(© FlaglerLive)
Last Updated: 3:30 p.m.
After sustaining intense pressure from residents and from some county officials, and with beaches reopened to the north and south, Flagler Beach plans to re-open its beach on a limited basis starting next week, as does the county.
The beach will open from 7 a.m. to midday, or possibly only to 10 a.m., with activities limited to exercise, swimming, surfing, and any other activity that does not entail stationary behavior such as sunbathing or socializing in large groups. Social distancing guidelines will still be in place. According to a plan discussed at a meeting of county and city officials today, Flagler County beaches would also have afternoon hours.
The pier will remain closed, as will the boardwalk. The parking ban will remain in place along the boardwalk, and fishing will not be allowed in the area on either side of the Pier, according to information the Flagler Beach police chief conveyed to city officials late Friday. The city and the county were to announce the reopening in a pair of releases either later today or Sunday. (At 3:30 Saturday afternoon, the county issued a release stating that “The exact details continue to be ironed out, and a formal announcement will likely be made on Tuesday.”)
County and city officials were still discussing the details, but absent an unexpected turn of events, the plans’ broader outlines were set, with only details to be filled in such as precise hours and possibly the actual day of reopening. Officials are nervous about messaging.
How either the county or the city will enforce the measures is unclear but the Flagler Beach police chief and the sheriff at today’s meeting said they would deploy policing on ATVs, though they don’t intend to police such things as mask-wearing. Flagler Beach and Bunnell are in agreement with the plan. Palm Coast is not, though the plan, still at the administrative level, must still be vetted by elected city and county officials.
During today’s discussion, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney told the rest of the officials that he was concerned about a surge in civil disobedience if the city didn’t relax its approach to some degree. Flagler Health Department Chief Bob Snyder echoed Doughney’s sentiments during the meeting.
“Due to all the surrounding areas opening up now, we will be follow suit,” Flagler Beach City Commissioner Eric Cooley said this morning. He said he’d spoken with Doughney about the plan Friday evening. Doughney and Flagler Beach Fire Chief Bobby Pace, the acting city manager, have been running the city administratively, with City Manager Larry Newsom on sick leave.
“We were not expecting St. Johns to open, so we need to get the staff in place,” Cooley continued. St. Johns County reopened its beaches on a limited basis, from 6 a.m. to noon, seven days a week, starting Friday. “I think timing wise it’s a terrible decision due to the peak of the virus coming and Florida still posting almost record high cases daily, but it just doesn’t make sense to be the only beach closed and if we can set it up with sensible restrictions, we can give the citizens a place to unwind.”
The county’s executive policy group, which collects the county’s city managers, the county manager, law enforcement and emergency management, was to discuss the re-opening at its 10:30 meeting today, and again at a noon meeting coordinated by emergency management, that one with Snyder. Snyder was reluctant to address the issue in an interview this morning.
“I am going to reserve comment, I want to know what’s going on first, I want to hear what people are thinking before I make any comment,” Snyder said. “It’s not that I am in the dark. I know it’s going to be discussed sometime today. I just knew that folks wanted to gather to talk about it.”
In fact, the discussions have been intense and ongoing for days. Flagler Beach Commissioner Rick Belhumeur said he was reluctant to see beaches reopen as well, but was basing his approach on Snyder’s. “I’m pretty steadfast on it,” he said. “We wouldn’t do it unless we got the OK from the health department.” He said city officials “swore we wouldn’t open it unless we had his approval,” meaning Snyder’s–and that now, Snyder had given it.
But Snyder just as adamantly would not confirm that to be the case, repeating that he would reserve comment until after today’s meetings.
“So I’ll be listening in,” Snyder said. “I think you know that Jacksonville opened up their beaches yesterday, I think St Johns is doing it today, so I probably need to reserve comments until after this meeting. I’m appreciative that they’re going to be including me in it.”
All week on the radio Snyder had reiterated the importance of staying the course on social distancing and stay-at-home recommendations. As recently as Thursday, Flagler Beach had joined Bunnell and Palm Coast to reassert the importance of keeping parks and other such public venues closed to protect against community transmission of the coronavirus, and with the expected apex of the virus’s impact on healthcare facilities still two to three weeks away. Florida is still adding infections at a rate of more than 1,000 people per day. Infections in Flagler County were up to 55 as of Saturday morning, with two deaths and seven hospitalizations.
But county officials pivoted Thursday, opting to reopen some trails and parks and saying it was time to start reopening society, gradually. Flagler County Emergency Management Chief Jonathan Lord described the reopening as a small, experimental step, testing whether residents will continue to abide by social distancing rules. He said the experiment would be ended if there was a lot of non-compliance, though Sheriff Rick Staly said he would not have his agency turned into “the social distancing police.”
