St. Tammany Parish Government Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day
All non-emergency offices of St. Tammany Parish Government are closed Monday, October 12, 2020, in observance of Columbus Day. In addition, the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will close Saturday, October 10, 2020.
Office hours will resume Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 8 a.m.
St. Tammany Parish Government Emergency Operations Update, Wednesday, October 7, 2020: Hurricane Delta
St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for St. Tammany Parish in response to Hurricane Delta and potential impacts. In a news conference earlier today, Cooper outlined the Parish’s emergency response plan.
Sandbag Locations
St. Tammany Parish Government- Building - 21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn - 34783 Grantham College Rd, Slidell, La
The Old Levee District Site (those who need assistance, visit Fritchie Barn) - 61134 Military Road (Hwy 190) Slidell, La.
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn - 63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Keller Barn - 63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Covington Barn - 1305 N. Florida Street, Covington
Emergency preparedness information will be available to citizens, contingent on the forecast, through our television station: STPG-TV —Channel 710 on Charter, Channel 99, AT&T U-VERSE, or livestream at www.stpgov.org/, through our storm page: www.stpgov.org/storm, through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and through the local media. Citizens can also subscribe to automatic email updates from the Parish by visiting www.stpgov.org.
Citizens are reminded to enhance emergency preparedness plans to include masks, hand sanitizers and other items needed to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.
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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper Announces Bars May Re-open for On-Premises Consumption
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announces that bars may reopen in St. Tammany for on-premises consumption as of today, October 7, 2020, under Phase 3 guidelines as our percent positivity rate has fallen below 5% for two consecutive weeks. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, from 9/17 – 9/23, St. Tammany Parish had a Percent Positivity Rate of 3.5 %; and for the week of 9/24 – 9/30, 4.30 %. Cooper submitted an opt-in request to the Governor’s Office Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in anticipation of the percent positivity rate in St. Tammany falling below the required threshold for bars to reopen under Governor Edwards’ Phase 3 requirements, received official approval from the Louisiana State Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and subsequently signed an amended Executive Order reflecting the change.
“Opening another sector of our economy is a big win for us, and for the businesses who will get to open their doors to the public again. We were set to proceed as quickly as possible to do so,” said Cooper. “As I have said since this pandemic began, my goal is to balance the health of the community with the health of our economy.”
Bars may open under the following guidelines:
See complete guidelines here.
Per Phase3 guidelines, if at any time St. Tammany Parish’s percent positivity rate subsequently exceed 10% positivity for two consecutive weeks, bars in St. Tammany Parish will then be closed for on-premises consumption, unless and until the percent positivity decreases to 5% or less for two consecutive weeks.
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Executive Order Amending Phase Three of the Recovery Plan – Reopen Bars, October 7, 2020
State of Louisiana : Advisory to all Bars and Restaurants
Executive Order Amending Phase Three Of The Recovery Plan September 21, 2020
Executive Order Implementing Phase Three Of The Recovery Plan September 14, 2020
Executive Order Extending Phase 2 To September 11th - August 28, 2020
Executive Order Extending Phase 2 To August 28th - August 7, 2020
Executive Order Extending Phase 2 To August 7th - July 24, 2020
Executive Order Requiring Masks Or Facial Coverings In Public Spaces
Executive Order Extending Phase 2 June 26, 2020
Executive Order Implementing Phase Two Of The Recovery Plan June 4, 2020
Executive Proclamation: State Of Emergency For Covid-19 Phase 2 Of Resilient Louisiana
Executive Order Terminating Stay-At-Home Order And Implementing Phase One Of The Recovery Plan May 15, 2020
Extended Stay At Home Order April 30, 2020
Extended Stay At Home Order
Executive Order Stay At Home
Emergency Declaration 03172020
Emergency Declaration 03132020
Stay Home Information From The Governor
Gov. Edwards Signs Proclamation Moving Louisiana's Elections Back Several Weeks
St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture
St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper, his administration and emergency operations personnel continue to monitor, and prepare for, any anticipated impacts of Hurricane Delta as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center is predicting that Delta will enter the Gulf of Mexico early Wednesday as a major hurricane and likely impact portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi at the end of the week. The National Hurricane Center is advising all residents along the northern Gulf Coast to closely monitor the forecast of Hurricane Delta. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is receiving continual updates from the National Hurricane Center, and coordinating with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, as well as local partner agencies.
