers directly, as they are not affiliated or endorsed by BCPS. All service providers are fee-based, but financial assistance may be available. Please check with the individual providers. The distribution of these services does not imply recommendation or endorsement by Broward County Public Schools. View more details and to access the map and list.

City Call Center: Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 954-630-4335 should you have any questions concerning city services. Para instrucciones en espanol por favor llama 954-630-4301. Check the City’s website for the most current information.

Think you have been exposed to COVID-19?
Call the Broward County Call Center: 954-357-9500 - Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Assists the Florida Department of Health in Broward County in answering public questions about COVID-19, including conducting over-the-phone pre-screenings to determine eligibility for testing. View a list of coronavirus testing sites in Broward County

Florida Department of Health’s Coronavirus Call Center: 1-866-779-6121 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov

BSO/Oakland Park District: Information from residents and businesses is vital to help keep our community safe. Always call 911 in an emergency. However, if you are not in danger and see something suspicious, please call the Broward Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency phone number: 954-764-4357 (HELP). Your call could stop a crime or even save someone’s life.

City of Oakland Park Emergency Orders

City of Oakland Park State of Emergency Declaration -- March 11, 2020
City Order 2020-02 Local Public Emergency Declaration -- March 19, 2020
City Order 2020-03 Safer at Home Declaration (English) -- March 27, 2020
City Order 2020-03 Safer at Home Declaration (Spanish) -- March 27, 2020
City Order 2020-04 Cloth Face Coverings -- April 7, 2020

Version OptionsCoronavirusHeadlReemployment Assistance Application for Services: Print Application in English and Spanish or Creole.
Paper copies of these applications in all three languages available outside of the library’s front doors Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reemployment Assistance from Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) provides Reemployment Assistance, including reemployment eligibility requirements, CARES Act eligibility requirements, submission requirements, processes and procedures, benefits, and examples of numerous situations that may be applicable to people requesting benefits. The DEO’s Connect claims system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at connect.myflorida.com and the DEO’s contact center hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Contact phone numbers are as follows:

Customer Service Hotline: 1-800-204-2418
Main Department: 1-850-245-7105
Fraud Hotline: 1-800-342-9909
Language Barrier/Computer Assistance: 1-800-681-8102

Stay informed with city news and updates:

Pharmacies & Grocery Stores:

List of local pharmacies that deliver to Oakland Park addresses

List of local grocery stores that deliver to Oakland Park addresses

More Broward County Updates:

Rental Assistance Available to Residents Impacted by COVID-19: State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Funds are available for low- and moderate-income families affected by COVID-19. Oakland Park residents are eligible to receive funds through the County’s Family Success Administration Division. See Eligibility Requirements

To apply for SHIP rental assistance offered by the Broward County Family Success Administration Division click here Version OptionsCoronavirusHeadline. The Family Success Administration Division is taking calls at:

Northwest Family Success Center: (954) 357-5000 / Coral Springs
North Family Success Center: (954) 357-5340 / Pompano
South Regional Family Success Center: (954) 357-5650 / Carver Ranches
Central Family Success Center: (954) 357-5001 / Fort Lauderdale

Electric Bill Assistance: Low-income families struggling to pay their electric bill may be eligible for financial assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligibility is based on income and household size. The Broward County LIHEAP Program is for Broward County residents only.

You can follow local updates (Dept. of Health, Broward Schools, Airport, Port Everglades, Broward Transit, etc.) here .
2-1-1 Broward can help you find food, housing, health care, senior services, child care, legal aid and much more. Visit their Special Needs Connections, Senior Touchline, and Teenspace websites or click here to see a complete list of services and to learn more. Seniors can also call the Area Agency on Aging of Broward’s Elder Helpline at 954-745-9779 for assistance.
Broward County’s Vulnerable Population Registry is a program that allows people who would be at risk following an emergency to register in advance so that emergency workers may plan a better response. Call 954-831-4000 to register.

Business Assistance:

Visit the Oakland Park CRA page for the latest business updates.

SFRPC Offering Small Business Loans Through CARES Act: The South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) has secured more than $5.3 million in funding to help struggling businesses as a result of COVID-19. The small business Revolving Loan Fund CARES Act program is available to eligible businesses including small businesses, sole-proprietors, and 501(c)(3) organizations located within Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade or Monroe Counties. Loan amounts range from $25,000 - $500,000 with fixed interest rates from 3% to 4% and financing for up to 10 years. Funding from the program may be combined with other programs including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), or the State of Florida Bridge Loan Program. Personal guaranties and collateral are required. The Revolving Loan Fund CARES Act program is not a grant or forgivable loan. Interested businesses may apply at www.CARESActRLF.org. For more information, please contact Jeff Tart, Senior Loan Officer, at 954-924-3653 or jtart@sfrpc.com.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Guide for Businesses and Employees.

A business assistance page has been established with information updated by Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development. There are two emergency small business loan programs designed to assist small businesses during during a disaster – the Florida Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and the SBA Economic Injury Loan Program.

The application period for the recently activated Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program opened March 17, 2020 for companies whose cash flows have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other useful links for local businesses include:

Price Gouging: To report a Coronavirus scam or price gouging, contact Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline by calling 866-966-7226 or going online to MyFloridaLegal.com.

Other helpful resources include: