Effective tomorrow, April 26, 2020, at 7:00 a.m., the six (6) miles of scenic Beaches in Flagler Beach will be open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week; only for uses that include physical activity and motion. Our Beaches will be monitored by Law Enforcement and supplemented by City Staff to ensure that proper social distancing guidelines are being adhered to for public safety.

Photo Credit: @matt_terwilliger

Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom stated, “The decision to extend the open hours of our Beaches was based on the level of compliance we observed from our community over the last four (4) days; plus, guidance and approval from our local Department of Health”.

The following activities will be permitted on Flagler Beaches; walking, running, surfing, swimming, fishing and other uses that require physical activity. As Lifeguards may not be on duty, all swimming is done at your own risk. 

The City’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk bathrooms, parking on A1A in front of the Boardwalk, and the City’s Pier will remain closed. 

Handicapped Parking: Handicapped parking and Beach access will be available just north of the Pier, at South 2nd Street and SRA1A. 

Photo Credit: @abluvias

Beach Access Points: Access to the Beach can be accomplished by utilizing only Dune Walkovers at the following locations; from 3rd Street North to the North City Limits and from 9th Street South to the South City Limits. The Dune Walkovers on the Boardwalk will remain closed. The adherence to utilizing only open Dune Walkovers is greatly appreciated, as our Sea Dunes are extremely fragile.

Fishing on the Beach and the walking of pets will only be permitted north of 10th Street North and south of 10th Street South. 

“The Department of Health-Flagler is supportive of the Beach re-opening decision by community leaders” said Bob Snyder, Director, and Health Officer of Florida Department of Health in Flagler County. Mr. Snyder concluded by stating “In normal times, we advocate physical activity through walking, running, surfing and enjoying the outdoors. So, ‘exercise don’t socialize’, keep moving and don’t forget your sunblock and other protective measures”.

The grouping of persons, commercial activities, group sports, and activities that do not require motion, such as sunbathing, and sitting, or those otherwise not allowed by local, State, or Federal law are not permitted. In addition, items not allowed on the Beach include blankets, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, tents, and any item that promotes a stationary presence. Beach visitors must continue to adhere to the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) social distancing guidelines, including the social distancing of themselves from other parties by a minimum of six (6) feet.

Photo Credit: @captured_soul_fpv

“I’d like to thank Mr. Bob Snyder and the Flagler Health Department Staff for their partnership throughout this pandemic. The extended hours for exercise activities on our Beaches is a big step towards a return to pre-COVID 19 conditions.” said Larry Newsom, Flagler Beach City Manager. 

Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney stated “Our resilient community has been patient during this time of uncertainty. When the Beaches opened earlier this week under strictly restricted timeframes, the level of compliance in Flagler Beach was outstanding. We’re respectfully asking that all Beach visitors continue to comply with CDC guidelines and abide by social distancing of at least six (6) feet. We’ve got six (6) miles of Beaches in our City, so please spread out, stay active and stay safe!”. 

We hope that the increased hours of availability for exercise on Flagler Beaches will continue to prove beneficial to both the physical and mental health of our citizens. We sincerely appreciate our Flagler County partners in this re-opening endeavor and hope that our community complies with the social distancing restrictions that have been put in place.