Last Updated: Wednesday, 8:08 a.m.
With the governor imposing new restrictions on travel into Florida–and issuing a stay-at-home advisory to all Floridians 65 and over–Hammock Beach residents have complained in several emails to Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland that the number of guests at Hammock Beach Resort were filling its common areas without respecting social distancing recommendations, creating conditions more vulnerable to transmission of the coronavirus.
Hammock officials say they’re aware of the complaints, but that the complainers are inaccurate.
“We are at my in-laws home in Hammock Beach social distancing ourselves from society,” one person wrote the mayor Monday. “We know people who have tested positive for Corona Virus in NYC and are now staying at Hammock Beach. Sadly these are friends of ours and I couldn’t be more disappointed in their decision making. They haven’t quarantined themselves and in fact are walking around the resort, Publix, and everyday places everyone is going. Not sure how you all are going to get control of this, but it needs to be taken seriously. I watched hundreds of people at the pool today. There’s no reason this should be happening.”
Two earlier emails sent from different people to the mayor reported similar observations. Vast segments of the local tourist-dependent economy have been shut down by the coronavirus emergency, including all bars and pubs and all restaurants except for take-out service.
“[B]ar still running they just moved the furniture around,” another resident wrote the mayor last week. “Pools are full. Game room and rec center full. More than 10 people in a group on the beach.”
“We’re seeing the same things and hearing the same things and understanding that but they are not correct,” Kerry Mitruska, the resort’s director of sales and marketing, said by phone this afternoon. (Brad Hauer, the resort’s general manager, did not return a call and said by email he would refer the member of his team.) “We are not operating normally, we have taken significant measures that are compliant with local officials, requests that are being made by local governments as well as CDC guidelines,” Mitruska said, citing the restrictions on sit-down service.
“The Delfinos is the only operational restaurant right now that has food service and that is available for pick-up and take-away only,” Mitruska said, “and the rest at the bar is operating but you cannot sit at the bar and dine so that’s take-away only, just like every other restaurant outlet in the area.”
Hauer, however, informed club members on Monday that “We have recently learned that a member of Hammock Beach has tested presumptive positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus,” adding in his message: “Please be aware that certain employees, members and guests of the Club may have been exposed to COVID-19.” He said the golf courses and clubhouse would be temporarily closed.
The Hammock community residents are writing of concerns that the resort is drawing visitors from places more affected by coronavirus and potentially placing local and older residents at risk.
“There are owners and people who do live in this resort,” another wrote. “It is not ok to place those residences in the situation to be endangered by continues [sic.] incoming people, massive gatherings throughout the resort. At this very stage of circumstances, the resort should be closed off to operating as a resort to incoming guests.”
But the resort is also an important local economic engine and, at a time when one out of four Americans has been asked to shelter in place, a place to stay, at least for those who can afford it. No executive orders, local orders or recommendations place any state or local authority in the role of policing the activities of a resort’s or a hotel’s guests in common areas, though businesses that have continued to operate during the emergency have not been immune from public observations or pressure.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday issued an executive order directing all travelers to Florida from any area with “substantial community spread” to isolate for quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry into Florida. The spots include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York). The order took effect today. “All persons isolating or quarantining under this Section, shall be responsible for all costs associated with that person’s isolation or quarantine, including transportation, lodging, food, medical care and any other expenses to sustain the person during the period of isolation or quarantine,” the order states.
“The residents’ concerns had more to do with so many visitors coming in that were not tested and it is apparent by Governor DeSantis’ statements that he wants to address that as well,” Holland said this afternoon. “I believe we all want to do our part to mitigate the spread of this virus within our boundaries as much as possible and communication and coordination amongst all agencies will help us do that.”
Mitruska was asked what the current capacity at the resort was, and what measures resort staff was taking when guests arrived–whether, for example, guests’ and employees’ temperature was taken, as it is at the entrance of certain government buildings even when employees are going in, or if the resort was taking other measures. “I don’t have the freedom to answer you,” he said in the phone interview in mid-afternoon, allowing only that groups and weddings were cancelling, but he said questions would be answered by email “by the end of the day.” There was no email.
But after this article initially published, the mayor receive additional emails, apparently prompted by this article, one of them from a current employee, who wrote: “I am an employee of Hammock Beach Resort while we remain open, I have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus and am currently under quarantine due to hospital recommendation. It is sad that we are the only operating facility in the are while all others are closed and taking proper precautions. I came in contact after a member tested positive but no precautions were taken except for letting the golf members know. This is a scary time for everyone and I urge you to please see the bigger picture at hand. We need to be shut down with numerous resort guests still coming in and our safety not being taken seriously or accounted for. There currently aren’t any regulations on who we come into contact with and dealing with severe lung issues myself just shows me how little Aimbridge cares about their staff and well being.” Aimbridge Hospitality is the company that has been managing the resort, taking over for Salamander.
The governor’s orders leave some open questions regarding the role of local departments of health in terms of observation and enforcement, Flagler Health Department Director Bob Snyder said today. But he said he could understand the worries of residents about community spread of the virus.
