Several Floridians shared their personal stories of how the pandemic has affected them in a video shared during Governor DeSantis' State of the State address.
"I'm Ralph Lewis, third generation co-owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse."
That West Palm Beach restaurant owner talks about having to lay off his staff when the lockdown went into effect, while a server named Theresa Hodgdon expressed her feelings when the governor lifted Covid restrictions on the industry.
"Back in action! A hundred percent back in action. I was never so excited to be able to come in and put my vest and tie on."
Also in the video were seniors, like Julie and Ira Sabin of Boca Raton, who talked about looking forward to spending time with family again, now that the vaccines are available.
People who work in schools also shared their stories, like Nadia Winston. The principal of Central Avenue Elementary School in Kissimmee says that she missed the kids when they weren't on campus and said that having the students back when schools reopened last summer worked out well for the staff as well as the students because "we missed the interaction."
Parents also speak out in the video about being happy for their kids, who have the option to head to school, unlike what has been going on in many other states.
Photo: Office of the Governor