of Sun City Center & South County News Line: 813.938.7441 • Ad Line: 813.938.8721 • www.soco.news • May 2020
The Squad and The Patrol Are Still Here for Us
By Diane M. Loeffler At a time when the whole world seems to have shut down, our Emergency Squad (the Squad) and Security Patrol are still serving area residents. Chris McCann, Assistant Chief Human Resources for the Squad, says, “We are absolutely still operating at 100 percent, twenty-four hours a day.” The only change has been interviewing. McCann says, “We are not doing in-person interviewing. However, people can still complete an online application. As soon as this is all over, I will start interviewing everyone.” If you are interested, just type “sccems.com” into your search engine. You will be connected to the Emergency Squad’s website. In bright orange on the left side of the screen you will see an orange and white section with raised hands and the word “volunteer opportunities.” Click on that. When the next screen pops up, click on “apply now.” If you do not wish to volunteer, but wish to know more about the
E-squad volunteers: Barry McKee, Penny Baker, Marcie McKee, Leslie Anderson, Pam Zion, Tim Zion, and Tom Murphy.
services offered by the squad, click on “check our services.” McCann says, “The Squad is conducting business as usual, but we are being a little more cautious. It is easy to maintain social distancing in the Squad facility, but we are pretty close to each other in the ambulances. We have masks that lovely folks from our community have made. Also, Chief Mike Bardell’s son has made 3D masks for us.” Likewise, the Security Patrol (Patrol) continues to keep us safe. Office manager, Bree Schultz, says, “We are fully staffed and operational. The only change is that our hours have changed slightly. Also, we have a new lock on the door. We have some couples who drive together, but we only allow one of them in the building.” “We wipe down the vehicles and have wipes the drivers can take to disinfect the cars and themselves.” Schultz says all the volunteers have been working as usual.
Mary Rose
Squad continued on page 2.
SCC Photo Club Stays Inspired
Peter Bates (background) and his friend demonstrate social distancing.
By Bob Sanchez The coronavirus pandemic has affected our entire community, but the Sun City Center Photo Club is successfully using Facebook to keep members and fans engaged. Asked how circumstances have affected their photography, several shared their thoughts and some of the photos they might not otherwise have taken. Peter Bates takes pictures showing how the COVID-19 virus
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affects our daily lives. Friends and family pose using the new emblems of the crisis: masks, gloves, cleaning supplies, and public service signs. “In this way,” he writes, “I can be part of my times, shining a light on what’s happening in this, the strangest time we’ve ever known.” Pat Jones walks around looking for squirrels or whatever catches her fancy. One day her camera captured “a beautiful butterfly having lunch…” She said, “I am so grateful for seeing beauty in all things through my camera lens and for the gift of so many great photographers in our club willing to share their knowledge.” Marcia Timmins finds interesting everyday subjects. “I care for my 98-year-old mother,” Marcia writes, “so she has become my
Photo continued on page 12.
Charles MacDougall
COVID-19 Update
Please continue following social distancing guidelines until any such orders have been lifted. Be sure to check with the Florida Department of Health (“floridahealthcovid19. gov”) and Hillsborough County (“hillsboroughcounty.org”), as conditions may change subsequent to press time. Florida Department of Health The Florida Department of Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and is working to ensure the most up-to-date CDC guidance is disseminated to the public. Please visit their COVID-19 webpage “floridahealthcovid19.gov”. This remains the best and most upto-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida. SCC Facilities Remain closed until further notice Kings Point Facilities Remain closed until further notice Hillsborough County Libraries Remain closed until further notice For updates: HCPLC.org / 813.273.3652 Hillsborough County Schools Will continue online learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Safer-at-Home Note: this order was enacted March 27, 2020, and remained in force at press time. Circumstances may change.
Refer to hillsboroughcounty. org for the most up-to-date information. Hillsborough County issued a Safer-at-Home Order to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This applies to all residents within Hillsborough County. Residents do not require a pass or a letter to show to authorities. Safer-at-Home means all residents are directed to stay at home as much as possible, except to: •Go to the grocery, convenience, or warehouse store •Commute to and from work if your employer is an essential business or has ensured you can maintain at least 6 feet from your co-workers or customers •Go to the pharmacy or other medical establishments to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities •Go to medical appointments •Go to a restaurant for takeout or drive-thru •Care for or support a friend or family member in need •Exercise outside (practice social distancing) •Walk your pets or take them to the vet There are some additional exceptions to the order. For more information, visit “www. hillsboroughcounty.org.” HCFL Parks and Recreation Hillsborough County parks and nature preserves remain closed at press time. Some boat ramps may be open.
COVID continued on page 7.