News

Naples business concerned with 14-day quarantine

Naples business concerned with 14-day quarantine

Photo: clipart.com


Naples (WGME) — As small businesses in Naples are looking ahead to summer, some are afraid of not seeing as many tourists as usual.

“This will be a very challenging year at best,” says Kent Uiker, with the Songo River Queen owner.

Kent Uiker runs the Songo River Queen, a tour boat that’s graced the waters of Long Lake for 50 years.

Uiker says his business relied on private charters with up to 150 people at a time.

“Those have all naturally canceled and I’ve had to return deposits on, so I’m running down into negative cash flow,” says Uiker.

With the Governor’s reopening guidelines he can only allow 10 people on the boat right now an option he says isn’t worth pursuing.

“I would lose more money by operating than I would by not operating,” says Uiker.

Uiker plans to wait until July 1st when he can allow up to 50 people on board he says he needs at least 30 to break even.

“This will get us through the season and hopefully get back to normal after that,” says Uiker.

The head of Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce says most businesses in the area need summer tourists to make it through the winter.

“I’m afraid they’re going to have to close,” says Robin Mullins with Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.

She says the mandatory two-week travel quarantine is going to hurt them.

“The thought of not having some of theses businesses here is absolutely devastating for me and for many people in this area,” says Mullins.

They both say the town will suffer if they aren’t able to welcome tourists.

“Usually people would like to be enjoying a little more activity than what we have to offer right now,” says Uiker.

The head of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce says they’re writing a letter to Governor Mills urging her to get rid of the mandatory two week quarantine.

They plan to send that letter this week.

Latest Headlines

23 minutes ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Fresh

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

25 minutes ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

Fresh

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

20 hours ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

21 hours ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.

24 hours ago in Local

Missing teens found after traffic stop in Portland

Portland Police say they located two missing teenagers from the Augusta area during traffic stop overnight Thursday morning.