The city of Atlantic Beach is taking steps to protect the public and city employees from Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by suspending most non-essential public gatherings until further notice. President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Atlantic Beach Mayor Ellen Glasser have declared federal, state and local emergencies, respectively, due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
Effective immediately, the Gail Baker Community Center, Jordan Center and Adele Grage Cultural Center are closed until further notice. City-permitted and city-sanctioned events at those facilities and parks are suspended until further notice. This pertains to all scheduled through March 31; a determination on whether to extend the suspension of activities at city facilities will be made as the city assesses this ever-changing situation. Refunds will be available for city-permitted events.
Also, scheduled City Commission, board and committee meetings are canceled through March 31. Essential government functions such as public safety, public utilities, public works, building permits and inspections, code enforcement, and garbage and recycling collection will continue.
“The city is focused on ensuring that essential city services continue to be provided while protecting the health of city employees and the public,” said City Manager Shane Corbin. “We are monitoring the situation and listening to health professionals on how to best respond to this situation.”
While City Hall and the Police Department lobby will remain open for the time being, the city encourages the public – particularly the most vulnerable population – to refrain from visiting City Hall unless it is absolutely necessary. Residents and utility customers are asked to conduct city business by email (info@coab.us) or telephone (247-5800) when possible. Water and sewer customers can put payments in the drop box outside of City Hall, and sign up to pay bills via bank draft at
mypayments.bill2pay.com/client/atlantic. The Police Department asks that residents report minor crimes and complaints by telephone (247-5859), when possible.
The vulnerable population includes people 60 and older, and those with a known underlying health issue such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease. Those people are strongly encouraged to limit their public exposure – for their sake and others’ sake.
“The health and safety of our community’s residents and employees is the city’s number 1 priority,” said Mayor Ellen Glasser. “This is a time for us to unite as a community and beyond. We are all in this together, and everyone’s cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated as we go through this rapidly evolving situation.”
Corbin said that as the city continues to monitor the situation, it is important to remain calm, stay informed, and follow these Florida Department of Health guidelines on preventing exposure to the virus:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick.
Additional information:
• Visit www.coab.us/945/Coronavirus-Information for updates, FAQs, resources, and other helpful links. Updates also are posted on the city’s Facebook page:www.facebook.com/CityofAtlanticBeach.
• Need more information about the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the community? Email info@coab.us or call 904-247-5804.
• Subscribe to city e-newsletters by emailing info@coab.us, and visit www.saferwatchapp.com/atlanticbeach to receive emergency notifications.
• The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Coronavirus Hotline is 866-779-6121. It is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
