TAMPA, Fla. — "Phase one" for reopening Florida is underway and that has some Tampa Bay attractions coming out of quarantine.
While places are starting to slowly open back up, it could still take some time before Tampa Bay is back in the full swing of things.
Here's what is opening:
The Florida Aquarium
After being closed for almost eight weeks, the Florida Aquarium plans to reopen its doors Friday, May 15 with limited capacity.
People can start reserving their time slots starting May 7.
Things will look a little different as people make their way through the amazing underwater world.
Ticket sales will be all online and all other transactions will be done hands-free. All aquarium staff members will be wearing masks while they're out in public.
Touch exhibits like Moon Bay, the stingray touch tank, and the No Bone Zone will remain closed.
More information can be found on the aquarium's website.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa said Tuesday it plans to reopen "on or about June 1" after getting approval from city and county leaders for its modified operations plan during the pandemic.
The approved plan includes new guest protocols and these key changes:
- Limiting the number of guests to 50 percent of zoo capacity
- Enforcing six feet or more of social distancing
- Restricting the zoo's indoor venues to 25 percent capacity and emphasizing outdoor seating with staff supervision
- Adding safety and thermal monitoring stations at the entrance
- Hiring on-site EMTs
- Providing personal protective equipment to employees and offering disposable masks to guests for free
- Communicating and training employees on new safety protocols
- Shifting the start of Zoo Camp to the week of June 22
While the zoo has been closed for weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic, animal care staff have still been there looking after the 1,100 animals who live at ZooTampa.
RELATED: ZooTampa plans to reopen by June 1
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
If you've been missing Winter the dolphin, you're in luck — Clearwater Marine Aquarium will reopen May 15.
The aquarium has been closed for almost two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
And, to honor first responders, nurses, acitve duty military members and teachers, the aquarium is offering them free admission for special appreciation days on May 13 and 14.
While it is reopening, the aquarium is also implementing the following changes to keep visitors and employees safe:
- Attendance is limited to 25 percent of normal capacity
- Touchless transactions
- Guests required to make reservations for a certain date and time and buy tickets prior to arriving at the aquarium
- Signs and floor decals will promote social distancing
- Barriers installed at transaction areas
- All guest-facing staff will wear face masks
- All staff will have daily temperature checks
- Guests are urged to wear masks
Find more information about the aquarium reopening here.
Dinosaur World
You'll be able to take a step back in time again at Dinosaur World starting Thursday, May 7.
The Tampa Bay attraction said it was going to open its dino walk and indoor museum. But, all hands-on activities will be closed.
The park will be cutting ticket prices to $10 (plus tax) until everything can be reopened.
Are you looking for more information? Head to Dinosaur World's website.
American Victory Ship and Museum
Guests can once again step aboard the American Victory Ship and Museum, in downtown Tampa, on May 8.
The ship said that it will strictly observe new procedures and safeguards to provide a healthy and safe venue for all.
Interactive exhibits will be restricted and group capacity will be limited throughout the day with groups no larger than 8 being allowed on site.
The ship will resume normal hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. But organizers say that times are subject to change as they monitor interest.
You can check daily updates and hours here.
Tampa Bay History Center
Beginning at 10 a.m. on June 1, the Tampa Baty History Center is reopening its doors to the public. The center plans to reopen under guidelines set out by the state of Florida and the CDC.
Capacity will be limited in the gallery and theater presentations, all front-of-house staff will be wearing protective equipment and all ticket sales will be completed online.
Additional information can be found by clicking here.
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