It has been a very long and uncertain time for many non-essential businesses in and around the Orlando area that have been forced to close out of an abundance of caution, but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
And while Florida is still currently under a 30-day stay at home order, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings says he is getting ready to explore re-opening some businesses again once Florida Governor DeSantis’ order expires on May 2nd.
As reported earlier by ClickOrlando.com, Mayor Demmings is in the early stages of assembling a task force to begin a slow and gradual reopening of businesses throughout Orange Country. Comprised of 40-45 people, the team of experts he plans on recruiting will be leaders from many of the industries that have been hit the hardest.
When asked who he would like to be included in these discussions Mayor Demings responded, “Small businesses like hair salons and barbershops, to realtors, to theme parks, to professional services.” He also mentioned The Walt Disney Company by name.
Disney is Orange County’s largest employer, and Mayor Demmings added, “In terms of where they are with their experience with the pandemic, they are probably ahead of us.” Disney has been handling this crisis in other counties for many months and could provide critical insight for how to proceed cautiously with re-opening efforts.
Just recently, Disney has begun reopening parts of Shanghai Disneyland, the first of the Disney parks to temporarily shut down back in January. “They’ve experienced some things — in terms of the planning process — that I believe could be beneficial and constructive to us as we begin to respond to the very uniqueness of our county,” Mayor Demmings said.
Read more about Shanghai Disneyland’s new health screening protocol here!
Today, President Trump is expected to issue governors more guidelines as to the re-opening of businesses and he is hopeful some states might be able to reopen before the initial May 1st deadline he issued previously. Meanwhile, Mayor Demmings is expected to provide additional details about his re-opening task force Friday. We’ll keep you updated with any additional information as soon as it’s released!
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
Should I Cancel My Disney World Vacation?
Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
Your Disney Trip Was Canceled -- Now What? DO'S and DON'TS to Cancel, Get Refunds, and Reschedule
Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
Are Disney World Restaurants Really Just Firing Everybody?! It’s Much More Complicated Than You Think
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
Heath says
This is the kind of good news we have been looking for!! This would be wonderful!!
Mary says
This would be a great time to limit Epcot to older folks so that they can get to the parks. Seems like they could set aside one park for older folks, even temporarily, rather than omit older folks which is what I heard today. No children under say…55. Wink Wink!