“We have been through many storm threats this hurricane season, and I am again asking residents to prepare for Hurricane Delta and the possibility of a localized heavy rain event, damaging winds, and coastal flooding. We ask that you clear storm drains, follow your family plan for a storm event, and pay close attention to weather forecasts and Parish officials as the storm moves across the Gulf of Mexico,” said Mike Cooper, Parish President. “Also stay tuned to local news and local officials as we monitor this system and its potential impacts.”
All Emergency Operations liaisons are currently on stand-by. The St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is prepared to physically activate the Emergency Operations Center. Public Works personnel are pre-positioning high water signs in low-lying areas in the event tidal, wind and/or rain conditions make it necessary to close or post roads, in addition, crews are clearing debris from drainage ditches and lowering the levels of retention and detention ponds. Tammany Utilities is ensuring all equipment is operational and back-up systems are in place.
Sandbag Locations
St. Tammany Parish Government- Building
21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn
34783 Grantham College Rd, Slidell, La
The Old Levee District Site (those who need assistance, visit Fritchie Barn)
61134 Military Road (Hwy 190) Slidell, La.
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn
63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Keller Barn
63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Covington Barn
1305 N. Florida Street, Covington
Emergency preparedness information will be available to citizens, contingent on the forecast, through our television station: STPG-TV —Channel 710 on Charter, Channel 99, AT&T U-VERSE, or livestream at www.stpgov.org/, through our storm page: www.stpgov.org/storm, through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, and through the local media. Citizens can also subscribe to automatic email updates from the Parish by visiting www.stpgov.org.
Citizens are reminded to enhance emergency preparedness plans to include masks, hand sanitizers and other items needed to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.
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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
St. Tammany Parish Government Introduces Proposed 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the St. Tammany Parish Council introduced two ordinances for adoption of the proposed 2021 Parish Operating Budget, and the proposed 2021 Parish Capital Improvement Budget. President Cooper has outlined in his budget several key initiatives including: the streamlining of public services to increase efficiency, save money, and better serve St. Tammany citizens; the restoration of trust between Parish Government and citizens through increased transparency and access to public officials; the update of the current comprehensive plan — last updated in 1999; and the creation of partnerships with local and State leaders on issues that impact all citizens, including infrastructure and economic development.
“When I took the oath of office at the beginning of this year, I committed to providing a more streamlined and responsive government, to place sensible controls on unbridled development and avoid mistakes of the past, and to use our public monies wisely and efficiently on priorities which address our basic and most pressing needs,” said Cooper. “This year’s budget reflects the continued effort to improve the financial accountability of Parish Government and to meet the service demands of our citizens and the infrastructure needs of our Parish. Considering the economic uncertainties in our parish, our state, our nation, and our world, in the foreseeable future due to COVID-19, the proposed budget is conservative and fiscally prudent.”
The 2021 Budget, was prepared by St. Tammany Parish Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Long and staff under the direction of St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper. According to the October 1, 2020 St. Tammany Parish Council agenda, the Parish Council will hold a public hearing in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2020 to review the proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets prior to adoption. The Parish’s paperless version of the proposed budgets is available for review online at the St. Tammany Parish Government website at this link.
Infrastructure Investment of Nearly $800,000 to Begin Soon in Black River Estates in the Madisonville Area
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced that a bridge replacement project on Black River Drive in Black River Estates subdivision in the Madisonville area will begin November 2, 2020. This $759,582 investment is expected to be complete in May of 2021.
“When we make investments like this in our infrastructure — particularly bridge replacements — benefits are twofold in that end of life materials are replaced, and the structure is modernized with the most advanced, durable material available,” Cooper said. “This enhances not only the safety of the bridge, it also extends its lifespan, and as a result improves travel for citizens.”
