The DIB has canceled Palafox Market dates through the end of March due to COVID-19 concerns. This pre-emptive action follows announcements by Escambia County and the City of Pensacola to cancel all publicly-permitted events with 500 or more people.
“We support the decisions made by Escambia County and the City of Pensacola, and consider the health of our Palafox Market vendors, our visitors and our community to be a top priority,†said DIB executive director Lissa Dees. “We will be closely monitoring the situation and will continue to communicate any updates to the Market schedule in the coming weeks.â€
Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials announced they will reassess the situation on Monday, March 30 to determine whether to continue or lift the cancellation of publicly-permitted events.
Escambia County, City Cancel Publicly-Permitted Events with 500+ People
Escambia County and the City of Pensacola are canceling all publicly-permitted events with 500 or more people starting Monday, March 16 in an abundance of caution related to COVID-19.
The action is being taken in response to a recommendation from Gov. Ron DeSantis that municipalities consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in the state of Florida.
This only applies to events that are permitted through Escambia County or the City of Pensacola. It does not include schools, churches, or other private events. Event organizers are encouraged to use their discretion and follow the directions of officials from the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if event cancellations are necessary.
“The well-being of the entire community is a top priority, and we are continuing to take preventative and protective actions against the transmission of COVID-19,†said Escambia County Chairman Steven Barry. “We will continue to monitor the situation and hope for a speedy and positive resolution to this unprecedented event.â€
Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials will reassess the situation after two weeks (Monday, March 30) and determine whether to continue or lift the cancellation of publicly-permitted events.
The city will work with event organizers to reschedule events as needed. Currently, the county does not have any publicly-permitted events that would be affected.
Residents are encouraged to use their discretion when it comes to attending public events.