The mayor of Jacksonville, Fla., said that the city’s beaches and parks will reopen at 5 p.m. Friday, but with restrictions as the Coronavirus outbreak continues across the state and country.
The beaches and parks will be open for essential activities only, which per Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) executive order include walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming and surfing as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
“This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry (R) said Thursday. “Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbors.”
Additionally, parks will resume their normal operating hours, but the city’s beaches will only be open for use between 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Certain park activities such as overnight camping and organized group gatherings are still prohibited, according to Curry’s statement.
Measures to reopen the economy have become a central talking point across the nation as cities and states feel the impact of nationwide lockdowns.
President Trump on Thursday unveiled guidance for a phased reopening of the U.S. economy but left the final decision to states’ governors.
DeSantis faced criticism in late March after initially resisting pressure to close state beaches and issue a stay-at-home order.
He issued an official statewide stay-at-home order on April 1, which was set for 30 days.
Sources:
The Hill: Beaches, parks to reopen in Jacksonville, Fla., on Friday
Featured and Top Images Courtesy of Carol VanHook’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