Residents who live North of the Bridge on Black River Drive and visitors to Black River Estates who wish to get to this area, should plan to use an alternate route. Access through Black River Drive from Highway 22, beginning November 2, 2020 will be open only to residents who live South of the Bridge. Brown Industrial is the contractor for this project.
St. Tammany Parish President Prevails Upon Citizens to Continue to Practice COVID-19 Prevention
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper is asking citizens to continue to exercise best mitigation practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 so that St. Tammany can continue to move forward.
“I am urging people to continue to wear masks in public, physically distance, and avoid large gatherings to prevent an increase in positive cases and to bring our percent positive case numbers down. We are in Phase 3 — our children are back in school, businesses are opening up at greater capacity, and we are starting to see things slowly return to a sense of normalcy, however, our percent positivity rate remains above 5%, which means our bars cannot yet open under the Governor’s criteria,” Cooper said. “I am asking citizens to help us bring this number down by doing the things medical professionals advise to slow the spread. It’s our goal to continue to balance the health of our community with the health of our economy.”
St. Tammany Parish Government employees have returned to Parish Government offices in Phase 3, and Parish Government, like many establishments, can operate at 75% of total occupancy. Cooper said provisions are in place to accommodate employees who are most vulnerable, or who may have a medical condition that will necessitate continued remote working. St. Tammany Parish Government staff continues to meet with the public by appointment, and everyone must complete a screening process and wear a mask in order to enter Parish Government buildings.
Currently, Governor Edwards’ Phase 3 proclamation which you may review here, contains the criteria for bars to reopen. St. Tammany Parish does not yet meet these criteria. The Louisiana Department of Health updates the Percent Positivity of Tests by Parish numbers every Wednesday. These numbers can be found at ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus.
President Cooper aligned his declaration with that of Governor John Bel Edwards, addressing identified establishments opening at 75% of total occupancy, a continued mask mandate and physical distancing requirements. The entire proclamation containing Phase 3 guidelines may be viewed here. All COVID-19 information can be found at www.stpgov.org/covid19.
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Executive Order Amending Phase 3of the Recovery Plan September 21, 2020
Executive Order Implementing Phase 3 of the Recovery Plan September 14, 2020
Executive Order Implementing Phase Two of The Recovery Plan June 4, 2020
Link to Press Conference May 12, 2020
St. Tammany Parish Extended Stay at Home Order issued April 30, 2020
St. Tammany Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Action Plan (DRAFT)
St. Tammany Parish Extended Stay at Home Order issued April 7, 2020
St. Tammany Parish Executive Stay at Home Order issued March 23, 2020
Emergency Declaration issued March 17, 2020
Emergency Declaration issued March 13, 2020
Office of Governor John Bel Edwards
Louisiana Department of Health
St. Tammany Parish Government Monitors Tropical Depression Beta — Activates Sandbag Locations
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) are closely monitoring Tropical Depression Beta, expected to move over Louisiana later this week. St. Tammany Parish is currently under a Coastal Flood Warning. According to forecasters, Tropical Depression Beta is slow-moving and the prolonged persistent onshore flow of tidal water will continue to produce above normal tides and coastal flooding.
“As we continue to see the onshore tidal flow, we ask citizens who live in low-lying areas to stay tuned to the weather forecast and to prepare for a prolonged event with periods of rainfall. We ask all citizens to please adhere to roadway signage and to refrain from unnecessarily driving through neighborhoods with water in the streets to prevent the movement of this water into homes,” Cooper said. “We are prepared and we ask residents in these impacted areas to stay vigilant. We ask everyone to drive with consideration for others in these impacted areas.”
Self-serve sandbag locations will open today, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 until 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2020 and Thursday, September 24, 2020, as required. All locations will have sand and bags provided. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels in case all shovels provided are in use. In addition, residents are asked to limit the number of sandbags to 15 per vehicle. There will be someone on-hand to assist the elderly and/or disabled at each location during the hours of 7 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m. at the following locations:
St. Tammany Parish Government- Building - 21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn
34783 Grantham College Rd, Slidell, La -The Old Levee District Site
61134 N Military Road (Hwy 190) Slidell, La.-St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn -63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn - Keller Barn- 63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Covington Barn - 1305 N. Florida Street, Covington
Parish Government will announce any emergency preparedness information to the public, contingent on the forecast, through the local media, our website — www.stpgov.org/storm , and through social media on Facebook and Twitter. Citizens can also sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish by visiting www.stpgov.org.
