Free COVID-19 self-swab testing
The Florida Division of Emergency Management will offer Rapid Antigen and PCR testing. Both tests are less uncomfortable than previous tests because participants will place the swab in the nostril, not the back of the nasal passage. Results for the rapid testing are expected within 15 minutes with a notification by text and email.
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seven days a week.
Location: 1000 Live Oak St. New Smyrna Beach (Behind the NSB Regional Library)
Labor Day beach safety
All in-season vehicular beach access ramps will be open to vehicles for beach parking from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mid-morning high tides may force the closure of some ramps. If using beach parking, vehicles must park at a blue post or conservation post, which are placed at 25 foot intervals. To avoid crowds and easily maintain physical distancing, beachgoers are encouraged to access the beach in a less-populated area. Free, off-beach parking lots are located on the coast throughout the county. For information on off-beach parking and vehicle access ramps, visit Volusia.org/beachmap or download the Volusia Beaches app.
Free COVID-19 Testing
The Florida Division of Emergency Management will offer drive-up viral and antibody testing. Symptoms are not required.
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every day but Wednesday. Location: Volusia County Fairgrounds 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL.
Read more here.
Volusia County Council adopts resolution urging the wearing of face masks
"On Tuesday, the council unanimously adopted a resolution encouraging everyone working, living, visiting or
doing business in Volusia County to wear face coverings in any business where social distancing can’t be
maintained. The resolution also encourages businesses to prohibit entry of anyone not wearing a face covering."
Read the full Release here.
City Commission adopts mask mandate during July 1 special meeting
At their July 1 special meeting, the City Commission voted 3-2 to adopt Resolution No. 23-20 mandating the wearing of face coverings in public. Of note, the resolution will not be enforced by police nor carry any penalties for non-compliance.
The City announcement can be found here.
The resolution takes effect immediately and shall automatically expire upon termination of the city’s emergency declaration, adopted on Mar. 17, 2020. Read the full Resolution 23-20 here
Beaches
Beaches remain open in Volusia County. As of the time of this post, there are no executive orders from the Volusia County office (who manages our parks & beaches) indicating beach closures for the remainder of this week or July 4th weekend. We are monitoring this closely and we will be sure to communicate here and on our website should anything change
4th July Fireworks
The New Smyrna Beach city's 4th of July fireworks have been cancelled for this year.
We encourage locals and visitors to adhere to CDC guidelines and continue to follow local government health recommendations when enjoying our destination. For those with questions regarding future travel plans, please don't hesitate to contact our team via our website, phone, or social media.
NEW STATE OF FLORIDA EMERGENCY ORDER
"All vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises who derive more than 50% of gross revenue from such sales of alcoholic beverages shall suspend such sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises."
Read the full emergency order here.
Florida Enters Phase 2 Recovery - New Executive Order by Florida Governor Ron de Santis.
Read the complete executive order here.
Canaveral National Seashore Reopening June 5th at noon
Read more here.
DBPR Approval of County Plan for Vacation Rental Operations
Read the complete document here.
Volusia County Emergency Plan for the Reopening of Short Term Vacation Rentals
Read the complete document here.
Proposed Plan for Reopening Short Term Vacation Rentals (Volusia County)
Read the complete document here.
NEW DIRECTIVE POSTED BY VOLUSIA COUNTY
The ocean beaches in Volusia County are conditionally OPEN subject to the following temporary limitations:
Read the Ninth Directive on Emergency Measures
NEW STATE OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE ORDERS
"Persons in Florida may provide or obtain services at the following establishment: Barbershop, Cosmetology Salons, and Cosmetology Specialty Salons that adopt appropriate social distance and precautionary measures as outlined by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation."
Read the full executive order here
CITY OF EDGEWATER - TEMPORARY CHANGES TO OUTDOOR DINING AREAS
(Edgewater, FL – May 8, 2020) - City Manager Glenn Irby signed Executive Order No. 2020-01 today authorizing temporary outdoor dining areas by permit and temporarily suspending signage restrictions for all essential services. Temporary outdoor dining areas are authorized by permit only. Those restaurants that already have outdoor dining areas approved as part of their existing site plan are not required to obtain a permit to serve patrons in those existing outdoor dining areas.
Those restaurants without existing outdoor seating plans may apply for a permit (no fee) in the following ways:
• Using the City’s website (https://www.cityofedgewater.org/ds/page/planning-and-zoning-applications).
