All of Duval County’s public beaches will are reopening at 5 p.m. Friday, nearly a month after they were closed to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
But, Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown said it won’t be like it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No coolers. And don’t bring your blanket and the frisbee. We’re not going to allow that. It’s not going to be like normal weekends as we’ve known in the past. Right now it’s open for exercise only.”
Allowable activities include walking, biking, fishing, swimming, running, surfing and walking the dog.
Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic beaches will only be open mornings from 6 to 11 and evenings from 5 to 8.
Brown said police will be on hand to make sure people follow the rules.
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“It’s about public safety. And if we feel as though the guidelines are not being adhered to and that it’s not safe for people and it’s not safe for residents here at the beach, then we’ll close them again.”
She and the other Beaches mayors will be getting daily reports from the police.
Mayor Brown talked with WJCT News after Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry made the initial announcement Thursday afternoon.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
