SOCIAL DISTANCING: Not all beach goers following CDC’s advice

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Jacksonville area beaches were packed today as people looked for things to do after coronavirus concerns had other events postponed or canceled altogether.

The pace at Jacksonville Beach stayed steady throughout the day, with lots of foot traffic and people soaking up the sun.

Some of them were heeding the CDC’s advice on being within six feet away from people in public, but others, not so much.

With nearly every major event canceled or postponed this weekend and Jacksonville parks closed, Jacksonville Beach became a go-to spot Sunday.

Action News Jax told you yesterday when the mayors of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach signed a declaration of emergency to help deal with COVID-19.

The City of Jacksonville Beach canceled all public meetings and city events until further notice, but city hall and the beaches will stay open.

Lifeguards we talked to say they have safety measures in place when it comes to COVID-19.

They say people coming to the beach should follow CDC guidelines and avoid large crowds because it can help stop the spread of the virus.

“We do have protective measures in place dealing with COVID-19 issues. We are also taking protective measures like any other public safety agency in the United States is doing,” said Lt. Max Ervanian.

“People are definitely staying in their own little lanes and keeping their kids to themselves. I don’t know about anybody else, but we do our own hygiene and routine. We don’t want to interact with anybody else,” said parent Shannelle Williams.

So far, the coronavirus is not keeping beach goers from enjoying spring break.

Four lifeguards will be on patrol throughout the month.

Police say their operations will continue as normal.

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