Jacksonville beaches to reopen for ‘essential activities’

Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida, will be reopened for limited hours beginning Friday evening, following President Trump’s announcement that governors could decide when to open their states back up, the city’s mayor announced Thursday.

Mayor Lenny Curry said beaches and parks would reopen in the county for essential uses including recreational activities at an appropriate social distance, including walking, fishing, biking, swimming and dog walking.

“This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life,” Curry said. “Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbors.”

The beaches will open from 6 to 11 a.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. each day for the limited activities, ABC News reported. But swimmers and surfers will go into the water at their own risk.

The Jacksonville parks will also reopen but gatherings must still be limited to 50 people or less.

Local resident Deborah Melvin said, “This is really a crazy bad idea,” according to the ABC report.

“I’m afraid. I’m afraid for myself. I’m afraid for my family. Everybody should use their common sense,” Melvin said.

The announcement came on the heels of Trump revealing his plan to open up America again starting May 1 in phases as states show a downward trend of COVID-19 cases. Trump ultimately left the decision up to each state’s governor.