Central Florida leaders react to Gov. Desantis’ reopening plans

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Leaders from around Central Florida are beginning to offer their input after Gov. Ron DeSantis said most of Florida will be able to enter phase one of a three-phase reopening plan on May 4.

The governor has not laid out his full plan, but that doesn’t mean that every county and city must go along with it.

Seminole County leaders formally supported the governor’s plan shortly after the governor announced it.

Read: Governor says phase 1 of reopening can begin May 4: What that means for Central Florida

The plan allows some businesses to reopen Monday if they make every effort to keep people six feet apart. If employees and customers cannot practice social distancing, one or both must wear masks.

“A lot of those, of course, have gone to online services and drive-up services and of course that is still very, very safe,” Emergency Manager Alan Harris said. “If they wish to continue to do those types of activities they can do that.”

The county also wants businesses to limit occupancy to 25 percent, including inside churches.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Orange County might not reopen for at least a couple more weeks, but delayed announcing plans after the governor pushed back his announcement.

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“We will take recommendations by the governor under advisement and have more to say about that tomorrow,” said Demings.

Volusia County Chairman Ed Kelley said he wants to reopen Volusia County businesses “the sooner, the better - but safely.”

Volusia County also postponed their official plans Wednesday and plan to reveal additional information Thursday.

Brevard County leaders will hold a 3 p.m. meeting in response to the plan.

DeSantis said the state needs to reopen gradually with all but Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties moving to phase one on May 4.

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