Baseball legend Yogi Berra used to say, "It gets late early out there."

The merchants in Whittier understand this. Summer is still a month away but as late May approaches and the weather warms, their season is already here.

Time, however, may not help some local businesses this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen to it.

"We have a steady trickle but not a normal amount of business for this time of year," said Kelly Bender who co-owns Lazy Otter Charters in Whittier with her husband Mike.

Right now, it should be moving into the next gear. Tourists looking to get a jump before the rest of the crowd would be arriving. Shrimpers and locals taking advantage of the surroundings would typically see May as an opportunity.

But as COVID-19 digs in, the Benders hang on.

Full story: https://www.ktva.com/story/42139060/f...