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As a service to residents and the business community of the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. is providing free updates on changes in operations that affect businesses in the region because of the coronavirus. If you have news to report, please email Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com If you find this newsletter useful, please share it. To subscribe to this newsletter, click here.
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First COVID-19 death occurs on Treasure Coast
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A 59-year-old St. Lucie County man became the first person to die from coronavirus on the Treasure Coast, according to a report released today by the Florida Department of Health.
Details regarding the death were not available at the issuance of this newsletter. Today’s report brings the total number of cases in St. Lucie County to 14, up from 10 yesterday. Of those cases, two have required hospitalization.
The number of cases in Martin County doubled to 16 reported cases today, up from eight at the same reporting time the day before. None of the Martin County cases have required hospitalization.
Indian River Cases rose to 14, up one from the previous day. Just one Indian River County case has required hospitalization.
Overall, the Treasure Coast now has 44 cases. The state’s full daily report was not available at 2:30 p.m., when this newsletter was completed.
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Florida Community Health Centers offer drive-thru testing
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Florida Community Health Centers is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing by appointment at two locations on the Treasure Coast.
Those with risk factors and symptoms of COVID-19 may be screened and evaluated by FHCC staff for testing.
Risk factors include one or more of the following: close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case; travel to or from a coronavirus affected area; recent history of international travel or cruise; age 65 or over with chronic conditions; weakened immune system. Those requesting testing should call in advance.
FCHC has two test sites on the Treasure Coast. The Fort Pierce Center, 1505 Delaware Ave., offered drive-thru testing beginning Tuesday. The Port St. Lucie Children’s Health Center will begin offering testing beginning next Tuesday at 1701 S.E. Hillmor Drive. Call 772.335.8455.
Drive-thru testing is also available on the Treasure Coast at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie and Indian River Hospital Cleveland Clinic in Vero. Testing is by appointment only and those being tested must be Florida Department of Health criteria. Those who believe they may have symptoms may call Cleveland Clinic’s nurse triage line for Martin South and Tradition at 772.419.3360. Indian River Hospital Cleveland Clinic recommends that those with suspected coronavirus symptoms in Indian River County contact your primary care physician first and visit Cleveland Clinic’s virtual visit platform, Express Care Online at clevelandclinic.org/ECO
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Orchid Island Bike continues repairs and sales, suspends rentals
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Orchid Island Bikes & Kayaks in Vero Beach has implemented a protocol for the store during COVID-19 self-distancing.
The store is limiting to six the number of clients allowed in the store at a time. For purchases, the store asks that you remain in your vehicle until a store associate gets you.
For bike and kayak repair service, remain in your vehicle and a store associate will remove the bike or kayak and tag it with your information. The store will call with a quote and upon repair customers will be called to take payment over the phone. Only credit and debit cards are accepted at this time. Bikes can then be picked up or delivered back to you at no charge with free delivery in Indian River County only.
The store has temporarily suspended all bike, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
“We will do our best to take care of you as expediently as we can,’’ store owner Malcolm Allen said in a press release. “Please note that due to the sheer volume of repairs we have been receiving and the current environment we are working with repair services will take longer than usual.’’
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Coral Shores Behavioral Health continues full operations
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Coral Shores Behavioral Health in Stuart remains fully operational providing non-emergency behavioral health care.
With limited exceptions, the center has suspended in-person visitation, encouraging the use of electronic devices to stay connected with loved ones.
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For more information, visit coralshoresbehavioral.com/covid-19-alert/ or call 772.403.4072.
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NON-PROFIT NEWS
Boys & Girls Clubs to roll out ‘The Virtual Club’
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Beginning Monday, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will unveil ‘The Virtual Club’ with a full day’s schedule of interactive videos, lessons, book readings and more for parents to watch and engage with their children while watching and participating with them.
Staff members, club directors and administrators will participate in creating a series of videos centered around S.T.E.A.M. projects, trivia, social emotional learning, crafts, physical fitness and story time.
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“In these uncertain times we owe it to our club members to provide the consistency that they need that BGCSLC is here for them,’’ said Melanie Wiles, COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. “This virtual schedule provides structured engagement opportunities that are fun, enriching and even connect with a kid’s social and emotional needs” said Melanie Wiles, COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.’’
The videos created will be broadcast on BGCSLC’s Facebook page at https://bgcslc.rocks/facebook, YouTube channel at https://bgcslc.rocks/YouTube and archived on the organization’s web page at www.bgcofslc.org under the tab “The Virtual Club.’’
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The Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce remains temporarily closed during social distancing. “As we wait to welcome you back, remember that we all have the capacity to be creative,’’ said a statement released by the museum. “Now is the time to create the community you want to see — be kind to others, check in on your neighbors, take time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our world and one another.’’ For updates, visit BackusMuseum.org.
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8,500 laptops handed out to schoolchildren in St. Lucie County
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As St. Lucie County schoolchildren transition to online learning, some 8,500 laptops have been distributed to children who don’t have them.
Meanwhile, an additional 5,000 laptops are needed, and Education Foundation, St. Lucie has launched a fundraising initiative to purchase new ones.
Each laptop costs $300 and donations in any amount are welcome.
The foundation is accepting donations through Facebook, Venmo to @EFSLC, on line at www.efslc.org or by mail. The Education Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit direct support organization for St. Lucie Public Schools.
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FAU/Harbor Branch sets up fund for students
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Harbor Branch, a marine biological research facility that is part of Florida Atlantic University, has suspended in-person instruction in keeping with the State University System of Florida Board of Governors directive. To help students, FAU has set up the FAU Cares Emergency Fund. All donations will be used to provide emergency support for students through this unprecedented period.
Make a gift online at fauf.fau.edu/fau-cares/
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Indian River Magazine creates website listing carryout restaurants
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As a service to readers and restaurants on the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. has created a website listing restaurants open for carryout and/or delivery in St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties. The site includes hours and days carryout is available as well as popular dishes. See the new site at treasurecoastrestaurants.com
Restaurants that would like to be added can email Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com
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Does your business have news of a temporary closing or change in operations due to COVID-19 that you would like us to share with readers of this newsletter?
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BE PART OF THE BUSINESS CONVERSATION ON THE TREASURE COAST
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Let us help you promote your business in Indian River, the largest and most widely distributed magazine on the Treasure Coast, and on our Web sites, indianrivermagazine.com and tcbusiness.com, and through this weekly e-newsletter and our widely followed social media pages. Become an Indian River partner today.
• In Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie contact Lisa Crawford at lisa@indianrivermag.com or 516.721.0848.
• In Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound contact Marsha Lange at marsha@indianrivermag.com
or 772.237.1717.
• In Fort Pierce contact Sunny Gates at sunny@indianrivermag.com or 772.204.5043.
• Outside the Treasure Coast, contact Publisher Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com or 772.940.9005.
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