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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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Florida statistics rise sharply while Treasure Coast continues slow climb
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While the Treasure Coast continued its slow increase in cases, statistics released today showed record one-day increases statewide in deaths and the third-highest increase in hospitalizations.
The Treasure Coast reported two more deaths from COVID-19, a 77-year-old Martin County man whose case was first identified Monday and a 65-year-old St. Lucie County woman who had recently been to New York and... Read more>>
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Bridge loan program closed
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The Florida Small Business Development Center has announced the closure of funding for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program, which provided $50 million in loans to 1,000 Florida small businesses.
The loan program had received over 38,000 applications since it was activated March 17. Eligible businesses received one-year, zero percent interest loans of up to $50,000.
“Due to the Congress’ swift action and expedient implementation of immediate and long-term federal disaster assistance for our state’s small businesses, the businesses that applied and were unable to be funded through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program have options,” said Michael W. Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “We share in Governor DeSantis’ and our partners at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity commitment to help our state’s small businesses survive and recover from COVID-19. To do that, we are now shifting our full attention to helping the unfunded applicants gain access and secure the vital federal disaster resources available to them.”
The SBDC is now directing its attention to helping businesses receive funding through the CARES act passed by Congress and signed by president Trump. The program includes emergency funding through the Paycheck Protection Program and expansion of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program administered by the Small Business Administration. So far, 52,021 Paycheck Protection Program Loans have been approved for small businesses throughout the state of Florida totaling over $12.5 billion, Gov. Ron DeSantis said yesterday.
Treasure Coast businesses can contact the local SBDC at 772.336.6285 or fsbdc@irsc.edu.
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Fort Pierce Farmers Market to operate as drive-through at Lawnwood Stadium
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The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market on Saturday will operate as a drive-through from 8 a.m. to noon at Lawnwood Stadium on Virginia Avenue. The market is typically held downtown on the Indian River but stopped because of a city order reducing crowds because of COVID-19.
Patrons will be able to drive their cars through a market featuring about 15 vendors.
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PSL organizes parade Friday night for healthcare workers
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The city of Port St. Lucie has organized a “Rolling Recognition’’ parade to pay tribute to local nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines.
Two motorcades will convene at 6:45 p.m., one at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital and the other at St. Lucie Medical Center. At 7 p.m., vehicles will begin the procession.
“This unique demonstration of saying thank you to the city’s healthcare workers will be led by a cacophony of sirens and horns,’’ said a press release issued by the city. “Citizens are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, honk their horns, and cheer for these heroes who are working to save our families, friends, and neighbors.’’
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Free bike delivery offered
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Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks is offering free delivery of bikes purchases from the store. Buyers can call the store to discuss options, sizing and prices and then the purchase will be delivered at no cost. Call 772.299.1286 or visit orchidislandbikesandkayaks.com
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HOMETOWN HERO
BY MARYANN KETCHAM
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At the age of 2, Stephen Lepore was diagnosed with Autism and remained non-verbal until he turned 5. Today, this part-time college student and Special Olympiad Gold medalist in Golf volunteers with Operation 300, the Ernie Els Center, the Honda Classic, Special Olympics, and many other local organizations. Not only that, he actively pursues his dream of one day working in the television and film industry.
He recently starred in two promo videos, a commercial and a short film, and earned the nickname "Mr. Hollywood!"
Last year, Lepore combined his passion for helping others and his dreams of success and founded a business called Mr. Hollywood Soaps. Since the onset of the Coronavirus, he's become a "SoapStar!" Teaming up with HopLife Brewing, he helped assemble goodie bags for first responders that included soaps in the shapes of hearts and police cars.
"Everyone needs a thank you," said Lepore.
He is currently in talks with Darin Homer, Special Olympics county director for Indian River and St. Lucie counties, to distribute some soaps to group homes and shelters. Lepore donates a portion of soaps that he sells to Special Olympics each month. "That is my favorite part- helping my friends."
Harnessing his star-power talents, Lepore can be seen starring in homemade videos singing, thanking healthcare workers and first responders, and most importantly, making people smile!
MrHollywoodSoaps.com
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Do you know somebody on the Treasure Coast who should be singled out for praise because of their actions during the coronavirus pandemic? Whether it’s a nurse at the local hospital, a volunteer at the local food bank or a grocery clerk going the extra mile, Treasure Coast Business and Indian River Magazine Inc. will help you sing their praises in our new online feature Hometown Heroes of the Treasure Coast. Visit www.indianrivermagazine.com/hometown-heroes/
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As a service to readers and restaurants on the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. has created a website showing restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries that are 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
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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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