Duval County beaches and parks partially reopening Friday

Jacksonville FL — Update:

The City of Jacksonville is partially reopening beaches and city parks beginning Friday afternoon at 5. Mayor Lenny Curry says they will only reopen for essential activities like walking or biking.

“This could be the beginning back to normal life.” Curry says.

The beaches will only be open from 6AM until 11AM then again from 5PM until 8PM. Meanwhile, the parks will reopen during normal hours from dawn until dusk, but Curry says public gathering spaces like pavilions and picnic areas will still be closed. He says you still need to follow social distancing guidelines.

The city says hiking, fishing, swimming taking care of pets and surfing are all considered essential activities as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.  Curry says the executive order which limits social gatherings to less than 50 people remains in place.

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Original Story:

Thursday, The City of Jacksonville offered a glimpse into how they plan to reopen the city. Mayor Lenny Curry says it appears the curve has been flattened locally, but we won't know doe sure until next week sometime.

“The data we record over the next week or so will continue to tell the story.” Curry says.

He suggests continuing to social distance to keep the curve from going up.

As the city emerges from the virus, Curry says he is reevaluating his executive orders to find ways on coming up with a plan to reopen the city and get people back to work. He says he's working to put together a committee of local leaders who will come up with plans for reopening. The committee will be announced next week. Another way towards reopening will be the beaches, Curry says he's in talks with the mayors at Duval County beaches to possibly reopen beaches and parks on a limited basis, so people can move around. At this point, he says there is no date scheduled for reopening the beaches, but he has had good conversations with the other mayors.

Whichever way the city reopens, Curry says it must be done safely.

“We just have to be responsible and smart about this and, uh, you know, social distance when we can.” Curry says.

Even though the latest update from the city appears our area is heading in the right direction, Curry says he doesn’t see any large concerts or events during the month of May.