Florists prepare for opening as state restrictions loosen

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The state's choice to ease the Shelter in Place order may have come at the perfect time.

"Mother's Day is the Super Bowl of all Super Bowls as far as florists are concerned. That and Valentine's Day," said owner of Swenson and Silacci Flowers, Mark Silacci.

Just days from one of the busiest holidays of the year, florists are given the 'green light' from state officials. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that florists, clothing stores, bookstores and sporting goods stores can open their doors for curb-side pick-up on Friday, May 8.

"We come out and bring it to them and then back away. That's how we're delivering right now, as well," said Silacci.

Silacci said while he is excited to potentially open sooner than expected, he adds that it won't happen overnight. Their showroom has stayed dark since March and have had to lay off a number of employees.

"Normally you would see 25, 30, 40 people running around in here. It's more like 10, 15 people a day. It's a bit of challenge but we are doing alright," said Silacci.

Silacci said he has a lot he wants to do before reopening his shops located in both Salinas and Monterey. He intends to order the proper protective and cleaning equipment and wait for the 'go ahead' from local officials.

"I'll look at that with my team here to see if that's something we are ready to do in Monterey County," said Dr. Edward Moreno with the Monterey County Health Department, in response to Newsom's announcement.

Monterey County Health Officials are expected to release an update to the Shelter in Place guidelines, in response to the state's new orders.