If you turn on the news lately, you’re bound to hear scary news about the global pandemic, protests and even killer hornets. In light of all of this bad news, here at Lorenzo & Lorenzo we would like to add a bright spot to your day by sharing a few uplifting and positive news stories about Floridians coming together during a difficult time.
“I’m not going to ask you to lose your salary if I’m not willing to do the same.”
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson IV (and mayors all across the state and country) has had to make some tough decisions in recent weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus, including asking some businesses to close and others to limit their services.
Mayor Robinson announced on March 24 that he would be donating his salary to Pensacola Energy and the city’s sanitation services while people are out of work because of the pandemic. He said that he understands this is a tough time for everyone, but he fully expects to make a complete recovery and hopes donating his salary will help.
“In Tampa, we help each other in times of need.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor wrote that Hillsborough Hope is a perfect example of how Floridians have come together during the pandemic to shelter the homeless. During isolation, other residents have homes to shelter in and keep them safe, whereas the homeless do not. So in coordination with other community partners, 100 tents were pitched to provide temporary shelter to the homeless.
The camp, called Hillsborough Hope, will provide shelter, 3 meals a day, a mobile laundromat, 6 portable toilets and medical treatment (if needed) for 30 days to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and keep the homeless safe.
“I want each person in this restaurant to get 500 dollars.”
Twenty Skillets employees were the recipients of a diner’s generosity when they offered $10,000 in tips to help during the pandemic. With restaurants being forced to close or reduce their services to keep employees and customers safe, workers in this industry have been hit especially hard.
“We believe that what is being done is the correct thing in spite of the fact it’s causing us hardship,” said Ross Edlund, owner of the restaurant.
He explained he was forced to lay off 90 percent of his staff as restaurants closed and customers were encouraged to practice social distancing by limiting any time spent at dine-in restaurants. The generous tip was a welcome surprise.
“If you work in the healthcare industry…we will give you a FREE combo meal!”
Several McDonald’s restaurants in Bay County owned by Costa Enterprises announced that they were offering free meals to healthcare workers with proof of valid I.D. during a recent promotion. They stated it was an “honor and give a special thanks to all the men and women who dedicate their lives to work in their medical professions to serve those affected by this global pandemic.”
As more and more hospitals become overrun with coronavirus cases, and nurses and doctors work longer and more difficult hours, the McDonald’s franchisee wants to do their part to help the medical community as they battle on the frontlines.
These few uplifting stories prove that it’s not all doom and gloom out there!
The team at Lorenzo & Lorenzo encourages everyone to do their part by washing their hands, practicing social distancing and visiting the CDC website for more information about what they can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We remain open to serve the community and are taking every possible precaution during this time.
