PMG and Miami Parking Authority Announce New Green Initiative for Downtown Miami
Miami-based developer PMG announced a collaboration with the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) to create a new green community initiative in Downtown Miami. The two blocks of green space, located steps away from PMG’s recently launched Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, will function as a transition from the city hardscape to a lush oasis.
Miami-based developer PMG announced a collaboration with the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) to create a new green community initiative in Downtown Miami. The two blocks of green space, located steps away from PMG’s recently launched Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, will function as a transition from the city hardscape to a lush oasis that will exude nature, warmth and beauty, as well as encourage walkability. PMG and MPA have collaborated with international landscape architecture company Enea to curate the space design.
“The new Green Initiative is part of PMG’s continued commitment to the city of Miami. We’re creating an inviting sanctuary in the center of this dynamic, energetic downtown,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner of PMG and developer of Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami. “The environment will be reflective of the welcoming experience we hope to instill throughout Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Sponsored by PMG, the green space will beautify the centerline of Biscayne Boulevard, where a series of interconnected MPA parking lots currently sit along 3rd and 5th Streets. Aimed at enhancing the well-being of the Downtown community, the green installation will integrate parking with native trees and shrubs, inviting benches, decorative lighting and pavers. The design plans also include an elegant teahouse with beverages, pastries and other prepared food.
“This project is a quality-of-life enrichment expected to foster a sense of place for the enjoyment of the community,” said Alex Argudin, Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Parking Authority. “We are pleased to collaborate with a world-class design team to create a green-space intervention that will foster social interaction and a healthier lifestyle.”
This announcement follows the commencement of sales of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami, which is the brand’s debut in the Miami market. Developed by PMG, Toronto-based private equity firm Greybrook Realty Partners and S2 Development, the hotel and residential tower will rise 1,049 feet as the tallest U.S. residential and hotel tower south of New York City. The property will consist of 360 private residences as well as 205 guestrooms and suites within the five-star hotel and an array of signature spaces and culinary establishments. Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will be located at 300 Biscayne Boulevard.
By Katya Demina
Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale recover about 28,000 jobs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
Almost 28,000 jobs have been recovered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale. Majority of these jobs fall into the government, hospitality and retail sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing the Miami market has gained over 16,000 jobs in August, Palm Beach has gained about 7,000 and Fort Lauderdale has gained over 5,000.
Almost 28,000 jobs have been recovered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Miami, Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale. Majority of these jobs fall into the government, hospitality and retail sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing the Miami market has gained over 16,000 jobs in August, Palm Beach has gained about 7,000 and Fort Lauderdale has gained over 5,000. The largest growth in the job market over the last few months is coming from the government sector. The majority of these jobs are temporary positions tied to the 2020 Census, but has helped the unemployment rate fall to single digits for the first time since COVID-19 hit.
Hospitality and retail are industries that have suffered considerably from the COVID-19 pandemic across the Country. Miami has lost about 70,000 jobs in hospitality and about 22,000 jobs in retail since March and April. As stores and restaurants continue to open up operating at limited capacity, both industries combined have recovered an average of 55% of the jobs lost. This has significantly boosted Miami’s total COVID-19 job recovery rate to about 45%.
Palm Beach County’s hospitality and retail industries are slowly making a comeback but not at the same rapid pace as Miami. At the beginning of the pandemic hospitality in Palm Beach County lost about 48,000 jobs and retail lost almost 10,000. Since April, hospitality has recovered about 30% of jobs lost and retail has recovered about 45%. Palm Beach County has regained about 35% of the 100,000 total jobs lost from the pandemic.
Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry lost over 3,000 jobs and retail lost about 14,000 since March and April. Hospitality has recovered about 44% of the jobs lost and retail has recovered about 60%. Fort Lauderdale has a total recovery rate of about 36% of the 130,000 jobs lost from the pandemic. Overall even though job loss from COVID-19 remains down, it is hopeful to see industries slowly coming back as customers begin to leave their houses and support local communities.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $250 Million In CARES Act Funding Allocated For Rental And Mortgage Assistance
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state will allocate $250 million in CARES Act funding to rental and mortgage assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. $120 million of the funds will be allocated to Florida Housing Finance Corp. which will provide rental assistance to households who live in affordable housing rentals within the Florida Housing Finance Corp. portfolio.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state will allocate $250 million in CARES Act funding to rental and mortgage assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. $120 million of the funds will be allocated to Florida Housing Finance Corp. which will provide rental assistance to households who live in affordable housing rentals within the Florida Housing Finance Corp. portfolio and have been impacted by COVID-19. Qualified renters will be able to use the funds from July 2020 through December 2020. The announcement comes just days before Florida’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expires and a rush of evictions and foreclosures are expected in July.
An additional $120 million will be allocated for rental and homeowner assistance programs for those impacted by COVID-19 providing aid for rent assistance, mortgage payment assistance, downpayment and closing assistance, mortgage buy-downs, new construction, rehabs, emergency repairs and homeownership counseling. The final $10 million will be used for operating costs of the programs and technical assistance.
Why Rent Strikes Are Bad for Everyone and What’s Going to be Done about Unemployment?
Since thousands of businesses were deemed non-essential and forced to shut their doors, reemployment assistance claims over the last six weeks have surpassed two million in South Florida. With a tourism-dependent economy plus an older population, Florida is more vulnerable to economic shock, which is why it is one of the top five states with the highest number of claims.
Since thousands of businesses were deemed non-essential and forced to shut their doors, reemployment assistance claims over the last six weeks have surpassed two million in South Florida. With a tourism-dependent economy plus an older population, Florida is more vulnerable to economic shock, which is why it is one of the top five states with the highest number of claims. The longer the standstill goes on, the worse the economic fallout will be.
As May rents come due and unemployment rates continue to jump, providing assistance to households should be a top priority for policymakers. The prospect of a rent strike has been trending in the news and on social media, but a voluntary movement to skip rent payments could destabilize not only the housing market, but the American economy as well. How many months of working capital do small businesses have to stay afloat, in order for those furloughed and laid off employees to have jobs to return to after nationwide and state stay-at-home orders are eased and how will South Florida’s real estate market fare in the coming months?
May Day: May 1st Is Here
Multifamily landlords were pleasantly surprised with April collections. In an exclusive webinar interview hosted by PROFILE last week, President of Tate Capital, James Tate, who has over $1B assets under management, told us “We’re 90% collected,” talking about his 10,000+ door multifamily portfolio. Now it’s May 1st and everyone is wondering what May rent collections will be. “May 1st will be a good deciding point to see how many people default,” added Allen Morris, Chairman and CEO of the Allen Morris Companies.
Morris said his April multifamily rent collections were at 95%. He’s opening two new apartment buildings in Orlando this summer and is taking a proactive leasing approach. “People are signing leases, assuming the University of Central Florida is holding its fall semester. We’re giving tenants a guarantee in their lease. If they delay opening the university, we will delay rent until school opens.” Offering tenants flexibility gives them the security to sign leases now and is helping to forge a positive landlord-tenant relationship that will be dependent on open communication, should issues with payment arise in the future.
Trending: Socialist Whispers
With talks of rent strikes sweeping the country, landlords have been portrayed as vultures preying on the pockets of financially insecure tenants, when they remain responsible for property taxes and other carrying costs that help pay for public improvements, education and other municipality benefits. Diligent landlords are communicating with their tenants and weeding out those who are taking advantage of the public health crisis, says Shahab Karmely, CEO of KAR Properties. Those who can, should pay rent to support the services their communities need. Those directing their frustrations toward landlords may have valid concerns: with the economy shut down by government-mandated order, how are people supposed to pay bills and keep businesses running?