“I would have concerns too,” he said after reading the Hammock Beach residents’ emails. “We need to practice social distancing, try to avoid being in groups of more than 10 people or more, especially for the sake of our senior citizens who are the most vulnerable when it comes to this virus. Again, there is no vaccine, there is no medication, and our tool kit includes two things: if you have the clinical symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider or the health department to see if you meet testing criteria. And the second tool in the tool box is staying at home. Social distancing. Avoiding other people. Period.”
The governor’s order is clearly intended to discourage travel from hot spots, though it does not address road travel, which accounts for the larger majority of travel to the state. The Florida Department of Health is to “ensure the screening and appropriate isolation and quarantine of individuals covered by” the order, working with county and local governments and law enforcement to enforce the order. Violators would face a second-degree misdemeanor. The order is not retroactive in any way.
Holland said the city’s authority did not extend to Hammock Beach, which is not in the city. Nor does the mayor’s voluntary stay-in-place order, issued Monday morning, mean that it can be enforced in any way regarding resorts or even large gatherings.
Flagler Beach and Flagler County have closed the county’s 18 miles of beach. The county’s emergency authority extends to beaches upward of the mean high water line, which means private businesses and associations, including the Hammock, may not use the beach in front of their property. “Such owners, however, are still subject to the emergency power of the government during times of declared emergency, just as with the public that desires to exercise their customary use rights to the beach,” County Attorney Al Hadeed said Tuesday evening. (An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to the stretch of beach in front of the Hammock resort as a “private beach.”) The county’s emergency order closing the beach “draws no distinction between publicly or privately owned dunes or beaches,” Hadeed said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’s executive order shutting down restaurants and bars last week did not extend to resorts or hotels functioning as such, but did assert the 10-person limit on gatherings. It ordered “all vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink or in sealed containers for consumption on the premises,” with an allowance for consumption off the premises. The order applies the same wording to any “specially licensed food service establishment”–that is, to restaurants.
The order was unclear regarding facilities within resorts (the order doesn’t refer to resorts at all), where the facility and the resort are under the same umbrella.
“We are supportive of the governor’s executive order because this will help to dampen the transmission of the virus, because New York and New Jersey and Connecticut are hard-hit states,” Snyder said.
Holland said residents were also calling the city’s call center to report concerns about the resort, but since it wasn’t in the city’s jurisdiction, the issue was passed along to the county to address, and the county informed her the resort was complying with rules and recommendations.
The resort has reduced its cancellation policy to 48 hours’ notice for arrivals through April 11, but it is continuing to welcome guests. A brief Covid-19 notice appears on its website, just below the fold, noting that the resort is taking precautions and monitoring the “Covid-19 situation closely.” It states that “Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in high-traffic public areas around the Resort as an additional precautionary measure to keep hands clean and we are enhancing cleaning of guest high touch point areas with the use of approved anti-bacterial cleaning products,”: that it it would “implement additional measures as provided by trusted sources” such as the CDC and the World Health Organization.
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Mia says
Ppl are so selfish. Not the residents but the vacationers that come to our city bringing their germs. Let’s shelter in place down in FLA. Stay up north.
Hundreds of ppl in the pool. Really? This is ok with our Mayor and the Governor?
I’m just over the Spring Breakers, Vacationers etc. Stay HOME in your state.
I was laid off yesterday because of this virus. You’re perpetuating the spread of this same virus?!!! I call !?&!&$!
I will never patronize any of the restaurants at the resort again.
Rob says
Daytona is still running a jet ski rental with people flicking there to ride. When are you going to stop this madness
Palm Coast Villas says
The county should close all Hotels and resorts to keep our residents safe.
David S. says
They are doing their job. This is not even located in the city………
Mia says
Right and they won’t go into Palm Coast at all.
The rest I won’t even dignify.
Sean says
lol if you think the guests at The Hammock don’t venture into Palm Coast you either don’t know the Hammock or don’t go to any of the businesses/restaurants over by the toll bridge
Realist says
What are you talking about? It it is located in the city —– Address: 200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137
FlaglerLive says
Mailing addresses are not always consistent with jurisdictional boundaries.
Realist says
And neither is a disease or virus. You guys are comical. The hammock is not a town or a city. Marine land as tiny as it is has more evidence of city than the hammock.
The point is the first responders that show up in Palm Coast are the same ones who will have to go to the hammock. It’s still all cross contamination.
Cary says
Its all unincorporated area on the other side of the river.
lou says
An other loophole benefitting the few at the expense of the majority.
Dane says
There are more then a few people who work there. I’m sure your ok with approximately 200 people out of work and unable to feed their families, but not everyone is.
Flatsflyer says
Can’t cause any impact to resorts, just remember Trump own several in Florida and DeSantis is his puppet!
Cindy says
Good luck getting a response from Hammock Beach. They don’t even respond to owners.
Chelsey says
Some of the owners are awful and really don’t deserve a response.
