The Council for the Town of Fort Myers Beach today voted to allow residents only to start walking, biking and running on Town-owned public beaches from 7 to 10 a.m., effective Tuesday, April 28, 2020. The beach remains closed to the general public, as does parking.
Anyone using the beach during these morning hours must be a Town resident and be ready to show identification. Residents will be required to wear a face covering or mask and adhere to social distancing of six feet apart. Only walking, biking or running will be permitted. No beach chairs, towels, coolers, sitting or gathering in groups will be permitted.
Mayor Ray Murphy expressed concern due to the possibility that an inaccurate message will get out that will draw non-residents to the beach.
“Our mayor is very concerned, and so I am hereby issuing a challenge to the media,” said Vice Mayor Rexann Hosafros. “When you cover this story, cover it correctly, and do not sensationalize it.”
In other business, the Town Council also voted to allow hotels and vacation rentals to accept reservations again starting May 15, 2020, effective for occupancy dates as soon as May 15.
The Town Council will meet again this Friday, May 1, 2020, to review these actions and consider further actions or revisions that might be possible after information from state and county officials is received later this week.
