The problem with running a bi-weekly newspaper is timing. Even before social media this was an issue. Watermark goes to press roughly 40 hours before it hits the stands, leaving a window of uncertainty. There have been instances where something in our pages was obsolete by the time the articles were in the hands of our readers.
More often, a story we worked on would change at the last minute, leaving the editorial team to scramble to replace it. Such is the case with this issue. We had planned to report to you the amazing events and good times coming our way with Tampa Pride. Unfortunately, and quickly, societal norms changed and forced a postponement of the annual event.
I sat in the room with the Tampa Pride board as they made the decision to move the event and my heart goes out to them. Safety first was their mantra, rightly so, but still it was somber to see the hard work put into Pride get delayed. Since that meeting the community at large has seen a slew of cancellations, postponements and uncertainty. There is the expected fear one might associate with a pandemic, getting sick or passing a virus on to a loved one who is vulnerable. In addition we have the daunting fear for our jobs, businesses and nonprofits.
It’s time like this that I reflect on my childhood memories of my mom, the consummate momma’s boy that I am. She seemed to know what to say in any circumstance. Whether helping me navigate the pitfalls of school cliques or offering comfort to other baseball moms, she always had great advice to give.
In an effort to make her proud, and to steal a page from Bill Maher, let me offer this advice: Safety, sleep and stress. Above all else, make sure you are safe. Follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines, available in this issue, to protect yourself and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus. You may not be at personal risk for a hard fought battle with this virus, but we all know someone who is and it is our responsibility to do our part in keeping it contained.
Secondly, get sleep. Keep your body rested and your immune system strong. Finally, find ways to reduce stress. Sometimes that means stepping away from the 24-hour news cycle. Look into how the Small Business Administration can help your business and nonprofit organizations, as well as packages hopefully rolling out of Congress soon for individuals suffering financially from this pandemic.
As I alluded to in the beginning of this column, it’s hard to know what will change in the time between my typing these words and the printing and distribution of this issue. I’ve never been a fan of speculative news so I won’t even try to predict the future. What I do know is that we have faced adversity before. Our community has suffered greatly at the hands of HIV/AIDS, our country suffered through September 11, 2001 and the world suffered through the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. We have helped each other through immeasurable odds before and we can do it again.
Please look out for each other. Help where you can. I have said many times in these pages that we need you to support those who support you. That has never been truer than right now. If you are able to pick up a copy of the paper, please do so and keep it with you. Flip through the pages to not just read the stories, but support those who advertise. If you can’t get a physical copy, sign onto our website, WatermarkOnline.com, and flip though the digital version of the paper. Those businesses that brave this hardship with us are what keep us going, allowing us to bring the news of this community to you.
In this issue of Watermark we look at how the COVID-19 coronavirus is affecting Central Florida and Tampa Bay. We show you what the CDC and local municipalities recommend to keep yourself safe, while letting you know how businesses and organizations are being impacted.
Missing from this issue will be our Event Planner. In compliance with CDC recommendations many of the events have been cancelled. We do check in with local actor Philip Ancheta and his experience traveling with the tour of “Miss Saigon,” which was scheduled to play in both Tampa and Orlando. We also offer a humorous look at social distancing from local radio host and comedian Sabrina Ambra.
We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
