MARGATE - Mayor Michael Becker penned a letter June 5 greeting residents and visitors, welcoming them to enjoy a safe summer in Margate. In addition to asking residents to safely distance, wear masks indoors and be tolerant of others' differences, he encouraged them to enjoy the beach, shopping district and nights out at area restaurants.
As we welcome another summer in our wonderful Margate community we think of summers past and the memories we have of family gatherings and warm summer nights with friends enjoying dinner at home or at one of our famous Margate restaurants; or maybe we think of lazy beach afternoons or fishing or boating in the bay.
While this year will be different for all of us, we still have opportunities to make family memories in Margate in safe and healthy ways. Our staff has been working hard to plan events, safely open public recreational facilities and monitor the beach in ways that respect social distancing. Our City Commission is working closely with the Margate Business Association and individual businesses to assist them as businesses reopen with state imposed restrictions. We will be relaxing zoning regulations for the remainder of the year to permit restaurants with approved plans to use certain public areas and private parking lots to expand outside seating for dining either completely outside or under a tent covering. There will be additional days where outside rack sales are permitted for retail establishments within our business districts.
We ask that everyone, this summer in particular, respect each other's differences and risk tolerances as we enjoy Margate in ways that keep it safe for all of us. Please be courteous at all times, safely distance in all public activities and wear face masks when inside buildings, other than private homes, and when outside when social distancing is impractical.
Enjoy your summer and continue to make memories in Margate.
Sincerely,
Michael Becker, Mayor