County and city officials have been under mounting pressure from residents to reopen public amenities like the beach and parks, with a continuing stream of emails making it to their in-box, some of it bitter and angry, some of it reflecting President Trump’s calls this week on several governors to “liberate” their states from stay-home orders and “reopen.” The president’s tweets have encouraged rebellious demonstrations against stay-home orders. Local officials on one hand were beginning to worry about such demonstrations while, on the other, some were eager to ride the chants for “reopening” and appear to be championing public sentiment, whatever the recommendations from public health officials: the county had moved to reopen its parks and trails against Snyder’s explicit recommendation.
“As you can see by the subject of this email I am requesting you to immediately re-open Flagler beach and all beaches in Flagler county,” a Flagler Beach resident wrote city commissioners on April 13. “The looming threat of civil and criminal penalty for stepping foot on a public space is a concerning matter not to be taken lightly. … I will be watching this matter closely and voting and campaigning according to how this issue is handled.”
“In accordance with the governors executive order where he calls for exercise outdoors with activities such as walking, running, swimming, surfing, etc., we are telling our elected officials to open our parks and beaches to reasonable activities like the ones mentioned above,” another resident wrote. “We understand, as we hope you do, that there will always be those that choose to ignore proper procedures in any situation. We ask that those people who make that choice be dealt with in an appropriate manner and not penalize the rest of the citizens who are complying with simple restrictions.
There’s been no unanimity on the issue by any means. “I am a resident of Flagler Beach since 2007,” a man wrote commissioners on Friday. “I do not want to see the beaches open. I see cars from NY and NJ all here & sitting at the same picnic tables all day long. Let others go to the beaches open somewhere else where the numbers are higher, we have not done enough testing to know where we truly ate.”
From the county’s side, it was clear since the second half of the week that Commissioner Joe Mullins was driving the push to reopen parks and beaches, as a petulant Facebook post this morning illustrated: “THESE ARE OUR HOMES NOT PRISON CELLS,” he wrote, the text here reproduced exactly as it appeared on Facebook, with its usual malapropisms. “We have been put in timeout from our beaches , parks and trails; WE ARE NOT KIDS! We have followed protocol and keep our cases low. It’s time to be rewarded for our hard work and soften a bit. Some need to stay in and some can safely be out. I am a (constitutional conservative) that will not overplay this media driven pandemic. I am calling for our county and other leaders to follow Governor Ron DeSantis request and immediately begin safely opening our parks and beaches.”
Flagler Beach would also allow its city-owned, privately run nine-hole golf course at the south end of town to reopen. Terry McManus, who runs the course, had been upset that the golf course was closed. ” I don’t want to be part for the rumor mill, but I am told it was discussed at the meeting that if the beaches are closed, why is the golf course open,” he wrote commissioners in an email Friday. “That is apples to oranges on a number of levels. But at bare minimum, the beach is owned and maintained and run by the city. The golf course is owned but completely 100% maintained by Flagler Golf Management, LLC. A private company. We are not funded by or receive any assistance from the City.”
McManus submitted a two-page “Proposed Covid-19 Operating Guidelines” for the golf course.
Details of the model Flagler Beach and the county were to follow regarding beach rules were not yet clear, but the models have been consistent from county to county. St. Johns summed up its model this way on Friday: “The grouping of persons, commercial activities, group sports, and activities that do not require motion, such as sunbathing, and sitting, or those otherwise not allowed by local, state, or federal law are not permitted. In addition, items not allowed on the beach include blankets, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, tents, and any item that promotes a stationary presence. Beach visitors must continue to adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines, including limiting gatherings to no more than ten persons and distancing themselves from other parties by a minimum of six feet. All public parking lots are now open; however on-beach driving remains prohibited.”
Proud american says
Thank you, thank you!!!! The beach is free therapy!!! This will save a lot of lives!!!!
Finally some common sense!!
To those complainers…dont go if you dont want to!!!!
Jeff says
Please address surf fishing you can social distance while doing ao
Common sense says
Open the beaches all day or don’t open the beaches at all. By opening the beaches for only a few hours will cause people to all go at the same time as you are limiting when people can go. Also, you can sit on the beach and social distance yourselves. If you don’t feel comfortable with going to the beach yet, don’t go. If you go and find that it is too crowded or their are idiots not adhering to rules, don’t go or pick another spot. How can you properly fish without a cooler for bait and the fish you catch and why can’t you sit down? You are not walking down the beach while fishing. Use common sense people! The beach is a good therapeutic place for many people. Just have respect for other people and yourselves. Send the selfish ignorant people home.
wendy m smith says
keyword RESPECT for others….there is a definite lack in this area!!!
No sense and the least for all common sense that would spread this virus further but go ahead test the waters so to speak be a bully demand your way kick others around I see those who follow rules and I see those who do not sickness means nothing to the rule breakers I guess they think their money will save them..
Resident says
I have a message for all the people involved in the hours of operation for the beach. If it’s for exercise only then open the beach at low tide. You do t have to be a rocket scientist to figure this out. Let’s see how they screw this up big time
Surf Flea says
Fishing……you guys forgot to add FISHING !!!!!!!
about time says
Just what I’ve been saying, open the beaches to the residents and restrict the parking. Wise decision.
