Relying shockingly and partly on misinformation about saltwater and sunlight that has been debunked and cautioned against, and mostly on personal observations and pictures, the Flagler Beach City Commission in an emergency meeting this morning opted against closing its six miles of beach for now.
Commissioners and the police chief don’t see crowds sizeable enough to warrant closure. Commissioners are leaving the way open for the city manager, the police chief and the director of parks and recreation, through his lifeguards, to enforce “social distancing” rules or to possibly close the beach should neighboring communities do so and Flagler Beach’s sands become more crowded.
For now, if anything, commissioners are encouraging the use of the beaches, with this morning’s discussion at one point veering into patently false claims to justify open beaches.
“One of the best things you can do is be out in the sun,” Police Chief Matt Doughney said, arguing against closure. (Doughney later clarified to FlaglerLive that this was true as long as one follows social distancing and health department guidelines. He did not mean to say that the sun had an effect on the virus, he said.)
“And that virus doesn’t like salt water anyway,” City Commission Chairman Kim Carney said minutes later.
“That’s what we’re being told,” Tom Gillin, the city’s parks and recreation director, who oversees the lifeguard corps, said.
“It doesn’t like salt water,” Carney repeated.
Gillin continued along the same line, claiming there was a benefit to “warm temperatures and sunlight, so that might just encourage more people, the best place to be is the beach.”
“I get it. Err on the side of caution,” Carney said. “I get it. I do, I do.”
Doughney, Carney and Gillin are wrong about either sunshine or saltwater, and appear to be relying on the sort of misinformation spreading on social media. “There’s a lot of information circulating about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID), so it’s important to know what’s true and what’s not,” Lisa Lockered Maragakis, a physician, wrote for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s website. She addressed claims that salt water, “essential oils,” ethanol and other liquids would protect against the virus. “None of these recommendations protects you from getting COVID-19, and some of these practices may be dangerous,” Maragakis wrote.
Similarly, the assumption that sunshine is somehow beneficial is also flatly wrong. That claim drew some credibility from a bogus report attributed to UNICEF and circulated widely on social media. “There is no evidence that sun exposure kills the coronavirus,” Politifact reported last week. Rather, there is still much that is not known about the virus, including the lack of a vaccine.
City Commissioner Eric Cooley brought up the possibility of closing the beach, but got little support.
Our county government is asking us that we act as if it’s already in the community,” Cooley said. “Our town population is the representation of the at-risk community. If you look at the demographics, we are the at-risk community that this virus targets the most. The CDC is urging people to stay at home. And we are now in the growth phase of this virus, where it is doing the exponential growth, that has already happened.”
He spoke from his observations, as the owner of the high-traffic 7-Eleven store he owns on the beach: “I can tell you that not based on mentality but based on behavior and actions, that the folks that are out at the beach that I have observed and have been observing, don’t have a care in the world. That’s just fact, and that’s not based on their mindset. That’s based on their behavior.” He said he’s experienced an 85 percent increase in traffic, compared with last year.
Police Chief Matt Doughney doesn’t see a crowd issue. He cited the pictures he took from the pier in early afternoon Wednesday. He said the police is advertising CDC guidelines of social distancing. “As of right now I don’t foresee it to be a problem. I think if we close the beach right now, from the law enforcement standpoint, we’d have a bigger problem,” the chief said.
“That’s what I think,” Commissioner Jane Mealy said.
“Spring break is over Sunday,” Doughney said. “They’ll go home. The kids that are from Palm Coast, the kids that live in our community, will they continue to come to the beach? Absolutely. What we are encouraging is people spread out from Beverly Beach to the Volusia County line. We have six miles of beaches.
That’s a lot of room.” He acknowledged that young people may feel they are “bullet-proof,” but that residents do a good job of following directions. “If it’s a public safety issue I’ll be the first one to say close the beach. In my professional opinion it’s not a problem at this point. If it does become, I’ll be the first one to call the city manager and tell him we should close the beach.”
