PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - The return of high school sports is inching closer.

Monday was the first day student-athletes were allowed to return to campus to take part in strength and conditioning drills in Pinellas County.

Before 8 a.m, the Lakewood High School football team in St. Petersburg was working up a sweat on their campus field.

"Football is very important to me because we build a bond. It's like a second family," said Camari Berry, a junior who plays on the team.

Because of Covid-19, many of the players haven't seen each other or their coaches since March.

With Florida gradually re-opening and Gov. Ron DeSantis lifting restrictions on summer youth activities, the school district decided to start allowing student athletes back for workouts.

The district's "Return to Play" plan has three phases:

Phase I (June 15-June 28) - Outdoor facility workouts only. Gyms, locker rooms and weight rooms will not be open. No more than 30 participants at the facility at one time, with a maximum of 10 in each group, including coaches.

Phase II (June 29-July 12) - Re-evaluate conditions and adjust guidelines accordingly. Weight room and gym use will be considered. The number of participants allowed at the facility at one time will be reviewed and adjusted as needed.

Phase III (July 13-July 26) - Re-evaluate conditions and adjust guidelines accordingly. 

The new guidelines also require daily screening of staff and athletes for Covid-19 symptoms and the use of masks.

During Phase I, workouts are only being held Monday-Thursday and students are being told to leave campus as soon as the workout is over.

Lakewood High School football coach Cory Moore said he and his staff are working overtime to make sure they comply with all the new rules.

"At the end of the day, life is more important than any physical activity. These precautions may be a little uncomfortable but if it's going to take that for us to be healthy and for the guys and coaches to go home safe then so be it," he said.