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Friday, March 26
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 26 FOR NEXT CLASS OF LEADERSHIP SWFL
Applications for the next class of Leadership SWFL close at 5 p.m. today. To apply or share the application, click here. Leadership SWFL takes professionals from a variety of industries through immersive day trips and in-depth discussions about the operations of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties. This gives current and future community leaders a deep understanding of Southwest Florida’s resources and needs and connects them with an alumni network of nearly 400 graduates. Nine, full-day class sessions and an overnight retreat for the program will run from May through December. Sessions focus on topics including crime and justice, economic development, education and the workforce, environment, government, healthcare, infrastructure, media and tourism. This will be the 23rd class of Leadership SWFL.
Thursday, March 25
SWFL HOME HEALTH COMPANY WORKS TO VACCINATE HOMEBOUND SENIORS
People who have mobility issues or those who are immunocompromised cannot safely leave the house, and many more cannot figure out the state’s complicated system to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments. After months of working tirelessly every day to get doses of the vaccine for homebound seniors and other patients, a Southwest Florida home health company finally got its hands on some shots, a critical need that many say has been overlooked. In just three days, BrightStar Care has vaccinated more than 300 seniors and plans to do a lot more. Email HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com to register for shots or for more information or reach the state’s COVID-19 Call Center at (866) 779-6121 for assistance, WINK News reports.
Wednesday, March 24
FLORIDA NO. 9 BEST STATE FOR JOB SEEKERS
Florida is the ninth-best state for remote job seekers, according to CareerCloud’s study on the Best and Worst States for Remote Job Seekers. Florida ranks No. 25 for the current number of remote jobs per 1,000 jobs but is expecting a 24.3% increase in remote jobs by 2028, the fifth-highest increase in the country. In Florida, an accountant is the most common remote job currently, according to CareerCloud. The company created the study after analyzing the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau on current levels of remote jobs, projected growth rates in these jobs through 2028, and broadband access in each state. View the full report here.
Tuesday, March 23
DEADLINE FOR CAPE CORAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IS FRIDAY
Cape Coral has $680,000 to give to eligible households, so those who qualify could get up to six months of emergency assistance. The application on the city’s website must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 26. Basic requirements, which can be found in the program guidelines, are income-qualified and the need for assistance must be COVID-related.
Monday, March 22
2020 FILING TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR INDIVIDUALS TO MAY 17
With the recent passing of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a decision was made by the IRS to extend the 2020 filing tax deadline only for individuals to May 17, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co. P.A. (MNMW) reports. This provides an extension of time to pay 2020 income taxes, otherwise due on April 15. This extension does not apply to individual states at this time. This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15. These payments are still due on April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments, MNMW says. Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request an extension of time to file until Oct. 15. For more details, see the IRS Newswire Issue IR-2021-59.
Vaccine Updates
MORE FLORIDA RESIDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINE
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week that he is expanding the ages for eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccination. Beginning Monday, March 29, Florida residents age 40 and over are eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated. The following week, all Floridians 18 and over will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning April 5, the day after Easter.
VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE TO FLORIDIANS AGE 50 AND OLDER
Floridians age 50 and older are eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine beginning March 22, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday, March 19. Nearly 70% of Florida’s senior citizens have been vaccinated and demand is dropping for those already eligible to be vaccinated, DeSantis said, noting that the next step will be to open the vaccine process to everyone.
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