Manatee County Lifts 2-Hour Restrictions On Beach Parking

BRADENTON, FL — Manatee County commissioners agreed Tuesday to end the two-hour parking limits along recently reopened public beach areas.

"Social distancing requirements will remain but parking limits will be lifted at Manatee County's public beach parking beginning ... May 13," county officials said.

Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea said the beach reopenings have gone smoothly thus far with most visitors obeying social distancing requirements.

County commissioners also approved an enhanced police presence by Manatee County Sheriff's deputieson on weekends along popular beach areas until July 12.

Beginning Wednesday, beaches will be open from sunrise until 10 p.m. The county's Bayfront Parkinside the city of Anna Maria, will also reopen on Wednesday.

"Residents should not park in the right of ways along Bradenton and Coquina Beaches. Some parking areas near the county's utility construction projects along Bradenton Beach will remain closed for safety," officials said. "As part of today's action, commissioners approved extending for seven days the local state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic."

Greer Island, a popular spot for boaters near Longboat Key, will remain closed for now.

Coryea said the county's reopening has been consistent with social distancing guidelines and with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's plan for Florida’s recovery.

"With the state of emergency being extended for 60 days, movie theaters, theme parks, bars, restaurants won’t be open and people still do not have a lot of places to go," Coryea said. "They'll be heading out to the beach, and so we're calling to expand weekend law enforcement presence through July 12."

Public Safety Director Jake Saur said Manatee County has experienced a reduction in positive coronavirus cases in recent days.

"And for more proof that we're heading in the right direction, (Manatee County) is down to 9.3 percent positive rate which is the seventh day in a row of decline," Coryea added.

Saur and Coryea said the positive trends are the result of a much higher rate of local testing.

Officials said Manatee County residents can get tested for the virus at multiple locations throughout the county with or without symptoms or prescriptions.

The county's restaurant concessionaires at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe and the Coquina Beach Cafe remain closed for the time being but could reopen next week.

Other popular county amenities, such as libraries and public pools will likely open in June, giving county staff time to complete its reopening plan.

"Before reopening many of those other facilities, we will ensure they are set up properly, and that we have the protocols in place to enforce social distancing and avoid crowds," Coryea said. "We have to make sure the message is clear with proper signage on what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. We have to make sure staff is trained. Smaller venues like tennis and skate parks are all being evaluated."