Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive for State Governors to “call their own shots” regarding the COVID-19 shutdown, Governor Ron DeSantis eased social distancing measures in Florida. Mayor Lenny Curry even opted to reopen Jacksonville’s beaches to the public last April 17.
Locals were reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines and visit the beach “for essential activities only.” However, based on photos and videos of Jacksonville beach it seems that citizens are not being properly wary of crowds.
Image Credit: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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One Twitter user posted footage reportedly just 26 minutes after the beach reopened, showing several people dotting the shores.
https://twitter.com/travisakers/status/1251260796476305409?s=20
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CBS reports that the following activities are permitted at beaches in Jacksonville: walking and running; biking; fishing; dog walking; swimming; surfing; and participating in recreational activities consistent with social guidelines.
While the following are prohibited: sunbathing; towels and blankets; chairs; coolers; grills; loitering on the beach without moving, and congregating in groups larger than 10 people.
Image Credit: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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Beaches in the area remain open to the public from 6 am to 11 am then again from 5 pm to 8 pm every day.
“Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you know what to do to protect yourself,” Sarasota County Commissioner Michael Moran said, perhaps prematurely. “Now that everyone is educated on (health guidelines), now it’s time to open up our lives.”
As of April 28, several beaches in Florida remain open despite the United States recording over 1 million COVID-19 cases.
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