Duval County

Jacksonville businesses that violate Mayor’s Safer-At-Home order will get a police visit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says if non-essential businesses are caught violating his order there will be consequences.

Curry is now taking his safer at home order seriously.

“First question is if you violate the executive order, look the sheriff’s office will enforce it as necessary but believe that by and large people in this city will do the right thing and are going to stay at home,” said Curry.

Action News Jax reporter Jamarlo Phillips talked to Jacksonville Attorney Lee Lockett Thursday using Face Time. Lockett says it’s important to read both the mayor and governor’s orders to make sure you’re following the rules.

“That might create a challenge for some business owners, so you really have to dig deep in these orders to determine if your business falls under the list of essential businesses,” said Lockett.

That’s because many businesses in our area like hair salons, barbershops, tattoo shops and spa’s will have to temporarily close their doors for 30 days.

“I can come up with one example where there might be a gray area, think about people that might run the GNC, these supplement and health care sources, are they going to fall under the grocery store definition,” Lockett added.

Businesses listed essential including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, gun shops and liquor stores can continue operating.

“I’ve read grocery store definition a few times and I can’t really tell you that I would feel comfortable opening up that type of a grocery store if it is deemed a grocery store,” said Lockett.

But he says there’s one thing you can do to make sure your business is safe

“If you’re not sure do a couple of things, I would contact the city directly, ask for a response in writing from the general counsel’s office, ask them I own this type of store and I can’t figure out if it’s covered or not, please let me know,” Lockett explained.

Gov. DeSantis order will stay in effect until May 1.