Gina Weiss says
It’s was only a matter of time that I knew this was going to happen, and once again there are those familiar words “BIG ECONOMIC ENGINES” which really means “officials sorry excuses for not considering the welfare of its own tax paying citizens in their community”. You mean to tell me that the Governor was not aware that there is the possibly of a spread of the corona virus within facilities of resorts, just like bike week, just like late closures of beaches during spring break, or people travelling by cars who are not working. And coupled with that there’s that pointing of the finger by Mayor Holland like the rest and passes it along to the county. Mayor Holland , you didn’t think out of the box that this would happen, its a extremely contagious virus that’s why it’s a pandemic! Do any of you officials ever come together in a forum maybe to speak to each other to come up with plans even if its not within your community or are you all off in your own little worlds. And as for those others who work for Hammock Beach resort and put out comments without answering questions or returning calls, they are paid public relation people.
Gina Weiss says
PS: and for social distancing those meetings can take place live on line
PB says
I guess if you have money you really do think you are entitled. All my life I have watched people from the NE think they are better…
Realist says
Although I’m originally from NY I’ve lived in Flagler county for 30 years now and agree with you 100%. People have always used that “THING” whatever it may be, money, status, race, geographics ect to seperate or put themselves over another.
There are many, many little Donald Trumps walking around here that came from up north putting all of their faith into wealth and privilege believing thats whats going to save them. This is a peek behind the curtain of how they really feel about us everyday folks and the support and votes one gives.
Gina Weiss says
Realist: no matter where one is from there will always be those ROTTEN APPLES!
Teresa says
Poor Trump., He gets the blame for everything. Self Entitled people always gotta get their dig at the Pres. Shame on you. Shame
M.Robert says
Actually the people in the Tri-State area are generally not for Trump…The states are blue…not little Trumpers. So perhaps you should rethink your statement. It may be due to the fact that people just are self centered and think they are entitled.
Help says
This is absolutely true as an employee here, they really are NOT doing anything different except mopping once a day… they do have sanitization stations but aside of that it is completely negligent in regards to the employee and guest safety. We had so many guests here recently but now we have dwindled, the lobby bar is still open, F&B is take out only but bars are still open..? The pool area was closed until a member complained then they Re opened it, they’re afraid of losing money so they put the employees health on the line!! Instead of the county taking what the management has said why don’t they come out and see it for them selves.. it’s disgraceful and DANGEROUS GOV DESANTIS WE NEED EYES ON THIS PROPERTY.. THE EMPLOYEES NEED A REAL VOICE
-concerned employee who is afraid to speak out
U C says
Walk away it is your life you can get another job you can not get another life.
Anon says
Hammock has been giving out discounts. Even worse.
Concerned Resident says
The hand sanitizing stations are alcohol free (foamyIQ)and wont kill covid19. The pools have up till today have been crowded since the room rates have been significantly reduced and people have nowhere else to go. A couple of the employees are given lysol spray but say the are only on occasion using them. Only the immediate seats have been moved from the lobby bar but the rest of the carpeted area that is “the lobby bar” 6 feet away, have been full of members and guests since all other bars are closed in the area. I have talked with staff and they are fearful of getting sick and have been told they can’t use their paid time off and are expected to work. I have not seen any housekeepers what so ever or any staff for that matter later at night when the bar is the busiest. I am told that housekeeping is being sent home early. Where are all the managers?
Cary says
If you are jumping into a pool with others maybe you deserve to get coronavirus. What is wrong with these people. It takes days for the virus to incubate so you could have and pass it without knowing it. You rich people made your money using your brains but your not paying attention now.
Larry Hilyard says
We also live in the Hammock and observe many visitors with no regard to social distancing. I applaud the quarantine policy but there is no way it can be enforced. These visitors have no care about anyone but themselves and their own freedom. I like the restrictions on short term rentals put in place in the Florida Keys but do not believe anyone here will consider anything like that due to the big bucks political pressure regardless of how many more of us will die. Sad.
Peggy says
Just my opinion but top management on site are doing what they are told by the owner of property, Patel.
They may lose their jobs because of Patels lack of responsibility Patels should be fined! They are who have the real responsibility to protect this faculties, staff and residents of Hammock Beach Club.
Rob Ewing says
So lets talk about responsibility. Our governor has chosen money over health. Great tone to set. Every person that goes out in the public without protection or chooses not to practice physical distancing puts themselves & others at risk. Welcome to Florida! We need only to look in the mirror… Really concerned? Call the governors office he needs to hear from you and your State Rep.
Patric henry says
My rights don’t end where your feelings begin. We have an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Make no mistake, our liberties are being eroded, we are no longer at liberty to peaceably assemble, soon we our ability to move around freely will be encumbered and the government believes it has the authority to keep us off of US road 1 (the eastern coast line.)
LOUIS BARLETTA says
i agree WELCOME TO SOCIALISM
Veronica says
Your rights end when you infringe on someone else’s rights. No one is trying to stop anything but the spread of a virus. You can use some bull excuse that you are veiling with your civil rights.
I hope you realize you sound like a conspiracy theorist. Get over yourself and do something for the world. Stay inside.
Let's help says
You will notice that the golf course will be opened today. Feel so bad for the employees that will not speak, and are scared to loose their jobs. There should be something we can do to help. Take pictures let’s flood the internet, and make them close!
