Non-snowbirds just don’t get it. Oh sure − it’s about the weather, the sun, the temperatures (even if Fahrenheit), the shorts, slathering sunscreen, the beach, the pool and tee-off times in February. But for Florida, California’s Coachella Valley, Texas and Arizona snowbirds, it’s about so much more. It’s about familiarity. Thinking about (andmissing) the warm ’n fuzzies of home-away-from-home. The favourite dish from that favourite menu. The favourite fitting rooms. Up and down the familiar grocery aisles. And nice days on favourite golf courses. The lingering impact of COVID-19 commotion continues to be a tricky part of the decision-making scramble for Canada’s 375,000 snowbirds. Airlines are more flexible about cancellations, the American CDC just gave cruise lines a conditional okay to resume sailings and, although Canadian COVID-19 rules will likely change by the time many snowbirds flock home in the spring, mandatory 14-day quarantines are in place. Snowbirds anxiously hope for a vaccine and weigh the risks (sometimes until the last minute), while irresistibly drawn to their favourite homes-away-from-home. Eastern Canada snowbirds are making decisions about mostly Florida and Texas beaches, malls, villas and condos. Western Canada snowbirds are tempted by the Arizona or California weather, golf courses, State parks and breathtaking scenery. Since most COVID-19 news updates are national or regional, it’s impossible to be up to date about local specifics. Homesick blues or not, snowbirds can’t help but wonder: is it busy and are they wearing masks at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, near Port Charlotte? Is there a wait to get on the greens at Heritage Palms in Indio, Mangrove Bay in St. Pete, Palmview in McAllen, Cleveland Heights Checking In with Homes Away From Home by John Hardy in Lakeland or the Longbow in Mesa? How is the date crop and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked date bread at Shields Date Garden in Indio? Are there crowds at La Plaza Mall in McAllen? So, CSANews checked in for an update. While there’s sunshiny rivalry between Florida’s East andWest Coasts, sheer numbers show that snowbirds flock to the Gulf Coast. Particularly the St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Bradenton and Port Charlotte areas. Florida issued a broad reopening inmid-summer; masks are not mandatory, but most Florida areas have local-specific COVID-19 guidelines in place. “The St. Pete/Clearwater destination welcomes more than 122,000 Canadian snowbirds each year,” says the affable Chris Steinocher, president & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s the fabulous weather, the 35 miles of white sandy beaches and, because our St. Petersburg focus is recreating the walkable city for the 21st century, the sidewalks are filled with local shops, galleries, breweries and eateries. Our new $80 million St. Pete Pier Park just opened this July.” He admits that in St. Pete, like in most parts of North America, there are new normals virtually everywhere. “We have gone through a learning curve to be safe at all times. ‘The St. PetersburgWay’ makes safety the #1 issue for our businesses and, although initially there were temporary closings and reconfigurations, we’re now fully reopened. An official St. Petersburg requirement is wearing masks in public places, except outdoors and in partially enclosed areas and residences. Different communities may post different regulations, but we’re asking all visitors to bring a mask to match their bathing suit,” he laughs. “They will need both!” St. Petersburg is a favourite Canadian snowbird homeaway-from-home COVID-19 40 | www.snowbirds.org
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