Collier County libraries handing out unemployment forms amid DEO website issues

Reporter: Nicole Lauren
Published: Updated:
Collier County library

The state’s unemployment website is offline right now and officials say that’s because they’re shutting it down nightly for “necessary maintenance.”

It’s supposed to come back at 7 a.m. but even with upgrades, many users are having trouble logging on.

Collier County is helping residents apply—starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday you can expect to see a table placed outside libraries in Collier County that will have unemployment forms for people to take.

This comes after the website to file has had tons of glitches—leaving people confused and frustrated.

One Southwest Florida resident told WINK News he spent a week and a half filing for unemployment online—sitting in a chair for hours each day with his eyes glued to his computer screen.

And he’s not alone.

We spoke to another man who says he needs to reset a pin on the website before he can file for his unemployment.

No one has answered his emails and the phones won’t connect.

Right now—all he wants to do is be able to take care of his family.

“You know me and my wife, our savings are depleting—I’ve got to feed my son, we try very very hard not to go above our means and have everything we can… we pay every bill, I’ve never been delayed on a bill and I don’t want to start now,” said Chuck Marinos.

These unemployment applications will be available outside all seven Collier library locations every day from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

LEE COUNTY

Lee County also has applications, as well as unemployment forms, available at the front door of its main Human & Veteran Services office, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Lee County residents seeking general information about COVID-19 and its related impacts on the community can call the United Way 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

United Way of Lee County has trained volunteers who can provide information related to cancelations, closings and status updates for schools, government offices, day camps/ day cares, and events. They also can provide information on safety precautions, social distancing, and self-isolation.

The 211 line does not replace the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline. If you think you or someone in your family might have COVID-19 and are exhibiting respiratory illness symptoms, you should call a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will work with the Florida Department of Health to determine whether testing is needed. For updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19.

For quick links to COVID-19 resources, visit www.UnitedWayLee.org. For local government information, visit www.leegov.com/covid-19. In addition to the Department of Health website, additional information is also available from the Centers for Disease Control at www.coronavirus.gov.

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