Beachgoers enjoy reopening of Fort Myers Beach at a social distance

Reporter: Nicole Gabe Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach enjoy the reopening to the public after the town rolled back its restrictions after more than a month Saturday, May 2, 2020. Credit: WINK News.

This weekend, we witnessed a sight that we have not seen in a very long time — a very busy beach.

Fort Myers Beach reopened to everyone for the first time in six weeks Saturday since restrictions were originally put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. And beachgoers wasted no time setting up their umbrellas and beach chairs to enjoy their time in the sun.

There are rules, of course. And, for business owners, the sight is welcomed.

People we spoke to are ecstatic Fort Myers Beach is officially back open to the public. Beachgoers are social distancing, keeping in mind the consequences if they don’t.

Following Lee County’s push, Fort Myers Beach officially reopened. And for many, this was their first time back since the beach closed.

“It really is nice to actually get out of the house and see people,” Colie Evanish said. “Because we have been stuck in the house for like seven or eight weeks.”

And social distancing continued as the shoreline filled.

“I think people would rather spread out and be able to come to the beach than to ruin it for themselves,” Sonya Walker said.

That’s exactly what town Mayor Ray Murphy wants.

“It was fantastic,” Murphy said. “It’s great to see everybody out here enjoying the beach. It appears that everyone is taking the advice, not the advice, the law, to social distance.”

But Murphy says if people don’t follow the rules, closing the beach again isn’t out of the picture.

“That’s entirely possible,” Murphy said. “No one wants to have to do something like that. So that is why it is incumbent on everybody to play by the rules, come out and have fun.”

Restaurants are opening up in limited capacity Monday, and businesses are starting to get back in the groove of things too. Some people are worried that could impact the crowds. But the mayor says it’s just a matter of how everyone moves forward.

So, for now, beachgoers we spoke to say they will continue to stay safe and have fun at a social distance.

“Yeah, I don’t want anything to go back to being closed,” Evanish said.

“We are going to just try to social distancing a lot and not be where a lot of groups of people are, and wash our hands a lot.”

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