• Submitting completed applications via email (planning@cityofedgewater.org)
• Using the drop box located in front of the Development Services office
Eligibility requirements for restaurants applying for this permit can be found on the City’s website:
(https://www.cityofedgewater.org/ds/page/planning-and-zoning-applications)
In addition to the temporary outdoor dining permits, the City of Edgewater has also temporarily suspended sign requirements for businesses providing essential services with the following conditions:
• Temporary signage shall not be located within the rights-of-way
• Shall not restrict an accessible path under the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Shall not interfere with or impact the safe passage of vehicular or pedestrian traffic
Any questions regarding these temporary changes may be directed to the Development Services Department at 386-424-2400 xx1502 or emailed to planning@cityofedgewater.org.
Volusia County News Release: Phased in beach parking resumes Saturday in Volusia County -- park at a post.
Phased in Beach Parking- Vehicles are now allowed on the beach. Cars most park at designated posts and posts are located at least 25ft apart. Driving will be restricted outside these parking zones. For more info: https://www.volusia.org/news/news-releases.stml?portalProcess_dd_0_1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=26760
Read the full news release here
LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENSION
"The Declaration of State of Local Emergency issued on March 13, 2020, and subsequently extended thereafter, is hereby extended effective as of 5:00 p.m., May 5, 2020 for an additional period of seven (7) days to 4:59 p.m., May 12, 2020."
Read full Volusia County Directive Order
Effective Saturday, May 2, Volusia County will lift the activity restrictions of essential exercise on Volusia County beaches.
Activities including sitting, sunbathing and other activities will be permitted beginning Saturday. Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park will also open Saturday at partial capacity. Restrooms, splash pads, playgrounds and showers will remained closed at all of these facilities. To prevent crowding, other than three beach vehicle ramps for handicapped access, all other beach ramps remain closed to vehicles.
To avoid the potential for person-to-person spread of the virus, groups on the beach are limited to a maximum of six people and groups are required to distance themselves by at least 10 feet from other groups.
For more information on Coastal Park and City/County Parks: https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/pin/coronavirus/beaches.stml
Access the full Volusia County press release here.
NEW STATE OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Order 20-112 regarding Phase 1 Recovery.
Read full executive order here
Order 20-111: "I hereby extend Executive Order 20-87 until 12:01am May 4, 2020 at which time the Order will be extended by subsequent order.
Read full executive order here
NEWS RELEASE - County looking to establish COVID-19 small business assistance grant program
Volusia County unveiled preliminary plans on Tuesday for a grant program to help small businesses reopen their doors and rebound from the economic devastation brought on by coronavirus crisis. On Tuesday, officials said stimulating the local economy by helping small businesses get back on their feet would be a worthy use for some of the county’s federal funds.
LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENSION
"The Declaration of State of Local Emergency issued on March 13, 2020, and subsequently extended thereafter, is hereby extended effective as of 5:00 p.m., April 28, 2020 for an additional period of seven (7) days to 4:59 p.m., May 5, 2020."
Read full county directive order
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, HEALTH CARE AND COVID-19 TESTING
President Trump has signed into law HR 266, the new COVID-19 aid legislation, passed by the Senate on April 21 and the House of Representatives on April 23.
Read the latest updates on when and how to apply
VOLUSIA COUNTY NEWS: Boats, Sand Bars and Social Distancing
"To help protect the public against further spread of the virus, Volusia County’s Beach Safety Division staff continues to monitor beach conditions, especially in the sand bars affected by the tides. Boaters are urged to avoid Disappearing Island as well as other sand bars that attract crowds. While the county’s boat ramps remain open, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office is keeping a watchful eye to prevent crowds and congestion at the ramps and popular boating sites around the county."
GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA EXTENDS SUSPENSION OF VACATION RENTALS
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended his suspension of vacations rentals in the state by a month due to the coranvirus pandemic. On Friday, DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-103 to halt the rentals until April 30. He had originally suspended the rentals on March 27 for a two week period.
NEW DIRECTIVE POSTED BY VOLUSIA COUNTY
Read the Fourth Directive on Emergency Measures
VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH CLOSURES
County Manager George Recktenwald announced today that Volusia County’s beaches will close at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 3, until further notice.
“In order to avoid sending an inconsistent or confusing message to potential visitors and residents, we are taking the step to close our beaches as an additional effort to fight the potential surge in coronavirus cases,” he said during a news conference. All vehicular and pedestrian beach approaches, beachside parks, and county-owned off-beach parking lots and walkovers will be closed. Lifeguard towers will not be staffed during the beach closure. Beach Safety staff will fly the double red flag, indicating that the water is closed to the public.
“Our goal is to educate violators, and we have every expectation that they will comply,” Recktenwald said. “However, if offenders fail to comply, or if we see repeat violators, they will be issued a second-degree misdemeanor, which comes with a hefty $500 fine.”