In New York, politicians pushing socialist rhetoric and big government reach such as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez have called for rent strikes and rent cancellations. Movements in New York City even claim to have “identified” landlords who can take a “shave”. Lack of payment means that owners will not be able to stay in business and manage the building to the tenant’s expectations, including paying for things like common area maintenance (think: how much does it cost for a cleaning crew to wipe down all public surfaces in a building multiple times a day). Landlords also pay property tax, insurance, debt service, management fees and capital expenditures for improvements.
Most commercial real estate investments are made by an owner contributing an equity portion to a project, but a majority of the total costs are funded through debt that is usually collateralized by the asset (if it’s senior debt). Typical sources of debt include pension and life insurance funds, which could be the life savings of either a tenant or a landlord. When landlords are unable to meet their debt obligations, the cascading effects don’t stop at their coffers, but trickle down to all Americans. Not making rent payments could derail future opportunities for many, including someone’s retirement age.
Karmely added “The real pandemic to hit New York City multifamily was the legislature that strangled the landlords in this business,” which will continue to make Florida’s real estate investment climate more attractive. Multifamily product in New York City has been trading between 3-5% cap rate, depending on the neighborhood. The low trading cap rates for core product has made some investors nervous about paying such a premium for an asset that the New York government has so much control over.
Another risk for New York investors is that South Florida’s pricing for comparative rental and condo inventory is cheaper than it’s NYC counterpart, while providing higher quality-of-life with more space and building amenities. From an investment perspective, it is also easier to manage assets in Florida where there is no government-enforced rent control, rent stabilization, or near-impossible eviction procedures for delinquent tenants.
Opportunities on the Horizon
The cure to the virus is causing an economic calamity that is hitting everybody and everything, which means opportunities will be on the horizon three to four months from now when property owners' cash reserves run dry, especially for retail and restaurant real estate assets.
Many have posited, is the cure worse than the virus? How long can residential and commercial tenants pay their rent amid an economic shutdown? Will we be able to produce our way out of a recession with unemployment in the double digits? Likely not - Uncle Sam will be waiting in the shadows with hand outstretched to collect his dues. As we all sit on the sidelines, awaiting our fates, the solution appears to be a function of time.
“My biggest concern is that we were hit with an 11 magnitude earthquake, and we all got knocked down. Unfortunately, after a major earthquake in coastal areas there is a tsunami. My concern is how are these small businesses supposed to remain open and sustain themselves for the next six to eight months unless something material is done by the federal government? Who’s going to hire those 30 million unemployed people back? If you ask me why I can’t sleep at night, that’s what I’m really concerned about,” opined Tate to cheers of “Jimmy Tate for President!”
-- Special reporting by the PROFILEmiami Team. Isabella Zimmermann, Katya Demina and Demetri Demascus contributed to this article.
Rewind: Michael T. Fay Tom Wood and Jacques Bessoudo Discuss COVID-19 Impact On Commercial Real Estate in South Florida Webinar
On April 3, 2020, PROFILEmiami hosted a webinar conversation around the impact that COVID-19 has, and will have, on the commercial real estate industry in South Florida. If you missed us live, or just want to revisit some of the insight our panelists had to offer, we have now posted the full webinar for you to sit back and rewind!
On April 3, 2020, PROFILEmiami hosted a webinar conversation with over 350 viewers on the impact that COVID-19 has, and will have, on the commercial real estate industry in South Florida. If you missed us live, or just want to revisit some of the insight our panelists had to offer, we have now posted the full webinar for you to sit back and rewind! Hear from some of Florida's leading real estate professionals about how they are reacting to the crisis, navigating the uncertain circumstances and preparing for future opportunities that may arise from the economic fallout.
Speakers:
Michael T. Fay, Principal and Managing Director, Avison Young
Jacques Bessoudo, Managing Partner, Galium Capital
Thomas D. Wood, President, Thomas D. Wood & Company
Moderator: Demetri Demascus, Co-Founder & CEO, PROFILEmiami
Topics:
What effects have we seen on valuations, leasing and sales velocity, construction, availability of capital, and tenants in the South Florida real estate market so far?
