City Hall Changes Regarding COVID-19 Effective 3/20/2020
PRESS RELEASE
The Coronavirus (COVID19) is a grave threat to our community, especially for those with chronic medical conditions. COVID19 is known to cause a serious lung infection that may present symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, it may cause death. The City of Lake City is fighting this menace in a number of ways. Staff are maintaining good hygiene, social isolation and encouraging the public to do the same. With these steps, we can slow the spread of this virus, and allow healthcare professionals to care for the needs of those who are infected. We are confident that if everyone does their part, many people who would otherwise perish, will be saved from this dangerous threat.
In an effort to protect the at-risk population, general public and city employees, effective Friday, March 20th, the Lake City - City Hall will be closed. Employees and staff are instructed to minimize contact with the public. Payment of bills may be done on-line. Checks or Money Orders can be deposited in the drop box located outside the City Hall building. If further assistance is needed, you may contact City Hall by phone and ask for the specific department. Every effort is being made to accommodate your needs while minimizing contact with other people.
In addition to closing City Hall effective March 20th, all City Parks will be closed. We are taking every effort to minimize contact and discourage social gatherings and events. Any pre-paid reservations will be refunded.
“The closing of City Hall and all City Parks will remain effective through the end of March. We will re-evaluate the situation at that time to determine if the closing needs to continue” said City Manager, Joe Helfenberger. “We are confident that, with your help, we can slow the spread of COVID19. We appreciate the cooperation of all citizens as we protect each other from this dangerous menace.”
The City of Lake City is committed to being responsive to the public and will continue to conduct business, with some modifications, as described below. Police, Fire, Public Works, and Lake City Gateway Airport services will continue as normal, as will internal departments such as Information Technology and Finance.
Customers who need to make utilities payments are encouraged to do so online at www.lcfla.com or by using the drop box on the east side of City Hall. For more information regarding these payments, customers may call (386) 752-2031 or email customer.service@lcfla.com. A doorbell has been installed on the west and north entrances for customers with disabilities or special needs. Any payment made at the door must be in the form of check or money order. Credit Card payments must be made online.
All Utility services (Water / Gas / Sewer) issues will be scheduled by appointment only. Customers requesting services at their home will be screened by phone first to verify lack of symptoms. Call (386) 752-2031 for information.
Growth Management and Zoning / Code issues can be addressed by calling (386) 719-5750 or emailing growthmanagement@lcfla.com. Permitting, inspections, business licenses, and planning/zoning issues will continue to be processed during this closure, with modified processes. Those impacted should call or email for additional information.
The Lake City Girls Club and Boys Club at Teen Town will also cease operation. Parents with questions should contact Recreation Director Terri Phillips at phillips@lcfla.com or call (386)758-5427.
The Lake City Clerk’s Office is available for Public Record requests or other needs by emailing clerk@lcfla.com, calling (386)719-5756, or by fax at (386)752-4896.
In addition to City Hall, the City of Lake City has ordered all City Parks closed until further notice. Emergency Order signs are being posted at these locations prohibiting access:
Kiwanis Park (NW American Ln), Campbell Park / Lake Montgomery (SW Baya Dr),
Halpatter Park (SE Clements Pl), Isabella Park / Lake Isabella (SE Hernando Ave),
Young’s Park (NW Madison St), Wilson Park / Darby Pavilion / Lake Desoto (NE Hamilton St),
Sallie Mae Jerry Park (NW Long St), and Olustee Park (N Marion Ave).
Additional Information:
Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Information: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
Florida COVID-19 Information Hotline: (866)-779-6121 | COVID-19@flhealth.gov
City of Lake City
205 North Marion Avenue
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: 386-752-2031
