Speaking to the media on Friday, Florida state governor Ron De Santis confirmed that approval had been authorised for certain state beaches and parks to reopen but only in a safe manner.

North Florida beaches were the first to open following recent shutdown as a measure to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

In an address, Lenny Curry (Mayor of Jacksonville) stated that said Duval County beaches were set to reopen on Friday afternoon but with restricted hours. The beach can only be used however for: walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, surfing and walking pets.

The beaches will be open from 6 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m and a later social media posted from the City of Jacksonville reminded citizens that sunbathing was prohibited with gatherings of 50 or more people outlawed and all beach users requested to practice social distancing.

South Florida and Miami Beach

Florida officials were recently criticized for leaving beaches open during part of the spring break period last month. Most counties closed their beaches in response or kept them open under very restrictive conditions. Other more high-profile beaches in South Florida — including Miami Beach — were closed by state order and remain so.

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