Broward mayor relaxes COVID restrictions as local leaders react to DeSantis’ Phase 3 announcement

MIAMI (WSVN) - Broward County Mayor Dale Holness announced a list of relaxed restrictions for the county’s emergency order, as local leaders weighed in on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announcement that he is moving the entire state to Phase 3 of reopening.

Holness made the announcement at a media conference, Friday morning, as the county’s positivity rate hovered above 3%.

“Banquet facilities and function space can now operate at 50% capacity,” he said.

Changes to the order include:

• Ballrooms and banquet halls can operate with limited (100 or less) attendees.
• Youth sports can resume with restrictions.
• Small groups (10 or less) may gather in parks.
• Additional flexibility for homeowner associations related to pools and common areas.

The modifications to the county’s executive order are effective immediately, and that’s music to the ears for businesses like Crystal Ballroom on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Owners Alberto Valdez and Raquel Campos said they haven’t been able to host an event in months.

“There’s no guidebook on how to deal with a pandemic. It’s a learning opportunity for all of us,” said Valdez.

“I’m proud of the people of Broward County,” said Holness. “We have worked well together with our cities, with our stakeholders. Businesses have responded positively towards the actions that we have taken. We’re all in this together, all of us are in this together, COVID has taught us this, that as human beings, we are interconnected.”

Holness’ announcement comes on the same day as DeSantis issued an executive order lifting virtually all restrictions on restaurants and other businesses in the state.

“What that will mean for the restaurants is that there will not be limitations from the State of Florida,” he said.

The executive order removes all state-level restrictions on businesses and suspends all fines related to COVID-19 mask mandates.

DeSantis said he wants to move Florida to Phase 3 in an effort to reopen the state’s economy.

“[Businesses] have a right to operate. You can insist on certain regulations, and obviously, you’re going to see a different approach in Southern Florida than you will in the Panhandle and some of that, and I think that that’s fine,” he said.

Under the order, DeSantis said, “No COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from working or operating a business, giving Floridians and business owners needed certainty and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.”

But the governor’s announcement has led to confusion from local leaders and residents, as the order’s impact in South Florida remains unclear.

“I think what he’s about to do is to not even allow is to require people to wear masks when we’ve asked them to,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber during an interview with CNN.

Friday night, 7News spoke with residents in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood about DeSantis’ order.

“At the end of the day, the governor is going to do what he wants to do,” said Bryson Read.

“I don’t party too much, but I know a lot of the young people are anxious to get back out there,” said Esther Myers.

DeSantis’ order also opens the door for nightclubs in Miami-Dade and Broward to open their doors to customers.

“Everybody is excited,” said Mike Penrod, the owner of Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale.

The popular beach bar has been closed for more than six months, but Penrod said they’ll be back in business starting Saturday at 11 a.m.

“Six months [closed] has been a nightmare, like everyone else,” he said. “It’s really been difficult for everybody: our employees and our friends and families, and our customers.”

DeSantis’ order also removes restrictions on indoor dining capacity, and it requires local governments to justify any seating limits that are imposed.

“This was a political decision. It was clearly not intended to protect residents or even our economy,” said Gelber. “I think our governor has always tried to be as much like President Trump as possible, and I think he’s trying to follow his game plan when it comes to the virus, which is really to ignore mainstream science and mainstream doctors.”

Friday evening, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said all businesses may reopen, but the county can still impose its own rules approved by the state, and a countrywide 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew remains in place.

He released a statement that reads, “Civil citations issued for violation of the mandatory mask order are suspended. My staff and I are consulting with the County Attorney’s Office regarding the enforcement of the mask mandate at businesses. We want to ensure compliance with the state order, while also continuing to act in the best interests of our community.”

Back in Broward, Campos and Valdez said they expect Crystal Ballroom to be filled again soon.

“We’ve been nonstop on the phones calling. Our clients have been calling, giving us the news. Vendors have been calling, very excited for us,” said Campos.

“I’m so excited and happy that this is finally happening. It’s a step closer to the end,” said Valdez.

To read the full Broward County Emergency Order, click here. The order can also be viewed below.

To read DeSantis’ executive order, click here.

A representative from Miami-Dade County Public Schools said they’re still waiting for more guidance from the state before making an announcement on school reopenings.

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