Florida beaches reopened on April 17 as officials relaxed social distancing rules, prompting locals to flock to the shore.
Residents had been told they must adhere to social distancing guidelines and visit the beaches for ‘essential activities only.’
“This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life. Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbours,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
Curry wrote on Twitter: “We remain under a State and local safer at home order. Limited access to beaches/ parks is for recreational activities only. No chairs, coolers, sitting/groups congregating. Public safety workers will break up groups. Use these spaces responsibly. Don’t ruin this for everyone.”
News4jax.com reported that people cheered when barriers to beach access were removed at Neptune, Atlantic and Jacksonville beaches.
An aircraft was also spotted overhead with a message to people: “Do your part. Stay 6 feet apart. Help keep beaches open.”
According to CBS, the following activities are allowed at beaches in Jacksonville: running and walking; dog walking; surfing; biking; fishing; swimming; and participating in recreational activities.
Prohibited activities and objects include loitering on the beach without moving; sunbathing; blankets and towels; coolers; chairs; and congregating in groups of more than ten people.
Videos and photos of Jacksonville Beach show large crowds of locals enjoying the sun and fresh air only 26 minutes after opening, prompting some residents to slam the move as ‘idiotic.’
One internet user tweeted: “The stupidity is strong in Florida.”
Another sarcastically wrote: “Great job @GovRonDeSantis and @lennycurry. Nothing like taking your parachute off 1,000 feet before landing.”
Someone else said: “My heart dropped. This affects more than just Florida. I can’t joke about it. It’s not meme time. This constant refusal to accept reality. The constant need to make everything a conspiracy. Even in the face of death… God help us.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!