from the editor

Florida Re-Opening Right on Time For Summer 2021!

Summer 2021 starts on Sunday, June 20th, and Floridians and out-ofstate visitors alike will be crowding our gorgeous beaches and local establishments.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been criticized for prioritizing economic recovery at the expense of public health. Still, the word on the street says that most people are ready for some level of normalcy.

Folks of all ages (with and without masks on) have been seen out and about at local beaches, malls, gyms, nail salons, barbershops, and retail businesses (Some fitting rooms may still be closed. Please contact them before taking an unnecessary trip.) Restaurants and foodservice establishments may finally operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.

Most business owners I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing this past month seemed excited about re-opening their small businesses yet are still very understanding of the obvious fear the pandemic has caused. Most will continue enforcing some CDC guidelines and mask mandates for their staff while allowing their guests to make their own choices on wearing one or not.

Sporting venues like the Amalie Arena are finally increasing the number of fans they allow in each game. And at a perfect time, because the Lightning team are on a roll, and hopefully will be moving on towards the next stage of the playoffs! Go Bolts!

Publix and other grocery stores continue their mask requirements for now, despite DeSantis’s executive order. However, a lot of visitors can be seen shopping around without them.

Most businesses must maintain an adequate level of sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation.

Wherever you and your loved ones decide to go, please make sure to follow and respect each establishment’s unique safety regulations during this pandemic, which is still far from over.

Remember, patience over panic! Whether we agree or passionately disagree with Gov. DeSantis’ decisions to reopen this quickly, one thing we should all agree with; COVID-19 is no joke, and it should continue to be taken seriously.

Do not get irritated if business owners or their employees politely ask you to stand farther from other customers. Don’t complain about the service taking longer than usual. It’s been a rough year and a half for most of us, and everyone is doing their best to get back to “normal.”

In Need OF Small Business Assistance?

If you own and operate a small business and you’re looking for Coronavirus Relief, please visit www.sba. gov. You’ll find multiple resources to help you overcome the economic challenges created by this health crisis. They offer numerous funding options for those seeking relief.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would like additional information on how to stay afloat while safely and successfully reopening your small Tampa Bay local business, please visit sbdctampabay.com/coronavirus. They offer helpful resources, guides, tips, and templates on how to strategically reopen your business while adhering to Governor DeSantis’s phased reopening plan.

Stay safe, stay kind. Until next time, Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.