Partial government shutdown closed off national monuments to hundreds on Christmas Eve

With the partial government shutdown ending its third day Monday, top White House officials say it may continue into the new year. President Donald Trump has demanded $5 billion to build a southern border wall. However, Democrats refuse to fund it.

Until an agreement is made, Northeast Florida will experience a direct impact on some of its top tourist destinations.

STORY: Partial government shutdown could continue into 2019

STORY: An icon of Christmas cheer went dark, some parks close

Hundreds of people came to visit the Castillo de San Marco National Monument on Christmas Eve only to find the gate was locked. The organization behind the monument announced the fort will be closed during the shutdown and will not offer any NPS services.

“You come a long way and you have this expectation and part of the trip is coming here, it’s historical, and because of decisions that are made affect us, it’s unfortunate,” Sherry Taveras said.

Fort Matanza and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve were also closed Monday. Action News Jax reached out for a comment and is waiting to hear back.

“It’s the holidays, right,” Jonathan Collings said. “So sometimes when the holidays come you put your differences aside and people come together.”

Cox Media Group