TOLEDO, Ohio — Friday's nice weather brought a number of people to Toledo's downtown for dinner, drinks and a bit of sunshine.
The city closed off a few streets to let bars and restaurants serve more people safely and recoup some of the losses brought on by coronavirus.
Road blocks were put in place, picnic tables assembled and restaurant owners prepared for yet another adaptation to help their business during the pandemic.
"I'm hoping that people feel that it's more safe to come out and support being that it's outdoors and we have the opportunity to be more distant from other people. All the guidelines are still in place, it's not a block party setup at all," Zack Jacobs, owner of Ottawa Tavern said.
It's been less than a month since restaurants were allowed to open for outdoor dining. Since then, they've been allowed to bring customers inside but still have to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.
Roberts is being cautious with each new step.
"This has kind of been a slow roll out, I personally don't mind being a step behind the way everything is going because I'd rather do it safely, responsibly and cautiously," Jacobs said.
Just down Adams Street, Manhattan's has picnic tables spread out, and they quickly fill up around dinnertime.
For one couple, the night out was a rare treat since the virus.
"It's just great, it's our second time out, so being all holed up all winter long, it's just great being outside," Andy Lucas said.
The pair said they would enjoy every minute of it until the roads close again for dining.
"We're downtown, it's sunny, it's great, can't beat it," Lucas said.
The closures will be implemented every Friday at 5 p.m. until midnight and Saturday from 12 p.m. through 10 p.m. until further notice.
However, city leaders warn that the street closures can only continue if the guidelines are followed.
Below are the streets that will be closed at the designated times:
- Adams Street between 20th and 17th streets.
- Adams Street between 15th and 14th
- Huron Street between Monroe and Washington Streets.