On Friday afternoon, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced sweeping measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
In an executive order, DeSantis called for all Florida restaurants and dining establishments to immediately suspend onsite consumption of food and alcohol, and may now only operate kitchens for delivery and take-out services.
In the same announcement, DeSantis stated that restrictions have been lifted to allow restaurants to package alcohol for delivery, as long as the customer shows proper identification.
DeSantis also called for all gyms and fitness facilities in Florida to close.
Today’s announcement will be enforced by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), says DeSantis.
The order does not specify for how long these rules will be in effect.
This is a developing story.
For a list of Tampa Bay restaurants that are currently offering take-out and delivery, click here.
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This article appears in Mar 19-26, 2020.