Wilkine Brutus

Restaurateurs are adding a little more nature to the dining experience for their customers. West Palm Beach business leaders announced an outdoor initiative to help restaurants in Downtown West Palm Beach.

As cooks, waiters, and hair stylists, come back to work after two months, Palm Beach County is setting aside part of the $261 million it received through the CARES Act to help businesses re-open.

Palm Beach County's Homeless and Housing Alliance and several non-profit organizations say they counted 1,510 homeless individuals and families during the annual homeless point-in-time count.

Seniors, who make up 12 percent of the total homeless population, are experiencing a 43 percent increase in homelessness — according to a statement following the count.

As Florida’s phase one takes further shape, Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-2 to reopen public beaches Monday, May 18. Commissioners Gregg Weiss and Mack Bernard opposed the vote during the 3-hour special meeting.

Last week, the commission voted 4-3 to reopen beaches but needed time to hash out legal and social distancing logistics.

Any restrictions?

Dine-in service was still quiet. The sound of drills, grass blowers, passing cars and birds chirping have replaced human chatter and laughter.

Restaurants, sidewalks, and streets remained largely empty Monday. Road closures and construction detour signs block most of the west and east ends of the historic Clematis Street.

The City of Riviera Beach has partnered with Palm Beach Harvest Food Bank to address food insecurity. People living in disadvantaged areas will have access to fresh produce for the next eight weeks and the free program might be the fuel that sparks a long-term project.

Maisoon Ismail never expected to deliver her first-born during a coronavirus pandemic or be exempt from most of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic faith. And at 8 months pregnant, she's not too happy about her excitement being muffled between disappointment and uncertainty.

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has expanded COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people in the Belle Glade communities. Tuesday, by appointment only, residents of any age can use the new drive-through testing lane. A walk-up option begins Wednesday.

Cabin fever. Anxiety after layoffs. Social Isolation. As people seek companionship under Florida’s stay-at-home order, it has led to a record-breaking uptick in pet fostering and adoption.

For the first time in its history, which stretches five decades, one of three kennels at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control’s shelter in West Palm Beach is completely empty.

As two main drive-through testing sites in Palm Beach County continue their efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19, the most vulnerable residents without cars may have the least access to testing.

Health officials coordinating efforts at FITTEAM Ballpark in West Palm Beach and the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach have one basic solution: take the bus.