All Duval County beaches closing at 5 PM Friday, per Mayor Lenny Curry

Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is taking further action to stop the spread of the coronavirus by closing all Duval County beaches effective at 5 PM.

“I’ve spoken with all three mayors, we all collaborated on this and made this decision. I understand we have beautiful weather, but this is for everyone’s safety. We must control this virus. We must stop the spread. We must practice social distancing,” says Curry.

He says the changing tides are part of the problem.

“When the tides come in, the mayors of those beaches tell me that you can’t help but not being able to social distance. It’s like ants on a hill when the tides come in,” says Curry.

To ensure the closure is being followed, he says police and lifeguards will be patrolling the beaches for any violators.

If you're caught on the beaches once the closure takes effect, he says it will be considered trespassing.

WATCH: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry gives update on coronavirus response