Sebastian businesses preparing for temporary shut down.

Florida may soon join other states which have closed restaurants, bars, gyms, and other businesses to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus in our state.

As of today, there are no reports or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sebastian or Indian River County or Brevard County.

So far, the Sebastian ShrimpFest has been canceled until further notice. Event organizers tell Sebastian Daily they will reevaluate the situation next week.

Captain Hirams has shut down its Sandbar and live entertainment until further notice. The Sebastian Bach concert at Capt. Hirams has been postponed. However, Blackfins Riverfront Grill at Capt. Hirams will remain open with limited services.

“The uncertainty around this pandemic is widespread, and we feel the best thing we can do is be cautious. Effective immediately, we have closed Capt Hirams SandBar Beach Club but will keep Blackfins Riverfront Grill open with limited services and a limited occupancy of no more than 50 people at one time. Capt Hirams Adventure Center & Marina and our Gift Shop operations will be closed until further notice. Capt Hirams Hotel and Best Western Plus Sebastian Hotel & Suites will stay open with limited services. We have committed to these changes for at least one week and will reassess the situation as needed,” Capt. Hirams President Will Collins said.

Tiki Bar & Grill is in the process of trying to decide what will be their best course of action.

“We at Tiki are trying to figure out our course of action. Obviously, we will comply with all directives from our officials, and the health of our customers and employees is our priority. At this time, we are just trying to have contingency plans to match whatever directive we expect or get from the government. We will do everything we can for our customers and our employees to get through this,” Tiki Owner John Campbell told Sebastian Daily.

McDonald’s is planning to remain open with full drive-thru service, at least for now, unless Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says different.

“We will be open. Expect drive-thru to be busier than always is. Hope people will be kind not only to us but each other while waiting,” Roseland McDonald’s Manager Frank Nolan told Sebastian Daily.

Jersey Mike’s plans to be open for takeout orders.

“We will be staying open, but only call in, pick ups and take out orders. No dine in,” Store owner Will Micco told Sebastian Daily.

Publix and Walmart have told us that they will be restocking all water, paper products, and food twice a day. Food will be available. Publix is also sanitizing shopping carts as you enter the door.

There are about 150 coronavirus cases in Florida; five people have died in the state.

According to the CDC, there are approximately 180,000 cases globally, with 7,100 deaths. About 78,000 people have recovered from the virus.

The Florida Department of Health has established a Coronavirus phone care center. The hotline number is (866) 779-6121 and is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is also an email available: [email protected] for inquiries.

Sebastian Daily will continue to publish updates on a regular basis.

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