Richard says
So I guess Surf Fishing will not be allowed as yet which is a crock of shit, give me a F’ing break!
HappyHappyJoyJoy says
Insanity. Pics out of Jacksonville showed zero social distancing and zero face masks and lots of stationary people on the beaches last night. Worst is since they won’t test under 65, unless you’re a first responder, we’ll never know how large a jump we truly have in cases from this decision. We have not had 14- days of decline in a row. We have cases. People aren’t being tested. Even with a doctor’s note and increasing symptoms, my 34-year old friend could not get tested. She’s not high risk. I tried getting tested. Nope. My spouse did too. Nope. We are both 40. We don’t fit their specs for a test.
This entire thing is insane. Politics and appeasing the minority are angry battle cries of the right for a myriad of issues they rally against. Now the shoe’s on the other foot. It’s a shame government is caving because some of the minority groups they fight against still are not fully equal. They should have to sit and stew for a little while longer before they get their way, which endangers those of us that need these provisions in place. Most people are getting infected at grocery stores. These people will go there. They will infect others. They won’t care as long as they can do what they want. The very definition of a selfish, narcissistic society.
MaryJoe says
A friend, much younger..said.. “Call the health department. Just went through the process. They have free car side testing. 5 minutes.” She’s here in Flagler and was able to get the test. Hope your friend does well. Doesn’t mean she’s got it at all…just sure would be nice to know so they know how and what they are treating.
Mike D says
From what I see in pics looks like people are doing a good job with staying 6’ away from people not in their own group… at 6 feet of separation you can put a lot of people on the beach… go to a Walmart, much closer in general…
Enjoy the beach safely folks!
Ed Gilkey says
I would like to surf fish- an activity that doesn’t entail lots of movement.
I understand I can’t fish near the pier but can you delineate areas where surf fishing will be allowed ? Thank you.
Motherworry says
I too am curious about surf fishing. It is a pretty much stationary activity. I’m over 70 with gimpy legs, can’t I sit down?
Marie says
I don’t believe giving into the loudest speaker in the room is a responsible way to handle this. It’s not a safe time for anyone and those who are passing the virus on to others, the elderly and immune compromised people are the ones paying the price for the arrogant.
The elderly aren’t out, yet they’ve been exposed, immune compromised people are staying home, yet there getting sick. Once you open the floodgates you won’t be able to pull them closed. A few more weeks for the safety of all. Please
M.Robert says
CAN for once…can we ALL use some common sense! I LOVE the beach…but I love people too, and myself! WHY PUT people at risk. We know everyone does not follow the rules. I do NOT think opening the beaches is wise currently for many reasons.
#1 Flagler COUNTY isn’t suppose to peak until the first week in May! Has the town officials contacted the area hospitals, that’s what they are saying.
#2. THE unintended consequences…PEOPLE FROM OUT OF STATE who are still either here, or who will AGAIN flock here, because now they can have beach time…will SEED the area with the virus. DO YOU THINK that they will not fly or drive here?
#3. OUR hospitals do NOT have the capacity for even our towns if we should have an issue here. WHY would you INVITE out of towners (because that is what you are doing) to enjoy themselves on the beach) Hammock Beach Dunes RESORT has NOT stopped taking reservations and THOSE people are from NY, NJ, and CT. and other states as well. THEY were actively sending out emails for people to COME to their Resort to ESCAPE!!!
I think caution should prevail… Yes, it is sad not to have the beaches open, and not to have life as we were used to it, HOWEVER it will be much sadder if you come down with this virus or a loved one does. IT will impact your life in a very negative way. Hang in there, be strong, if we all do the right things, we will ALL get through this faster. DON’T risk or chance your life or others.
Beachything says
Well said…this is definitely NOT the time to open the beaches. Flagler Beach City Commissioners and elected officials please LISTEN and do what is right for the health of its RESIDENTS. Keep the beaches closed till we are thru with the pandemic.
RocksNoSalt says
I don’t understand the selfishness of folks that want to re-open the beach at this time. I would love to be on the beach too, but the curve has not flattened. We are doing so well in Flagler and a few more weeks could completely make the difference. If Anne Frank could shelter in place in a tiny attic for two years I can’t see why we can’t adhere to social distancing and stay at home for two additional weeks. JMHO
Robert N. says
I totally Agree with waiting till no more new cases ! We my not survive this virus on a second round !,we’re close not now !,
Beach bum Bob
Michele says
Caved? Be who we voted you to be and protect your citizens just for a few more weeks. It can’t hurt. We have access to the beach 365 days a year. Closing for Another 2 weeks won’t kill anyone, it might even save a few.
Cave…nah. Cowards.
kenpalmcoast says
Why only 6 hours a day to use the beach? Wouldn’t increasing the time the beach is open mean less crowding?
