Cocoa Beach will ban alcohol from all public beaches beginning Friday.

The city posted the notice on its Facebook page at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Violations come with a $500 fine.

The move comes as college-age spring breakers continue congregate in large parties on the beach despite the threat of coronavirus.

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The city had already barricaded off large amounts of beachside parking by Thursday afternoon in an effort to discourage Spring Break parties.

“This is for those kids who just don’t get it. They need to leave,” Mayor Ben Malik said. He added that police would be patrolling the beach enforcing the order.

Bars in the city are already closed under a statewide order. Restaurants can remain open and serve alcohol, but they must cut their seating in half.

The City Commission Tuesday evening unanimously approved a proclamation declaring a state of emergency and giving City Manager James McKnight broad authority to take actions to protect public health and safety during the coronavirus outbreak.

A 25+ year veteran of FLORIDA TODAY, John McCarthy currently oversees the space team and special projects. Support quality local journalism by subscribing to FLORIDA TODAY. You can contact McCarthy at 321-752-5018 or jmccarthy@floridatoday.com.