Statement From St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper on the 2020 Census
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper wants all St. Tammany residents to be counted in the 2020 Census. He reminds citizens there is still time to respond, and that our responses impact the future of St. Tammany.
“Census data, collected every ten years, helps determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to hospitals, fire departments, and schools. It determines how resources are allocated for roads, and other resources in each community—including ours,” Cooper said. “The results of the Census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and your political representation at all levels off government. Please respond if you haven’t already. You still have time. Let’s make the Census count for St. Tammany.”
St. Tammany’s current response rate is 69%, second in the State to St. Charles Parish with a response rate of 69.7 %. Anyone wishing to respond may visit: my2020census.gov. According to my2020census.gov , the questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Field data collection and online response opportunities will end September 30, 2020, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Census Bureau in early August, 2020.
During the first month of her tenure at the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter, Beth Brewster has implemented change, laid out her vision, and built upon initiatives that were already in place when she assumed her role.
“Beth is a natural fit for our shelter. She has a deep appreciation for our dedicated employees, she is hands-on, and she brings a fresh perspective to this department,” St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper said. “From increased play and exercise for animals, to changes in hours of operations, to continued partnerships with credible rescue groups and animal welfare non-profits, Beth has created a palpable atmosphere of renewed energy and positivity.”
“We could not have achieved these results without a great team of employees, Dr. Sandy Robbins’ dedication to our animals, and the help of our tremendous partners Wings of Rescue, Big Sky Ranch, and Denise Gutnisky of Mardi Paws,” Brewster said. “I am looking forward to what is yet to come.”
72 adoptions were finalized during the month-long, fee-waived, “Adopt and Donate,” 2020 Clear the Shelters event in August. Shelter partner Mardi Paws lent a paw to this event by giving away a free backpack of Summer Lovin’ swag to everyone who adopted a cat or dog from the shelter during the event. In addition, over 200 animals have been transported through the Wings of Rescue flights in 2020.
As the shelter population decreases through adoptions, fosters, and transports, Brewster has begun the implementation of an enrichment program designed to increase play, socialize dogs in groups as well as individually, increase walking of dogs on leashes, and implement positive reinforcement training methods with treats. Additional pens are currently under construction to provide added exercise resources. The shelter has purchased toys for the kittens, added scratching posts to the adoption room, and purchased feral cat dens for the isolation room.
Future initiatives set to launch include: broadening the volunteer base; expanding the foundation of credible, compassionate rescue programs already in place; purchasing new beds for all shelter animals; educating and more greatly utilizing fosters; and the acquisition of new caging for the isolation room to increase prevention of the transfer of disease.
As part of the continued partnership with Mardi Paws, the Let the Fur Fly fundraising initiative was recently announced and is underway. This effort is a partnership with Wings of Rescue and sponsors, and thus far has secured $25,000 in funding for a late - September flight for the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, and other high-intake shelters in neighboring parishes out of Top Gun Aviation at the Hammond Regional Airport. Their goal is to fund a second flight during the month of October, as well as secure funding for the purchase of much-needed items for the shelter. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor, or donate may view the link here.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper wishes to thank Mardi Paws non-profits for their continued partnership and support, Wings of Rescue, and the top Fur Fly sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka for Dog People, Baldwin Subaru, and The Meraux Foundation; as well as all of the sponsors who helped to fund the upcoming Wings of Rescue transport flight. See the entire list of sponsors here.
President Cooper also wishes to thank St. Tammany Parish citizens for their continued support of the Animal Shelter through fostering, volunteering, and adopting to continue to reduce the shelter population.
Animal Services is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. Monday through Saturday. Learn more at www.stpgov.org/pets. To purchase a bed for donation to the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter, click here.
