4/1/20

Governor DeSantis issued EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 20-91 (Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency) today implementing a stay at home order for the entire State of Florida.  The language of the order is similar to the Pinellas and Hillsborough Safer at Home Orders allowing for “Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming.” Although golf is not specifically mentioned in the order, the State of Florida Deputy General Counsel confirmed that golf is a permitted activity if conducted in accordance with CDC Guidelines.

The golf and tennis operations at SLCC will remain open.  Naturally, we will continue with all of the safety measures in place as previously detailed.

3/25/20
The Pinellas County Commission on Wednesday unanimously directed the county’s nearly 1 million residents to stay at home except for essential activity like trips for groceries, medical needs and jobs deemed essential. The directive, which takes effect Thursday, also permits residents to exercise outside as long as they keep six feet from others and avoid groups larger than 10 people. Our GOLF COURSE AND TENNIS COURTS WILL REMAIN OPEN.

The directive allows non-essential businesses to remain open as long as they follow Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidance… the ones that were not ordered to close by the Florida governor — can remain open. “Take-out meals from restaurants and playing golf at a golf course can still happen as long as people are socially distant” — meaning there must be six feet between people.

Violation of the social distancing clause of the order is a second degree misdemeanor punishable with up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Fines can be levied on individuals and businesses. The county also has the authority to petition the court to close down a business that is not following CDC guidelines and “otherwise creating a danger to the community.”

It is imperative that you all follow the guidelines that we have in place at the course. Beginning immediately:
• We will allow only two people in the shop at a time. If there are two members in the shop when you arrive, please wait outside at least six feet from any other people.
• We will only allow a single rider in each golf cart with the exception of immediate family members. We are allowing walking for members and non-members. We ask that if you are able to walk, you do so to allow for enough carts for those who need them.
• Do not congregate before or after your round. Remain at least six feet apart at all times.

Please know that failure to follow these guidelines will result in the closing of our facilities. These are difficult times and we appreciate your understanding of the guidelines as they are essential in providing one of the few safe outlets for recreation.

3/24/20
Effective Wednesday, 3/25/20, we will serve a limited lunch menu beginning at 11:00AM. We will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill. We will be cooking outside on the grill in the shade behind #9 green. The bar will be set up outside by the grill during lunch hours. Drinks will be available at the main bar between 9AM-11AM and between 3:00PM-7:00PM. Stop by and see us for lunch.

 We are attempting to limit interaction and touch points so we are asking that you pay either by member charge to your member account or by credit card swiping your own card. Thank you for your hep with this.

 The Florida Surgeon General has issued an advisory that all residents over the age of 65 should stay home for the next 14 days. The golf course and tennis courts will remain open for normal business with the extra measures in place to ensure a safe environment. A reminder that we ask that golfers leave the flag in place and do not touch it. We have added foam pieces in the cup to keep the balling from falling all the way to the bottom of the hole to make it easier to retrieve your ball.

 

3/20/20
In response to Governor Desantis’ latest executive order, the SLCC dining room, bar and patio areas are closed for dine-in service. Golfers and members may order drinks and food for takeout only. Hot food will be available from 11AM-3PM daily. Limited food will be available between 3PM-7PM. There will be no breakfast service. The beverage cart will continue in operation.

The golf and tennis facilities continue in operation.

3/17/20
In this time of concern over Covid 19, we want to assure you that the health and safety of our members, guests and staff are of the utmost importance to us. We have taken additional actions to help to ensure a safe environment so that you may feel at ease here and enjoy the time you spend at the Club.

 The golf course and tennis courts remain open with just a few changes. We will be cleaning the steering wheels and siderails on the golf carts before each use. Walking is normally a privilege of membership for golf members, but at this time, we will allow guests the option to walk should they choose to. We do not have enough golf carts to allow for single riders, but again will allow walking for those who are uncomfortable sharing a cart.

 We always follow the stringent Department of Health regulations and will continue to do so – from hand washing, to food safety, to instructing employees not to report to work if they feel sick. Additionally, we have a thorough cleaning schedule at the Club and the staff has increased the frequency of sanitizing our locker rooms, restrooms and high-touch points around the club such as doorknobs and countertops. All condiments have been removed from the tables and sanitized. We will bring the condiments to the tables as guests arrive and then remove and sanitize them between guests.

In keeping with State of Florida government guidelines we have altered our restaurant capacity by 50%. We can still accommodate diners but we have spaced the tables to afford the recommended six feet of distancing between tables.

For those who are at increased health risk and might need to stay at home and limit interaction, we suggest that you order take-out from the Club and we’ll bring it out to your car. The Club restaurant is open daily from 11:00AM – 3:00PM and Fridays from 6:00-8:00PM. We will be emailing out daily specials.

 We ask you to be respectful of members, guests and club staff by complying with CDC recommendations regarding social-distancing – especially if you have traveled to countries deemed high-risk by the US State Department. Please do not come to the Club if you are sick or have been in contact with others who are.

 As of this time we have postponed the following events until further notice:

 * Member Appreciation Night
* Member-Guest Golf Tournament* Tennis USTA Level 8 Tournament

 As you all know, this is a fluid situation that is changing by the day. We plan to assess the situation daily and keep you abreast of any updates.

 We feel that there is no better place to be than on a golf course or a tennis court, staying active and social while maintaining your social distancing. We hope to see you out soon.

 Clay Thomas, General Manager.