ALACHUA County – Whether issued at the national, state, or local level, social distancing and COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have had a profound effect on the public’s daily lives.  The religious community has been impacted especially hard as congregational gatherings are a bedrock of worship and fellowship.

On April 1, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a sweeping "stay-at-home" order that went into effect for the entire state at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 3. A number of Florida counties, including Alachua, had already released their own “stay at home” directives in the preceding weeks to try and slow the rapid increase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC and medical experts from around the world had found promising results from stay home orders and one third of the world is now on lockdown. While many U.S. states had also initiated social distancing regulations, to be effective it meant closing non-essential businesses and any gatherings over 10 people. The federal government issued these recommendations, but did not made it mandatory and left the final decision up to the individual states.  This resulted in varying results, often initiated by local county governments.

Nationwide, President Trump avoided making it a federal directive, concerned about the effect on the economy and taking into account the differences in state conditions and circumstances, left the decision at the state level.  With over 6.5 million unemployment claims from lost jobs, for many governors there was little choice. Without a cohesive plan, travel by individuals and group gatherings continued the spread.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis had tried to avoid making the same decision. Florida's economy takes much of its revenue from tourism and recreation, and the governor allowed beaches, tourist locations and hotels to continue business, while tracking locations and sources of COVID-19 cases, and leaving the matter in the hands of local officials. But both the staggering economic downturn and spread of the virus prompted some counties to set their own regulations.

The Alachua County Commission took matters into their own hands and ordered a “Stay-In-Place” order for the entire county on March 23. This also closed all non-essential businesses, including restaurants and bars and limited gatherings, including church services to 10 people in a building and a separation distance of six feet. The exception was for essential businesses such as grocery and large hardware and equipment stores to 50 people at one time. However, the county had no control over state parks or boat traffic gatherings on the rivers.

As more counties set limits and pressured the governor to issue a statewide limit, COVID-19 infections continued to rise, surpassing 10,000 statewide, driven by a rapid increase at tourist spots in south Florida. Governor DeSantis closed travel to Florida hoping to stem the rise.  But by March 31, the number of cases had increased to 6,995 with 890 hospitalizations and 85 deaths.  It was clear that more stringent measures were needed.

The governor issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order effective at 12:01 a.m. on April 3, 2020. Executive Order 20-91 required all persons in Florida to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. This order allowed for a variety of essential activities, which included attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and house of worship regardless if the religious activity exceeded the 10 or fewer individuals that some counties had enforced for all gatherings.

Governor DeSantis stated he did not feel the state had authority to limit religious freedoms or how religious institutions handled their congregations. Several Florida megachurches had already deified local restrictions and held mass gatherings including a church in Hillsborough County that bused in worshipers for services of over 500 people.

Local churches in Alachua are as concerned about the safety of their congregation as they are about providing services, striving to balance the need to conduct sermons, offer guidance and maintain a sense of unity.

Most had already found alternative ways to conduct services prior to Executive Order 20-91 and the apparent reversal of Alachua County’s 10-person limit. Many local churches are offering online services and sermons using Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, or already established church websites. Many of these are interactive so parishioners can offer their participation as well.

A few smaller churches without web or internet service are offering individual counseling and guidance by email. At least two larger churches, Impact Family Church in High Springs and Alachua First Baptist, have found a unique solution to maintaining the health requirements for their congregations while also still providing the sense of unity and fellowship for members.

They have adopted the concept of the iconic drive-in movie theaters.  Parishioners gather in the church parking lot or field, but stay in their cars to maintain a safe distance, while the pastor broadcasts the sermon via a pre-set radio signal, allowing the congregation to worship safely together.

Most local churches have links on their websites to access or download their online or pre- recorded weekly services for anyone who is interested or needs a place to worship and pray in this uncertain time.

All plan to return to live services as soon as it is safe to do so and the “stay-at-home” sanctions are lifted. In these trying times, prayer and religious solace are needed for many people and the local churches are striving to make sure they provide that while keeping their parishioners safe.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The COVID-19 virus has changed our way of life. The new designation of “social distancing” means less human contact and at least temporary end to gatherings of groups of people that have left 20 percent of the world's population quarantined in their homes. Nightlife, entertainment events and socializing in bars and restaurants are all gone.

This has put many people out of work who cannot afford to not have income. Restaurant and bar employees are laid off. Concerts and art events are on hold. One of the hardest hit groups are musicians. All their income is based on performing, and with no crowds to attend, there is no place to play. Many are self-employed and the cancellation of all performances means no income. It did not just affect musicians as everyone working in the live entertainment industry has seen their jobs instantly disappear.

David Bayne Trull is a Florida musician, promoter and creative director with a long resume in the industry. When the virus hit, he lost his job with the social media app “SocialLadder” and saw his music gigs and festival promotions all disappear in a matter of days. Through this network he saw it happen to every musician and concert promoter he knew and felt there had to be a way to create an online platform for fans and artists to thrive once again in this new age of social distancing.

