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Mayor highlights reopening plan for restaurants, public buildings

Mayor Lenny Curry discussed the start of phase one in Florida’s reopening plan, highlighting restaurants and public buildings.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry highlighted the start of “full phase one” of Florida’s reopening plan from the coronavirus pandemic in a Monday press conference outside a San Marco restaurant.

Under the new phase in the recovery plan of Gov. Ron DeSantis, restaurants were able to open to 50% capacity for the first time for more than two months, while several also expanded outdoor dining options under adjustments to prior zoning restrictions.

Curry pointed to the new measures as a benefit for small businesses around the First Coast. Before Monday, restaurants and retailers had been restricted to 25% of their standard capacity to help deter the spread of COVID-19.

Toscana Little Italy owner Rebecca Winchester said the restaurant has implemented procedures for social distancing, employee training and enhanced sanitation.

“We hope to set an example for everybody,” Winchester said.

That reopening process may soon extend to some public buildings.

Curry said he expects most city government offices to begin opening with additional safety measures by June 1, and said the Duval County Tax Collector’s Office will open an additional branch on Thursday.

Libraries, the mayor said, may begin curbside pickup at some branches by May 27, with opening of some locations perhaps by June 1.

Curry said the city has not yet determined a timetable for opening City Council chambers for physical meetings, saying that measures like temperature checks may be installed when that does happen.

Curry pointed to the declining percentage of positive tests over the last month, which he attributed to responsible behavior from Jacksonville residents.

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WATCH THE MAYOR'S FULL NEWS CONFERENCE BELOW:

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