The Voice Of Reason says
Right wingers (trumpers) shooting themselves and others in the foot again. Rush the re-opening and encourage tourists to come on down from NY, Pa, NJ etc. How about zero tolerance for social distancing violations. $150.00 sounds good. No warnings. All over Fl, people have proven they’re too dumb to do it when the beaches were open. Selfish morons. Trump/Desantis worship is a mental illness.
Melissa says
Voice of Reason? No, not at all, sorry. Name-calling is not reasonable.
I’m tired of weak-willed busybodies that aren’t strong enough to turn off the fear-porn box in their living room. I’m tired of living with people who allow themselves to be so scared by the unknown that they demand the rest of us be reduced to their pathetic level of adult-babyhood, enlisting law enforcement and calling those who disagree with such nonsense to be “mentally ill”. And I’m beyond tired of “news outlets” who think it’s perfectly fine to allow such commentary to be published.
Native says
Melissa..I do believe you have hit the nail on the head. well stated!
Cathy says
Feel better now?
I’m tired of selfish Trumpers who don’t give a damn about anyone but themselves.
Fredrick says
Far be it different from the other side who wants everything for free. Only caring about themselves and want to be supported by others.
joe says
This is their “leader” –
Trump has asked aides for economic response plans that would let him take credit for successes while allowing enough flexibility to blame others for any failures. “People have made clear to him that’s an impossible goal… But I’m not sure he’s convinced.”
That’s from the Wall Street Journal, not some liberal source…
Let that sink in….this is who the cult members are ricking their lives for…
Paul says
It’s what is called a highly infectious pandemic. Until there’s a cure or a vaccine it could kill you or those you come in contact with. To date social distancing is the only way of reducing spread, enforcement is needed because a ton of people don’t have the self discipline or perhaps the intelligence to comply.
Self isolating isn’t paranoid, it’s common sense, and those who won’t comply can reasonably be singled out as morally or intellectually bereft.
AnActualAdult says
Thank you, Melissa. I completely agree with you. And to the grown “adults” calling people names, in the words of Michael Jordan circa 1987… “Stop it. Get some help.”
Constance Sowards says
Spring Break, Bike Week made Florida a hot spot. Flagler showed judgement closing up. What the heck happened? Sure locals miss it.
I bought here in 1980 because I love it.
54 cases……now watch the numbers. This is idiocy.
Slats says
Just checked John Hopkins Cov-19 site Flagler now has 66 cases, 14 new cases since yesterday. One month ago we had 100 deaths in the country now 39,000 this is war and without listening to the experts and paying attention to babbling ignorant politicians this figure will skyrocket. I watched on TV the people on the Jacksonville beaches yesterday and saw 2 people with protective masks and the vast majority had no protection and had complete disregard to social distancing, this is a disaster and within 10 days many of these people will be infected and of course spread this plague further in the community. Wake up opening the beaches is pouring gasoline on the fire, huge mistake.
Bob Ziolkowski says
More testing = more cases. They need to publish the percentage of people that are positive, which is all that matters. If we waited until there are no more cases there would be no more economy since this will not be gone for a long time.
EJH says
Now on Sunday we have 75 cases a 44% increase from Friday, yes knowing the % of infected would be very helpful but at this early stage of testing unrealistic as DeSantis didn’t lock down until 4/2. and testing here in Palm Coast still is in its infancy.Even 75 cases isn’t accurate as infected people will spread this to between 2-5 other contacts so we have hundreds of people already infected and spreading. Believe me I want my lifestyle back ASAP but opening now simply prolongs the pain, bend the curve first then let’s intelligently reopen.
Bob Ziolkowski says
Good idea to re-open but I wish the hours were different to accommodate those that can only walk at low tide due to the condition of our beaches, which are not flat such as in our neighboring counties. It would have been better to open them from 8am to 8pm; however, at least this is a start!
Ld says
Open hours should coincide with low tide for exercise. Good point.
Can't wait till I move resident says
So officials cave to pressure and follow rather than lead. Absolutely horrendous. Let’s see what they say when we start to spike and instead of 55 cases we’re up to 555 cases.
Really says
I am with you. Cant wait and no leadership. A joke this place
About time! says
Keep up the pressure until they open them completely for all activities! This is America! We can’t stay closed forever, and the virus will still be here in 2 weeks. Those who are worried about being immunocompromised, well you are going to have to protect yourself. You can’t expect the world to shutdown forever for a 1.5% chance of death IF you even catch it. We’ve already been shutdown for a month. If you think anything is going to really be different in 2 weeks, or even 2 months, you are kidding yourself. It’s time for everyone to start making their own decisions about what’s safe for them and their own family. People die every day with or without the virus.
