During periods of federal government shutdown, furloughed workers and those working without pay face significant financial strain. In response, various businesses, organizations, and service providers in Florida have historically offered relief programs, free products, and discounted services. These initiatives range from complimentary meals and entertainment to essential goods like pet food and financial assistance options. The availability of these offers is typically tied to the duration of the shutdown and often requires specific forms of verification, such as a government ID or pay stub.
The following guide details the types of freebies and assistance programs reported in Florida during past government shutdowns, based on verified reports and official announcements.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Restaurants and food service providers have been among the most active in offering relief to federal employees. These offers generally target furloughed workers or those working without pay, requiring proof of employment.
Local Tampa Bay Area Offers Several establishments in the Tampa Bay area provided specific free meals or discounts during previous shutdowns: * Campanella’s Bar & Grill: Located in Clearwater, this restaurant offered a free lunch buffet on specific dates (e.g., January 24) to workers affected by the government shutdown. * Kahwa Coffee: This provider offered a free small cup of drip coffee to government employees. To redeem, employees were required to present their ID at any Kahwa location in Tampa Bay. * Gigglewaters: This movie theater in Safety Harbor offered a free movie ticket and a draft beer to all federal workers affected by the shutdown. Verification required showing a badge or pay stub from a government agency. * Happy's Bayou Bites: A Cajun restaurant in Dunedin offered free lunch to U.S. Coast Guard members and their families until the shutdown ended. * Feeding Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast: These organizations provided a daily pop-up food bank at Tampa International Airport for federal employees with the TSA, FAA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
National and Regional Chains National chains also extended support through specific promotions: * Fazoli’s: Participating locations nationwide invited furloughed federal employees to receive a free Pizza Baked Spaghetti with the purchase of a regular-size or larger drink (limit one per guest per day). * Beefsteak: Employees could show a government ID to receive a free Beefsteak Burger from 2 to 5 p.m. daily through the end of the furlough. * District Doughnut: Furloughed employees received a free cup of coffee (dubbed "Furlough Joe") with any purchase. * Jaleo by José Andrés: Located in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, this establishment offered a free Flauta de Jamon Serrano from 2 to 5 p.m. daily. * Zaytinya: Also in D.C., this location offered a free Chicken Schwarma with a government ID from 2 to 5 p.m. * Poor Richard’s Restaurant: This Colorado Springs restaurant gave away free meals to government employees not being paid and their families.
Discounts and Specials * Mad Fox Brewing Company: Based in Falls Church, Virginia, this company offered a 20 percent discount on food for all federal workers with an ID. Notably, members of Congress were reportedly charged 20 percent more.
Entertainment and Leisure Offers
Entertainment venues have also stepped up to provide free or discounted access to cultural events and recreational activities, offering a respite for workers and their families.
Performing Arts and Culture * Florida Orchestra: The orchestra offered up to 4 complimentary tickets to furloughed government workers for specific weekend concerts. Tickets were available at the Will Call window starting 90 minutes before the performance, with a valid government ID required. Concerts were held at the Straz Center in Tampa and the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. * Ruth Eckerd Hall: This venue offered free tickets to furloughed government employees for specific shows, including the avant-garde dance company Pilobolus and Disney's a cappella group DCappella. Tickets were available for pickup 90 minutes prior to show time with a valid government ID.
Movies and Recreation * Gigglewaters: In addition to food offers, this Safety Harbor theater provided a free classic movie screening in its screening room. * Sky Zone Tampa: This trampoline park offered free jumps (60 minutes of play) to federal government employees without pay. The offer was valid Tuesdays through Thursdays through a specific date (e.g., Jan. 31) or until the shutdown ended.
Pet Care Assistance
For federal employees concerned about the welfare of their pets during financial hardship, specific assistance programs were available.
- Humane Society of Tampa Bay: The organization offered free pet food to furloughed government workers. The food was available at their shelter on N Armenia Ave in Tampa during weekday and weekend hours. Verification was required to access this assistance.
Financial and Insurance Assistance
Beyond immediate consumer freebies, financial institutions and service providers offered relief regarding payments, loans, and insurance policies.
Loan and Retirement Options * Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Furloughed federal workers could request a new TSP loan during the shutdown. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), these loans carry a 4.25% interest rate. However, borrowers should be aware that taking a loan removes funds from the account, reducing compound earnings until repayment. * MetLife: Members could request a one-time allowance by calling a specific number (1-800-GET-MET8). Restrictions apply, and premiums remain due after the delay expires.
Insurance Policy Relief * Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company: For the nearly 27,000 AFGE members holding a policy with the company, the policy would be kept in force by waving the cost of insurance charges for the next 30 days. Specific contact numbers were provided based on policy prefixes.
Rent and Lease Assistance * Rent-a-Center (Benefits Plus Membership): Members with an account up to date at the time of furlough were eligible for a payment waiver. The "Involuntary Unemployment Payment Waiver" covers payments for up to four months, up to $1,000, or until the member returns to work.
Educational and Language Offers
- Rosetta Stone: The language learning software company offered a free three-month online subscription to furloughed government workers.
Unemployment Benefits in Florida
Furloughed workers in Florida may be eligible for unemployment benefits, though specific rules apply based on employment status.
- Eligibility: According to the Florida Commerce website, excepted employees who are still working but not receiving pay are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits in Florida. However, workers who remain on the job but are working on an as-needed or part-time basis and receiving less than their weekly benefit amount may qualify.
- Application Process: When filing a claim, eligible workers should select "layoff" as the separation reason. Applicants should answer "yes" to the question regarding whether they are scheduled to return to work. If an official return date is not provided by the employer, the website instructs applicants to enter a date eight weeks from the start of the furlough.
Conclusion
During government shutdowns, a variety of freebies and assistance programs become available to furloughed federal workers in Florida. These range from essential supplies like pet food and meals to entertainment and financial relief. Access to these offers typically requires verification of federal employment through government IDs, badges, or pay stubs. While many offers are time-sensitive or limited by supply, they provide critical support during periods of financial uncertainty.