Gillin contradicted Doughney to the extent that spring break will mean the end of crowding at the beach. “Being that the schools will be off an extended amount of time, and they are encouraging people to go out there, we are expecting more beach attendance,” Gillin said. (To be sure, the school district is not encouraging people to go to the beach: Gillin was presumably referring to officials in his town, based on what they’d said at the meeting.) “So normally we would not have guards on next week, for example. But being that we expect people on the beach, we’ll have guards on the beach most likely up until the summer. I told the guards this pretty much begins our summer season of beach coverage.”
Commissioner Rick Belhumeur spoke of concerns about significant, stationary groups on the pier, especially among people fishing. Similar issues were raised about the boardwalk.
“Do the fish know about social distancing?” Mealy said, laughing.
“Depends if it’s high tide or low tide,” Carney says.
Mayor Linda Provencher restored a sense of seriousness about the discussion. “Walk that boardwalk, walk out on that pier. If people are clustered together, ask them to move,” Provencher said. She, too, was opposed to closing the beaches, noting that Beverly Beach and the county are keeping their sands open.
But she had a caveat. “This is a day to day thing,” Provencher continued. “If Daytona Beach closes, absolutely. That’s huge. Then they’re going to come up here. If we see that it’s just a mob mentality, then yes, we probably do need to close our beach. But from what I’ve seen the past few days, and I’ve been down on the beach, and not just down on the south end, it hasn’t been–I’ve seen it much worse over regular spring breaks. So I personally think at this time you should not close the beach, but it should be decided and monitored daily or hour by hour, and leave that up to Larry and the chief and the powers that be to make that decision if they feel it’s become a safety problem.”
City Manager Larry Newsom said he would exercise his judgment as part of the emergency declaration the city approved this morning. Newsom has reduced staffing at City Hall (the city library is closed), while Doughney said he and others would be working “seven days a week.” Newsom said overtime will not be an issue. “They need to do what they need to do, and overtime is not a factor,” he said. “I’ll monitor it.” He said the city’s reserves and bank account “is very lucrative.” He reiterated what he’d said earlier in the meeting, when he asserted that “I don’t see this financially being a big burden to the city at this point in time, that’s my crystal ball.”
“Right now where all of us, every jurisdiction is,” City Attorney Drew Smith said, “we are trusting our executives., trusting our chiefs, trusting our public safety crews to make those decisions. And again, as soon as there is the opportunity to get those in front of the policy makers, that’s what jurisdictions are doing. But I think we all have to recognize that those tops of our public safety chains may be called on to make a”–he snaps his fingers– “spur of the moment decision.”
James Clair says
THANK YOU for keeping our beaches open ! The right choice !
Carebear says
I agree! Thank you SO much for keeping the beaches open! It’s the best place to relax.
joe says
I guess the 40 years of right-wing talk radio (especially Rush Limbaugh), a propaganda network disguised as news organization, and an ignorant, incurious, semi-literate fraud and con man as “President” comes home to Palm Coast.
Dorothy says
And there people are shoulder to shoulder in Golden Lion. So muvh for distancing.
Ray says
This decision shows the sheer stupidity of beach nanagement .. salt water and sunshine just right wing- nut bull shit. Your careless disregard fir the people of Flagler and palm coast will not be forgotton
Mike says
If you have a problem with the “shoulder to shoulder” as you describe…pass on by then and distance yourself some place else
Keep Flagler Beautiful says
Do you not see the bigger picture? Yes, they could drive on by, but those people seated shoulder to shoulder don’t live there. They will leave, go back out into the community, and if infected, pass it on.
SydTheKid says
Uhhhhhhh….I guess saltwater and sun kill brain cells too because these people and their believers clearly have none. Alex Jones, ZeroHedge, Natural News, are not legitimate resources yet their claims prove that they have been drinking their kool-aide. Know what? At the end of the day, they will be the ones infected and not me, so they can deal with it and explain how their ignorance affected those that believed them. Good luck finding a hospital bed when this virus explodes here in the next few weeks. Italy will look like a cakewalk. If sun and saltwater really had an impact, certain global locations would not be suffering the way they are now but I guess ignorance is…ignorance in this case.
Chris s says
SO I guess there is no CV 19
In Mexico, brazil, Italy since they all have beaches and salt water.
What a bunch of ignorant jerks.
Palm coast user says
It’s totally true!
