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ISLAMORADA, FLA. (WSVN) - Monroe County officials are prepared to move the island chain into phase one of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order but will keep certain restrictions in place to ensure their residents remain safe.
On Monday, phase one of the executive order went into effect for all areas of the state except for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers has had detailed discussions with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and decided the Florida Keys will follow phase one but will remain closed to visitors.
“We’re finally taking steps to reopen the world,” said Jessica Fuller, a server at Bayside Gourmet in Islamorada.
After weeks of takeout business only, customers will finally be able to sit and enjoy their meals on the restaurant’s patio.
“I’m super excited that we’re finally taking steps to be back open,” said Fuller. “This is, like, the first step in order for us to 100% capacity.”
The checkpoints at mile marker 112.5 on U.S. 1 and State Road 905 will remain in place until further notice.
Screenings will also continue at Key West International Airport and Marathon Florida Keys Airport.
Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said she knows the baby step approach to reopening is economically crushing.
“It’s been devastating, and we know,” she said. “I mean, just look at our county government. We’re probably going to see a 20% decrease in our revenues this year, so it’s going to create some significant hardships.”
Carruthers said reopening too early and risking turning paradise into a pandemic hot spot would be an even bigger economic blow.
“I definitely think what we’re doing with the slow route is good. At least we’re taking these steps to open,” said Fuller.
A number of other restaurant owners said they will not be reopening on Monday as it is not financially feasible without the presence of tourists in the area.
“Of course, we want the tourists to come. Of course, we want life as usual, but we also want to be careful and safe,” said Coco Plum Place owner Lindsey Ritz.
Ritz said business has been tough without tourists, but islanders have been doing their best to support each other.
“We’re doing OK, you know, it’s just locals, but we’ve been able to survive,” she said. “Thank goodness we have local support.”
Meanwhile, Theater of the Sea in Islamorada is reopening its retail store.
“We’re prepared. We’re ready to reopen. We’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Amanda Rust, the animal park’s office manager.
However, the rest of the park, which features live shows with dolphins and sea lions, must remain closed until phase 2 of the reopening of the Keys goes into effect.
“Most of the trainers are here taking care of the animals.” said Rust.
Rush said she hopes customers will buy items like artwork painted by the dolphins, since the marine mammals have an appetite for pricey fresh fish.
Rust said she is banking on her fellow islanders.
“If they’re putting the money here, then we can put it there, and it just all around circulates,” she said.
Retail businesses in Monroe County are able to operate at 25% capacity, but businesses will not be able to provide personal services like manicures or haircuts.
Restaurants are able to operate at 25% indoor capacity. When it comes to outdoor seating capacity, businesses will not be limited, but tables must be six feet apart with groups of 10 or less.
Bars must remain closed during phase one of the plan.
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