JJ says
Your ignorance is coming through loud and clear. Sure, people die every day. However, if you’re dying of cancer, you can’t spread it to your doctor or neighbor or child. Do you see the difference? Do you really think Trump or Desantis or Hannity will be frolicking on the beach? NO. They’re just making headlines, and banking on the fact that YOU only read headlines and don’t bother digging deeper to find the truth. Wake up. Stop being weak.
Dismayed am I says
Too bad Flagler County chose to open the beaches so many, many, many more folks will be exposed to the coronavirus. Totally outrageous that idiots know more than the doctors and scientists. Shame…
Linda Macaluso says
I’m sorry, I love the beach but I think it’s too soon to open at this time. The beach is my therapy and I miss it terribly but my life is more important right now. I’ve been in my house and only going on my lani for 5 weeks now and I want to get back to my normal life but not yet.
I wish the beach would stay close till our number of people become stable.
Sherrie Thompson says
I’m sorry to see that the verbal complaining minority have exerted pressure that has caused the beaches to be opened when Flagler County and the state are still showing a rise in Covid 19. It doesn’t matter what other counties do. Would you jump off a bridge because someone else did? Our state has one of the highest rate of cases and deaths in the United States. I am sad to see the lack of consideration for the health and safety of the residents of this county. People will be coming again from the Orlando area and from out of state. You can be assured the social distancing won’t occur . I have met many people through the years who come to our beach because it’s dog friendly and then choose to ignore leash laws and waste pickup. They will be joining the people in our county who already believe the rules don’t apply to them. I have also been very disappointed to see an elected official, Joe Mullins, commenting like a spoiled child who has not gotten his way. He has encouraged people to complain and ignore the rules. Future sickness and deaths from this virus should weigh on the souls of those not willing to modify their behaviors and wants for the health of their families and neighbors.
Gus Rumpf says
Just reopen EVERYTHING! NO RESTRICTIONS!
Lets get this show on the road already. We ali need and demand our lives back to where we were before this manufactured “pandemic”.
We cannot and will not allow the Chinese Communist Party, the CDC, WHO, and various nefarious associates of theirs to ruin our lives and America’s economy.
Just DO IT!
JJ says
Slick thought process champ. Repeating Fox propaganda and making it your own shows your cerebral limitation. Expand your horizons and learn the truth.
Bethechange says
While in agreement with this and the gradual approach, l find “Media driven pandemic,” just a tad paranoid. What’s next? Fake news? The implication is supremely insulting to those whose lives have been lost, their loved ones, the entire healthcare community and all who have suffered economically. Shame on your harshly, divisive rhetoric!
Stretchem says
If there were a 1.5% chance that you’d die driving up the road every day, would you avoid it?
If 20% of the time you forced your child to drive up the road every day, knowing there’s a 1.5% chance they’ll die, would you?
Based on the logic of some of the fools on our planet, they’re willing to do that to themselves and others around them.
20% of the earth’s population is 1.44 billion people contracting the virus. At a death rate of 1.5%, thats 21,600,000 dead people, at the very least.
Sure, open up it all up. I’m staying home and will watch natural selection run its course on you bafoons.
Down south says
Your numbers are crazy and you sound like the alarmist on some of the news similar to an approaching hurricane. The state of fl has approx 21.6m residents. The current models predict that approx 1,500 fl residents will perish bc of covid19. And many of the 1500 were over 80 years of age and in nursing facilities in so fl. Any loss of life is terrible and heart breaking. I strongly believe that the current lock down via social distancing is working and should remain in place for at least all of april. However the ideas and rationale that you spit out is very troubling at best. Let’s all hang together for a few more weeks of this crisis.
Stretchem says
That’s what the DATA and SCIENCE shows if we don’t self isolate. Watch what the numbers look like come this time next year. From all over the planet. India. Africa. Pakistan. Russia. On and on. When governments can’t hide the truth any longer. When it’ll be cool to show the truth since they’ll be starving for assistance.
No, this is Darwinian pandemic as much as it is a virus.
Can't believe it says
Doesn’t it make more sense to open the beaches and restrict activities rather than the hours so everyone doesn’t have to crown on them at the same time?
mark101 says
And this just released April 17 :: “preliminary results from government lab experiments show that the coronavirus does not survive long in high temperatures and high humidity, and is quickly destroyed by sunlight, providing evidence from controlled tests of what scientists believed — but had not yet proved — to be true.””
JJ says
State the source please. Otherwise, I’ll have to assume this is more Dr. Oz crap to get ratings from the perpetually ignorant.
Sully says
So very happy that the county officials have the common sense to open the beach in a safe way
And I dont understand the nasty objections. This sounds like a great compromise solution to me
Some people obviously have a huge chip on their shoulders
tulip says
When Trump says to do something, The Republican politicians and some Republican voters people do what Trump demands cause they fear him for whatever reason they have. I guess they don’t mind being bullied and made to submit. When Trump started saying “liberate” out came the protestors and a lot of governors have or will give in, despite the fact that they said they would do things on their own decision. Of course the Trump administration makes sure the protestors cause trouble which can make the governors back down to prevent worse things happening. We are a bullied nation right now.