We need more control close the beach and curfew!
Kevin says
The ocean water isn’t Disinfected . It’s factual that you can pick up viral infections from the ocean.
Even swimming pools not treated properly can carry viral infections!
Guy Parneix says
Florida has 192 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and five deaths in the outbreak as of Tuesday. While young people may not be as vulnerable to the symptoms of COVID-19 as older adults, they can be asymptomatic and spread the virus to others, including older adults and their own family members.
City governments need to make the best decision they possibly can to protect as many people as we possibly.The only thing in Flagler Beach could do, to protect us is to close the damn beach.
FlaglerLive says
Florida has 390 cases and 8 deaths as of 11 a.m. Thursday.
BRUCE MEYER says
how many people live in florida? 8 deaths so what more people die in car crashes a day
Name (required) says
Imagine how much action would be necessary if car accidents were highly contagious, Bruce… lol
Mad says
Not to mention that several of those cases are NOT from Florida
John Sam says
It’s ridiculous that the beaches are still open – I see hoards of people within inches of each other . Shame on Flagler beach officials.
Kevin says
Viruses thrive in the ocean! How does nobody know about this!!!???
Mike says
If you see “hoards of people “within inches or each other” maybe your looking at the 4th of July pictures, not reality of March 18th, 2020 or the Police Chiefs photo’s. Don’t go to the beach then, stay home and bury your head in the sand.
Susan says
Exactly! If you don’t like it, don’t go to the beach. Saltwater and Sunlight do so much good for our bodies – our family always feels reenergized after a day at the beach!
Stay Home says
For those who want to file a complaint against businesses who are not following the governor’s order the link is on the sherriff’s website
http://www.flaglersheriff.com/coronavirus
PeachesMcGee says
Elected politicians have never been known to believe in science.
They believe in their own personal agendas which is generally financially based.
Ya’ll elected them. Now deal with it.
Tom Doyle says
I’m a lot safer at the beach as opposed to shopping at Publix or Winn-Dixie so I’ll take my chances at the beach!
Debbie says
Agreed
John D. says
Close the beaches. They will still be here after this crisis has passed.
This should not be treated as a vacation says
Take notice on how ALL elected officials are handling this pandemic and when the time comes hope everyone votes accordingly. With schools being closed for Spring Break and continuation of schools being closed as mandated the younger population will flock to the beaches since the parks, bars etc are closed however just because campus is closed does not mean school is not in session, they are suppose to be doing distance learning/at home learning so shouldnt the younger population be home doing their work? Campus may be closed however as of March 31 school is back in session and should be treated as such and taken seriously. The students should have to check in online at their usual class times and do their work. The technology is there so there is no reason it shouldnt be done. This pandemic is being treated as if its an extended spring break and that mentality is being enabled by officials and parents. Rather than allowing the kids to run around they should be required to stay home during what would be school hours and be online doing their school work which needs to be enforced by parents and officials. If students arent checking in online and present during class times then they should automatically fail the assignments for that given day. If online education were treated no different than being on campus the schools wouldnt have to have parents consider holding students back or current coursework not being calculated because the only difference is not being in a physical classroom, its a virtual classroom. As for end of the year testing, it can be done online or have testing sites at campus and schedule certain students on certain days and times and locations. Set up the site to keep students 6ft or more away from one another, there are several spaces on campus that can accommodate this so again no reason or excuse why it cant be done and why students need to be held back or the option in doing so should have been given. The school policies and rules still apply, school/campus hours should still be in effect. If the officials and School Board did so it would keep the kids off the streets and from gathering, it would help the community and would help parents that are working. It would keep daily routine as close to normalcy as can be done and should be done. If you see them out between the hours of 9a-3p question them, officials can make parent contact and send them home. If they continue to be out then they should be given consequence as well as the parent. This pandemic should not be used or thought of as a vacation nor should the younger population be enabled and allowed to think of it in such manner however they are and will because the parents are not parenting and allowing/enabling them along with certain officials. Mr. Cooley has every right to be worried and concerned as he is seeing what is taking place, he hears the talk, he sees the behavior yet none of the other officials want to take it serious and expect the community to, expect the younger populace to, smh. How when certain officials arent? Cant just expect the youngings to know and understand, you have to teach them and set good examples for them so they learn and unfortunately with some parents and officials making light or making jokes of the situation I dont see any of the youngings learning much of anything because the adults and people they should be able to look up to are setting horrible examples. Practice what you preach is not something many in Flagler County do and Common Sense just isnt common.
