‘No responsible reason’: After backlash, Marco Island won’t open beaches, after all
Aching to go to the beach? Of course you are.
We live in Florida for so many reasons, and taking a dip in the ocean is up there on the list.
But due to the coronavirus pandemic, residents of the Sunshine State will have to wait until the crisis passes to enjoy the shoreline once again.
Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a shelter in place for the entire state of Florida through April 30. Floridians are only to venture outside the home to “obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.”
That’s why when the Marco Island City Council voted 4-3 for a limited reopening of two beach access points on April 13, many locals were surprised — and concerned.
The entrance and exit was to open from dawn until dusk to “seek relief from stresses,” according to a release.
“This is a highly stressful time for all, and being outside, exercising, and enjoying the beach is an outlet that can help many of our residents cope,” read the original statement. “That is the only motivation for allowing pedestrian access at this time.”
Social distancing guidelines were to still be enforced and the Marco Island Police Department would monitor the beaches to ensure people were not congregating in groups.
But despite love for the beach, people weren’t happy with the decision. Residents complained, and even launched an online petition at change.org, with 1,000 signatures needed.
“There is no responsible reason for Marco Island to open its public beach access when even Collier County refuses to open their beaches,” reads the petition. “We are already seeing the opening of Marco Island beach accesses as a local news headline that is being spread on social media, and seeing comments and statements from people off the island planning to make the trip down because all the other beaches in Collier County remain closed!”
It seemingly worked. On Wednesday, the council backpedaled, saying no there would be no public pedestrian beach access points reopening at all.
“Beaches will remain closed through at least April 30, pending further City Council action,” said City Manager Mike McNees in a statement sent to media.
“My preference would be that the City Council have the opportunity to reconsider this action as a body, but for that to happen would require further delay, and I am confident that the Council will agree that immediate action in this case is what is best for the Marco Island community.”
Marco Island is about 100 miles west of Miami.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 1:10 PM.
