Flagler County Beaches Re-open 24-7 Tomorrow for Exercise Activities

Social distancing requirements remain, as the intent is to allow for physical and mental health activities – exercising, not socializing – walking, biking, surfing, fishing, not congregating.

PALM COAST, FL — April 25, 2020 — Today Flagler County and its beachfront municipalities are announcing that effective at 7 a.m. tomorrow –  Sunday, April 26 – all 18 miles of beaches will be re-opening around the clock to allow residents physical and mental health activities.

“The overwhelming compliance with social distancing that we continue to witness in our parks and at our beaches validates that the time is right for this to occur,” said County Administrator Jerry Cameron.

Social distancing requirements remain in place with the beach reopening, as the intent is to allow for physical and mental health activities – exercising not socializing – walking, biking, surfing, fishing, not congregating. Additionally, those fishing will be allowed to carry a small cooler or container for bait and tackle use.

“We are supportive of the beach reopening decision made by community leaders,” said Florida Department of Health-Flagler Administrator Bob Snyder. “In normal times, we advocate physical activity through walking, running, surfing, and enjoying the outdoors. So ‘exercise, don’t socialize,’ keep moving, and don’t forget your sunblock and other protective health measures.”

The unincorporated areas of the beach – inclusive of Beverly Beach and Marineland – will be open all day. However, the County’s beachfront parking lots and restrooms may not be accessible until Tuesday to provide the County Park’s staff enough time to remove barriers and clean restrooms. Parks are not open 24 hours a day – they are open sunrise to sunset – boat ramp usage is permitted after hours.

The city of Flagler Beach will reopen its six-mile segment of the beach at the same time. However, for the time being, the City’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk bathrooms, parking on A1A in front of the Boardwalk, and the City’s Pier will remain closed. Access to the Beach will be allowed from 3rd Street North to the northern city limits, and, from 9th Street South to the southern city limits. The dune walkovers on the Boardwalk will remain closed. Fishing on the beach and dog walking will only be permitted north of 10th Street North and south of 10th Street South.

“When the beaches opened earlier this week under restricted timeframes, the level of compliance in Flagler Beach was outstanding,” said Police Chief Matt Doughney. “We’re respectfully asking that all beach visitors continue to comply with CDC guidelines and abide by social distancing of at least six feet. We’ve got six miles of beaches in our City, so please spread out, stay active, and stay safe.”

Public health and well-being are at the forefront of all policy decisions.

“We continue to head towards the new normal, as our understanding of COVID-19 grows,” Said Jonathan Lord, Emergency Management Director, “As our daily routines expand, we must continue to protect ourselves and others through the ongoing use of cloth face coverings and social distancing,”

All residents and businesses must abide by Executive and Emergency Orders, and follow the Florida Department of Health and CDC guidance, to include:

• Staying home except when engaged in essential services or activities
• Wearing cloth face coverings when out in public
• Practicing aggressive social distancing at all times – people should keep a minimum of 6 feet of space between one another, and keep groups to less than 10, which includes while shopping and waiting in the check-out line
• Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoiding close contact with people who are, or may be, sick

Additionally, those who are sick and/or told to self-isolate are to: remain at home unless seeking medical care, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a facemask around others, and disinfect touched surfaces daily.

COVID-19 health-related questions or concerns should be directed to your regular healthcare provider or the Florida Health hotline at 866-779-6121.

COVID-19 business concerns should be directed to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation at 866-532-1440.

All other COVID-19 government services questions or concerns may be directed to a specific municipality or the Emergency Operations Center at 386-313-4200.

Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, and follow the “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management” on Social Media. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:

Flagler County Government

• Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment

Flagler County Emergency Management

• Facebook.com/FlaglerEOC
• Twitter.com/FlaglerEOC
• Instagram.com/FlaglerEOC