Also just an idea and something for the community to consider: for local businesses, bars, pubs etc that are forced to close maybe the community should consider purchasing gift cards, gift certificates, etc from them so they wont be losing so much money during this time and wont have to face permanent closure, these types of things can help keep them afloat and patrons can use them at a later date when activities resume back to normal, no one loses out. Also consider when purchasing possibly adding a tip so that servers arent faced with going without either. These businesses can tally up the tips and distrubute equally to their serving staff, it may not be what the server is use to getting however I am sure theyd be greatful because every bit helps.
Think bigger says
Maybe being outside is healthful in ways not strictly related to the virus itself. Perhaps, the sound of the waves, a slight breeze and being in nature causes some stress relief, perhaps reduces anxiety or even lets people be together but not cooped up. Never underestimate the health benefits of a little activity, sweat and peace of mind.
CH says
Stay away if you are concerned but let people who want sunshine and fresh air get it. We need a distraction from this pandemic and sitting in front of the TV 24/7. Use good judgment. Social distancing, wash hands etc.
Mike says
Agree 100% !
Noel says
These same kids are going to go back home on a plane or bus or whatever. Thus spreading whatever they have to others. Grandparents, parents etc. it’s ignorant and irresponsible.
Jimbo99 says
For now, it’s not necessary to close the beach. This is the global game plan, therefore the local game plan ? Closing the beach will always be a topic and an option based upon this. Healthcare has no solution beyond monitoring cases and addressing higher levels as that happens. Embrace the concept or not. This is what will happen in the present & going forward.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615370/coronavirus-pandemic-social-distancing-18-months/
“We all want things to go back to normal quickly. But what most of us have probably not yet realized—yet will soon—is that things won’t go back to normal after a few weeks, or even a few months. Some things never will.
It’s now widely agreed (even by Britain, finally) that every country needs to “flatten the curve”: impose social distancing to slow the spread of the virus so that the number of people sick at once doesn’t cause the health-care system to collapse, as it is threatening to do in Italy right now. That means the pandemic needs to last, at a low level, until either enough people have had Covid-19 to leave most immune (assuming immunity lasts for years, which we don’t know) or there’s a vaccine.”
FBTaxpayer says
I am convinced that Eric Cooley is the only Commissioner with ANY common sense, and he as a business owner has more to lose than the rest of them. With the exception of Mr. Cooley, they will all be voted out in future elections.
Linda says
Good God, People…do you EVER STOP FIGHTING? I was hoping I might see some kindness for a change, but not from those who like to post here. Can’t you find a way to disagree without disparaging one another? Stop calling people names and volunteer your time to HELP SOMEBODY.
Ramone says
Here again. If you’re worried about the beach being open, you should deal with the following first: All non essential retail stores should be closed, all beauty parlors, nails, barbers etc. should be closed. Alcohol sales at restaurants should be suspended. Restaurants should only be permitted to do take out or delivery. All parks should be closed. All campgrounds should be closed. All banquet halls, clubhouses, clubs, golf courses should be closed, etc. etc. Once you do all of that, then shut down the beach if it’s a problem.
Linda says
Not everybody agrees with some of the assessments posted here:
https://www.thefactsite.com/beach-health-benefits/
We do still have the freedom to disagree in this country, don’t we?
Col Bob says
You people are BLOODY crazy !!! I just came from two stores, Walgreens in Palm Coast and Publix in Flagler Beach. People are crowded together like cattle in a slaughter house. No MASK, No GLOVES, No SPACING between them…… Standing at the cashier booths your in line 2 feet away from the next customer…….. And you people are worried aboud the “Damn Beach Closure”. Your freaking NUTS !!!!! CLOSE THE DAMN GROCERIES STORES and CONVIENCE STORES before you even THINK about closing the Beaches….. For Christ Sakes, pull your selves together people !!!
minus 19 says
I need food, sand between my toes can wait.
