by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
Sanibel City Council made three important decisions Wednesday, April 29 – to extend restrictions on accommodations and the closure of paid beach parking lots and adopt phase one of Florida’s recovery plan issued last week by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Councilman Jason Maughan initially made a motion to extend all current policies for an additional two weeks, but it died without a second. His later motion to keep the paid beach parking lots closed through May 15 carried unanimously.
That decision came after the Board of County Commissioners voted last week to reopen Lee County beaches that include Captiva, Bowman’s Beach off of Sanibel Captiva Road, and the Causeway islands. Sanibel Police Chief Bill Dalton reported 109 vehicles at Bowman’s Beach on Wednesday, the first day of reopening.
Mayor Kevin Ruane questioned possible social distancing issues on Bowman’s and Turner beaches due to the small areas. “Should we reopen all of the paid beach parking lots to give more space for proper social distancing? Would it be better to use all 14 miles (of beach) rather than just one mile,” he asked.
Maughan said it was the county’s decision to reopen those beaches. “If we pick up (any sick people) and sprinkle them all over the island, I don’t see how that is somehow better.”
Vice Mayor Mick Denham was in favor of keeping the paid beach parking closed for an additional 15 days due to Sanibel’s mostly older demographic. “It is not unreasonable to be a little more cautious,” he said. And Councilman Richard Johnson added that the transient population would remain low by not reopening the public parking.
The decisions to adopt the first phase of the governor’s recovery plan for the state and to extend restrictions on accommodations through May 15 passed by votes of 3-2.
Maughan and Denham voted against fully adopting the governor’s plan, which includes lifting restrictions on food and retail establishments. Those businesses are allowed to reopen with a maximum of 25 percent occupancy under the executive order. Sanibel has temporarily permitted island restaurants to have up to 1,800 square feet of outdoor dining space under certain criteria.
Maughan said his position boiled down to “reopening the restaurants with all these inscrutable percentages and distances and those who don’t have outdoor seating. I think we still need to hold the line for the next 15 days to get us out the other side.”
Ruane said the decision to adopt the governor’s plan would give restaurants the option to open, not take it away from them. “I see his order as a measured first step.”
Ruane and Johnson voted against extending restrictions on accommodations – both stating that allowing restaurants to reopen, even in a limited capacity, and not allowing rental accommodations the same opportunity was “inconsistent.”
Smith, who owns rental accommodations in Fort Myers, advocated for the extension of restrictions. “I don’t see it the same way. If we are the place to come, we will have the occupancy and it has been extremely clear from public comments to extend the rental ban.”
Council will hold a regular meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at MacKenzie Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd. The agenda includes an update on the coyote management plan and discussion on potential modifications of city-imposed prohibitions and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If we reopen, will the coyotes return?
Council did the right thing. We have come this far. Let’s be deliberate and prudent. Thank you.
Thanks.
Why not open 1/2 parking spots to provide 6 ft, or, stagger entry.
Also, yesterday, 66% of people in New York were at home.
Social distance is good, but seems getting out , biking, beach, doesnt hurt at all.
Seems we could reopen rentals, maybe keep pools closed in high condo complexes, and reopen carry out and outside eating.
Causeway is open, and, seems unfair condo rentals closed, when outside, uncrowded beach is not a danger. Most people visit with others outside, and inside with family. We could begin rentals with extra cleaning, which we would sign up for.