Coronavirus: Flagler beaches, pier, parks closed

Over coronavirus concerns, Flagler County and the City of Flagler Beach are closing area beaches and other public areas by 6 a.m. Monday, according to a news release.

In Flagler Beach, the beach, boardwalk and pier will remain closed until further notice, Larry Newsom, city manager, said in a news release Sunday.

Also, parks, community centers, pavilions, camping areas, dune walkovers, and associated facilities, like parking lots and restrooms, county spokesperson Julie Murphy said in a later release.

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“The City of Flagler Beach hopes that our residents and visitors understand that the public’s health and safety during this worldwide pandemic is our utmost concern,” Newsom said.

Jonathan Lord, emergency management director in Flagler County, echoed that sentiment.

“Both of our entities kept the beaches open as long as it was reasonably safe to do so,” Lord said.

Palm Coast, in keeping in line with Flagler County, also is closing its parks and trails until further notice, according to a news release.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering virtual programs to keep residents active at home. The website is Palmcoastconnect.com/s/parks-and-recreation.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has largely given discretion to local governments as to whether or not their beaches should be closed.

Beach ramps were closed this weekend in Volusia County in an effort to curb the number of visitors.

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This weekend the Florida Department of Environmental Protection closed state beach parks, including Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, in accordance with direction from Gov. Ron DeSantis and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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However, there are “many other state parks currently open for day-use recreation, including hiking and biking,” according to the Florida State Parks website. “It is extremely important to continue practicing social distancing while enjoying the beauty of nature.”

Hours of operation have been reduced to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection also has canceled all events, activities, special event reservations, pavilion rentals and overnight reservations at state parks for 60 days.