Beaches in our area are reopening, but it's not a Spring Break-like free-for-all. There are restrictions on how many people can be together... and how far apart you have to be from other groups. Some beaches also have restrictions on hours.
For Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island and other beach areas in Alabama: Effective April 30, 2020, at 5:00 P.M., all beaches shall be open to gatherings of fewer than 10 persons, and anyone using the beaches must maintain a consistent six-foot distance between himself or herself and all persons from a different household. For purposes of this section, the term “beach” means the sandy shoreline area abutting the Gulf of Mexico, whether privately or publicly owned, including beach access points.
And there ARE some exceptions (see posts from Orange Beach and from Dauphin Island mayor Jeff Collier below)
As for Pensacola Beach, Escambia County Commissioners issued these restrictions: Beach goers are asked to limit groups to 10 people or fewer and to adhere to CDC social distancing measures by keeping a 6-foot distance between others who are not in their immediate household. Public county beaches, including the sound side, Gulf side, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset, daily.
And in Santa Rosa County: Navarre Beach will open beginning May 1 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily. Parking will be available at ALL public lots and spaces. Visitors may also walk and bike the multi-use path of the island of Navarre Beach.
(Photo credit: Mary Booth)