NEW PORT RICHEY — Pasco County reopened more parks for passive use Wednesday and will reopen some library services Thursday as officials continue to follow the phased recovery process outlined last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The county will also allow restaurants to use parking lots and other property for expanded dining.
People who use county facilities and services still must follow state and federal social distancing rules, including not gathering in groups of more than 10 and maintaining a distance of six feet apart to prevent to spread of COVID-19.
The additional limited-access park openings include walking and fitness trails, open space areas and outdoor tennis and basketball courts at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, San Antonio Athletic Complex, Veteran’s Memorial Park in Hudson and Wesley Chapel District Park.
All athletic fields, playgrounds, shelters and pavilions remain closed until further notice.
Restaurants will not need a permit to expand temporary outdoor seating into parking spaces and other areas allowed under county rules. Those extended areas can be used during normal business hours. and the permission will expire when indoor dining returns to full capacity.
Social distancing rules will still apply.
Thursday, county libraries will open their outside book drops and start accepting appointments for computer access.
County Administrator Dan Biles told county commissioners Tuesday that many county employees continue to work from home, and there are no plans in place to reopen customer service counters in county facilities.
• • •
Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage
HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO COVID-19?: Help us remember them
UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits
CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRAPBOOK: Help us tell the story of life under coronavirus
BRIGHT SPOTS IN DARK TIMES: The world is hard right now, but there’s still good news out there
LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters
HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips
GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information, six days a week
WATCH VIDEO: How some in Tampa Bay are finding light amid isolation
We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.