RobJr. says
Reopen Beaches on Limited Basis Next Week.
Smart move.
The virus only spreads on a limited basis.
And one of the Flagler Beach elected officials said the virus doesn’t like salt water.
So whats to worry about?
If the virus attacks you, go get some Hydroxychloroquine.
What do you have to lose?
Enough Already says
It spreads on a limited basis? Tell that to the hundreds of thousands in the US., and the 40,000 people who have died. And what qualifies a Flagler Beach elected officials to opine that the virus doesn’t like salt water? If that were true, wouldn’t everyone be swimming? Sounds like he / she pulled something out of their you know what.
RobJr says
That was sarcasm. All except the part about Flagler Beach elected officials.
Research Flaglerlive for the article.
Steve says
Error on the side of caution seems prudent. I dont have the answers but am feeling good about just being able to wait it out. Going nowhere for now. The Powers that be and the impatient front runners could pay big price. Best get it right the first time. I have my doubts GL
Patti Anderegg says
Open the beaches and if people don’t adhere to the rules close them again. We are not a big city like Jacksonville
Linda H. says
I believe that surf fishing is going to be allowed. Why are they opening the beaches? Because all others are already open. Seems to me it’s much safer to do that then have everyone going to Daytona and then come back on a daily basis.
Use common sense and please stop the fighting and name calling. If you are at risk, then stay home. We are keeping the place closed for a small number of cases and ruining lives in the process. Our numbers are the lowest in Central Florida.
It’s time to get back to living.
RN, PhD says
We have 75 cases today (April 19). One week ago we had 46.
The correct data can be found here: https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Resident says
For all those who are happy, let’s see how happy you’ll be when all the people with nothing to do in inland counties flock to the beach by the hundreds. Some of those asymtomatic people will bring their own coronavirus germs with them. Enjoy yourselves, I’ll be waiting at home. The ocean will still be there later.
Lee says
does anyone remember the Sunday before they closed the beach? Cars lined A1A from the light north to painters hill on both sides of the road like the 4th of July. At high tide they were all jammed against the dunes. There’s not much beach left even at low tide. We do not have the beaches that daytona or crescent beach have or the parking. If this happens the way I think it’s going to happen there will be no room for social distancing. Most of the people won’t be from flagler and will be coming from places that have higher cases. I gues we welcome that. Flagler has been safe and quiet so far but that’s about to change. Who’s going to take the rap when the cases increase? Who has considered the strain on the cops and emt’s And hospital workers who have to take care of all these people that just have to go to the beach? I’m a surfer and I would love to go surfing but it won’t kill me not to. But catching this virus from someone who thinks there freedoms are being takin away (temporarily) might.
Beachnut says
Bad decision to appease some selfish people. People just can’t chill out for another month?
Proud american says
Do you think a month will help? When will it be ok? Answer is never. It will always be around. Even when a vaccine comes out not everyone will get it. We can’t stay shutdown forever. Most importantly, outdoors aren’t the issue. There’s hundreds of miles of beaches, people can act appropriately.
Just have to say it... says
“Cave to pressure”? Remember the mayor in Amity (Jaws)? Just open the beaches and see what happens.
Danm50 says
Flagler Beach Officials: YOU DON’T OWN THE BEACH.!! OR THE PIER OR THE ROAD. ETC.
Stretchem says
Uh, well, that’s kind of the way the U.S. government works. They get elected, or assigned usually by elected officials, and then make decisions on our behalfs, hopefully for the betterment of ALL (not just the deplorables and snowflakes).
If this doesn’t work for you, don’t vote for them, move, or run for elected office yourself.
deb says
You really need to look up who owns the Flagler Beach Pier. The City.
Jane Gentile-Youd says
I m so pleased to see comments from Sherrie Marie and others saying let’s just wait…What in God’s name should be more important that everyone’s health? How about the people in our country who don’t live near a beach? What about people who are shoveling snow out of their driveway? what about the elderly living in 3 floor walk up apartments living from social security check to check?
My oh my, I never realized our world has become a “me me me” and to hell with the rest of us. This virus is growing far more than we knew because not one source of our media studied how many people have died at home? Add these cases to the fact that we do not have a vaccine to protect us.
But hell, who cares, as long as we can run around in shorts? It’s ok even while our fellow Americans living in cities and towns don’t have enough clothes to keep them warm; never mind those whom we could not and cannot protect them from the vicious torrent of global warming caused devastating tornadoes . Who cares around here for all of us not just me me me?
