Pence Visits Orlando on Same Day That Disney Springs Reopens After COVID-19 Shutdown
Yesterday was a big day for Orlando. Not only did Disney Springs open its doors for the first time since the COVID-19 shut down two months ago but Vice President Mike Pence was in town meeting with leaders of Florida’s tourism industry.
As the Tampa Bay Times points out, sitting alongside Governor DeSantis, Pence praised the Florida Governor calling his approach to restarting the state economy a pacesetter for the rest of the US. Pence said, “This state is really leading the way to open up America again.”
As we previously reported here at MickeyBlog, yesterday, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s shopping and entertainment complex once again welcomed visitors. It provided an insightful first glimpse at how the theme parks may operate in a COVID-19 world. Measures taken to keep guests safe including wearing masks, limiting capacity, temperature checks and social distancing reminders.
That Disney is taking steps to reopen albeit a small part of the massive Walt Disney World resort which boasts four theme parks, two water parks and over 3 dozen resorts is comforting news given that the Florida tourism industry dropped 83% in April. Almost half of the businesses impacted by the closure laid off 73% of staff.
After arriving in Orlando yesterday, the Tampa Bay Times tells us that Pence and DeSantis dropped off protective equipment for an upscale senior living facility and went out for burgers at a local restaurant. Neither Governor DeSantis or Vice President Pence appeared to wear masks during their visit.
A roundtable discussion was also held yesterday with business leaders. After the visit Pence headed back to Washington D.C he said with suggestions on how the government could better assist Florida’s tourism businesses.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep checking in for the latest Disney-related news and updates!
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Source: Tampa Bay Times