Music is an intregal part of many people’s lives as is social interaction and dancing. Working with Jameson Shelnut, his partner at “Unitea Music!” social music community app company, they decided to try a two to three weeklong online streaming concert that could support Florida musicians and give fans a place to share the love for music and arts from the comfort of our home sofas.

Working with musicians, festival promoters, music venues and independent record companies, they designed a monthlong concert series featuring over 80 bands that could be livestreamed on the internet.

"Save The Scene Virtual Music & Arts Festival is a cumulative partnership constructed of love and passion for the Florida music and arts community,” noted Trull. “Friendships and partnerships have brought together the most eclectic and diverse virtual music festival in the world. Our goal is to create an everlasting dancefloor and overcome the COVID pandemic that has rattled our beloved culture. By tuning in and supporting Florida’s scene we will keep the party alive for generations.”

The event will feature four music acts daily between 6 and 10 p.m. and each evening will be sponsored by a venue, which will help contribute to the costs of the event. Everyone involved is donating their time for this not for profit event. Fans can tune into the show via the website app, which not only will keep a count of viewers, but also offer a chance for them to contribute money for that particular band to replace lost income.

Viewers can also comment on the bands and be eligible for prizes like t-shirts or band memorabillia, which will be paid for by the concert promoters.The evening sponsors will will also offer prizes such as a free drink or concert tickets when their venue re-opens. All proceeds from the event will be donated to a reputable charity and will help each artist continue their path of chasing their dreams.

The Save The Scene Virtual Music & Arts Festival is the largest music streaming event to be done to date. It will have a diverse and eclectic lineup, featuring 80 or more of Floridas most promising and upcoming artists in a variety of musical styles. This livestreamed virtual concert will run from April 3 - April 20, with four-hour nights from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST via its Youtube channel and website, www.SaveTheScene.Live.

Save the Scene is looking to give back to the local community and regional artists due to the coronavirus by providing a platform for fans to donate and support. Fans will be able to watch and support their favorite artists via donation links that will appear nightly on the website and streaming channels.

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HIGH SPRINGS – How thrilled would any child be to get a FaceTime visit from one of their favorite miniature therapy horses? That’s exactly what’s happening all around the nation as Mr. Jorge and various Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses drop in for a visit and a story.

With the nation in quarantine, the Gentle Carousel Mini Horses and their caretakers, Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, have found ways to help cheer up children and adults in hospitals and rehabilitation centers around the country.

Therapy Horses Practice Social Distancing

“Normally, the charity would be visiting with people one-on-one and preparing for the library programs we do every year,” said Debbie. Since the couple and the therapy horses are observing social distancing along with the rest of the world, they have found innovative ways to continue the therapy program using social media.

In some cases, children have met the therapy horses at a Ronald McDonald House or hospital.  When they return to their home states, the couple and the horses can follow up with them. If they have met a specific horse somewhere, Debbie and Jorge try to have that horse check in with the child via FaceTime.

“People ask us if we’re bored since we can’t leave the farm and volunteers can't come over,” Debbie said. “Far from it. We’re just as busy as ever talking to children using FaceTime in our living room along with the horses.”

In addition, Jorge has been calling some of their long-time supporters and friends just to keep in touch with those he can’t FaceTime.

The organization has about a million social media followers. “Some people are so excited about the telephone calls they post about them on their Facebook pages,” Debbie said. When he calls, they tell him their story. Everyone is facing challenges right now. They get so excited that they call their friends and say, “The real Jorge just called me.”

The couple, other volunteers and the horses returned from New York City just four weeks ago.  They were visiting hospitals and also were at the Javits Convention Center (now a hospital) doing a large international toy festival along with NBC Universal Disney.

“This was a toy fair, which was not open to the public,” said Debbie. The event was open to distributors from all around the world. Children from Make-A-Wish® Foundation as well as terminally ill adults were allowed to attend the event and meet the horses.

As it is unlikely the quarantine will be lifted in time for the charity's normal library visits, they are videotaping “StoryTime on the Farm with Mr. Jorge.”

Jorge will be reading stories that include different horses that usually go to the libraries to visit with the children. “We will have videos of the horses doing some of the things that are included in the story being read to the children,” said Debbie. “It should be really fun for us and for the children,” she said.

The couple is also doing videos for children on things they can do at home…the types of things kids can tune into and enjoy. “We hope that will make their time at home more enjoyable,” said. Debbie.

Major Fundraisers Cancelled

On the down side, the two biggest fundraisers of the year had to be cancelled this year. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relies on fundraisers to pay for the work they do. “We don’t charge for our visits,” Debbie said. The Magical Gala, which is usually held at the end of March, was cancelled. In addition, a big Walkathon, which is scheduled for the end of April, has been severely curtailed.