Sadly, it appears not many of us…
Danm50 says
Flagler Beach Officials you don’t own the beach. Stop trying to MANAGE people. Your making up the rules as you go along and we suffer because of your lack of LEADERSHIP.
r g s says
Concerned Citizen of Flagler County: I am not an alarmist, but a realist. Those who ignore the fact that this is a virus unknown to the world of science are destined to suffer grave consequences without heeding their warnings. Although we are all eager to return our lives to “normal”, it would be unwise to rush into that quest without the facts. I realize many are suffering from job losses and food shortages, but we cannot afford to endure a second wave of this pandemic. It would be devastating. Please err on the side of caution. We need to make sure the numbers of cases and deaths are going down significantly before we try to satisfy our “cabin fever” needs. Let’s not be selfish.
Stay safe everyone!
rgs
Motherworry says
I’ve been thinking about this all day. My question is this: What has changed since we were told to stay home and off the beach?? Have the numbers peaked yet? Not that I know of. Are tests readily available? Again, not that I’m know of. So, even though I love the beach, live 200 steps from the sand, imo it isn’t worth it. Just let the folks who voted or decided or otherwise influenced to open the beach come out and visit it for a few hours and risk their health or possibly life. I’m going to stay away from it for a bit.
Bethechange says
Just have to say it, Jaws, exactly! Oh, those beaches will be open, Chief Brody!
Surf Flea says
You liberal whiners stay home and WHINE !!!!! I’m going FISHING !!!!!
Maria Darcy says
I think this is crazy! So, can’t park so you now have to cross the street, can’t sit, not sure why, can’t relax and fish, not sure why, only certain hours, not sure why……..will the virus chase you down if you are on the beach outside of designated hours? If the kids sit and dig in the sand will the virus get them, but if they walk they are safe? Folks this is just another form of control!! If the sheep are willing to follow the wolf is in control! Can’t wait to boot these lawmakers out of office.
Spoiled Rotten says
Let’s party! It’s mostly old people and poor folks dying anyway. They use up valuable health resources. Who needs them. Youngsters need the freedom to enjoy the fruits for which older generations worked and fought.
Mr Chris says
As with every event covered by the media it’s never about the issue but about power. It was never about Russian collusion, it was never about quid pro quo. It was all about getting rid of Trump. Nothing has changed. When I here loud opposition to any attempt to ease restrictions it’s not about saving lives. It’s the fear of losing control of the the most powerful weapon to date against Trump, a ruined economy. We have all seen the numbers to know that this virus is no joke. I would argue I have a better chance of exposure at the grocery store than walking on the beach. For one there are no aisles to restrict and cinfine by ability to keep distance. The fact that beach access is allowed doesn’t mean the government is hearding the population into contamination zones. Everyone retains their right to choose to stay at home and for many they will excercise that choice. This descision has no doubt taken the wind out of the sails of those hoping to see the Trump presidency ruined.
Susan says
How Times Have Changed
As of last Friday, . . for young folks in Florida under the age of 65.
There were 17,609 Covid cases, 1,629 Covid hospitalizations and 122 Covid deaths.
Please stay safe at the beach.
We older folks will be on Netflix, Facebook and Zoom.
Number 8 says
If the county won’t allow chairs on the beach and you have to be engaged in exercise, they are discriminating against those of us who can’t. Since when has behavior like this become legal? Discriminating against the elderly and disabled is against the law.
Darksideofthemoon says
Everybody clamoring for closing business, beaches, locked into your homes, wearing masks in your cars with Windows closed- probably same proponents of open borders and abortion clinics being essential business. Phonies! Judging by the size of some in the Super market maybe pay attention to side effects of obesity – maybe walk more-ride a bike-do some yardwork- push away that 3rd Twinkie..no wonder toilet paper is at a premium!!
capt says
So people want to walk on the beach, so protestors won, regardless of others. Is it to simple of a task to wait a few more weeks ? why risk a life. I can’t wait to see the increase in cases in this state due to this “beach open access. People are already talking about their friends in inland counties coming over. You can’t police stupid.
Dan says
So… I can go to Walmart with hundreds of other people around me to buy a Surf Fishing pole but I can’t stand on the beach to go surf fishing with it… Really?
BW says
I thought we were “fighting a war”? A war in which in just about a month we have lost 39,095 Americans. Therefore we have experienced in just one month a 9/11 attack every 4 days, 17 Afghanistan wars, and more than 8 Iraqi wars. Unlike those wars in which we hail “fighting” and our “toughness”, we have admitted defeat leaving our fellow Americans to be slaughtered in the tens of thousands on the field of battle because . . . it’s inconvenient and tough. What did our soldiers serve and sacrifice for if only for us to turn our backs on a fight on our own soil and stand idly by as tens of thousands of our own die? We will probably see an end to this war, but it will not be one we have won because we have already admitted defeat and now will simply stand by and watch as tens of thousands more of our fellow Americans will be slaughtered before it is over. We applaud our County local leadership who explain that our lives are merely things for their “experiment” because popularity is far more important than actually rising to the occasion and leading the fight through responsible decisions and honesty with us? Perhaps it is just me, but I don’t see how that is “great” at any point in time.
