Beaches in Manatee County will reopen Monday, May 4 with limited parking access
Starting Monday, public beaches in Manatee County will reopen with certain restrictions, as part of a phased reopening of the county.
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the proposal Tuesday afternoon, citing a need to reopen beaches for essential activity. Local beaches have been closed since March 20 to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
In Sarasota County, commissioners voted last week to implement a similar policy that opened the beach for activities like walking, running and swimming. Their policy doesn’t allow public parking and prevents visitors from using beach supplies like towels, chairs and coolers.
County Administrator Cheri Coryea suggested that Manatee could open beaches with a limited amount of 2-hour parking. Social distancing guidelines would remain in place, as well. Unlike in Sarasota, there will be no restrictions on beach supplies.
The board agreed to reopen beaches at about 10 a.m. Monday. Signs will be posted that detail the restrictions.
“What we were looking at were parking restrictions to reduce the amount available and asking people to limit the time they were there with limited time parking so that more individuals could enjoy the beach,” Coryea explained.
“We think it’s something our citizens will be so excited about that they’ll follow the guidelines,” she added.
Commissioner Vanessa Baugh voiced support for the plan, pointing to Sarasota’s approach as a successful strategy.
“People want to be able to walk on the beach. I know that Sarasota has restricted beach chairs. That is a good thing and it is good for the citizens,” said Baugh.
“I think it’s time to start releasing some. I like this plan,” said Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace, who suggested a 2-hour parking limitation.
Commissioner Stephen Jonsson said he was torn on the issue. In his experience, he said, residents aren’t always following social distancing rules.
“I’d like to go out to the beach, yet people aren’t always responsible,” Jonsson said. “The key is social distancing, but there’s a lot of irresponsible people out there, unfortunately. It’s disappointing to me.”
Public Safety Director Jake Saur also briefed the board on the Florida National Guard’s discussion of a regional testing site along the border of Sarasota and Manatee. The site would operate for at least two weeks and test about 400 people per day.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 4:19 PM.