The event is scheduled for the McKethan Brothers Training Center just north of Ocala, the training track used to train Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh. Although the event hasn’t been totally cancelled, it has been so severely downsized as to be a totally different event than was originally planned. Instead of stands full of people, kids who were planning to set up their own lemonade stands, additional horse riders and horse drawn carriages and lots more, there will be two horses walking around the track.

The event will be available for the public to see online, but not in person.  Folks can watch it from home on Facebook. Miniature Therapy Horse Scout, weighing in at no more than 100 lbs., will be walking the track with a 2,000 lb. Percheron named Tiny Prince Charming.

Help by Sponsoring Virtual Walkathon

“If people want to sponsor one of the horses for walking around the track, that would be great,” said Debbie. “People were excited about coming to this event, but social distancing has changed all that.” The horses will begin at the starting gate and go one lap around the track.

The couple is working alone right now. Volunteers are quarantined as well so the couple is busy feeding, grooming and taking care of the horses and other animals on their farm. “Expenses keep on coming. The horses need to be insured, fed and receive the same medical attention as any other time as do the livestock guardian dogs that protect the horses,” said Debbie. “We had counted on the two large fundraisers to help the charity financially, but that’s not going to happen this year,” she said.

Even though these are challenging times, the couple says they are going to continue to look at the positive ways they can send their love out to people. “We are always looking for creative ways to stay positive and send positive care out into the world,” said Debbie.

One item currently in the works is the possibility of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, another non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring today’s youth through entertainment and education-focused initiative, running the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses videos and live feed from the farm in their 10 studios located in various hospitals. The horses have visited the studios in person many times over the years.

“We’re still in the talking stages,” said Debbie, “but if it happens, hundreds of children will be able to see the horses and hear Jorge read them stories while they are in the hospital. How wonderful would that be?”

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ALACHUA – Alachua resident Ellen Cecil, a volunteer worker in Peru, found herself and her group of other United States-based volunteers, stranded in Peru at the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra closed his country’s borders in an attempt to slow the Coronavirus contagion. When the international flights were abruptly cancelled, Cecil was at the Lima Airport already boarded on a plane that was to take her back to the U.S. She and the rest of the passengers were deplaned.

Several weeks ago, when Cecil entered the country, Peru had a normal travel advisory. Due to the threat of the Coronavirus, Peruvian officials shut the country down and no one was allowed on the roads except military personnel and police.

A few members of the group went to the U.S. Embassy where they showed a video and appealed to Embassy staff to help them get back home. Apparently, that attempt proved fruitless. The group was stopped twice by the police as they attempted to reach the U.S. Embassy.

After returning from the Embassy, police separated the Americans and sent each to their own room at their hotel. Police were stationed outside each of their doors so the group could not communicate with each other.

In an attempt to get assistance from the U.S. government, Cecil talked with a staffer from Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s office. Her understanding from that communication was that they would have to work with the Peruvian government to allow a “humanitarian” flight into the country so U.S. citizens could return home.

Americans in Peru were told the border had been closed “permanently” to avoid the spread of Covid-19. However, with pressure from the U.S., four flights from Peru were scheduled to fly into Miami before the final lockdown.

Although all four planes had been boarded by American citizens, three of those flights were cancelled at the last minute. Due to communication directly with the mayor of Lima, Cecil and 23 other Americans were provided papers and an escort to the airport and were allowed to leave on the one flight that had not been cancelled. The group has since arrived at the Miami Airport. Cecil, who is the only Floridian in the group, is now at home in Alachua and is in quarantine for the next two weeks.

It is estimated that approximately 1,500 – 2,000 Americans may still be in Peru. It is doubtful any of them will be allowed to return home until the threat of the Covid-19 virus has passed and the Peruvian president reopens the borders.

Cecil is thankful to the many people who worked to help get her and the other American citizens in her group back home. She thanked Congressman Ted Yoho, the U.S. Embassy in Peru, the State Department, Mayor Jorge Muñoz Wells of Lima, Peru, Louisa Barton of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership and last, but not least, Mayor Kent Guinn of Ocala. "I am very grateful to Mayor Kent Guinn and all of the people he worked with who helped me come home from Peru," Cecil said.

“I was happy to work on this issue,” said Guinn. “I was also honored that I was called to assist. Also, a huge ‘thank you’ to Debbie Garcia- Bengochea who was my link to Ellen. Thanks also to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition whose advisory board I serve on. They were such a great resource.

“And a huge thank you, Ms Para, Scarrow and Porter at the U.S Department of State who I was in constant contact with. Also, a thank you to the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, whose staff were making things happen on the ground. Lastly, thank you to the mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz Wells, who cleared the way for safe transport with a police escort from the hotel to the airport. It was truly a team effort. [I am] so happy Ellen has returned safe and sound. God Bless the USA. Mission Accomplished."

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