Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis gave the green light today for some beaches and parks to reopen if it can be done safely after beaches were closed for weeks because of the coronavirus.
North Florida was the first area to see these changes, allowing the turn up to return to its beaches, according to Click Orlando. Jacksonville Mayor, Lenny Curry, said Duval County’s beaches were reopening Friday afternoon with restricted hours. Curry said the beaches can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.
The beaches will be open between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Curry said in a video posted to social media. Gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited and people must still have to keep their distance from one another.
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“Folks, this could be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life, but please respect and follow these limitations,” Curry said in the video. “We’ll get back to life as we know it but we must be patient.”
Florida officials were getting tore up on social media for allowing beaches to remain open during spring break last month. Most counties closed their beaches in response or kept them open under very restrictive conditions.
The more poppin’ beaches however, such as Miami Beach in South Florida, were closed by state order.
At a news conference in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis said that some municipalities should feel free to start opening up parks and beaches, but it would have to be done safely with distancing guidelines remaining in place.
DeSantis said it was important for people to have access to the amenities that outside provides including sunshine and fresh air as well as an opportunity to exercise.
“Do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way,” DeSantis said.
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