For the latest updates from Volusia County Government, visit www.volusia.org/coronavirus.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH
BEACH ACCESS AND BEACHFRONT PARKING LOTS CLOSED
In cooperation with Volusia County Government’s move to close beaches countywide, the City of New Smyrna Beach along with other coastal cities in Volusia County shall close its beachfront parking lots as a preventative measure against community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Apr. 3.
City of New Smyrna Beach beachfront parking lots include:
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to follow CDC social distancing guidelines and adhere to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91 requiring all persons in Florida to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.
CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Effective at midnight on April 2, 2020 Menard May Park (413 South Riverside Drive) will be closed to all activities including but not limited to: parking, playground, fishing pier, boat launch, beach, volleyball court and pavilions.
Click Here for Volusia County Boat Ramps Status. Closest Boat Ramp is River Breeze Park Boat Ramp located at 250 H. H. Burch Road, Oak Hill, FL 8 miles south (12 minute drive).
For more information on the City of Edgewater, FL response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.cityofedgewater.org/es/page/covid-19-releases
New Executive Order "Safer at Home" issued by the Governor of Florida in effect through April 30, 2020
"Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19."
Read the full Executive Order here
New Executive Order issued by the Governor of Florida affecting Vacation Rentals (such as VRBO, Airbnb, etc.)
"I hearby order all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties, as defined in section 509.242(1)(c), Florida Statutes, to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of this order."
Read the full Executive Order here
New Executive Order issued by the Governor of Florida:
"I hereby direct the State Surgeon General and State Health Office to issue a public health advisory to all persons over 65 years of age, urging them to say home and to take such other measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19."
Read the full Executive Order here
1. New order of 14-day isolation/quarantine when entering the State of Florida
New Executive Order from Governor of Florida states "all persons whose point of departure originates from outside State of Florida in an area with substantial community spread, to include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), and entering the State of Florida through airports to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person's present in the Satet of Florida, whichever is shorter".
Read the full Executive Order here
2. Extension of State of Local Emergency in Volusia County
"The effects of COVID-19 continue to pose a serious threat to the health, safery, and welfare of the residents of Volusia County and that an extension of a State of Local Emergency is declared, effective immediately throughout Volusia County, Florida. The Declaration of State of Local Emergency is hereby extended effective as of 5:00 p.m., March 24, 2020 for a period of seven (7) days to 4:59 p.m., March 31, 2020".
Read the full Executive Order here
Beach Safety Update: Volusia County vehicular access ramps will remain closed through Thursday, March 26th. Off-beach parking lots remain open. This will serve as a measure of crowd control. These actions will provide Volusia County Beach Safety staff the ability to manage beachgoers and maintain safety by enforcing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Beachgoers must continue to observe the enhanced guidelines put in place by Governor DeSantis. Rules include limiting groups to ten people or less and maintaining a 6-foot distance from all other groups.
State
March 20- #2020-71 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms
March 17- #2020-68 Executive Order re: Emergency Management- COVID-19 regarding bars, beaches and restaurants
Local
City of New Smyrna Beach Website: https://www.cityofnsb.com/1298/Coronavirus-COVID-19
Edgewater
RELEASE #1 - CITY STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
https://mcusercontent.com/a0888e859a808629aa9c5728b/files/aa0fba1e-812b-4cd7-a010-283cf1c5d384/COVID_19_release_1.0.pdf
RELEASE #2 - SAFETY AND HEALTH OF RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES
https://mcusercontent.com/a0888e859a808629aa9c5728b/files/7bbb93dd-5797-451d-8e28-491c47336eae/How_Do_I_release_1.0.pdf
As the official destination marketing organization for Southeast Volusia County, the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau’s top priority is the health and well-being of our residents, visitors and communities.
The New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau is actively monitoring COVID-19 reports from the CDC and Florida Department of Health and will pass pertinent information along to travelers as needed. Neither the Center for Disease Control nor the State of Florida, have declared any kind of domestic travel advisories.
We understand that many people still want to travel and escape to New Smyrna Beach during this time. It's important that when doing so, you are safe and responsible, following the suggestions put forth from health experts. Here is specific information from the CDC regarding travel. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the Department of Health always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
We encourage you to refer to the CDC for the most up-to-date travel information.
Please don't hesitate to contact our team at the New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau directly via phone: (800) 541-9621 or message us on Facebook if you have any concerns or questions.
You may also find the latest local information via the contact numbers below:
Volusia County’s COVID-19
https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/pin/
Florida Department of Health
COVID-19 Call Center
Phone: 866-779-6121
COVID-19@flhealth.gov
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