Nassau County, Fla — Nassau County commissioners are meeting Wednesday to discuss reopening the county’s beaches. If approved, the beaches could open Friday, May 1.
Locals like Beth Robertson support opening the beaches, but for exercise, like Duval and St. Johns Counties have done.
“I live not far from here and the paths are so crowded, it would be nice just to have more space for the beaches,” Robertson said.
Nassau County Manager Michael Mullin is recommending the board take broader steps than that.
Mullin said the county has heard Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may not extend the stay at home order past midnight Thursday.
So, if commissioners pass this Wednesday, the beaches could open Friday with restrictions on things like beach driving, camping, horseback riding and commercial activities.
“The board would be meeting tomorrow and considering all options,” Mullin said.
Infectious diseases expert Dr. Mobeen Rathore said opening the beaches in this capacity could lead to crowding.
“Perhaps opening the beaches should not be the first thing,” Dr. Rathore said. “You saw what happened, everybody went to the beach, of course!”
Last week, Action News Jax showed you how parts of this coast are owned by the state, county and city of Fernandina Beach, possibly creating crowding issues if only one portion were to open.
Mullin said Fernandina Beach is considering reopening May 4, three days after.
As for beach parking lots, Mullin wants only vehicles registered in Nassau County to be able to use the parking areas to prevent overcrowding.