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JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Crowds were noticeably larger Saturday as the holiday weekend kicked off in Jacksonville Beach.
And more officers were out patrolling, even watching to make sure social distancing guidelines were being followed.
“In lieu of the COVID and everything that’s been going on we’re preparing in case the crowds are a little bit larger because people have been cooped up a lot lately,” Jacksonville Beach Police Sgt. Tonya Tator said.
Jacksonville Beach police said if they see people purposely not social distancing or following COVID-19 rules, they report it to the department of health.
On Saturday, beachgoers were separated in their groups out on the sand.
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Tator said she wants to remind beachgoers the virus hasn’t left us.
“One of the big things is usually reminding -- on holiday weekends everybody wants to come out in groups and have a good time,” Tator said. “COVID restrictions are still out there so please practice social distancing when you’re on the beach proper as far as your group from another group.”
Some health officials have expressed concern about large gatherings over the Labor Day weekend leading to a potential spike in coronavirus cases.
But beachgoers seemed unconcerned because most people were following the rules Saturday.
“Because of the distancing that people did, I think we are safe,” John Hurst said.
A socially distant crowd on Jacksonville Beach on Saturday made its way to the restaurants and bars at night.
One woman was walking alone on the beach, but couldn’t help but notice all the traffic.
“Yeah, it’s pretty busy,” beachgoer Katharine Becker said. “I think this stretch is always very busy.”
Jacksonville Beach police said extra patrolling around major holidays is normal, but this year they are watching for those breaking COVID-19 restrictions.
As for the businesses along the beach, Tator said bars can only operate at 50% capacity, masks are required inside them, they must practice social distancing and the business must close at midnight.
“The enforcement is if we see something really blatant, then what we’ll do is we’ll report it to the proper agency, and then we will go from there,” Tator said.
On Friday, Florida’s percent positivity for new cases was 5.99%. Another 3,656 cases were added.
Jacksonville Beach police said this weekend you will see more police out than you normally would because of the large crowds. Police also want to remind you to drink responsibly and if you are on the beach proper, there is no drinking in public.
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September 06, 2020 at 04:10AM
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Police urge holiday crowds to follow social distancing guidelines at beaches - WJXT News4JAX
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