Truth says
If you ignorant cry baby snow flakes don’t want to chance it then stay home. Your fear shouldn’t be everyone else’s burden. Closing stuff and shutting everything down is not going to do anything and outside activity is a right. You don’t want to be there fine. We don’t want you there either. And if you have been here ten years or less you shouldn’t have a say anyways.
PompanoBob says
Your attitude to a pandemic is exactly why we need a closure. Been here 23 years, is that enough to have a say??
Soup says
Last time I knew this was America and we all have a say.
And how did you come upon 10 years that you can have a say? Does that mean if I have been here 40 years I can say more words than someone who have been here only 10?
😄
Deb says
I guess next we will soon have people pushing for “their 6′ of space” when they go out and walk in a store. 6ft bumper guards attached to your person, sounds about right. OR people will require all to wear full body condoms to protect them from whom know what or to keep who knows what in,. Its getting insane. And whats interesting some people don’t ever care about those around them. ignorance is bliss
Beach mom says
You mean to tell me that I am not allowed to go out to the beach on a beautiful day, feel the sun, hear the ocean sounds?
I have been twice this week, plenty of space between everyone.
You don’t want to go there stay home and continue to be miserable.
It’s my kids spring break.
Staying home all day everyday attached to a device is NOT healthy.
They have canceled everything for these kids, sports, school, life!
Guess what folks, there is no surface for the virus to attach to at the beach.
Ocean air is excellent for your lungs.
You’ll have to come outside some day…
Can’t hide home forever.
I am a free human being who can make decisions for myself and my children.
ASF says
The fact is, as beaches close in other parts of Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, etc.) people–especially bored and restless young “Spring breakers” who are enjoying an extended Spring Break because of the virus–will flock to beaches that remian open. Does anyone really think our infrastructure resources can handle the fall-out from this?
Edith Campins says
Don’t close the beach. Close the bars and restaurants along the beach, where people actually congregate.
Clair says
A 35 yr old man just died in california after visiting orlando theme parks.
Every person should be locked in place and only going out for essentials such as food and supplies. Walks up and down the street are fine as long as you stay 6 ‘ apart from others, rides in the car should be kept to a minimum to avoid needing to get gas unneccisarly,
Going out to enjoy yourself in public places is not ok. Please stay home whether u are sick or not. Florida is about to get rocked by this virus and its not just old people, its all people.
Tater Salad says
How about starting with keeping your nasty damn dogs and horses off the beaches and out of all community environments including sidewalks, streets, other people’s property, and especially Publix!! More people than you know could care less if you have a phoney service goat for a phoney phobia about folks eating a delicious filet mignon, or whether you experience cognizant dissonance over hearing the term “MAGA”. Stay home in your “safe space”. ABOVE ALL obey the Safe Beach signs and keep your animals and their bacteria in your house, in your yard…our beach and our community isn’t a barnyard. You’re welcome.
Here Spot says
Can I take my pet Squirrel to the Beach. He only poops little piles ?
Sir Topham Hatt says
Considering the difficult times we’re in, maybe it’s time all the flight schools from Daytona and the surrounding areas offer us some peace and quiet. I don’t even live near an airport and the excessive noise in Palm Coast is maddening.
Don says
EARPLUGS…….. I wear them at the Gun Range. They work well !!!
The Voice Of Reason says
Amen to this request. These greed driven companies never have the community in mind. Only visions of dollar signs generated by foreign bank accounts. This activity is 100% unnecessary at a time like this. The majority of students aren’t from America. Regardless, pilot training is arrogantly selfish right now. Nice social distancing going on in the cockpit. What if a plane crashes like a couple weeks ago. Waste of first responders resources much less the hospitals. STAY home students!!! Better yet, go home and train in your own country. Leave!
Pogo says
@Flagler Live
Pierre, thank you. I’m tempted to recommend Gibran’s Wise King (1) but you’re providing vital, matter of life and death, information – not opinion. The dear leader’s cult members (no surprise here) are as arrogant, belligerent, hateful and infantile as the psychopathic monster they blindly follow; even as they demonstrate appalling ignorance of infection control, sterile technique, medical isolation, medical practice, medical ethics, all ethics, etc., etc.
