NPR NOTES

Commentary by Mayor Rob Marlowe

  • Home
  • About the Mayor
  • Get NPR Notes By Email

Archives for July 2020

Doing Business in a COVID-19 World

Posted on July 10, 2020 Written by Rob Marlowe

Mayor Rob MarloweThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that businesses operate.  For some of us, especially those of us who are desk jockeys and do a lot of our work on computers and on the phone, a transition to working from home has not been a big stretch.  My business is “officially” open now from 9am-noon on weekdays.  We typically get mail and other deliveries late in the morning.  Depending on what is going on, I can either stay in the office in the afternoon or work from home.  My office computer setup is still better than my home setup, but that could be changed without much effort.  My business partner has been working from home for the past several years.

Businesses that depend on walk-in traffic, such as retail establishments,  barber shops, and restaurants, have had to make some significant adjustments.  Social distancing and requiring staff and customers to wear masks have been the most important changes.  Restaurants are also limited in the number of diners they can serve indoors.

Bars have been particularly hard hit.  The governor’s initial emergency order shut them down except for take out.   That rule was loosened for a few weeks, allowing them to serve inside so long as the number of individuals was kept down to 50% capacity.  As the number of COVID-19 cases exploded, the bars were once again restricted to take out only.

I’ve never been much interested in alcoholic beverages.  Even in college back in the 70’s, I was typically one of the designated drivers when a fraternity party was hosted off-campus.  It is not so much a matter of being opposed to alcohol as simply not liking the taste.  My most vivid memory of drinking an alcoholic beverage dates back to 1977 when I tried some of the local beverage while visiting the Soviet Union.  The vodka tasted like rubbing alcohol smells.  One serving was all it took for me to decide that vodka wasn’t for me.

As a result of my personal tastes, I have never been a regular at any of our local bars.  I must admit to enjoying some of the carbonated teas that Cotee River Brewing produces and I actually purchased a Christmas present for my then five year old grandson at Pete’s Grand Central.  My grandson loves the vintage electric train I bought for him.  Ordinance One has been a great location (pre-COVID) for Talk About Town events and to enjoy a glimpse of our history in the old map that the firemen used when responding to emergency calls back in the day.

All that being said, I am concerned that the current shutdown order for bars is very likely going to be fatal to at least some of them unless steps are taken to encourage their take out business.  My colleagues on city council and I discussed the problem at Tuesday night’s meeting.   We will be closing Railroad Square to cars and trucks on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Please come downtown and pickup the beverage of your choice from the establishment of your choice.  We ask that you properly social distance when you do so and don’t linger on their premises once you’ve made your purchase.  If you want to say “Hi” to your friends, do it in Railroad Square and maintain a safe social distance.  In any event, wear a mask while you are out and about, visiting local businesses.  It is required by both Pasco County and the City of New Port Richey.  More important,  it is an easy way to show that you respect others.

Rob Marlowe, Mayor

 

 

Filed Under: Local Commentary

My Day Job

When I'm not doing mayor stuff, I spend my time at Gulfcoast Networking. I solve Internet issues, clean up infected computers, and build websites. I'm always happy to take a break from computers to talk about New Port Richey's future, so feel free to come by my office at 6335 Grand Blvd to chat.

City of New Port Richey

This website expresses my views and not necessarily those of the city.  If you are looking for the official City of New Port Richey website, you can find it here.

Recent Posts

  • A Matter of Scale March 10, 2023
  • New Year 2023 January 2, 2023
  • Happy Thanksgiving 2022 November 22, 2022
  • Ian Recap October 3, 2022
  • Stroads July 25, 2022
  • Celebrating Our Independence July 3, 2022
  • Road Trip – Durham, NC May 10, 2022
  • Dreams and Opportunities April 26, 2022
  • Chasco Fiesta – 100 Year Anniversary Edition March 23, 2022
  • March Update March 3, 2022

Recent Comments

  • Bonnie Martin on A Matter of Scale
  • Marc Yacht MD on A Matter of Scale
  • Joan Rees on New Year 2023
  • Chris Lineman on New Year 2023
  • Rob Marlowe on New Year 2023
  • Frank Starkey on New Year 2023
  • Rob Marlowe on New Year 2023
  • Ken Houghtaling on New Year 2023
  • Rob Marlowe on Ian Recap
  • Joan Rees on Ian Recap

Archives

  • March 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • July 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014

Copyright © 2023 · Rob Marlowe · · Log in