ELKE GALLAGHER says
Guests are not screened on arrival. It is placing so many people in danger. It is just horrible in times like this to observe how lacking our resort is in protection. To members, to owners who live here,to guests!
Outrages and SHAME on Hammock Resort and Beach!
Making income versus protecting lives! SHAME towards this Resort!
John Todd says
This article is very disturbing. I do not believe it mentioned that the Hammock Beach Resort Ocean Golf Course was closed effective today Tuesday March 24, for several days, because a member was found to be Corona Virus positive. As I understand it, other areas of the Resort have also been closed for cleaning. There were also individuals on the beach today, adjacent to the Resort. Golfers continue to sit 2 to a golf cart, inches from each other.
Eileen Araujo says
money talks…..and no dollar store in sight…lol
Mia says
Email: [email protected]
Claire covers Volusia and Flagler for WESh News aka NBC News Orlando.
She’ll do a story on this if we all email her. I just did. I gave Flagler Live credit for the article. Thank you for the story FL. It was both informative and enlightening.
My brother and his family come down every year and stay at HD. I just told him and he’ll be staying somewhere else in Aug.
Mia says
Claire Metz replies and said they cannot get onto the property.
She asked for pics or videos.
Send them to her. She’s down some fantastic stories about Flagler.
She’s like to interview a few residents.
Email is above.
You
Livid Neighbor says
Perhaps someone who is a member of the Club at Hammock Beach Resort could call Ms. Metz in a guest pass so she could get through the guard gate. Once she’s through the guard gate with her guest pass, she can park in the parking garage and have access to interviewing people on the property. I’m no longer a member of the Club or would have been happy to call her in a guest pass.
Angry Resident says
I just did. This is a disgrace.
Julia says
Can you verify address? Tried to email her and it kicked back. Thank you.
Anonymous Server says
We are definitely not in compliance at Hammock beach resort nor are we taking any kind of precautions whatsoever. It is business as usual. We initially solved the restaurants are closed rule with paper plates, but now we are serving people in their pool chairs food in a “to go box” except that we ran out of those…. so we went back to plates. There are no gloves being worn by anyone on resort property. There is only ONE sanitizing station upstairs near the ocean bar, none in between the parking garage and the pool. Fruit is still cut every morning with bare hands and then put in the containers in which everyone’s hands go into, then we put them in the pina coladas and the guests eat them. Sometimes guests grab the fruit themselves! it’s sitting in the server window at the bar. The bar is pouring drinks and guests drink them right there. The cooks do not wear gloves, since they are not seen. (But that’s always) Then a member was confirmed to have tested positive with COVID-19 so there was an email sent out at 10:35 this morning that the bar and pool were closed… FINALLY. Then 2 hours later another email went out to say that employees need to report TODAY what their availability is going forward. Because the pool and bar/restaurant are reopening tomorrow…. because they are going to “clean” everything. It almost seems as if they are trying to force their employees to quit so they can’t collect unemployment. So you’re only option is to go put yourself at risk or quit your job!!!! If you’re dying to get and spread the coronavirus head on over to Hammock Beach Resort!!!! #PandemicBeachResort #CoronaRitasOnTheHouse
Concerned guest says
First off, the statement made that Delfinos is the only operational restaurant is a BLATANT lie . The Pool bar is IN FACT operating as if this virus does not exist. They serve food on paper plates and serve from the bar with exposed fruit using either no gloves , or gloves that are dirty. The waitresses serve the guests like they would at any other restaurant and there were well over 200 people at the pool swimming and dining this past weekend. There are clearly no precautions whatsoever being taken. The drinks, food, fruit trays, even the ice is completely exposed to the open environment. It is very obvious this resort does not care for their employees . I could see their worry but because of money they continue working in unsafe conditions trusting the company’s word . All these employees and guests are lucky if they don’t already have this virus due to the lack of precaution I witnessed this past weekend. This is truly a disgrace of a company .
PC Resident says
Today I received an email from Hammock Beach Resort advertising a month long stay! It advertised the idea of “working from home” but with a view, at the resort. Unbelievable!
Willy Boy says
Human nature never fails to disappoint. May the blazing summer heat save us all.
bigdog says
Meanwhile the construction gate at Plantation Bay is wide open, nobody is being screened, and many undocumented, and unlicensed, workers continue to enter. ICI and Kargar homes have to keep making their profits, while the residents are exposed. It’s ok though, the fired Sheriff Officer in charge of “Access Control” is still making big money to sit in his office watching you tube videos.
Dennis says
Nothing new here. Money rules. You should know that by now
marlee says
Thank you Gov. Trump DeSantis!
HB person says
they own bars and restaurants, heavily leveraged businesses. they are struggling to make loan payments when closed. They are prioritizing money over our health
JT says
Hogwash, their owners are billionaires.
No regard for personal safety, community or in-house residents.
It’s about time someone did something about this blatant disregard for others.
Willy Boy says
KDG Capital is a Tampa – Dr. Kiran Patel – cardiologist – and yes, billionaire. Likes to own resorts which include the JW Marriott on Clearwater Beach.
