Hernando votes to reopen parks and beaches

Commissioners in Hernando County voted to reopen beaches and parks as of Wednesday, with the restriction that visitors maintain social-distancing guidelines.

They had been closed since March 17 to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Now, all park and beach locations, including Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park and the Rogers Park beach area, will be available for public use beginning April 29, with a few new rules.

Commissioners say residents are encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines and restrictions outlined below while visiting Hernando County park locations:

- No organized sports, events or large gatherings will be permitted 
- No rental of county buildings, pavilions, etc. will be permitted 

 Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing while visiting county parks:
- Stay at least 6 feet from others
- Do not gather in groups
- Wash your hands often 
- Cover your face and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Cover your cough and sneeze

RELATED: Which Florida beaches are open? Counties begin reopening beaches with restrictions

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