Jacksonville, Florida is expecting crowds at their three main beach areas (Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach) when the beaches reopen at 5 p.m. today (Friday, April 17, 2020) for the first time in a month. All of the beaches in Florida were closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This decision by Jacksonville officials comes as the cases of Florida coronavirus continues to climb.

Even though hours and activities will be limited, Jacksonville officials say they will have police, lifeguards and fire-rescue personnel patrol the waterfront to ensure people are maintaining six feet of social distancing and no groups of more than 10 and not 50 as was previously announced.

The three beaches will be open today from 5 until 8 p.m. eastern and can only be used for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, surfing and taking care of pets.

The beaches will only be open between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. after today. Police and lifeguards will notify people when it is time to clear the area and expect beachgoers to comply.

Other restrictions at the three beaches include:

• No sunbathing, towels, blankets, chairs, coolers or grills will be permitted
• No organized group activities (this includes picnics or gatherings, team sports or any type of group activity)
• Pavilions and picnic areas will remain closed
• All park restroom facilities will remain closed
• No overnight camping is permitted
• Playground amenity usage at parks must follow social distancing requirements