Crowds flock to resumed Jacksonville beaches as Florida strikes record coronavirus cases

Mayor Lenny Curry resumed beaches and parks in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday, after Governor Ron DeSantis okayed for them to resume, despite the state hitting a record number of coronavirus cases. When they opened at 5 p.m., crowds flooded the location, neglecting social distancing warnings.

Curry said leisure activities constant with social distancing standards such as strolling, biking, treking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of family pets and surfing are considered necessary and do not contradict DeSantis’ executive order. Activities such as sunbathing, grilling, and congregating in large groups are prohibited.

” This can be the start of the path back to regular life,” stated Curry. “Please respect and follow these constraints. Stay within the guidelines for your security along with for the security of your neighbors.”

However pictures of the Jacksonville beaches show numerous people strolling, swimming and talking in large groups– lots of without face masks. Twitter users on Saturday morning called out Floridians for not taking appropriate safety measures, as “Florida idiots” trended nationwide.

When the infection initially struck the U.S., DeSantis was criticized for not closing down the state. Countless individuals– including careless spring breakers– packed the state beaches at the time, resulting in closures.

” What we’re trying to do is maintain a circumstance where we’re not crowding the beach. We still need to be cognizant of the six-foot range between individuals,” Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham told press reporters Friday. “And we’re seeking to keep individuals from just collecting out here. First, we inform people what the rules are. We caution if they do not comply. And after that we take additional action, if needed, if they still do not comply.”