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Holiday weekend brings major test for Florida

Posted at 9:56 PM, May 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 22:23:49-04

"Everybody's welcome down we're used to handling the big crowds on weekends," said Fort Myers Beach Mayor, Ray Murphy.

Murphy says as long as you plan on following their reopening rules, you're more than welcome to come and enjoy the holiday weekend there.

But what are the rules?

"All we ask is what we've been asking all along is that we follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing six feet apart, groups of ten or less and my other request is that you bring a garbage bag and bring your trash with you. Leave the beach looking better than when you found it," said Murphy.

Murphy says they're not expecting any trouble from the crowds, but the town does plan to have more law enforcement out there just in case.

"There will be a few extra guys around along with our code enforcement people and they will be enforcing the guidelines," said Murphy.

And he adds that with dine-in restaurants, beaches and now vacation rentals back open just before the big weekend, these next few days will also be good test run for a lot of businesses.

"It's great to see it reopen, I meant because things closed at the worst possible time. We were at the peak of the season and the folks lost about two months worth of business," said Murphy.