Ochsner Health Systems Community COVID-19 Testing in Mandeville Underway this Week
Ochsner Health System is offering Community COVID-19 testing this week from Wednesday, September 16, 2020 through Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Mandeville Community Center located at 3090 E Causeway Approach in Mandeville. Testing is available from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. COVID-19 testing is open to Louisiana residents, age two and older.
Members of the community who wish to be tested should bring an ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all test kits have been utilized. Testing schedules are subject to change due to weather.
For more information about Ochsner’s community testing resources, please visit www.ochsner.org/testing.
St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Update – September 15, 2020
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper is asking residents to continue to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Sally through the National Weather Service and local media, and to be assured that St. Tammany Parish Government remains prepared.
“While we seem to be out of the heaviest impact area, this storm remains slow-moving and meandering at a slow pace, so we ask residents to continue to watch forecasts and predictions from the National Hurricane Center,” Cooper said. “We continue to monitor the situation and will update any changes should they occur. I want to thank citizens for their vigilant preparation.”
September 15, 2020 Emergency Operations Updates:
The Tammany Trace
The St. Tammany Fishing Pier located at 54001 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461
Kids Konnection Playground located at 21410 Koop Dr, Mandeville
Northshore Beach located at 267 Debbie Dr, Slidell, LA 70458
Bayou Lacombe Bridge re-open to marine traffic as needed.
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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
View all storm updates www.stpgov.org/storm
September 14, 2020 Statement from St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper
View Emergency Declaration here .
Watch the September 13, 2020 Press Conference here.
St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture
Statement from St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper – September 14, 2020
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper is asking residents to continue to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Sally through the National Weather Service and local media, and to be assured that St. Tammany Parish Government is prepared.
“St. Tammany Parish Government has met with first responders who have high water vehicles prepositioned; power companies, who have crews on stand-by; our own Public Works and Tammany Utilities crews who have been in touch with debris monitoring contractors who are on stand-by; and local officials, and we are ready to respond once Hurricane Sally has passed through the area.” Cooper went on to say, “We want citizens to stay tuned to local media for the forecasts, and monitor our STPG-TV Television station and our storm page at www.stpgov.org for continuous updates. Please remain off the roadways as the storm approaches and moves through our area. Stay safe and God Bless.”
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View all storm updates www.stpgov.org/storm
View Emergency Declaration here .
Watch the September 13, 2020 Press Conference here.
St. Tammany Parish Government in Preparedness Posture
St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Update – September 14, 2020
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper continues to urge residents to prepare for Hurricane Sally today, before the storm makes landfall.
Updates: September 14, 2020
St. Tammany Parish Government- Building 21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn 34583 Grantham College Rd, Slidell, La
The Old Levee District Site 61134 Military Road (Hwy 190) Slidell, La.
St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn 63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Keller Barn 63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe
St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Covington Barn 1305 N. Florida Street, Covington
-The following facilities are closed and will remain closed Tuesday, September 15, 2020:
The Tammany Trace
The St. Tammany Fishing Pier located at 54001 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461
Kids Konnection Playground located at 21410 Koop Dr, Mandeville
Northshore Beach located at 267 Debbie Dr, Slidell, LA 70458
Bayou Lacombe Bridge. No Marine traffic.
-STAR TRANSIT will run Monday, September 14, 2020, and will not run Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
-Public Works and Tammany Utilities personnel remain on call, if needed, out of an abundance of caution.
-Citizens can call 985-809-2300 for storm updates, or visit www.stpgov.org/storm for information.
-Continuous updates will be posted at www.stpgov.org, on STPG-TV; Channel 710 Spectrum; Channel 99 AT &T U-Verse, as well as on Social Media.
Residents are asked to clear any debris from culverts and drainage pathways, and to monitor the weather forecasts in the coming days through your local media outlets. Prepare your enhanced plan to accommodate COVID-19 precautions.
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Sign up now for ALERT St. Tammany, here. This is the Parish-wide emergency notification system for St. Tammany Parish Government. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