HB person says
JT – I did not mean to sound like I was giving them an excuse. I was just trying to point out their greed. They are billionaires and utilize the tax code to pay zero in taxes. Over financing their properties, showing losses on the tax books – and pocketing the cash. We need to use social media to put pressure on them. Pressure the individuals – embarrass them. They are expecting these complaints to “blow over in a couple days”.
Also, the hourly workers are not to blame for the situation new ownership has created.
Bill says
Why are these people calling Palm Coast and its Mayor????? As that place is NOT within the City of PC. maybe they should also call the Mayor of NYC and the Governor of NY while they are at it.
tulip says
So who is responsible for making sure a business complys with the rules? The BOCC? Not much better
People migrating here from NY and NJ etc will in no way self quarantine, that’s a joke!!!
I noticed the article said that there were some people that actually live there. I wonder if the Board of Health could do anything to shut it down?
Gina Weiss says
Bill : so according to you all of these non compliant possible corona virus people and carriers from HD are just going to remain there, people circulate that’s why its a PANDEMIC and this should be concerting to PC and its MAYOR instead of putting out a bunch of SUGAR COATED NEWS LETTERS, PC Mayor Holland should not be pointing fingers at the time of a global pandemic, and be a good AMBASSADOR and concerned about her citizens. THAT’S WHY !!!
Local Islander says
Also, these guests are visiting the local Publix, which is smaller than your typical Publix (carries less stock of products). These people are bringing groceries and supplies back to their rooms. Which is short-handing the local residents of the island of supplies, while also potentially exposing older residents of the area to the virus.
Can't believe it says
Call the local Florida Dept of Health. They can do an unannounced visit.
Angry Resident says
Absolutely a DISGRACE and unacceptable!! This is a high-risk community with so many seniors. My own parents haven’t left their home in over two weeks out of fear. I shop (with latex gloves and sanitizer) for them and drop off their supplies without staying, just in case. I haven’t been able to hug them in three weeks. And these IDIOTS are allowing at-risk guests to come and go, using “sanitizer” that does not contain alcohol (useless), and putting their entire workforce at risk? I’m livid. Most residents of Flagler County are being sensible, keeping advised social distance, avoiding going out, only to be put at risk of becoming a hotbed of outbreak at the altar of the almighty dollar. SOB’s! I will never use their facilities or their restaurants again and will encourage everyone I know not to do so either.
Sandra Yoder says
Hammock Beach Resort is a place that I love. I have owned here for 10 years. I do think that they have not taken precautions as they should have, however what is important also is the adults who have been in contact with the virus not staying home and refusing to self quarantine. This is absolutely a disgrace and so dangerous to my family and others. These people are self centered and selfish. These are not the type of people that I want to be around. I’m sad that we have such inconsiderate adults living around us. I’m sad that the place that I love didn’t do enough to prevent these people from coming to the club or shutting it down earlier. We all want our club to succeed but not at the expense of our family and friends.
K says
I am a local here in PC. I visit the Hammock a few times per year so I am on their calling list. In April they called me twice to tell about a special where “people” can come self-quarantine for
14 days, stay in the villas very cheaply and order out from their restaurants.
I did not understand at first…they were offering the Hammock to people from the tri state area who need to self-quarantine for 14 days while they enjoy pools, bicycling, the beaches, and other. amenities with no resort fees.
When I called them back about their “special’ they did a complete 180 degree turn and said they had no idea which special that was.
I thought they were obeying the laws and offering to locals, because we have been scared, too.
But it was a press release offering their villas, not to me, but to people from NYC and the tri state area after Gov. De Santis said they must self quarantine. The Hammock decided to make money off of that executive order until they were criticized.
Interestingly, the very first two cases and first death from vivid 19 in Flagler County was in the Hammock.
Before those two cases, Flagler County was covid free.
HB person says
new management is responsible for the actions of the resort. they need to be held accountable
Concerned Mother says
As a concerned parent this company has not been concerned about employees .They were not given PPE at the right time. There are so many people there acting as though nothing is going on. People wake up there are residents over 65 there. Close the pools and other recreational spots. Then you might see people following some instruction. Putting my child at risk along with many others. They are not above the law. Plus you have all the guests shopping at the local Publix taking supplies away from the residents which is a community that averages over 65 !!!!!😡
Percy's mother says
One would imagine that the best way to deal with this (since apparently up to this point nothing is being done), would be to contact PRONTO the county commissioner in charge of this jurisdiction.
I’m not up-to-date on who/whom, but I seem to remember it’s GREG HANSEN. If I’m mistaken, I apologize.
If the county commissioner in charge of this particular jurisdiction is unresponsive, I would contact Joe Mullins, who seems to respond well to everything.
As someone has apparently tested + for CV, one would think this situation would be high priority.
WHERE IS THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER IN CHARGE OF THIS JURISDICTION? Perhaps he’s in the pool at Hammock Dunes.
Gina Weiss says
Percy’s mother: Agree 150 percent you just made my day! xoxo
GinaWeiss says
Percy’s mother: Justice Dept wants people who have corona virus and purposely spread it be charged with acts of terrorism.
