When local businesses scrambled to figure out the safest methods to recover while keeping employees and guests safe, the City of Tampa established the Lift Up Local Economic Recovery Plan program. The plan—which in part lets restaurants use sidewalks and streets near its entrance as seating—continues support for businesses and highlights the importance of outdoor activities.
Because of Lift Up Local, certain code and permit requirements are temporarily suspended for bars, restaurants, and retail business, enabling them greater use for their outdoor spaces. The program, which first arrived in May, was extended in August.
Once the local state of emergency is lifted—a decision made by members of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners—participating businesses are given 30 days to return to pre-COVID-19 rules and conditions.A press release says the program was supposed to expire Nov. 1, but county commissioners will vote on the state of emergency every two weeks.
Businesses are subject to periodic inspections to ensure safety requirements and program standards are being followed throughout Lift Up Local’s duration. There’s no word on whether the city is thinking about making Lift Up Local privileges semi-permanent so that restaurants can make more lasting changes to their set up, but we’ll update this blog with any new developments.
Details and specifics about the Lift Up Local program can be found on the City of Tampa’s website.
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