(1) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58702/the-wise-king
I offer the following as a matter of particular relevance to us uns here in Floriduh:
Look at this damn map!
Fever-tracking smart thermometers may trace the spread of COVID-19
There are over 1 million Kinsa smart thermometers in the US and they are telling a tale of illness across the country.
Amanda Kooser – March 19, 2020
https://www.cnet.com/news/fever-tracking-smart-thermometers-may-trace-the-spread-of-covid-19/
Can Smart Thermometers Track the Spread of the Coronavirus?
A company that makes internet-connected thermometers has followed the flu more closely than the C.D.C. can. Now the devices may be turning up cases of Covid-19
By Donald G. McNeil Jr. – March 18, 2020
“A company that uses internet-connected thermometers to predict the spread of the flu says it is tracking the coronavirus in real time — something that had been impossible, given the lack of testing for the disease.
Kinsa Health has sold or given away more than a million smart thermometers to households in which two million people reside, and thus can record fevers almost as soon as consumers experience them.
For the last few years, Kinsa’s interactive maps have accurately predicted the spread of flu around the United States about two weeks before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s own surveillance tool, the weekly FluView tracker…”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/health/coronavirus-fever-thermometers.html
Robjr says
“And that virus doesn’t like salt water anyway,” City Commission Chairman Kim Carney said minutes later.
Don’t forget to put on a tin foil hat. The tin foil will reflect the virus.
Steadfastandloyal says
Well said colonel!
john rains says
If ignorance is bliss,tis folly to be wise
Sam says
As of 9:30a 432 infected and 9 dead…the way these numbers are going Florida is about to get hit really hard with this. I know the bars are closed but the bars that sell food are open. So every single establishment on Flagler Beach. Lol closing down just bars will do NOTHING. These young people on spring break do not care about themselves or the elder. Just search up the video on tik tok of the young girl licking a toilet bowl on a plane saying she doesn’t care if she gets the corona virus. She said if she dies from it so well she would much rather die from it being young and beautiful than old and ugly. Like what?! Also all of the memes like this is a joke? Once they start closing other beaches these kids are gonna say “I know where to go there is a small town named Flagler beach with bars and plenty of places to get f***ed up so let’s go there!” Like I said these kids DO NOT CARE. Oh yeah mind you I am 22 myself. I’m labeling my generation as kids because that’s what they’re acting like. Just like you guys not closing down these beaches and restaurants. Also me being young I know what everyone my age group is saying and their trends. They don’t give a f**k about yall. I do though. Close down the beaches.
Don says
REMAIN CALM : ALL IS WELL
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Everyone+Remain+Calm+Kevin+Bacon&&view=detail&mid=BF4F3BF1DD0E5A98C7E3BF4F3BF1DD0E5A98C7E3&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DEveryone%2BRemain%2BCalm%2BKevin%2BBacon%26Form%3DVDRSCL%26%3D0
Sherry says
Our city commissioners who show their complete ignorance by repeating “misinformation” from social media and other uncredentialed sources should be voted out, as soon as possible. This crisis is NOT a joking matter, and our community leaders must act responsibly and past along ONLY VERIFIED FACTUAL information!
Please try to find your lost ability to “think rationally and independently” and seek FACTUAL information from “credible” sources and “MEDICAL EXPERTS”. Again, please STOP “mindlessly” posting FOX “talking points” and “whataboutsims”! Simply because more people may die from other causes does not mean we should just ignore the highly contagious dangers of this virus! Weeks in the hospital and lives can be saved by “calmly” taking reasonable precautions.
Our federal government is apparently completely unprepared, and is essentially saying it’s up to state and local governments to take care of this situation and provide “vital necessities” to our citizens of all ages. Now is the time for sober “responsible leadership” and less self centered personal cooperation in providing critical health and safety to the entire community.
frustrated says
we need to impeach these jerks and get people in office that actually cares about us. Can these city officials be arrested and charged with murder or attempted murder if any of these people get sick? maybe all of us that are in isolation that cant get tested should get together and sue and all those that got sick can sue..
strawberry festival went on normally Saturday even though they were advised to shut down
keeping beaches open
lying to public about what is really going on with the virus
not shutting down bike week festivities here AFTER Daytona shut it down there
not putting protocols in place to keep us safe
SHAME ON YOU CITY OFFICIALS – you should all be ashamed of yourselves and resign!