Makeitso1701 says
Profit versus the welfare of workers and citizens, where have we heard that before? oh yeah the same guy and the state run media( Fox News) that was calling the virus “a hoax, something the Democrats made up”
HB person says
New owner (DR Patel KDG) is running a new sale for a month long stay at Hammock Beach. $2900 (less than $100 per day) for a 3 bedroom. What kind of responsible guests might that attract?
Sherry says
She said very sarcastically: Wait a minute, why should the Hammock Beach Resorts lose all that money when it’s almost “business as usual” at Mar-A-Lago:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a31787777/palm-beach-coronavirus/
A little more than two weeks ago, social life in Palm Beach, Florida was rolling along like business as usual. On a balmy Friday night, on one part of town, the island’s A-list gathered in their finery to attend the Preservation Foundation’s annual dinner dance, one of the season’s most coveted tickets. There were hints that something was off; there were suddenly more air kisses than usual among the 300 or so guests.
Meanwhile, Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s so-called winter White House, was hosting the first of a pair of weekend fundraisers that would gather hundreds of guests, each with a receiving line held in the club’s ornate White & Gold Ballroom. The following evening, Trump hosted Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and his entourage for dinner, while nearby, guests began gathering for a birthday blowout in honor of ex-Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend.
It felt like the Titanic.
It’s fair to say the mood in Palm Beach has darkened since then.
After several guests at the resort that weekend confirmed they tested positive for the Coronavirus, including the Congressman Matt Gaetz and members of the Brazilian delegation, the island has become one of the epicenters of the pandemic in Florida, whose Southern region claims half of the state’s 131 confirmed cases.
In the eyes of some, Mar-a-Lago itself is something of a “coronavirus hot zone,” to quote the New York Times.
US-BRAZIL-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-TRUMP-BOLSONARO
Donald Trump (center) speaks with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (far left), alongside United States National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien (right) during a diner at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 7, 2020
As a result, or perhaps general anxiety around COVID-19, some residents hightailed it to their private jets waiting on the tarmac of Palm Beach International Airport in favor of other homes in less densely populated areas such as Aspen or the Hamptons, not that there was much comfort to be found there.
Other New Yorkers choose to ride out the pandemic at their Palm Beach second homes, causing some south-bound flights to arrive full while those northbound left nearly empty.
With a great many members well into their 70s and 80s, many opted to stay home. On the other hand, Mar-a-Lago has announced that while the main building will be closed, the oceanfront beach club “will continue to operate as normal” with half-capacity dining and takeout. (Florida has ordered all nightclubs and bars to close for 30 days, but restaurants are still permitted to operate at half capacity.)
Percy's Mother says
AND as usual, social life was rolling along here in Flagler County last weekend . . . Spring Break, restaurants and bars full, Bike Week, all in another balmy local . . . business as usual in Flagler County.
Sorry, I don’t have numerous links to post. No point in singling out what’s going on in Palm Beach. It’s of no relevance here in Flagler County at this time in history.
Ban-D says
Disregard for social distancing is not a resident or guest issue. It boils down to the kind of person you are. I am a resident at Hammock beach and just today witnessed other owners here:
1) walk by me while I was standing within 1-2 ft;
2) cough (actually hacked) while coming from the outdoor yoga session at about 8:45 this morning and made no effort to cover with her elbow. If you are reading this you were to the right of your fiend gabbing away with no regard to what you were spewing in the air and ground.
I will tell you the staff is doing great work. But if you visit or live here and don’t comply with the protocols you should be ashamed of yourself. And for those of you being critical of the staff here… you are probably the biggest violators. If you see something say something (like I did to the lady that hacked). So it politely but point out the transgression directly. Stop hiding begin posts.
Tired of the blame game says
Amen!!!
HB person says
Last night – cleaning crew at the pool area. Today, Belford Property Restorations at Atlantic Grill / Golf Club building. 3 large trucks, guys in body suits, masks with sprayers. Clearly there is a concern – but no information to the members. They simply invite more people in ……so they get to clean it again
Pi$$ed in Palm Coast says
Most likely all these comments and negative publicity forced them to address the situation! What a shame that you don’t exhibit due caution without being forced, especially for those people who are owners there.
Ld says
Report pool and food and bar areas public health. Doubtful poolwater meets proper safe levels. Food safety violations can shut facility down.
Dana says
Mayor Holland: These people need to be PROSECUTED. If they Tested POSITIVE for the COVID-19 and defied quarantine orders and put other people at serious life-endangering risk, they need to have criminal charges placed on them!!!! My husband and I were at this resort on Saturday, March 21st and today I am reading that I could have potentially exposed my elderly parents to this very deadly illness. I want answers!
Bill says
The Mayor of Palm Coast has no jurisdiction there as it is outside of PC
Marlee says
I wondered why Publix in the Hammock was so crowded…especially the Deli!
Rolling eyes says
Because everyone heard they have stock! Not because the hammock resort lol.
David S. says
Who cares what they do it’s private its none of the mayor and any TV stations business. Look at Trumpees resort and golf courses….
kc says
so how does our local government protect us …. by closing walkways.
what a joke!
