Local

Florida bars reopen at 50% capacity, to be monitored by state

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida moved into the next step of reopening on Monday as bars were allowed to reopen at 50% capacity after being forced to close twice.

Now, Orange County’s working with many bars to ensure they open successfully and safely.

Orange County COVID-19 strike team expands monitoring as Florida bars prepare to reopen

“Our strike teams are out there trying to help encourage and educate those businesses on what they need to do in order to be compliant with the executive orders,” said Tim Boldig, who oversees the Orange County COVID-19 strike teams.

However, it will ultimately be the state making sure the bars are doing things right.

'We’re extremely excited’: Bar owners, city officials gear up to reopen bars up to reopen Monday

Some bars needed more time to hire staff back, so many bar areas remained deserted on Monday.

This weekend marked the first time Orange County’s strike team worked the weekend. Officials said rain kept places from being very busy, but that most places they visited were in compliance.

Top Stories:

1. Sally strengthens into Category 2 hurricane; 3 other systems active in the Atlantic

2. 70-year-old man left with broken bones after mask confrontation, police say

3. LIVE RADAR: Sally’s rain bands skirt Central Florida, isolated through the evening


Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.