Charlotte County to reopen fishing piers and disc golf courses Thursday

As municipalities loosen restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are starting to get out to enjoy the great outdoors again.

Marion Irwin of Punta Gorda was herself enjoying the sun in picturesque Southwest Florida Tuesday, exclaiming, “Oh my God. What wouldn’t you like? This is the place, this is paradise.”

Soon, people in Charlotte County will have another spot to enjoy.

The County plans to reopen fishing piers on Thursday, as long as anglers follow social distancing guidelines.

Frank Hommema, is a local business owner known as “Fishin’ Frank”.

He says social distancing shouldn’t be an issue since fishing requires extra space, “Fishermen have a social distancing device, it’s your fishing pole!”

He recommends people have a “Plan B” if your favorite pier gets too crowded.

Charlotte County plans to also reopen disc golf courses on Thursday.
The restrooms at Port Charlotte and Englewood beaches are set to reopen Friday.

Commissioners will discuss reopening tennis and pickleball courts at a special meeting next Tuesday.