Florida Opens Some Beaches On Day Of Biggest Coronavirus Case Increase

TOPLINE

Some Floridians flocked to the Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic beaches on Friday after Governor Ron DeSantis-amid sustained criticism for his handling of the pandemic-gave some local mayors permission to open up their shores on the same day the state appears to have recorded its highest surge in new coronavirus cases.

KEY FACTS

Florida, which has close to 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, recorded more than 1,400 new infections, in reportedly the state's highest one-day jump yet.

Under the new guidelines, beach activities are restricted to jogging, fishing, surfing, dog-walking and other forms of exercise, and leisure items, such as coolers, chairs and grills are not allowed.

While North Florida beaches begin to open, many municipalities in the south are keeping theirs closed for now, with Miami's mayor Carlos Gimenez-who tested positive for coronavirus in mid-March- saying restrictions will be eased "slowly and thoughtfully."

The reopened beaches offer a "pathway back to normal life," Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry said, but urged citizens to continue to practice social distancing.

Beach access is permitted daily between 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"It can't be worse than being on a golf course or being in the grocery store," one beachgoer told CNN.

CRUCIAL QUOTE

"Do it in a good way. Do it in a safe way," Governor Ron DeSantis said of allowing the local beaches to open up.

TANGENT

While many were thrilled to see the beaches reopened, one Florida population flourished during the closure: Sea turtles. According to a report from CNN, the empty beaches led to less litter and lighter foot traffic, allowing newly hatched eggs to emerge in peace.

FURTHER READING

After Much Pressure, Florida Governor Issues Stay-At-Home Order ( Forbes)

Joe Biden Leads Trump In Battleground State Florida, New Poll Shows ( Forbes)

Sea Turtles Are Thriving As Coronavirus Lockdown Empties Florida Beaches (CNN)