As a landlord, how are you managing your tenants right now?
In the face of negativity there is always opportunity. Where do you think we will see opportunity open up?
What is the current state of financing - are deals falling out of contract? Bank vs. non-bank sources of capital - who’s willing to lend?
How are you working with your teams remotely?
How is the current economic crisis due to COVID-19 different from that of 2008?
How will different types of lenders and loan products give different flexibility to the borrowers?
What advise do you have for those that currently have financing on their properties?
What is loan forbearance and how is it handled?
Join Us For a Webinar: COVID-19 Impact On Commercial Real Estate in South Florida
PROFILEmiami presents a conversation around the impact that COVID-19 has, and will have, on the commercial real estate industry in South Florida. Hear first hand from some of Florida's leading real estate professionals about how they are reacting to the crisis, navigating the uncertain circumstances and preparing for future opportunities that may arise from the economic fallout.
Webinar Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6215856217249/WN_obbwfc2LROmhcaJkQMedVg
PROFILEmiami presents a conversation around the impact that COVID-19 has, and will have, on the commercial real estate industry in South Florida. Hear first hand from some of Florida's leading real estate professionals about how they are reacting to the crisis, navigating the uncertain circumstances and preparing for future opportunities that may arise from the economic fallout.
Where: Once you register, Zoom will send you a link to the webinar.
When: Friday, April 3, 2020 | 3-4 PM
Speakers:
Michael T. Fay, Principal and Managing Director, Avison Young
Jacques Bessoudo, Managing Partner, Galium Capital
Thomas D. Wood, President, Thomas D. Wood & Company
Topics:
What effects have we seen on valuations, leasing and sales velocity, construction, availability of capital, and tenants in the South Florida real estate market so far?
As a landlord, how are you managing your tenants right now?
In the face of negativity there is always opportunity. Where do you think we will see opportunity open up?
What is the current state of financing - are deals falling out of contract? Bank vs. non-bank sources of capital - who’s willing to lend?
How are you working with your teams remotely?
Can’t tune in live? Sign up below now and we will share a recording after the webinar.
Webinar Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6215856217249/WN_obbwfc2LROmhcaJkQMedVg
Tracking COVID-19 By The Numbers: Breaking News In South Florida
(Last Updated 6:14 AM 3/27/2020):
BREAKING:
City of Miami officials have announced a curfew for its residents that will begin Friday night. According to officials, all residents must be indoors from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. (3/27/2020)
Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business 9 PM Thursday. (3/20/2020)
All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)
Continue to check back for updates to below as we continue to track COVID-19 across South Florida:
Stats:
Number of Cases in Florida: 830+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in Florida: 13+ (3/23/2020)
Number of Global Cases: 351,000+ (3/23/2020)
Global Fatalities: 15,321+ (3/23/2020)
Number of U.S. Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in the U.S.: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Miami-Dade County:
Miami-Dade County # Cases: 2900+ (3/27/2020)
BREAKING: Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business (3/20/2020)
CONFIRMED CASES IN BRISTOL TOWER BRICKELL & SOHO BEACH HOUSE (3/19/2020)
Officials have ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, clubs, gyms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc. which will go into effect 11 PM Tuesday. All grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out and delivery services will remain open at this time (3/17/2020)
All bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days.
Restaurants will only be able to operate at half capacity.
Exceptions granted if they have a capacity of 10 people or less.
Mayor Carlos Jimenez signed the emergency order, but remains in self-quarantine after being exposed to a Brazilian government official who tested positive following a visit to South Florida.
Miami-Dade Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Miami-Dade Public Schools have closed this week and next. (3/16/2020)
Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach have implemented curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from 5th to 15th Street, including Lummus Park.
All city parking garages are closed to non-residents.
