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Record & Observer JSO offers insight on RNC security
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Record & Observer THE
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Assistant Chief Paul Restivo says businesses Downtown shouldn’t have to close.
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BY MIKE MENDENHALL STAFF WRITER
JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Paul Restivo said July 8 law enforcement is not encouraging Downtown businesses to shut down during the Aug. 24-27 Republican National Convention. Restivo told the Southside Business Men’s Club that security in the two or three blocks surrounding convention venue VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena would not likely prevent businesses from operating. “I would imagine that they’d still be allowed to be down there and run their business,” Restivo said. “I have not heard anything discouraging business owners to make a living during this thing.” He confirmed security around the arena, where President Donald Trump is expected to give his nomination acceptance speech, will be layered. The security zone will have an inner perimeter around the arena protected by federal and state law enforcement and a less restrictive outer perimeter secured by JSO. Restivo said he did not think the zone would impact the Downtown Southbank. “Each (perimeter) has their own certain protocols based on who is supposed to be in there, the tightness of security,” he said. Restivo said JSO plans to establish monitored protest zones away from the arena. He said “thousands” of security personnel, including the Florida National Guard, will be on hand.
Record & Observer Local restaurants are spending thousands on special deep cleaning services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
BY DAN MACDONALD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A
s the COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise in Duval County, restaurant owners are taking proactive steps to sanitize their businesses. Jonathan Insetta, owner of Restaurant Orsay, Black Sheep Restaurant and Bellwether, sees it as a responsible business practice. “We’ve had estimates of between $200 and $1,000 per (restaurant). I’m sure there are services that are more expensive. But there is a bigger cost to being closed,” Insetta said. He started testing employees three weeks ago proactively for the safety of staff and guests. On June 27, an employee at Black Sheep
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Restaurant tested positive and was found to be asymptomatic, he said. Insetta closed his restaurants while his staff of 130 to 140 are tested for the virus. Insetta Over half have been tested and no employee is allowed back without a negative test. Just the one employee has tested positive. He expects to reopen this week. Upon reopening, guests will be asked to wear masks. If they do not have one, one will be given to them. Since the middle of June, he has closed the three restaurants two days a week. The first day was to allow the rooms to “rest” and the following day to be cleaned by staff. He will SEE CLEANING, PAGE 6
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THE MATHIS REPORT
UPS seeks permit to install $32 million in conveyors Shipper also seeking incentives to add 240 jobs. PAGE 3 VOLUME 3, NO. 6 • ONE SECTION