South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Furlough freebies for federal workers
It hasn’t been a good start to the new year for an estimated 13,000 federal workers in Florida who aren’t getting paid because of the partial federal government shutdown, now the longest in history.
Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for workers trying to scrape by without paychecks since Dec. 21.
South Florida businesses, utilities and municipalities are stepping up to help by offering everything from free meals, train rides and museum visits to flexible payment plans and extensions on utility bills.
Freebies and specials
The Seminole Casino
Coconut Creek is generously offering those struggling without a paycheck free lunches and dinners at two restaurants at the casino through Jan. 31. The offers include a guest.
Furloughed employees can eat for free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at Fresh Harvest buffet once a day, up to five times a week, according to a news release. The offer is valued at $19 per person and $38 per couple.
Employees also may have dinner once weekly at Sorrisi, the casino’s upscale Italian restaurant, from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday or Thursday or from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The value is $40 per person and $80 per couple. Reservations are recommended by calling 954-585-5379.
The offer is open to employees of Treasury, Homeland Security, Interior, State, HUD, Transportation, Justice, Agriculture and Commerce departments who show their valid government ID.
The casino is at 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek, CasinoCoco.com.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line at the Port of Palm Beach is offering furloughed employees and families a free buffet lunch and afternoon aboard the Grand Celebration and Grand Classica. Board from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 21-31 (except on Jan. 25-26), or until the shutdown ends. Info: BahamasParadiseCruise.com.
Rocco’s Tacos is giving furloughed employees a $20 credit on food and non-alcoholic beverages at Florida and New York restaurants through Feb. 20 with government ID. Taco Tuesdays are excluded from the offer.
Pollo Tropical is offering quarter chicken meals for $2.99 to federal employees at restaurants (not online orders) with government ID.
Brightline is giving free rides on its Smart Coaches between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations to furloughed employees with ID until the government reopens. Purchase tickets online and redeem them at the train station. The offer
runs until the government reopens. Go to GoBrightline.com.
is offering 60 minutes of free jumps for government employees and up to three family members at participating Sky Zone parks TuesdayThursday through Jan. 31. Go to Skyzone.com.
The Frost Science Museum and Perez Art Museum Miami, which are next to each other on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, are offering free admission to workers and a guest. Bring a government ID to the ticket windows to get the freebies through the end of the shutdown. (The PAMM is offering part-time employment opportunities. Apply at resumes@pamm.org.) Go to SunSentinel.com/ FreeVisits for more info.
Help with bills
Florida Power & Light is offing payment exten-
sions and bill assistance programs on a case-bycase basis, according to a statement to the Sun Sentinel. Customers can see all of the programs and apply online at FPL.com/GetHelp.
will defer water utility late fees and will not disconnect service for residents affected by furlough. It also will provide a three-month deferral and subsequent payment plan and a 60 day grace period on bills once the furlough ends, according to a news release. Residents must provide a pay stub or letter from their employer stating they are furloughed. Call 561-742-6400 to make arrangements.
Mayor Jeri Muoio announced federal employees not receiving a paycheck will be exempt from disconnection of utility service during the shutdown, according to a news release. The city also will provide payment extensions, make payment arrangements and waive late and disconnection fees for
affected employees with a paycheck showing gross pay was $0 for the pay period to qualify. Call 561-822-1300 to make arrangements.
Workers living in other cities can contact their utilities department to see if similar programs are offered.
other mobile carriers are offering flexible payment plans and waiving late fees. Call to inquire.
is offering financial assistance. Call 844-219-0690.
has hardship programs in place to help those on furlough as well as customers who do business with federal agencies affected, according to a news release. Call 888-356-0023.
The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund is offering $100 grants and also has a long list of resources at http:// feea.org/shutdown/.
Go to SunSentinel.com/Furlough to see more offers.
dchristensen@ sunsentinel.com.