In addition, all non-essential retail stores will be required to close at 10 p.m. daily. (3/16/2020)
Businesses excluded from this directive include: Pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply and repair centers.
An entertainment district curfew will go into effect at 11 p.m.
All restaurants are asked to keep occupancy at 50% or less, and have under 250 people in each establishment at any given time.
Ultra Music Festival has been cancelled.
Miami Music Week has been cancelled.
ArtScape Concert has been cancelled.
The Miami Open Tennis Tournament has been cancelled.
University of Miami & FIU have moved classes online until the end of the spring semester. (3/20/2020)
University of Miami Spring Commencement postponed until December. (3/20/2020)
The Hardrock Seminole Hotel & Casino has suspended entertainment operations.
Calle Ocho Festival has been cancelled.
Mayor Francis Suarez has confirmed that he has COVID-19.
Broward County:
Broward County # Cases: 180+ (3/23/2020)
Broward County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from Harbor Beach to Oakland Park Boulevard.
Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.
Restaurants and bars are asked to operate at 50% capacity and have no more than 250 people at any time.
The Tortuga Music Festival, which was set to run from April 17-19, has been postponed.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is closed until further notice.
The listed measures will remain in effect until April 12.
Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County # Cases: 59+ (3/23/2020)
Town of Palm Beach implements curfew until further notice from 9 P.M. - 6 A.M. (3/18/2020)
Palm Beach County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Beaches will be closed on Tuesday 3/17/2020
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are closed to visitors.
Drive-through testing underway at FoundCare (2330 S. Congress Ave, West Palm Beach - call 561-967-0365 to see if you qualify and for appointments)
National:
BREAKING: The Federal Government has passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package.
United States of America # Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
United States of America Fatalities: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 (3/20/2020)
Foreclosures and HUD evictions have been halted for 60 days.
CDC recommends ban on gatherings of 10+ people.
The Players Championship was cancelled & PGA Tour is suspended.
NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have suspended their seasons.
All ski resorts have closed.
Miami-Dade Orders All Hotels And Short-Term Rentals To Shut Down Due To COVID-19
Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. The announcement comes as Miami’s next step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 which has now surpassed 560 cases in Florida and over 123 in Miami-Dade.
Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach have ordered all hotels, motels and short-term rentals to begin immediately shutting down and vacate their guests, with full-closure by 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23. The announcement comes as Miami’s next step in curbing the spread of COVID-19 which has now surpassed 560 cases in Florida and over 123 in Miami-Dade. The move also comes to help dissipate the spring break crowds, many of whom have written off any care of the virus and are in Miami “to party.”
“Our hotels have always been the lifeblood of our economy, so shuttering them is not something to do impulsively. But right now, as painful as it may be, the reality is we just cannot be a tourist destination,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Attracting visitors and tourists is just utterly incompatible with social distancing. For the many amazing operators and employees who are impacted, and the families that rely upon them, we are so sorry that you will feel this most acutely and we will advocate for whatever relief will be available at the state and federal level. These decisions were made collaboratively with County Mayor Gimenez, our City Manager Jimmy Morales and after input from all of our Miami Beach City Commissioners.”
The closures will apply to all hotels, motels, apartment-hotels, hostels, dormitories, and vacation and short-term rentals in Miami-Dade County. Miami Beach will also enforce a curfew from 12 A.M. to 5 A.M. Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach and Coral Gables’ historic Biltmore Hotel both closed in advance of the announcement as reports of layoffs in the hotel and hospitality industry continue to grow. Last week Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued an executive order to shut down all non-essential business’ including restaurants, retail stores, nightclubs, casinos, gyms, public parks and beaches.
South Florida COVID-19 Update (Last Updated: 3/23/2020)
Unfortunately there is just no avoiding it, COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus is here in Miami and spreading. The Cities of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale addressed the public regarding new measures taken due large spring break crowds and ongoing concerns over COVID-19 outbreak.
