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Tampa businesses ready to take a step forward with Phase 1

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TAMPA, Fla. — Photographer Andi Diamond has missed taking pictures, but she’s really missed working with people.

“It’s been rough. I’ve had just to completely pivot how I do things and make a new normal for the past eight weeks now," said Diamond.

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With weddings postponed and graduation ceremonies canceled, Diamond has lost out on thousands of dollars.

She’s easing back to business with family photo shoots.

“I cannot wait to get back out there. I love being with my family, but I love being with my clients, too," said Diamond.

Michael Stewart owns 717 South and Ava in South Tampa.

They’ve been doing take out, but are now ready to welcome customers back inside.

Seating will be at 25% as the Governor’s order says of Phase one.

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But they are moving tables outside, even along the sidewalk.

There’s no limit there as long as people are seated six feet apart.

Stewart says they are doing everything possible to prevent transmission.

“We are doing the temperature reading. We are doing the social distancing. We are doing wipe down everything. Everyone will be wearing masks. I’ll be wearing one," Stewart said.

Stewart says it appears people are anxious to dine in again. He’s taken 100 reservations for Ava for Monday alone.

“Just right before you walked in the phone rang. Are you open tonight? Yeah we are open," he said.

At Stewart’s restaurants, he’s really happy to have all his employees back working.

There is still a long way to go, but this new normal will have to do for now.