City of Marco Island doesn’t want business owners or customers to forget the virus despite Phase 3 reopening

Just three weeks ago, Marco Island Police were out patrolling the beaches during Labor Day Weekend, making sure people were social distancing and handing out fines to those who weren’t. Now, you can enjoy the sun and sand and there isn’t a cop in sight.

“The beach, we really like the beach,” said Dan and Donna Croy. The two first-time visitors are unphased by Florida’s recent Phase Three reopening decision.

Why? Because they can no longer get up to $200 fines for not social distancing on the beach.

The pair say they are “100% comfortable.” Since ” everybody seems to be distancing pretty well from what I can see. We’ve been out on the beach for three days now. ”

Marco Island’s City Manager Mike McNees sincerely hopes that people are following the rules. “We don’t have any legal authority to force good behavior. We will encourage people to act responsibly, McNees said.

Now the city has to rely on citizens and visitors taking the virus seriously to keep everyone safe. 

“We are an older population so there is concern among our residents that they are vulnerable,” said McNees. “So we’ll encourage people to continue to voluntarily be aware of things like social distancing.”

The City of Marco Island is also not considering putting restrictions on restaurant capacity. Pinchers’ Manager Megan Outlaw is taking advantage of the lifted restrictions.

“We were busy throughout the weekend our customers were excited about being out and we were opened up at 100% capacity,” said Outlaw.

Outlaw isn’t easing up on the guidelines for the restaurant, though. Pinchers is still requiring masks, has their partitions up, uses virtual menus and has outdoor seating.

These precautions are enough to keep the Croys coming back to Marco Island. “Comfortable out not just the beach but wherever we go,” Dan said.

Marco Islands leaders say they didn’t have to fine anyone, even at the height of the pandemic and hope that trend continues.