SWFL businesses eager to fully reopen as Gov. DeSantis paves the way for Phase 3

It’s the news restaurants and bars have been waiting for months to hear. Governor Ron DeSantis cleared the way for them to fully reopen immediately.

That includes no fines for not wearing masks.

Restaurant owners and managers we spoke with say they’re relieved to, once again, have control over their businesses. They’re ready for some normalcy and to welcome you safely back.

“What that will mean for restaurants is there will not be limitations from the State of Florida,” DeSantis said Friday.

Without limitations and restrictions from the state, Beach Box Cafe in North Naples is going full steam ahead.

“It’ll be really great to have everybody back in here and not worry about the numbers,” said Nick Moiland, the cafe’s kitchen manager.

They’re opening to full capacity right away.

“The locals and everything around here have really worked with us really well with all the mandates that have been in effect and I just think everybody’s going to be really really excited to get back to normal for the most part,” Moiland said.

Phase three of reopening means caps on capacity are a thing of the past for businesses if they choose, and local governments can no longer close restaurants for coronavirus concerns or collect fines related to COVID-19 mandates.

“Everybody has an opportunity and right to work; every business has the right to operate the locals can do reasonable regulations,” DeSantis said.

This couldn’t have come at a better time for Beach Box.

“It being September right now, usually one of the slower months of the year, and then in October it picks back up,” explained Moiland.

Perfect timing as the restaurant and Southwest Florida get ready for season to begin.