How you feel about reopening Lakeland, FL

Last week, we asked you how soon you’d feel safe getting back to life as restrictions lift, and over 530 of you responded to give us your feelings on returning to the office, restaurants, indoor + outdoor events, vacation planning, and more.

As FL moves closer toward Phase Two of reopening, we’re breaking down the data – and including some of your feedback on how we can continue to reopen safely + where you’ll be heading first. Thanks again to The Hustle for providing the original inspo for our poll.

Here’s what you shared

• Masks, cleanliness, and proper social distancing procedures might make all the difference. These were the top responses on how businesses could make customers feel safe – and were mentioned a total of 370+ times.
• You’re missing local businesses the most – with restaurants being at the top of the list. Many of you listed restaurants like Cafe Zuppina, Hole in One Donuts, Palace Pizza + Fancy Q Sushi & Thai. Disney World, Universal + other theme parks also got quite a few shout outs.
• You’re ready for a road trip. 46% of you feel like you could take a local or regional vacay right now. But 65% of you are planning to wait at least a year to travel internationally.
• 41% of you could go back to work in an office now. Another 19% could be ok with it in three to six months.
• You’re feeling fine about eating in restaurants or catching a flick on the big screen. 36% of you would go out to eat or see a movie right now, with another 22% in the next three to six months.
• You’re ready for large events, as long as they take place outdoors. 29% want to attend an outdoor show now, and 45% of you wouldn’t feel comfortable at an indoor event and want to wait at least a year before an indoor event.

Check out the full results breakdown here. ⬇️

Here’s what else we learned

Over 45 of you mentioned wanting everything to reopen soon, whereas 40+ of you mentioned wanting the reopening process to roll out slowly + doing more testing along with other factors that will make you feel safe.

And y’all miss plenty of other things too – including movie theatres, retail stores, beaches, barbershops, and bars + taprooms. We’re on the same page, guys.

While some of you are ready to get out and about now, others are opting to wait – and most want to strike a balance between the two. Katy H. says “As much as I’d love for life to go back to normal, I’m concerned that things are re-opening too quickly, without the necessary public health data and best practices, and I’m expecting a second wave of virus outbreaks as a result.” And STN wants FL to “Please go slowly and care for others.”

Want to know how other cities around the Southeast answered our poll? See responses from our sister markets in Asheville, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Chattanooga, and Raleigh – 7,673 in total – below. ⬇️

When will you feel ready to return to work in an office?

When will you feel ready to eat at restaurants or go to a movie?

When will you feel ready to send kids to camp or daycare?

When will you feel ready to attend an outdoor concert or event?

When will you feel ready to attend an indoor concert or event?

When will you feel ready to take a road trip?

When will you feel ready to travel internationally?

– LALtoday team (Abby and Kaylee)