The Reopening

Photos: Scenes From Sarasota's Reopening Week

As Sarasota County begins reopening, we're sharing a snapshot of what it's like for residents and businesses.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard May 19, 2020

Whole Foods, University Parkway

The empty hot bar and salad area.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Whole Foods, University Parkway

The store has implemented social distancing guidelines to help customers maintain a six-foot distance.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Whole Foods, University Parkway

Shoppers peruse the produce section, with many wearing masks and gloves.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Fresh Salon and Spa

Stylist Lindsay Allram was back in action as Fresh Salon and Spa reopened on May 18. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the salon taped off chairs so every other station was empty.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Fresh Salon and Spa, downtown Sarasota

Stylist Promise Hope wears a mask as she works on a client's hair. "I had nonstop messages from clients wanting their hair done so they could feel good about themselves," she says. "I encouraged them to stay patient and wait for me, I'm so grateful that so many of them did. Coming back has been like your first day school—confusing, scary, yet, very exciting."

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Fresh Salon and Spa, downtown Sarasota

Lynn O'Keeffe at the salon's sanitation station, which offers masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and tissues.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Mall at University Town Center

The Mall at University Town Center reopened May 6; more than 80 stores are currently open.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Mall at University Town Center

The mall is also offering contactless curbside pick-up for customers who aren't ready to venture inside.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Grove Restaurant, Lakewood Ranch

Austin Harlow, Grove's manager, says the staff is excited to reopen, and regulars have been ordering consistently. "It's been a lot of takeout and meal kits. We've introduced more modest pricing to service the community through a grocery store," he says. "If you order takeout, within a hour and it’s ready and placed in your car by a staff member wearing a mask and gloves."

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Lourdes Nail Studio, downtown Sarasota

Lourdes Darling, owner, prepares to meet a client.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Lourdes Nail Studio, downtown Sarasota

Lourdes Darling says she plans to be open three days a week and only take three clients a day to properly sanitize before and after each. Upon arrival, she takes her clients' temperature and asks if they’ve traveled outside Florida, as well as if they’ve come in contact with anyone with COVID-19. Pictured here is client Judy Anglada.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Lourdes Nail Studio, downtown Sarasota

Darling and Anglada both wear masks as Anglada gets a pedicure.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Main Street, downtown Sarasota

Diners outside Green Zebra Cafe

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Main Street, downtown Sarasota

Diners outside C'est La Vie

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Grove Restaurant, Lakewood Ranch

From left to right, Debbie Urban, Charlotte Griffin and Maryellen Paterson. The group was celebrating Paterson's birthday, belatedly. "Taking a moment to breathe has been the best part of quarantine," Urban says. "It makes you stop and think what’s important, and how to prioritize your time and commitments."

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Brewster's Tavern, downtown Sarasota

Bartender Jordan Fishman says he took three weeks off and is still waiting to get unemployment checks. "It's been an interesting experience coming back and social distancing myself from clients, plus learning the strict guidelines for being open," he says. "People have been very supportive calling and ordering takeout. And we've been given our liquor license; we're just waiting for the final paperwork."

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Knick's Tavern & Grill

Outdoor tables staggered on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Knick's Tavern & Grill, Southside Village

Knickole Barger, owner. "We've been doing a ton of to-go orders," she says. "And our entire inside is shut down, with stations for cleaning and a separate to-go station."

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Knick's Tavern & Grill, Southside Village

Barger waits on a group at a sidewalk table.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Mall at University Town Center

A few lone shoppers in the mall on the first day it reopened.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Knick's Tavern & Grill

Taylor Collins and James Spadley wear gloves and masks as they work in the Knick's kitchen.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Lotus Boutique

Owner Harmoni Krusing-Bens says the most challenging thing about the pandemic was being shut down for 45 days. "It was emotionally draining—and tough financially," she says. "I furloughed my staff and had to cut back on everything to hold on to my business and take care of my employees. Loyal clients were calling, and I did drop-offs and shipments." She says she's afraid of the unknown ahead: "Is anyone going to come shop?"

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill

Chefs taking precautions, wearing masks and gloves, at the Parrot Restaurant.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill

Ray Smith, right, says he thinks the response to the virus is "overblown" and that the government is doing it "to control people." "I was in the Army and worked for Naval Intelligence," he says. He's pictured with Pamela Davis and Melanie Smith, who's lived in Sarasota full-time since 1971.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill

Pamela Davis, left, from Worcester, Mass., says she's been happily stuck in Sarasota throughout the pandemic. "Normally, there's a direct flight to Boston, but it was cancelled from both Tampa and Sarasota," she says. The closest flight is in Orlando; that's too far for her to drive. "I only want to take a direct flight to lessen the chance of being exposed to COVID-19," she says.

Photography by Lauren Pritchard

Last Monday, May 4, Florida began implementing Gov. Ron DeSantis' "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery," a three-step plan that gradually lifts restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order permits restaurants to open indoor seating at 25 percent capacity with six-foot distancing between tables and parties no larger than 10 people. It also allows for outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing in place. Gyms, salons and spas also began reopening this week. Here's what that looked like throughout our region, as well as some locals' thoughts.

Coronavirus

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