(Last Updated 10:39 AM 3/23/2020):
BREAKING:
Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business 9 PM Thursday. (3/20/2020)
All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)
Continue to check back for updates to below as we continue to track COVID-19 across South Florida:
Unfortunately there is just no avoiding it, COVID-19, the deadly strain of Coronavirus is here in Miami and spreading. Across the United States, social distancing has become a top priority in the government’s efforts to slow down the spread of the virus. COVID-19 spreads through droplets that can extend out six feet from the body via cough or sneeze. The White House has advised the public to avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people and has asked municipalities where the virus has spread to close public places such as bars and restaurants.
The Cities of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale addressed the public regarding new measures taken due to large and rowdy spring break crowds and ongoing concerns over COVID-19 outbreak. Miami Beach is closing beaches, limiting hours at restaurants and has enforced a curfew that will be going into effect in Miami Beach's entertainment district starting at 10 p.m.
“It simply can’t be business as usual in our City,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “COVID-19 is a threat as much here as anywhere. We simply cannot endure these kinds of gatherings and crowds. Our measures are intended to send a clear message that Spring Break is cancelled and that everyone, even young people home from school, need to embrace these health and safety concerns. We are proud of our hospitality industry, and concerned with the toll it will have on our businesses and workers but we cannot elevate those concerns above very real health risks.”
“I want to be clear, this isn’t an overreaction, but a way to stop further cases of COVID-19 in our community,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantails said. “We must all do our part to save the lives of our residents, visitors and first responders.”
Remember, the majority of infections are mild. 81% will experience flu-like symptoms, 14% will experience severe symptoms and only 5% will need intensive care. The mortality rate is below 3%. The most important thing you can do is think about the others that you may affect if you become a carrier. If you suspect you have been exposed to someone with the virus or are showing symptoms, then you should self-quarantine yourself immediately for 14 days. You should limit your exposure to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. Governor Ron DeSantis previously acknowledged that Florida is experiencing "community spread," so taking the time to limit your exposure to others will help keep you healthy, others healthy and curb the nations growing public health crisis.
"It is a very uncertain time, especially in the real estate world. You having so many moving parts, whether it is lost time and rising construction costs in development or commission based pay many that realtors rely on getting held-up as society grinds to a halt," said Demetri Demascus, Editor of PROFILEmiami and a local real estate investor, developer and broker. "Everything is a chain reaction. If tenants cannot pay their rent, will a landlord be able to pay their employees or their own bills? We have to be extremely cautious about how we proceed across all aspects of life and business right now.”
While many businesses with lots of interaction between the staff and customers have had to shutter for the time being in order to protect customers and employees, in other cases, local business’ have been taking measures to keep business as usual while also keeping their office and employees safe, sanitary and healthy.
"We are monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely, and will continue to do so as the situation evolves. In the meantime, we have asked our team to put their health and safety first as not only will this help keep our team safe, but our families as well. We have also asked for all non-essential travel plans to be delayed, all team-members to practice good hygiene, stay home if they are sick and we have increased sanitization frequency of our office," said Jacques Bessoudo, Managing Partner of Galium Capital, a Miami-based Private Equity group focused on investing in commercial real estate.
Stats:
Number of Cases in Florida: 830+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in Florida: 13+ (3/23/2020)
Number of Global Cases: 351,000+ (3/23/2020)
Global Fatalities: 15,321+ (3/23/2020)
Number of U.S. Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
Fatalities in the U.S.: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Miami-Dade County:
Miami-Dade County # Cases: 177+ (3/23/2020)
BREAKING: Miami-Dade Mayor Issues Executive Order Closing All Non-Essential Business (3/20/2020)
CONFIRMED CASES IN BRISTOL TOWER BRICKELL & SOHO BEACH HOUSE (3/19/2020)
Officials have ordered the closure of all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, clubs, gyms, arcades, bowling alleys, etc. which will go into effect 11 PM Tuesday. All grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out and delivery services will remain open at this time (3/17/2020)
All bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days.
