The City of Apalachicola is opening up some parking spaces to restaurants so they can increase their outdoor dining options

The City of Apalachicola is opening up some parking spaces to restaurants so they can increase their outdoor dining options.

The City Commission voted Friday morning to allow restaurants to use up to 24 parking spaces on the North Side of Avenue D between Market street and Water Street.

The move starts at noon today.

The city called the move an experiment designed to help local businesses while also protecting public health.

Its not without precedent.

That area was used by restaurants after Hurricane Michael when they were serving free food to hurricane survivors and relief workers.

The program does not allow for live music or other entertainment.

Under the rule, restaurants will be responsible for for maintaining social distancing and cleaning procedures to protect the public from COVID-19.

They will also have to provide restroom and hand washing facilities as well as city-approved barricades necessary for public safety.

The City has the option of stopping the program at any time and said it will meet next Tuesday to discuss how things are working.

City Commissioner Adriane Elliot said if the program is successful she would like to see it expanded to retail shops as well.

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