Headlines this week have read along the lines of “Jacksonville beaches to re-open amidst COVID-19 peak.” As a Florida native and St. Johns county resident I was immediately outraged that my counties were at the spotlight of taking negative action during this massive health crisis. As the US confirmed cases reached 700,000 today, I am absolutely baffled by the leadership of my state, especially St. Johns and Duval county who decided to re-open the beaches (Washington Post).



While Duval and St. Johns Corona cases have remained relatively low, our communities are both particularly susceptible to the impacts of COVID-19. Over 14% of Duval county residents under the age of 65 don’t have health insurance (US Census). Furthermore, St. Johns county consists of over 40,000 residents above the age of 65, the most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 (US Census).

We have already seen the impacts that crowded beaches during spring break had on the spread of the virus. Hundreds to thousands likely spread the virus throughout the US, potentially sparring our own medical facilities in Florida, but outlining the effects of faulty action (New York Times, Tectonix GEO).



The beaches were re-opened in effort to increase physical activity and time outdoors, however, large crowds indicated many residents were there for gathering purposes and did not follow the guidelines. This illustrates the difficulties in enforcement for the new guidelines, as there were multiple accounts of beachgoers not listening. While failure to practice distancing doesn’t account for the majority of beachgoers who adhered, even getting accidentally too close to someone while walking or on a boardwalk, can increase the spread.



We cannot expect to continue keeping the virus out of our communities, if our lawmakers decide to take action that negatively impacts flattening the curve. While some residents may be headstrong in making their own decisions, their contraction of the virus impacts us ALL. From overwhelmed medical facilities to getting the grocery store clerk sick, we all play a role in stopping the spread, and our community and lawmakers must realize that.



As a resident of a beach community, I understand the merits of reopening the beaches, but as the virus reaches its peak during the month of April, now is not the time. We don’t need to make headlines for being on the wrong side of history. Hold out, stay healthy, and stop the spread, even if we love the beach.



Please sign this petition to re-close the St. Johns and Duval County beaches.