Here’s what you need to know about Duval County beaches opening

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Lenny Curry announced that Duval County beaches will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Monday, May 4, but restrictions on allowed activities are still in full effect.

Only activities consistent with social distancing guidelines are allowed: walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, walking pets & surfing. No congregating on walkways or crossovers, sunbathing, towels, blankets, chairs, coolers, or grills are allowed.

In Jacksonville Beach, public parking is available West of 1st Street. Public parking lots and end zones will be closed East of 1st Street.

As of Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m., parks that are owned and operated by the City of Jacksonville resumed normal hours. However, Mayor Curry’s Executive Order that limits gatherings to fewer than 50 people, still stands. In addition:

• City of Jacksonville golf courses will reopen during normal operating hours, but individuals must follow social distancing requirements
• No overnight camping at Hanna or Huguenot parks is permitted
• Playground amenity usage must follow social distancing requirements
• No organized group activities are permitted – this includes picnics or gatherings, team sports, or any type of group activity
• All park restroom facilities will remain closed
• Pavilions and picnic areas will remain closed

Jacksonville Beach locals are excited to again enjoy the surf and sand, as long as people take precautions.

“It’s huge,” Sandy Davidson said. “I think it’s going to be a big help for the community.”

“If people will follow the guidelines and they’ll remain in small groups and they’ll stay away from each other and they’ll follow all the social distancing requirements, then it’s not that much different than going to the grocery store,” Charlene Taylor added.

Jax Beach Mayor Charlie Latham said officers are following a ‘three strikes, you’re out’ policy of sorts. He said police try to educate first, warn second, and an arrest or notice to appear comes third.

He said officers had to act twice during the closure, and one resulted in arrest.

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