- Twenty-one individuals in Monroe County have been tested for coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon. Of those, five came back negative while 16 await results.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered all bars and nightclubs in the state of Florida to close at 5 p.m. today. Restaurants are required to have 50 percent capacity limitation and staggered and spaced-out seating to ensure seated parties are separated by at least 6 feet.
- DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opened Tuesday and runs through May 8, 2020.
- Following the directive of the State of Florida Governor’s Office Executive Order. Monroe County restaurants will be required to operate at 50 percent capacity with the creation of seating 6 feet apart for tables and limit parties to no more than 10 individuals. All bars and nightclubs within the County that receive 50 percent or more of their revenue from alcoholic beverage sales shall suspend all sale of alcoholic beverages by 5 p.m. today for the next 30 days.
- The city of Key West is directing all bars and nightclubs to cease operation by 5 p.m. today. This includes bars operating ancillary to any hotel, guest house, or bed and breakfast. All restaurant facilities are limited to take out and delivery only, beginning 5 p.m. today.
- Key West City Commission canceled the special meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. today.
- In Islamorada, all Founders Park programs are canceled until further notice. At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, village council held an emergency meeting to go over actions taken and measures in place, group gatherings at restaurants and bars, local beaches and future meetings.
- The city of Marathon has closed all city parks and beaches.
- The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has canceled its scheduled Tuesday, March 17, meeting in Key West.
- The TDC has dramatically scaled back paid advertising efforts until there is a clear understanding of a turn-around in the coronavirus crisis. This is being done to be sensitive to other destinations that have many cases and to ensure the marketing investment has a good opportunity for return.
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