It's the first day of Spring! The weather is perfect. Spring break is in full swing. And coronavirus has become an emergency health crisis everywhere. Even here on the Emerald Coast of Florida.
Our small businesses are the lifeblood of our South Walton community. During this time we are all working to protect the health and safety of our businesses, families and friends as we each do our best during this pandemic event.
Schools are closed. Universities are closed and moving to online classes. Toilet paper is nowhere to be found. Events are canceled. Walton and Okaloosa Counties have temporarily closed the beaches as of today. Restaurants and businesses have specific regulations they must meet for health and safety.
Our local businesses and resort towns are making difficult choices and taking proactive steps in response to health and safety guidelines, science, mandates and ethical concerns.
We can support our local businesses in many ways in the days and weeks to come.
We are all in this together.
Sheltering at home is very critical at this time. Whether you are staying home, working in an office, a construction project or in a restaurant...
Use every precaution to stay healthy.
Many of you are listening to the science, learning the guidelines and taking necessary precautions.. sheltering in place, working at home and staying at home for the time being. At the same time, our local businesses are making necessary adjustments, changing how they deliver services, and adapting as much as possible. And many of our businesses will close for the time being.
Our actions will impact the jobs of all those working on the front line such as health care providers, grocery store employees, essential service providers, fire and emergency medical responders, police security and safety services, etc.
We're all in this together. Our community is creative, strong and resilient. You demanded leadership from our County. We have the obligation to meet this challenge. And we will.
Let us support our businesses, respect their decisions and unique challenges, and make social distancing our priority at the same time. Together, yet apart, we can connect. We can do this.
- Check on your family. Shout out to neighbors and friends.
- Thank Publix staff!! And everyone working hard to keep us supplied with goods and necessities. Keeping stores clean and stocked every day.
- Shop local and small when you need supplies. Many of our local shops are open with restrictions and curbside pickup, and some are planning delivery.
- Purchase gift cards when you can. Use them as gifts or use later.
- Shop small online. Many local businesses have online shops!
- Don't hoard supplies. Share when you can.
- Wash your hands.
- Order takeout.
- Understand hard decisions.
- Check in with associates and employees.
- Stay home.
- Use grocery delivery or pickup service.
- Follow our local artists and musicians and see what they are doing online. Support their work.
- Follow local businesses on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Give them likes and support online. Ask questions. Share their updates with your friends.
SoWal businesses, you can use the SoWal Community Forums to post updates about your business. Let us know how we can help get the word out.
Other helpful suggestions for supporting local business? Please comment...
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