Restaurants will only be able to operate at half capacity.
Exceptions granted if they have a capacity of 10 people or less.
Mayor Carlos Jimenez signed the emergency order, but remains in self-quarantine after being exposed to a Brazilian government official who tested positive following a visit to South Florida.
Miami-Dade Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Miami-Dade Public Schools have closed this week and next. (3/16/2020)
Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach have implemented curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from 5th to 15th Street, including Lummus Park.
All city parking garages are closed to non-residents.
In addition, all non-essential retail stores will be required to close at 10 p.m. daily. (3/16/2020)
Businesses excluded from this directive include: Pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, private offices, banks, hotels, hospitals, medical service providers, medical supply stores, hardware stores, gasoline service stations and automotive supply and repair centers.
An entertainment district curfew will go into effect at 11 p.m.
All restaurants are asked to keep occupancy at 50% or less, and have under 250 people in each establishment at any given time.
Ultra Music Festival has been cancelled.
Miami Music Week has been cancelled.
ArtScape Concert has been cancelled.
The Miami Open Tennis Tournament has been cancelled.
University of Miami & FIU have moved classes online until the end of the spring semester. (3/20/2020)
University of Miami Spring Commencement postponed until December. (3/20/2020)
The Hardrock Seminole Hotel & Casino has suspended entertainment operations.
Calle Ocho Festival has been cancelled.
Mayor Francis Suarez has confirmed that he has COVID-19.
Broward County:
Broward County # Cases: 180+ (3/23/2020)
Broward County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Officials have closed the beach from Harbor Beach to Oakland Park Boulevard.
Restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m.
Restaurants and bars are asked to operate at 50% capacity and have no more than 250 people at any time.
The Tortuga Music Festival, which was set to run from April 17-19, has been postponed.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is closed until further notice.
The listed measures will remain in effect until April 12.
Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County # Cases: 59+ (3/23/2020)
Town of Palm Beach implements curfew until further notice from 9 P.M. - 6 A.M. (3/18/2020)
Palm Beach County Public Schools are now closed through at least April 15. (3/19/2020)
Beaches will be closed on Tuesday 3/17/2020
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities are closed to visitors.
Drive-through testing underway at FoundCare (2330 S. Congress Ave, West Palm Beach - call 561-967-0365 to see if you qualify and for appointments)
National:
United States of America # Cases: 35,075+ (3/23/2020)
United States of America Fatalities: 458+ (3/23/2020)
Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 (3/20/2020)
BREAKING: The Federal Government has announced it will issue stimulus checks to qualified families and individuals.
$1,200 Per Adult Making Under $99,000 or $2,400 for Families Who File Jointly (Less Than $1,200 For Those Making More Than $75,000)
$500 Per Child
BREAKING: All U.S. Citizens traveling around the world should return home ASAP or be prepared to stay abroad for an indefinite period. (3/19/2020)
Foreclosures and HUD evictions have been halted for 60 days.
CDC recommends ban on events of 50+ people.
The Players Championship was cancelled & PGA Tour is suspended.
NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have suspended their seasons.
All ski resorts have closed.
Health & Safety Tips:
Social Distancing: Keep a Six Foot Distance From Others
Try to Stay Home as Much as Possible
Postpone or Cancel Meetings
Wash Hands Frequently for 30 Seconds and Use Hand Sanitizer
Support Local Businesses: Buy Gift Cards to Use for Later
Wipe Down Gym Equipment Before & After Use
Take Vitamin C and Other Immune Boosters
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands after.
Do Not Stock Up On Toilet Paper. It is a domestically manufactured good.
Only Wear a Mask If You Are Infected.
Fouquet’s Hotel & Residences, Miami Design District has unveiled more than 40,000 square feet of amenities designed by RDAI, the Paris-based studio behind Hermès stores worldwide. The 143-residence development pairs rooftop leisure and wellness spaces with direct access to an 85-key Fouquet’s hotel.