Don Davis says
Very glad to see that finally, Flagler Beach is about to get some relief from total closure. Sensible, responsible, limited access to the beach, fresh sea air, and the ocean is much appreciated. Let’s not blow it; we can follow the rules, maintain safe distances, and keep reasonable beach access open for healthy exercise.
Motherworry says
Huh?? I was under the impression that the beach was for relaxation. If everybody has such a big desire for exercise join a gym.
What happens if the numbers continue to go up and the beach is closed again? It will be the last thing to reopen as the pols will hang the increase on the beach usage.
Try more patience and stay home.
Proud american says
Not everyone can afford the gym…am doing hint hint it’s closed. Also it’s indoors with other people’s fluids…outdoors fresh air is fine!!!
Motherworry says
Did you not notice that nice long sidewalk that is on the other-side of A1A? Hint hint its open. The air is just as fresh there.
Take a look at today’s count, no peak yet.
I truly don’t get it. Not a damn thing has changed other that the count has gone up. So where were all these folks three weeks ago? Somebody ring a bell? Ya’all know better than the medical folks I guess.
Bob Ziolkowski says
The gyms are closed and they even closed the one in our condo building, along with the pool, and the staff we pay for is hardly ever here anymore – why? Yet our dues remain the same. Stupid.
Bob Z. says
We just got back from our daily walk on the beach – nice breeze, sunny and not very many people, which is what it is like here just about every day, virus or not. It will be interesting to see what limited hours they will agree on; however, it will not have an impact on us since the tides tell us when to go. And how nice the walk is, each and every day!
Ghost 77 says
FLORIDA….WE NEVER DISAPPOINT!!! LOOK HOW WELL THINGS WORKED OUT FOR JACKSONVILLE!!
#FloridaMorons trends after people flock to reopened Florida beaches
On the same day as Florida’s highest daily coronavirus death toll, DeSantis told reporters that it’s essential Floridians get exercise outdoors.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/supernumberfloridamorons-trends-after-people-flock-to-reopened-florida-beaches/ar-BB12QEVQ?ocid=spartandhp
mark101 says
DeSantis, a man out of his league. People can exercise inside or in their yard. Allowing beach access so soon is just asking for a higher death count to get more funds.
Motherworry says
One must remember that our gov is trumps chief ass kisser and will do whatever he is told to do. Mini trump and nothing more.
Brian says
I’ve got an idea. If you don’t want to go the beach, stay home, and mind your own business. You’re welcome.
Steve/Lisa says
I say open the beach to local residents only!
Don’t let let them come across the bridge if they don’t have flagler beach id, like what they do for hurricanes!
Unless they are working here!
They will be policing the beach, so if they slip thru on a1a north/south they can check id’s on the beach!!!
Please open the golf course!!!!
Tracy says
As a homeowner and taxpayer I have the right to utilize the public beach. I understand concerns that people may have but for the last 4 years I have owned my home in Flagler Beach, social distancing has always been in effect at the beaches. I cannot recall, with the exception of 4th of July evenings, having anyone at least within 20 feet of me while at the beach. The boardwalk and pier do need to remain closed to enforce distancing but there are just about 7 miles of beach for people to spread out. Limiting the time is a foolish approach as you are now creating a “rush hour” situation. To me it looks like this is so that we can all be told again there is too much crowding and people can’t follow rules. The rules and placing a time constraint are moronic. There is less risk at the beach than there is at Publix or Winn Dixie!
Bob Z. says
I agree – open them up all the way or keep them closed. If what I read is true (7-10am & 6-8pm), which the city attorney recommended, then why even bother?! We are talking about opening beaches, not forcing everyone to take a seat in a stadium!
Anonymous says
“caving to common sense flagler opens beaches”….i’m assuming all of you who are mewling about keeping the beaches closed, dont own a business that depends on traffic.
its not just about people impatiently wanting to play frisbee, there are folks’ livelihood at stake. they depend on the people who play frisbee stopping in their store/restaurant/hotel. come on have some compassion for the working folks who aren’t in a financial position to sit idle for weeks on end.
those who are criticizing desantis i assume voted for andrew “i got 99 problems and meth parties is definitely one of them” gillum
Just saying says
Steve/Lisa
As a Flagler county resident who lives in Palm Coast, why should I be prohibited from coming to the beach.
Your comment about not allowing people to come over the bridge is assinine. The only reason this is done during hurricanes is when wind speeds reach a certain level and creates a danger for cars to travel over it.
I am a 25 year resident here with 10 of those living beachside. We are all residents of Flagler county and should help each other get through this crisis. You can choose to stay off the beach, therefore you will not have to worry about who else is there and from where they came.
While I am on this rampage let me say this as well. If you are wearing a mask while driving in your car by yourself you are wasting that mask. Wearing a mask is meant to protect others from you. Please put that mask to proper use.
If you are wearing cloth or garden gloves I sure hope you are washing them after EVERY use, if not then you are more of the problem than the solution.