No issues on first day of beaches reopening, St. Johns County authorities say

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County authorities reported Saturday that there were no serious incidents when the county’s beaches reopened for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

As Action News Jax has been reporting, St. Johns opened one day after Duval County, with similar restrictions on hours and activities.

“I wanted to be out here the minute they opened it,” Katrina Hammock said.

Victoria Marino said she witnessed distancing issues.

“A lot of people are walking really close to each other, so it’s a little bit stressful to just have a cesspool or everything we’ve been afraid of this whole time, but I think if people stick to the rules more it’ll be a lot easier,” Marino said.

The beaches will only be open from 6 a.m. until noon, seven days a week.

Like Duval County, they’re only open for physical activity, so chairs, umbrellas and coolers aren’t allowed.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Commander Scott Beaver said five deputies patrolled on ATVs from Vilano Beach to the Jax Beach line, but there were no serious incidents.

“Our first thing is we’re going to warn, and then maybe if we have to the second time, we’ll issue a citation, and very last resort we will remove somebody from the beach,” Beaver said.

St. Augustine Beach police said they may have had bigger crowds than Micklers, but had no problems, as well.

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