Both cities are coming up with plans to slowly reopen the Keys. Keep reading …
FROM MARATHON:
Governor Ron DeSantis announced last night that Florida will be moving into Phase 1 of the “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step” plan for Florida’s recovery. The State of Florida has done well to “flatten the curve” and has far surpassed earlier projections due to the guidance offered by the Governor and his team. His decision last night was made after extensive research and careful monitoring of viral statistics throughout the world. We are fortunate to be able to lean on the wealth of knowledge at the State’s disposal in order to safely reopen Marathon in a way that best serves our people.
What does all this mean for us?
First and foremost, our ability to recover successfully hinges on the US1 Checkpoint. It has been crucial to the safety of our residents and while it remains in effect, it gives us the opportunity to reopen methodically and implement these restrictions on a trial basis before we open fully. Because it’s in place, it will expedite our recovery and we are grateful for the Governor’s support as well as the hard work of all those manning it.
As of Monday, May 4th, 2020, most non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity in Marathon. This includes restaurants and retail stores but does not include gyms, fitness centers, nightclubs, salons or vacation rentals. For a comprehensive list of businesses that currently must remain closed, please visit: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Exec-Order-20-112-FAQs-1.pdf. All businesses that reopen must follow the requirements set forth in the order and exercise personal responsibility and maintain best social distancing practices. The Governor has also authorized elective surgeries which had previously been prohibited by Executive Order 20-72.
Additionally, as of Monday May 4th, 2020 Marathon will be reopening City Park, Ocean Front Park and both Sombrero and Coco Plum Beaches. However, due to safety concerns and an inability to mitigate them at this time, the following restrictions apply:
- Playgrounds, basketball courts and the skate park will remain closed.
- Fields will be open for exercise, but no organized games will be authorized.
- Pavilions and barbeque grills at the beach will be inaccessible until further notice.
- Dog parks, tennis courts and the baseball field will be open for individuals practicing safe social distancing.
- Groups of more than 10 are not allowed.
- Hours of operations will be from dawn to dusk.
- Minors must always be accompanied by an adult.
These changes signify the first step towards life returning to normal. Marathon has done an amazing job adhering to the restrictions placed upon us and it has been reflected in our success. We still have a long road ahead of us, but it is time to start recovering smartly and methodically to protect our residents and our economy. To do this effectively residents MUST continue following the current Governor orders, CDC social distancing guidelines, and 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. The City will continue closely monitoring the data regarding the virus as well as directives from the State. We urge everyone to stay safe, to protect yourselves and each other and to keep checking back here for new information as it becomes available.
The full text of Executive Order 2020-112 can be found here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-112.pdf.
— Chuck Lindsey, Marathon City Manager
FROM KEY WEST:
The City of Key West has remained committed to restoring the economy of our community while continuing to put health and welfare at the forefront. To that end, and in conjunction with the Governor’s Order 20-112, your City government is prepared to move into the next phase of recovery.
Effective May 4, 2020, the City of Key West will begin to allow the opening of non-essential businesses and restaurants in accordance with the Governor’s Order. The Governor chose to include Monroe County in his statewide Order, and we feel it is important to allow local businesses to open within the limitations imposed.
We are sensitive to the concerns of our residents that believe that this decision may be too soon. However, rest assured it is not without a great deal planning and attention to the protection of our residents. As you are aware, we are currently operating with the protection of the informational checkpoint in the upper keys. We fully believe that beginning to open businesses to a local clientele and allowing our economy to begin to grow is the smartest way to proceed.
The City also recognizes that while the Governor’s Order did allow for a loosening of restrictions, there are still businesses that have not been allowed to reopen. Rest assured that you are not forgotten and that we will continue to monitor future developments. We pledge to you, and all our residents, that we will act swiftly in responding to upcoming orders.
In closing, we want to thank the residents of our City for all their cooperation. Social distancing and personal responsibility have kept our community safe. It is only through the participation of all our residents that we are able to enact the changes that are occurring. We wish all of you the best and promise that we will remain diligent and attentive to your needs.
— Gregory Veliz, Key West City Manager
FROM ISLAMORADA
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 business 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 posted in the Village News section at www.islamorada.fl.us.
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 ISLAMORADA residents only. Residents must show a Driver’s License with an address in the Village or a Founders Park Resident ID Card. No alternative forms of identification will be accepted. Residents without one of those IDs will have to wait to use the park until it opens to the general public.
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 waiting area.
• Pickleball Courts: Singles play only. No more than 10 users in 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 in Islamorada will remain closed.
Our elected officials and staff recognize that our community’s efforts in social distancing and staying at home has been integral to our fighting this pandemic. These new measures are the next steps in our recovery, through smart and methodical steps.
For this to work effectively our residents and businesses MUST continue following the Governor’s Executive Orders and adhering 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.
— Contributed
Village council will meet for a regular meeting on May 7 at 5:30 p.m.
