Sitting in Chairs Outlawed - Surfing Encouraged

Remember in the 90s when Fifer ran for Mayor of Cocoa Beach with a platform that included legalizing skateboarding? This was at a time when No Skateboarding signs were quite common around town. Times have changed. Cocoa Beach now embraces skateboarding and there is a skate park behind the school. Adding validation for our other board sport, Cocoa Beach has issued an Emergency Proclamation that specifically legalizes surfing during the beach restrictions related to cocronavirus. It is a welcome instance of common sense in our leaders' often bizarre responses to the outbreak. Thanks to Mayor Ben and the rest of our City leadership for the practical guidance.

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as Cocoa Beach City Manager by the City Commission of the City of Cocoa Beach, in accordance with Amendment #1, City of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Declaration of Emergency Proclamation, approved March 19, 2020, I hereby Order that all ocean beaches in the City of Cocoa Beach are closed to all activities except walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming.  Activities such as sunbathing, sitting in chairs, organized sports or laying on blankets and grouping of persons is not permitted.  A minimum of six foot social distancing shall apply.  When your activity is complete, you will be required to leave the beach area.  This follows State of Florida Executive Order 20-91, as modified by Executive Order 20-92, Safer at Home, specifically Essential Activities.  Beach parking, beach access parking, and the parking garage will remain closed.  Failure to comply with the Order may result in further restrictions being applied.  Fine for violation (pursuant to Cocoa Beach City Code Section 8.5-6) is set at $500.00 per occurrence.
          Done and ordered this 2nd day of April, 2020.

"The argument that the elderly and weak may just have to die to enrich the young and strong — painted as some sort of sacrifice, rather than a horrific outcome that we should fight against — is so bleak and hopeless. Lord, change hearts. Lord, protect the weak." __Haley Byrd