The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted Thursday, May 21, to amend Executive Order 20-6, creating Executive Order 20-8 regarding Escambia County public beaches.
Effective Thursday, May 21 a noon, Escambia County public beaches are now fully open to the public. Camping on the beach is not allowed per county ordinance 74-36 and consistent with the “Leave No Trace” protections for nesting sea turtles. Other Escambia County parks, including public access points on Perdido Key remain closed from sunset to sunrise.
Beach goers are still 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.
Pavilions and beach bathroom facilities have reopened. The area around and under the fishing pier is open. Dog parks have already been reopened and permitted in designated areas.
"I want to reiterate that the three public accesses on Perdido Key are closed at sunset; they’re sunup to sundown," Commissioner Underhill said. "That is a critical part of our habitat conservation plan and our commitment and responsibilities to our Federal Government. The change that we’re making with regard to sundown to sunup [with Emergency Order 20-6] does not change anything about the policies and procedures at the three county-owned public accesses on Perdido Key."