NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — John Grubner has lived in Fernandina Beach for the last 20 years. He moved down from upstate New York.
“We come to the beach every day and send pictures back home to make people jealous,” Grubner said.
Nassau County and the City of Fernandina closed its beaches last month to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Grubner told Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon for now he’ll have to wait a little longer to get back on the sand.
Story continues below:
Nassau County commissioners agreed to open up the beaches on May 6 or sooner. They said they want to coordinate with the City of Fernandina Beach.
Commissioner Aaron Bell agreed the beaches need to open soon but with restrictions, like exercise.
“I think the more beach for walking and biking I think would be perfectly fine because, if anything, it’s going to make us more healthy,” Bell said.
County leaders said when the beaches do re-open, it should only be from 6 a.m. to noon. Sunbathing or sitting out will not be allowed and people will still need to practice social distancing.
Commissioners expressed concern over overcrowding at beaches like Peters Point or American if they only partially open some of beaches. They worry it could cause a spike in COVID-19 cases.
"That's smart, they get a chance to see how the rest of the beaches have done here in Florida, if people are compliant," Grubner said.
Despite the fact that the beaches are still closed, there were plenty of people out on Wednesday checking out the waves from a distance. Law enforcement has been patrolling to keep people off the beaches.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Fernandina Beach Police department told Action News Jax they haven’t had to write any citations since the beaches closed.
Nassau County leaders said they’ll be discussing their recommendations with the City of Fernandina and see if state parks like Fort Clinch and Amelia Island open up soon.