by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Florida Department of Health only provides case details such as age, gender, resident status and travel by county. The reports only indicate the number of cases by city.
City Council took significant steps in a three-hour special meeting on Friday, March 27, to curb the spread of COVID-19 on Sanibel, as there are two confirmed cases on the island, according to the latest report released March 28 by the Florida Department of Health.
Mayor Kevin Ruane signed a proclamation on Wednesday, March 25, that restricted island accommodations from taking rental reservations for less than seven consecutive days.
Council unanimously voted on Friday to further that order by prohibiting new check-ins at all island accommodations, from hotels to rental homes, for the next 28 days, effective at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 28. And those businesses must cancel existing reservations within that 28-day period.
Additionally, this latest proclamation closed public parking lots at the Pond Apple Park Trailhead and Chamber Visitor Center, Recreation Center, Roadside Park and Community Park, along with its playground, effective immediately.
In the last two weeks, the city has closed beach parking lots and the public boat ramp to non-residents, restricted the farmer’s market from selling non-food items, and furthered the governor’s ban on licensed vendors selling alcohol on premise to include prohibiting alcohol consumption in any public area at lodging establishments, among other things.
These actions are aimed at cutting off the supply that brings tourists to the island and promotes people gathering, in order to better protect the health of residents.
“We have taken incremental steps, but this (proclamation) is by far is the largest step we are going to take,” said Ruane. “Basically, we are cutting off everything a tourist can do for the next 28 days. We have made tremendous strides and doing everything our residents have asked.”
Council members also strongly urge the public to practice social distancing – remaining six feet apart.
Leave a Comment