FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
Opening of County Beaches
Nassau County, Florida, April 30, 2020- At yesterday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to reopen County beaches (Peters Point south to State Park) effective beginning Friday, May 1, 2020. Beaches will be open each day from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Beaches, parking lots, and beach walkovers will close at 9:01 p.m. and remain closed until 5:59 a.m.
Most normal uses such as walking, sitting, laying out, swimming, fishing, surfing, and playing in the sand will be allowed subject to following CDC guidelines for social distancing. Please note that beach driving (except for official vehicles used by the Sheriff, Fire Department, turtle patrol, and State agencies), camping and commercial activities such as horseback riding is not allowed at this time.
It’s also important to note that lifeguards will not be on duty until Monday, May 4th.
There had been previous discussion to limit parking to Nassau County residents, however that specific provision was not approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Parking areas will be open on a first come, first served basis.
Emergency Management Director, Greg Foster, participated in the meeting and while he didn’t have concerns about reopening the beaches, he did state, “COVID-19 is still a danger. Residents need to remain vigilant and continue to maintain social distancing guidelines as recommended by the Center for Disease Control”.
The Board echoed his comments. Chairman Leeper added, “We are confident that residents will do the right thing and follow those CDC guidelines by remaining six feet apart and limiting groups to 10 or less”.
The Board’s first priority is still the health and safety of Nassau County residents. Governor DeSantis provided an update yesterday indicating that the pandemic has not affected Florida as badly as originally expected and introduced phase one of his Florida recovery plan. This was a major factor in the Board’s decision to go ahead and reopen the beaches.
Should it be determined that individuals are not following CDC guidelines, the Board may be forced to reevaluate beach use again in the future. Individuals who have concerns and those who are considered to be most vulnerable should continue to shelter in place to the extent possible.
Note: The City of Fernandina Beach made a decision yesterday to open their beaches (the area between Ft. Clinch State Park and Peters Point) beginning at 6am on Monday, May 4, 2020.
**********************************************************************************
Should you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
Opening of County Beaches
Nassau County, Florida, April 30, 2020- At yesterday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to reopen County beaches (Peters Point south to State Park) effective beginning Friday, May 1, 2020. Beaches will be open each day from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Beaches, parking lots, and beach walkovers will close at 9:01 p.m. and remain closed until 5:59 a.m.
Most normal uses such as walking, sitting, laying out, swimming, fishing, surfing, and playing in the sand will be allowed subject to following CDC guidelines for social distancing. Please note that beach driving (except for official vehicles used by the Sheriff, Fire Department, turtle patrol, and State agencies), camping and commercial activities such as horseback riding is not allowed at this time.
It’s also important to note that lifeguards will not be on duty until Monday, May 4th.
There had been previous discussion to limit parking to Nassau County residents, however that specific provision was not approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Parking areas will be open on a first come, first served basis.
Emergency Management Director, Greg Foster, participated in the meeting and while he didn’t have concerns about reopening the beaches, he did state, “COVID-19 is still a danger. Residents need to remain vigilant and continue to maintain social distancing guidelines as recommended by the Center for Disease Control”.
The Board echoed his comments. Chairman Leeper added, “We are confident that residents will do the right thing and follow those CDC guidelines by remaining six feet apart and limiting groups to 10 or less”.
The Board’s first priority is still the health and safety of Nassau County residents. Governor DeSantis provided an update yesterday indicating that the pandemic has not affected Florida as badly as originally expected and introduced phase one of his Florida recovery plan. This was a major factor in the Board’s decision to go ahead and reopen the beaches.
Should it be determined that individuals are not following CDC guidelines, the Board may be forced to reevaluate beach use again in the future. Individuals who have concerns and those who are considered to be most vulnerable should continue to shelter in place to the extent possible.
Note: The City of Fernandina Beach made a decision yesterday to open their beaches (the area between Ft. Clinch State Park and Peters Point) beginning at 6am on Monday, May 4, 2020.
**********************************************************************************
Should you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.
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