APRIL 30, 2020 | St. Petersburg, FL – The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce® is helping local businesses prepare to Reopen the St. Pete Way following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step” plan that allows some businesses to reopen as soon as Monday, May 4, 2020.
The Chamber’s Reopen the St. Pete Way emphasis is on safety first: reopening in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of employees and customers.
Town Hall: Reopen St. Pete webinar on Friday, May 1st
The Chamber will be holding a Reopen St. Pete Way webinar on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 1:00 PM to discuss Reopening the St. Pete Way. A virtual Town Hall discussion for the Chamber’s Retail Affinity Group will take place following the webinar, at 2:00 PM to offer input and guidelines on safe reopening from the retail perspective.
Register for the Town Hall: Reopen St. Pete Webinar | 1:00 PM
at: https://stpetersburgflcoc.wliinc34.com//events/Town-Hall-Reopen-St-Pete-5864/details
Register for the Retail Affinity Group Discussion | 2:00 PM
at: https://stpetersburgflcoc.wliinc34.com/events/Retail-Affinity-Group-Meeting-Reopen-St-Pete-Recommendations-5863/details
Affinity Groups
The Chamber also has created industry-specific affinity groups, to offer guidelines for reopening. To take part in those groups, submit your information via the Peer Group Interest Form.
General Guidelines
Most businesses are encouraged to:
- Continue telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations.
- Return to work in phases if possible.
- Close common areas where people are likely to congregate and interact or enforce strict social distancing protocols.
- Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
- Strongly consider special accommodations for personnel who are member of a vulnerable population.
Restaurants and Retail
Restaurants may prepare to follow the state’s order, allowing them to open at 25 percent occupancy for indoor accomdations, and with six foot spacing between tables for outdoors, beginning on Monday, May 4th, 2020. Retail businesses may also reopen on May 4th at 25 percent occupancy.
Mayor Rick Kriseman notes the state’s order does not require restaurants and retail establishments to open on Monday, it simply allows them to do so if they choose.
Business Resiliency Team
In addition, the Chamber, in conjunction with Grow Smarter St. Petersburg, the Greenhouse, and the Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation has launched a Business Resiliency Team (BRT), made up of Business Resiliency Navigators who will establish relationships with business owners and key community leaders to support the long-term survival of St. Petersburg’s small business community. For more information, visit stpete.com/brt or growsmarterstpete.com/brt.
About the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce®
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce®, originally founded in 1899, now serves over 1,300 member businesses and organizations. Continually identifying ways to create and enhance opportunities to do business in St. Petersburg, the Chamber works to improve the local economic climate and to build a thriving business environment. The Chamber represents perspectives of local business in St. Petersburg, providing and fostering leadership on important business and community issues. Information is available at stpete.com.