Florida bars and theaters to reopen starting Friday, DeSantis says

by Marty Johnson - 06/03/20 3:07 PM ET

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Wednesday that bars, movie theaters and other entertainment businesses would be allowed to reopen their doors on Friday, as Florida enters the second phase of DeSantis’s three-part economic reopening plan.

I’m pleased to announce that the Original Phase 1 Florida counties (all except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) may enter Phase 2 effective Friday, June 5, 2020. pic.twitter.com/ChEINqYW1W

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) June 3, 2020

The venues can open at 50 percent of their regular capacity while still following distancing guidelines.

Florida businesses that were opened with the first phase of the reopening, such as restaurants, retail stores and gyms, will be allowed to operate at full capacity, but still must adhere to social distancing and safety guidelines.

The second phase of the plan goes into effect Friday everywhere in the state except in the three Florida counties hardest hit by coronavirus: Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Despite the relaxing of restrictions, DeSantis reminded Floridians that the coronavirus pandemic isn’t over yet.

“The virus isn’t gone,” he said at his press briefing in Orlando.