ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County’s public beaches will reopen Monday morning.
During today’s emergency county commission meeting, Manatee County Commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of reopening the county beaches on Monday, May 4.
The commission decision means Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach and Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach will reopen Monday morning. It also means the public beach parking lots that were closed on March 20 will be reopened Monday morning.
Parking at the public beaches will be limited to two hours. County Administrator Cheri Coryea said some portions of the beach parking lots will remain closed to limit the number of available parking spaces.
Local law enforcement and county code enforcement officers will have the authority and the ability to issue parking citations to those who extend their beach stays beyond two hours.
Coolers, umbrellas, beach chairs and items of that nature will be allowed. Social distancing guidelines are to be maintained and the public restrooms will be open.
The opening of the beach concession stands will depend on what Gov. Ron DeSantis has in mind for Florida restaurants. His executive order limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery service only expires on Thursday. DeSantis is expected to announce his reopening plans on Wednesday.
During the commission meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie sent Commissioner Carol Whitmore an email expressing his concerns about enforcing the two-hour parking limit. Chappie questioned the demands the two-hour limit will place on the Bradenton Beach Police Department and law enforcement officers.
Coryea said she and her administration would be working out additional details on Wednesday.