PeachesMcGee says
Lock the gate and force them to quarantine for 14 days.
Then you’ll see how the ‘other side’ likes being treated by a normal citizen.
Hammock Observer says
How exactly could that be done legally? Just wondering.
LRM says
I like how you think!
Concerned1 says
That is actually a really good idea! Put the entire club on lockdown, no more new arrivals for 14 days & nobody leaves for 14 days, then open the gate & test everyone coming out. Treat it like a cruise ship.
stay out of Florida says
Great idea ! I’m just sick from reading this !!
Linda Hansen says
The State Health Department has already responded to these complaints through Bob Snyder, their representative here in Flagler County. There will be a press release out shortly. Most of these complaints have been carefully checked out, including emails from some employees which have been found not to exist.
This situation is being watched very closely. Any continuing complaints need to be addressed to Bob Snyder.
Just because you are not reading about it does not mean it is not being dealt with. The proper authorities are working on this. In addition, Sheriffs deputies are patrolling those beaches and trying to enforce the closed beaches rules. Please don’t beat them up over this. ALL are trying to do their jobs.
Angry & Ashamed of My Neighbors-Hammock Resort says
I am a Hammock Resort resident and am disgusted by the lack of response by the New Owners of the Resort to this Pandemic. You have a legal as well as a social responsibility to ensure you are taking every step necessary to keep residents, our families and visitors safe. All activities should be halted and the pools as well as the “private beaches” should be immediately closed. The tourists who have travelled here from New York and other covid-19 hotspots should be self-quarantining but some people are just irresponsible. That is why it is important that the Resort take this more seriously and clean more aggressively.
Many residents are also irresponsible. Family members have gone to NYC on “holiday” and are returning in recent days without self-quarantining. SHAME ON YOU! This shows what horribly selfish people you are and you should be shunned by others for your lack of civic responsibility.
I ask the new owner to please close the golf course, beaches and pools. I ask on behalf of our friends and neighbors…for their safety. I am calling on the many Resort boards to please look now at what legal action we can take to force the new owner of the Resort to take all precautions to protect us.
Bigguy says
All the Orlando parks ( Disney, Universal ) as well as all the major hotels voluntarily closed.
So Hammock Beach says okay come over here !!!
I hope for the new owners sake no one dies.
Hammock Observer says
I am a resident at Hammock Beach. Under the new ownership and management, KDG, Aimbridge, and Troon, they care nothing about the members here. Apparently including our safety. Their one concern is their guests. After all members are stuck paying a monthly fee. Guests are extra money.
Since the new management has come in they have cut services to members, raised prices to members, and tried everything to get guests here, including during spring break when there were many, many people here. It was jammed as though it were the middle July. If members or residents do not like it, we can leave. Even if we live here.
On site senior management is not liked by members or employees, but that does not matter since the job is to improve the rate of return to KDG, Aimbridge and Troon. These are national companies. I wonder if this is how they operate all over the US.
If improving income means a few more case of corona virus for members or those who live in the area, well that is a small price to pay for KDG, Troon and Aimbridge to cover their disease related losses.
Hammock Bear says
I hope that the people who tested positive for this virus and came here to the Hammock from NYC know how selfish and mean they are to have come here. I have friends who live in the Hammock area for over 30 years. Two of them have been having chemo treatments. Pray they do not get this virus as they also shop at Publix in the Hammock. I would like to know the reasons that people from NYC and other places felt they could travel here after testing positive for the virus. As for the Hammock Beach Resort, my friends and I will never go there again. They have proven they are all about money and lack concern for the people who pay to dine there and stay there.
Withheld says
My co-worker and I asked our Director what precautions we are taking to which he replied “ It’s probably a hoax anyway and if it’s not we ALL have it already. We are at 100% capacity, business as usual.” People were lined up to use the gym and the pool was packed. You would never know there was a virus. This was 3/20/20.
Me says
The hammock beach resort is being totally ridiculous. No one one gives a crap about anyone who is working there and coming in contact with people daily. I have witnessed guests coming in contact with employees on a daily basis. I have also witnessed owners being very upset about what is going on at the hammock Beach resortThis madness needs to end
Maybe says
Whoever is in charge of the Hamimock Beach club it’s ridiculous. They have exposed all of their employees to the virus. Many employees were afraid to speak up about this because they did not want to get fired. Employees were alsoTold they could not use PTO time during this time crisis. Owners were upset and ask alll these people coming from everywhere in and the Hamic Beach resort it’s running specials as far as special rates
HBR employee says
Resort Director is Carlton Grant.
HB person says
and he is no where to be seen. But he expects his employees to be back at work. He turned a blind eye when we told him local kids were using the pools and the same group of trashy people come in every night.
Longman says
Carlton Grant is an outstanding GM , and since day one has been an asset to the organization
Me says
The management of the Hammock Beach club have no considerations of their employees. The upper management are trying to make their bonuses with no regard for the employees working there. This is corporate greed at its worst.
