Politics & Government
Restaurants, Social Distance: Mayor Discusses St. Pete Reopening
The mayor said if the governor makes a decision that is not in the best interst of public health in St. Pete, he will not implement it.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A veil of worry lays across the city as St. Petersburg begins to slowly reopen its businesses. Some residents think it's too soon, while others are in favor of Gov. Ron DeSantis' phase one of Florida's reopening. Mayor Rick Kriseman hosted a Facebook Live from the city's Emergency Operation Center on May 5 to address concerns from the community.
"As much as is possible and to achieve uniformity and limit confusion, we intend to track with his plan here in St. Pete — with one caveat," Kriseman said."If he makes a decision that is not in the best interest of public health here in St. Pete, I will not implement it. And I will urge our partners at the county and our friends across the bay to also reject irresponsible actions. We must proceed with caution as we reopen Florida and we restart St. Pete."
As restaurants have begun to reopen this week at 25 percent occupancy indoors, and with 6-foot space in between tables outdoors. Kriseman understands that there are restaurants in St. Pete that operate from small spaces, and although he doesn't have the authority to increase the indoor 25 percent capacity under the governor's orders, he will allow restaurant spaces to put add tables and chairs outside the buildings. It could even be in the parking lot.
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"Restart but be smart and get it right the first time so we don't have to do this all over again," he said.
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He encourages everyone to continue with social distance practices and wear face cloth masks as much as possible. He noted that there has been a decrease in emergency room visits for coronavirus symptoms in St. Pete hospitals since March. He credits social distancing for this.
As of today, the Florida Department of Health reports that 759 residents in Pinellas county have tested positive for coronavirus, and 50 Pinellas county residents have died from it. In the state, 38,002 have tested positive and 1,539 deaths have occurred.
For more stories related to Tampa Bay's phase one of businesses reopening, check out:
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