N. Walsh says
Close the beach would give the teens even less to do. Then guess what, THEY WILL BE HANGING IN ON THE STREETS. Keep the beach open, those who don’t like it need to just stay away. There’s nothing that will completely stop the virus, it’s going to take time for this to calm down. We can do much by trying to be a bit nicer.
Mike Marino says
I just drove home from making a supply run and the north end of Flagler Beach had cars parked up to the northerly city limits. The amount of people is many times the normal at this time of the year. Please vote all the commissioners out, they are giving us false information. The invaders coming here and packing the beaches are taking the supplies of the city residents and potentially infecting us. They closed many beaches in the state, almost closed Orlando, NY , LA and are on Lock Down. And now they are releasing prisoners from the County Jail, but we are becoming prisoners in our own town. If this area is locked down the invaders will be stuck here. If the commissioners actions cause suffering and death, they should be charged and locked up…..plenty of room at the County jail now.
Citizen Kane says
Yep 2 of 5 are gone. We now have 3 to go plus the mayor and city manager.
Lying and Ignorance seems to be spreading with the virus says
The number of cases is rising everyday. Flagler County just admitted after 2 weeks of lying that there is a case. Bob Snyder swore up and down there wasnt, go back through the news articles, briefings and interviews… he plain out denied it from the beginning yet now the officials want everyone to believe they werent lied to. Please Mr. Snyder ecplain what logic or reasoning you have to lie, blatantly lie to the community and then when the truth comes out, swear you didnt lie, where in your right mind does that even remotely make sense? So much for worrying about tarnishing the image eh… you just tarnished your image, the countys image and you should no longer have your position. You are incapable of leadership. You lie. We dont need liars in office. We dont need liars to be in leadership roles. You put the community at risk due to your blatant lies. You have spread the virus while spreading your lies. You should be ashamed of yourself. The audacity and ignorance certain officials have is beyond words.
To those of you that dont have the common sense to just social distance, to stay home unless absolutely necessary… you are the ones that will have Marshall Law take effect. Then what? Yall will whine and cry about your rights, YOURE NOT ON VACATION, this is not the time to have that mentality. You people talking about your rights seem to not understand what can take place during a national/global emergency. The local/state/federal agencies have every right to place and enforce a lockdown if the people are not following and practicing the suggestions/the safety precautions because they are putting others in jeopardy/at risk. That is why other states and countries have enforced complete lockdowns so to those that are ignorant on here… keep doing whatever you wish, youre just going to enable a complete lockdown that yall can whine about. Yall dont have the right to cause harm or potential harm to others. That is not a right. It wont kill anyone to just stay put for a bit, hasnt killed anyone in any other country that locked down. You will survive without going to the beach, going out to public places. You want fresh air and sunshine, yall have yards, yall have balconies, you want to walk, walk around your yard. Hell prisoners walk around the prison yard, they arent brought to the beach and guess what.. they survive.. for years. The beach will still be there when this pandemic passes. You want sand between your toes, make a sand box in your yard, you can have all the sand between your toes that you want without the risk of coming in contact with others. People here need to really think and realize your behavior, your attitude and mentality effects others. The ignorance will make matters worse whether that is in the form of the virus spreading and potentially killing or the local or state authorities initiate a complete lockdown and those same people will be crying poor me with their hands out looking for help, looking for a handout, looking for sympathy and compassion yet they didnt have any for anyone else and wanted to do what they wanted.
Keep Flagler Beautiful says
What a bunch of idiots those Flagler city commissioners are. It doesn’t take a mob of people on the beach to bring the highly contagious infection to our area. It only takes one! You answer to the people, and the great majority want you to close the beach, so do it.
Concerned resident says
Close the beach for tourist and leave it open for residence only. The Florida keys start this today Sunday. Try it if it doesn’t work out then close them.