Manatee County closes off part of preserve because of COVID-19. Another park is closed

Manatee County is shutting down one park and limiting access to part of Emerson Point Preserve because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rose Park, a small park located at 714 Palma Sola Blvd., is being closed “to ensure public health safety and social distancing,” according to county officials.

“Other county parks and preserves remain open. County leaders continue to stress the importance of social distancing across the community.”

At Emerson Point in Palmetto, the county said it was closing off vehicle access to the sandy beach area at the western edge of the preserve.

“Other county parks and preserves remain open for outdoor recreation but persons must practice social distancing,” the county said.

The county also announced that the city of Palmetto was reducing the schedule for its Riverside Drive boat ramp to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting Thursday, and only commercial fishermen would be able to use it. The South Coquina boat ramp also is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for use by commercial fishermen

Anyone wishing to access these two boat ramps mush have a Florida Saltwater Products License to use either boat ramp.

All other boat ramps are closed to the public as of Thursday.