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IPFS News Link • Florida

'Very, Very Scary': Officials Dumbfounded as Florida Beaches Reopen, 3 Days After Death Spik

• https://www.thedailybeast.com, Emily Shugerman

The state of Florida passed two milestones in the coronavirus pandemic this week: its deadliest day yet, and the reopening of several public beaches.

Hundreds of people flocked to the newly opened beaches in northern Florida on Friday evening, just two weeks into Gov. Ron DeSantis' monthlong stay-at-home order began. The state is the first of several to start slowly reopening public spaces even as the novel coronavirus continues to spread.

DeSantis announced Saturday that K-12 schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year, saying he did not want to force families who were uncomfortable with the idea to return to classrooms. Just a day earlier, however, he greenlit the reopening of some beaches, arguing that Floridians needed fresh air.

"I think people, they're gonna be responsible, they're gonna be safe, but they want to get back into a routine," he said Saturday.

Duval and St. Johns Counties, as well as the city of Mexico Beach, opened their beaches Friday for "essential activities" like running, fishing and surfing. The beaches will run on limited hours in the morning and evening, and activities like sunbathing will still be prohibited. Police were seen manning the beaches on Friday and Saturday, asking residents to maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings.


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