Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for the Emerald Coast of Florida and Alabama
In response to growing concerns of those traveling to areas covered by EmeraldCoastByOwner.com, we are attempting to share the most recent information about coronavirus closures and safety precautions.
Baldwin County, AL:
(Gulf Shores, Orange Beach)
Baldwin County Beaches are CLOSED until April 6, 2020
Gatherings of 10 or more person are prohibited
Bars and nightclubs are closed until April 17th
Restaurants are pick or delivery only until April 17th
No official shelter in place order enacted but voluntary compliance requested.
Local Health Department website: https://www.facebook.com/BaldwinCountyCommission
Baldwin County: https://baldwincountyal.gov/home
State of Florida:
3/27/2020 - Governor DeSantis has issued an order that cancels all vacation rentals for the next two weeks. Vacationers already here are to finish up their stay and go home.
3/27/2020 - Governor DeSantis has added Louisiana to the list of states whose residents are encouraged to not enter the state of Florida. A few days ago, the governor required travelers from New York and surrounding areas to self-quarantine for two weeks and report anyone they may have had contact since entering Florida. Today, DeSantis added Louisiana to that list of states. He also stated there will be checkpoints in place to help enforce the measure.
As of March 17, all Florida bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days and restaurants will be restricted to carry out, delivery and half-capacity seating. Most restaurants are staying open to service the public, requesting patience from patrons in dealing with social distancing measures and other inconveniences. Many food delivery services are offering special discounts to help the effort.
Walmart is operating 6:00AM to 11:00PM until further notice.
Most Grocery stores are operating 6:00AM to 9:00PM until further notice.
Florida State Parks: CLOSED.
Florida Department of Health website: www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19
Escambia County, FL:
(Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key)
Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Beaches are CLOSED through April 2, 2020.
Escambia County: https://myescambia.com/
Santa Rosa County, FL:
(Gulf Breeze, Navarre Beach)
Santa Rosa County beaches are CLOSED. Navarre Beach and the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier are also CLOSED.
Santa Rosa County: https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/
Okaloosa County, FL:
(Santa Rosa Island, Ft. Walton Beach, Destin)
Officially all public and private beaches in Okaloosa County are CLOSED until April 30th. There are questions of how this will be enforced concerning private beaches, but we hope everyone realizes the importance of complying with the rules as stated. The order still allows licensed saltwater fishing. The county has also encouraged pharmacies set up window service and special hours before opening to serve customers over 60 years old.
Okaloosa County: www.co.okaloosa.fl.us
Walton County, FL:
(Miramar Beach, Sandestin, 30A Area)
Officially all public and private beaches in Walton County are CLOSED until April 30th. We have reports that some folks are occupying private beaches, but we hope everyone realizes the importance of complying with the rules as stated.
Walton County commissioners have suspended beach vendor permits
Morrison Springs and Grady Brown Parks are closed to the general public but the boat ramps at each park will remain open.
Walton County: www.co.walton.fl.us
Seaside Resort Community:
Beach access points are closed. Spring events are cancelled. Commercial area is closed.
Alys Beach Resort Community:
Effective March 17, beach amenities will cease operation for a minimum of two weeks. Spring events have been suspended or postponed. A 10:00 p.m. curfew started Tuesday, March 17. https://alysbeach.com/
Bay County, FL:
(Laguna Beach, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach)
The Bay County Beaches are CLOSED. County commissioners will revisit the decision on April 9, 2020. This includes all parts of the sandy beach. Property owners are permitted on the sand within 30 feet of their structure with ID. Police will confirm owner’s identity via the county auditor’s website. Persons NOT listed as owners on the website are NOT permitted on the sand.
Bay County: https://www.co.bay.fl.us/
Gulf County, FL:
(Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas)
The Gulf County Beaches are CLOSED. County commissioners will revisit the decision on April 9, 2020.
Gulf County: http://www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/
Franklin County, FL:
(St. Vincent Island, Apalachicola, St. George Island)
Franklin County Beaches are CLOSED. The Franklin County ban covers all beaches and beach access points, including boardwalks, walkways and parking areas. The closure affects Carrabelle Beach, Alligator Point and St. George Island. Franklin County officials told news outlets that homeowners and renters can still access private beachfront property to the high-tide line, but the general public cannot. However, the emergency ordinance doesn't include such wiggle room. It says all public beaches, from the water to the dune, vegetation or construction line, are closed. A visitor renting a house on Alligator Point said the Sheriff's Office told him to get off the beach Monday.
Franklin County: https://www.franklincountyflorida.com/
Resort amenities (pools, beach access, tennis courts, etc.):
Each individual community HOA is responsible for crafting policy regarding amenities. To determine which amenities are open or closed at any given community, resort or condo development, please view their website or contact them directly.
It is always best to liberally use surface disinfectants while traveling at any time. You can find a list of COVID-19 approved products here: www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
Federal Coronavirus safety guidelines can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
We try to be accurate and informative, but the situation is fluid. Please research via the links above and other resources to determine the best personal plan of action. Be safe and shelter in place if possible.