Governor Ron DeSantis met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, signaling what could be a potential reopening in the state of Florida.
The meeting took place at the White House at 11 a.m. with the governor revealing that he would roll out a methodical, data-driven plan to ease restrictions in the Sunshine State. DeSantis also told reporters that he will announce the next steps on reopening the state Wednesday.
“I’ve worked with the White House on going to phase one. I’m going to make an announcement tomorrow,” DeSantis told reporters at the White House. “But I think for Florida, going where we are now to phase one is not a very big leap.”
“We are going to approach it in a very measured, thoughtful, data-driven way,” he continued.
DeSantis went on to say that tomorrow’s announcement will come after he reviews a report from the Re-Open Florida Task Force. The task force, which was assembled last week, includes corporate executives, elected officials, and other business leaders.
“We are going to make an announcement tomorrow. They submitted a report to me, and I’ll be reviewing that today,” DeSantis said.
Great meeting with President @realDonaldTrump at the @WhiteHouse discussing all things #COVID19 and FL’s strong efforts to protect vulnerable populations & to expand testing in an innovative way. @POTUS & his administration have provided great support for FL each step of the way. pic.twitter.com/jNkndpVg1m
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 28, 2020
Today’s comments by the governor come one day after he told reporters in Florida that the state will take “baby steps” when reopening Florida’s economy from the coronavirus economic shutdown. He also said on Monday that regions could reopen at different times and rates.
While DeSantis did reopen several beaches and parks in the state earlier this month, much of the state — such as nonessential businesses — continue to be on lockdown. States like Georgia and Colorado have already reopened their economies.
The stay-at-home order in Florida is set to expire at the end of the week.