With just two positive cases of COVID-19 reported to date, the village of Islamorada will enter phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan beginning Monday, May 4.
On April 29, DeSantis announced that the state of Florida will be moving into Phase 1 of the “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.” Based on the recommendations set forth in Executive Order 20-112, the village of Islamorada remains committed to the public health of our residents and business in determining how to safely and methodically reopen the village and begin the process of restoring the local economy.
Monroe County remains closed to visitors. An essential component of our recovery process is the continuation of the U.S. 1 entry checkpoints. The checkpoints have been crucial to the safety of our residents and while it remains in effect, it provides the opportunity to methodically phase our reopening and implement the recommended restrictions on a trial basis before we open fully. Screenings will continue at Key West International and Marathon Florida Keys airports.
Village Reopening Measures – Phase I
Non-Essential Businesses:
Effective Monday, May 4, most “non-essential” businesses within the village will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. This list of non-essential businesses that may open with restrictions includes restaurants and retail stores. Businesses that must remain closed include gyms, fitness centers, nightclubs, and personal services at barbershops, hair salons and nail salons.
Vacation rentals cannot accept guests and all lodging establishments remain closed. All businesses that reopen must follow the requirements set forth in the EO 20-112 and take personal responsibility for maintaining best social distancing practices. For a comprehensive list of non-essential businesses that must remain closed, please refer to Executive Order 20-112.
Islamorada will continue to enforce the directive of using facial coverings at essential businesses. Senior citizens and individuals with an underlying medical condition are still strongly encouraged to stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas:
Effective Monday May 4, the village will be partially re-opening Founders Park and the Founders Park Beach to village residents only. ID must be shown for entry into the park. The park and beach at Founders Park will be open from sunrise to sunset for Individual and family passive and limited activities use only — as permitted by and following current CDC and State Health Department guidelines.
No groups of more than 10 are allowed and a maximum of 25 users will be allowed on the beach at any time. Beach activities for individual and family use such as sunbathing, swimming including- wading and floating, kayaking, etc. All users must practice and maintain social distancing (6 feet separation).
Additionally, the following are open with specific restrictions:
- Trails: Open for walking, hiking, jogging, and cycling: Users must warn others of their presence and step aside to let others pass.
- Athletic & Baseball Fields: No organized games.
- Tennis Courts: Singles play only. No more than 10 users in the waiting area.
- Pickleball Courts: Singles play only. No more than 10 users in the waiting area.
- Basketball Court: Individual play only. No games or contact. Must have your own equipment, no shared use.
- Dog Park: Will be regulated to no more than 10 visitors at a time. This will be strictly enforced by park staff. People must maintain 6 feet physical distance.
- Fitness Park: Remains CLOSED.
- Golf Driving Cage: No more than two users at a time.
- Playgrounds: Remain CLOSED.
- Picnic Areas, Tikis, and Pavilion: Individual use only. Remain CLOSED for group use. Grills not available for use.
- Restroom Facilities (beach, tennis courts, and Community Center): No more than two occupants at a time. Restrooms will be cleaned frequently.
All other parks, including Library Beach and Anne’s Beach, and recreation areas in Islamorada will remain closed.
The village’s elected officials and staff recognize that the community’s efforts in social distancing and staying at home has been integral to the village fighting this pandemic. These new measures are the next steps in our recovery, through smart and methodical steps.
For this to work effectively, residents and businesses MUST continue following the governor’s executive orders and adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines, as well as FDOH recommendations. This means avoiding nonessential travel, self-isolation after potential exposure to the virus, avoiding large congregations and maintaining a safe distance from each other while out in public.
“We encourage everyone in the village to stay safe and protect yourselves and each other as we embark on the road to recovery,” the village said in a statement.