Freaked Out says
Whoever is in charge of the Hammock Beach club has acted very irresponsible They have exposed all of their employees, owners and members to the virus. Many employees were afraid to speak up about this because they did not want to get fired. Employees were also told they could not use PTO time during this time. Some of the owners were very upset that the resort still is open for business as usual. Even worse, Hammock Beach resort is running special rates during this time when everything else is closed. Corporate greed.
HB person says
Am I the only one that thinks it is ironic, doctors across the country are begging us to stay home. And the doctor that now owns Hammock Beach, Dr Patel, is inviting more people to come to the hotel by offering huge discounts. I don’t know social media, but anyone who does needs to try and embarrass Dr Patel not managing with responsibility. He owns a number of properties like Hammock Beach, are they all doing the same thing?
Jenn says
So what about the tourist who drive here? I’ve seen all plates from all over here! If the kids can’t go to school and we are shutting places down why do these people get to come here and do what they want?
Hammock Beach Resident says
The Hammock Beach Resort Hotel should have a note on their website, and make hotel guests, sign a form, informing them if they are from the NY Metro area, that they need to self quarantine for 14 days. If this note in on their website, and visible through the booking process, 99% of the folks would probably not book a room if they are coming from the NY Metro area.
To protect Hammock Beach Resort residents, guests, Club members, Area residents that use the Publix, etc, they should be taking every possible precaution to reduce the spread of the Corona Virus. It is upsetting, that this story documents that they do not even have alcohol sanitizer throughout the Resort with the correct proportion of alcohol. It appears the Hammock Beach Resort has not implemented ANY precautions. Until they implement the necessary safeguards, that hotel portion of the Resort should be shutdown immediately.
Withheld says
The Hammock Beach Club just re-opened the SPA today! 3/26/2020. They asked the hair stylist to come to work this Saturday. What about Social Distancing? All other salons in Florida are closed! Someone needs to shut them down. Money hungry fools
Longman says
People need to work right? They just can’t take months off without pay?!?
KLR says
So I just went to the grocery store by my work PUBLIX in the HAMMOCK to grab toilet paper, maybe one or two dinners and milk desperately needed milk, and I am absolutely horrified at the number of out of state plates 6 NY 5 NJ and 9 Ohio plus the 5 huge travel trailers that are in this parking lot!!
and the number of families that are filling their cooler and dressed like they’re going to the beach! People, everything is shut down the beaches the parks the biking trails the hiking trails everything is shut down!
WTF were you thinking when you got your car and drove down here! People if they shut down and lock down the entire United States know that you’re part of the problem!
I am horrified at how many of you people are going about like there is nothing going on in the United States like there is not some major major epidemic happening right now!
I can guarantee it you’ll all be the first ones whining and bitching and moaning and complaining when you can’t get tested or treated for this horrific virus that’s running rampant in the United States and throughout the world shame on you!!!
I work 3 jobs and 2 of them are considered essential meaning I have to work and I am at risk everyday of coming in contact with someone who is sick just as I risk the health of my family!!
Your ignorance and lack of respect not only for yourself, your family but the Country in general speaks volumes….
J Cruz says
Aimbridge is trash and money hungry. They need to shutdown everything until it’s all resolved. Employees are getting sick, I for one was exposed by a employee who got exposed by a member because they allow certain facilities open still i.e. pools, bars, restaurants and tennis center. Aimbridge needs to held accountable.
Longman says
Easy for you to say Cruz… they shut down and everybody is out of work..then what genius? No pay check
Big Mistake says
Apparently Hammock Beach Resort can do what they want and no one can stop them. Literally they dont give a damn about there employees nor their residents, and we are the dumb ones that pay the member fees and thousands of membership dollars. Live and learn.
HB person says
A number of our neighbors and members are retired doctors. We need them to reach out to try and find contacts in Tampa who know Dr Patel. He needs to know how the club is being operated
Disgusted says
So very upsetting to hear this. We are staying home, obeying the orders, only going out once every 10-14 days to get groceries and others are being totally irresponsible and blowing it for all of us. Makes me think that even though I am following what we are supposed to do, I could get the virus anyway because someone who doesn’t care and has the virus is shopping in the same place I am. Shame on those people jeopardizing the health and welfare of the rest of us.
Longman says
Real easy for everyone here to comment from their nice cushy retirement. Us real people need paychecks every week to survive.. remember what that is like?
Shut it down you say? Then what… ? You gonna buy my groceries, pay my rent?
Get off your high horse. All you HB members ever take care of those employees who bust their ass for you?
How bout you fund them while they are out of work…?!?
HB person says
last year the members gave the hourly employees a $40k bonus. Hammock Beach will qualify for the payroll relief in the stimulus package so they can continue to pay employees. The reality is there is a pandemic – and we need to isolate from each other and we need social programs to help those employees.
HB person says
time to quit the club
Wendy says
It’s not just there where people are not social distancing. It’s all over the County. I’ve seen it in Publix, Walgreens and Dollar Tree. People are in such a hurry that they just don’t care. I actually had a nurse stand next to me within 2 feet at a local mini mart. She was still in uniform and had her mask around her neck. This stuff you can’t make up. Ignorant is aa ignorant does.