COCOA BEACH, Florida – The City of Cocoa Beach has banned sunbathing, sitting in chairs, laying on blankets, grouping of persons and organized sports on the beach.

Engaging in these activities will result in a $500 fine, according to the ordinance issued by the city.

The only activities that are permitted on the beach are walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing, and swimming.

Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne Beach also imposed nearly identical bans today.

The full text of the order follows:

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as Cocoa Beach City Manager by the City Commission of the City of Cocoa Beach, in accordance with Amendment #1, City of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Declaration of Emergency Proclamation, approved March 19, 2020, I hereby Order that all ocean beaches in the City of Cocoa Beach are closed to all activities except walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming.

Activities such as sunbathing, sitting in chairs, organized sports or laying on blankets and grouping of persons is not permitted.

A minimum of six foot social distancing shall apply.

When your activity is complete, you will be required to leave the beach area.

This follows State of Florida Executive Order 20-91, as modified by Executive Order 20-92, Safer at Home, specifically Essential Activities.

Beach parking, beach access parking, and the parking garage will remain closed.

Failure to comply with the Order may result in further restrictions being applied. Fine for violation (pursuant to Cocoa Beach City Code Section 8.5-6) is set at $500.00 per occurrence.

Done and ordered this 2nd day of April, 2020.

James “Jim” McKnight