DeLand, FL - With Volusia County beaches shut down less than 24 hours, Councilwoman Deb Denys is asking for them to be reopened.
In a Facebook post:
BEACH CLOSING ~ I have just sent an official request to the County Manager and County Attorney to “open the beach and follow Cocoa Beach’s Ordinance, to be effective immediately.” The Ordinance states:
CITY OF COCOA BEACH
STATE OF EMERGENCY – COVID-19
ORDER #12
RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITIES AT THE OCEAN BEACH
Beginning 8:00 a.m. 4/3/20 until rescinded
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.
Councilwoman Billie Wheeler also posted on Facebook:
The True Story:
I rarely do not get on facebook to contradict anyones misinformation, due to the conversation never ends. However I have to make myself very clear in the vast amount of wrong information on the decision to close the beach totally.
In my conversation with Manager and Staff, my very strong statement was that I was opposed to totally closing the beach.In my mind we can conform with the essential needs clause and CDC guidelines. I am still opposed to the decision made and fighting to get it back open for all but loitering (if that is guideline). I even volunteered to use a Beach Patrol Truck each day to make sure guidelines were met, if Beach Patrol did not want to be out their. As well as I have a group of citizens volunteered to me that they would help to keep beach within guidelines.
Closing off for walking, biking, swimming, etc. is absolutely overkill.
Those who know me, know that I would not have voted to close. I am extremely unhappy with the announcement at the 4:00 meeting, but my argument to keep open was loud and clear,,,,,and still is.
The County Council next meets on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
