Coronavirus Update: Jacksonville To Open Beaches, Parks With Restrictions

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The city of Jacksonville is reopening its beaches on a limited basis.

Mayor Lenny Curry said he is encouraged by the data that shows the curve of COVID-19 cases in his city is flattening.

He said the beaches will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Friday night.

The beaches can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing.

Jacksonville parks will also reopen on Friday, but an order to limit gatherings to fewer than 50 people will still be in effect.

The city sent out a statement saying "When Duval County beaches & parks open today from 5pm to 8pm it is for exercise only - No chairs, coolers, sunbathing, or towels/blankets laid out to sit on."

At a news conference in Fort Lauderdale, Gov. Ron DeSantis said some municipalities should feel free to start opening up parks and beaches, if that can be done safely, with distancing guidelines remaining in place.

The governor said it was important for people to have outlets for getting exercise, sunshine and fresh air.

"Do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way," DeSantis said.

Coronavirus