Clermont City Manager Darren Gray would like to share the following message:
Dear Clermont community,
Phase 2 of the city’s reopening plan will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Fri., June 5, in conjunction with the state’s Phase 2.
While we are excited to reopen additional public facilities and to be able to patronize more Clermont businesses, we urge our community to continue slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19); practice social distancing, wear a cloth face covering when appropriate and follow all other guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We thank you for your efforts and commend you for your Champion spirit during these challenging times.
Here is a closer look at the reopening plans.
Clermont’s Phase 2: Additional Parks, Amenities and Services
With the support of the council, we devised a phased city plan based on the governor’s plan to reopen Florida.
City Park Openings
• Waterfront Park’s beach, playgrounds, basketball courts and pavilions reopen with reduced seating.
• Playgrounds in parks reopen.
• Basketball courts reopen.
• Ballfields reopen with limited capacity of 50 per field; bleachers will be blocked off and spectators must bring their own seating.
• Senior softball league resumes.
• Parks go back to regular hours.
• Shuffleboard courts at the Kehlor Recreation Center will reopen with reduced capacity.
• Lake County Rowing Association will resume operations at the Clermont Boathouse with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
• The Clermont Historic Village will resume operations with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
• City contractual recreation programs operating in parks will resume with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
• Champions Splash Park will reopen June 15 with reduced capacity.
• The Clermont Pool at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center will open June 22 with reduced capacity.
City Park Continued Closures
• Clermont Arts and Recreation Center is closed with plans to open July 6 with modified opening and operations.
• Clermont City Center is closed with plans to reopen July 6 with modified opening and operations.
• Kehlor Recreation Center and all senior programs will reopen upon the governor’s announcing of Phase 3.
• Special events are prohibited Phase 3.
City Services and Facilities
• Staff continue to keep services running smoothly online and by phone at 352-394-4081 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• City Hall will open in a limited capacity: Public entrance to Utility Billing, Building Services and Planning & Development Services will be limited. All other departments and floors will be accessible by appointment only. The lobby receptionist will assist with appointments.
Council Meetings
• Council meetings will return to being held in-person and will be located at the Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St., to maintain social distancing.
Our staff continues to work diligently to keep services running smoothly and keep our citizens informed through our COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFl.gov/coronavirus, as well as on the city’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont, and on our Nextdoor app page.
Florida’s Phase 2: Bars, Entertainment Businesses & More
Phase 2 of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan to reopen Florida also will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Fri., June 5.
The governor announced his plan in his June 3 executive order (https://bit.ly/3dqWHfP). Phase 2 applies to all counties in Florida except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
All Floridians are encouraged to follow appropriate social distancing and safety protocols issued by the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Parameters (all with social distancing and sanitizing measures) include:
• Restaurants may allow bar-top seating.
• Bars and pubs may operate at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside. Patrons may only receive service if seated.
• Retail establishments may operate at full capacity.
• Gyms may operate at full capacity.
• Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50% capacity.
• Pari-mutuel facilities may submit a request to open that includes an endorsement from a county mayor or administrator to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Personal services businesses, including but not limited to tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
Guidance
• Individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• All individuals that work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
• All people in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50.
Additional information about Phases 1 and 2 can be found in the governor’s slideshow at https://bit.ly/3gK.
Thank you for continuing to be champions for slowing the spread of COVID-19 while we thoughtfully reopen our city and state.
Keep up with the latest news, FAQs and resources on our COVID-19 webpage at www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus and follow our Facebook and Nextdoor pages.
— City Manager Darren Gray