FORT MYERS BEACH, FLA — These days silence is speaking loud and clear in Fort Myers Beach.
"This is a time when the island is alive with energy, with people, with young people," said Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda.
And after Monday's town council meeting, it's only going to get quieter.
The council passed several measures, including one that calls on hotels and other public vacation rental spaces to cancel all upcoming reservations for the next 90 days.
They're also not allowed to book any new ones for the time being.
"When I think that everything we do could save even just one life, I don't find it difficult," said Cereceda.
I sat down with the town's mayor who says this is all in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But its also not lost on her that this decision will have a major impact on the local economy.
"Do I worry about our hoteliers and our small businesses? Of course I do, I'm one of them. I'm one of them, I have three businesses on this island," said Cereceda.
Mayor Cereceda tells Fox 4 that above all else, she wants visitors to know that they're thinking of them and hope to see them as soon as its safe.
"We need them to know that they are our lifeline. Just, just the thought... Just the thought of seeing them at some time in the future gives me hope," said Cereceda.
Mayor Cereceda adds that the 90 day time limit isn't completely set in stone and can be revised at any time.
