UPDATE: The owner has decided not to open the gym until she receives the official word.
Indian River Fitness, located near Barefoot Bay, plans to reopen Friday despite Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order to remain closed.
The owner, Lynne Fraser, says she has permission to reopen.
“Licensed gym owners received executive order to shut down March 20 , which ironically we received on March 24, and approved to reopen May 8 unless orders change,” Fraser wrote on Facebook.
“We have not received a change in order. Our governor never said gyms to open in stage 2. He said ‘no changes for gyms.’ People who are not gym owners did not receive this information, but gyms did,” she said.
We asked other gym owners who said it violates the governor’s executive order to reopen at this time. Sebastian Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Crossfit will remain closed to comply.
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Phase 1 for reopening Florida clearly shows that all gyms must remain closed. At least two other gyms in Brevard County recently shutdown after disobeying the order. Gym owners risk fines and could lose their license if they are not in compliance.
Like most gyms in the area, Indian River Fitness has hosted virtual gym classes online since March.
“We realize many of you are ready to get to back to your gym. We also understand many feel better waiting longer. I totally understand. Just respect each other’s choice,” Fraser told the Barefoot Bay community on Wednesday.
Fraser also said they would be following the CDC Guidelines and added a few of their own.
“We actually have added several of our own. I created my own task force of experts to create our plan. Please check the web site for the modified class schedule for May. Feel free to call me at the gym with any questions,” she said.
At this time, all gyms will be allowed to open during Phase 2 of reopening Florida.
