The Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works Department are finalizing "Social Distancing" sign placement throughout Escambia County public beaches in preparation for
reopening the beaches Friday, May 1.
The posted signage includes instructions on following social distancing guidelines. Two electronic messaging boards will be placed at the foot of the Bob Sikes Bridge and Theo Baars Bridge that state, “Please Practice Social Distancing.”
All beachgoers and anglers are asked to limit groups to 10 people or fewer and to adhere to CDC social distancing measures by keeping a 6-foot distance between others who are not in their immediate household.
County beaches, including the sound side, Gulf side, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset, daily. Pavilions will remain closed. Beach bathroom facilities remain closed and portalets are in place. Hand-washing stations will be provided. Dog parks will be reopened and permitted in designated areas. Pensacola Beach Lifeguard towers are in place and lifeguards will continue to provide coverage at up to seven towers.
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier will reopen Saturday, May 2. The pier will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. The pier will be accepting anglers only. No pedestrians at this time. Every angler will be required to remain 6 feet apart. The pier will be clearly marked with 6-foot markers to ensure everyone is able to follow the CDC social distancing guidelines. Once the pier is at full capacity, new anglers will be admitted as spots become available with anglers leaving.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, Escambia County Code Enforcement, Escambia County Parks and Recreation staff and Santa Rosa Island Authority staff will monitor public beaches for social distancing compliance.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present:
The county would like to remind residents that the toll on the Bob Sikes Bridge to Pensacola Beach is all-electronic. The new tolling system on the bridge went live March 20, which was earlier than anticipated to adhere to social distancing measures for toll booth workers.
The toll remains $1, and cash and change are no longer accepted at this location. Motorists can use either SunPass®, another interoperable transponder or be billed utilizing the TOLL-BY-PLATE system. TOLL-BY-PLATE customers will be charged a $1 toll, plus a monthly $2.50 administrative fee and will receive a bill by mail. Cash can be used at SunPass kiosks to replenish and pay TOLL-BY-PLATE invoices.