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BY MARIE PULEO | NEWS REPORTER

BROWARD COUNTY REOPENINGS: Broward County issued an order on Friday evening further extending Phase 1 reopening guidelines to include lying on beaches, the opening of tattoo parlors and allowing doubles play at racquet sport facilities, with restrictions. In addition, massage establishments will be able to expand their services beyond those medically necessary. The new order takes effect Monday, June 1, with the exception of the racquet sports provision, which took effect upon issuance.

Per the new order, Broward beaches can open to picnicking, sunbathing, sitting or lying on the beach. Umbrellas, canopies, chairs, loungers and coolers will also be permitted. 

Group or organized sports, such as volleyball, are not yet allowed, or any group gatherings of more than 10 people. Beachgoers must maintain a minimum six feet of physical distance from each other at all times, including when in the water, except between members of the same household or group. Facial coverings must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Beach restrooms and showers must be sanitized at least every three hours. Concessions or beachfront hotels that provide rental equipment, such as chairs, loungers and bicycles, must sanitize the equipment between each customer rental. Changing rooms, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and exercise equipment areas will remain closed.

“I think it’s great,” said Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin of the upcoming relaxed restrictions for the beaches. “It will allow our residents to enjoy that natural resource even more.”

Hardin added: “Providing everybody follows the social distancing guidelines, there shouldn’t be any problem, and that’s the key. People have to remember that COVID-19 is still with us, and we need to remain vigilant.”

Hardin said the county is taking a measured approach to reopening the beaches, and although municipalities can take stricter measures and not open up as fast as the county allows, “it creates less confusion if we all stay unified and follow the same rules.”

Hardin stopped by the beach in his city this morning to see how things were going, and noted that “by and large people are adhering to the rules and regulations.” Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies are there patrolling and, when necessary, remind people of what they need to do to follow the rules.

“People are enjoying the outdoors,” said Hardin, “and that’s really what we want. It’s one of the great joys of living in South Florida.”  

Under the new county order, racquet sport facilities, including those located in parks, can now allow doubles play. Tennis and pickle ball courts are limited to a maximum of four people on the court at any one time. Racquetball courts are limited to a maximum of two people on the court at any one time. No groups of more than 10 people can congregate in one area.  

Tattoo and massage parlors can operate as long as they adhere to the guidelines for personal services, which include wearing facial coverings, social distancing, sanitizing equipment regularly, and monitoring the health of employees.

Social distancing, facial covering and sanitation requirements remain in place for all businesses that reopen, and the individuals who patronize them.

Law enforcement and code enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the requirements of the Broward County reopenings order. Failure to comply can result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment or both. Residents can also report violations anonymously online at mybroward.broward.org, or by calling the Broward County Call Center at 311 or 954-831-4000. 

Municipalities can establish more stringent measures within their jurisdiction, to the extent permitted by law. Residents should check with their municipality to ensure they are aware of local requirements.

Deerfield Beach will be enacting the Broward County reopenings as written in the new county order, according to a news release issued by the City. Parking at the beach will also be allowed. Additionally, Deerfield Beach announced that beginning Monday, June 1, all residents and visitors entering a city facility, currently by appointment only, will be required to adhere to temperature checks upon entering.

Lighthouse Point will be adhering to county guidelines for the beaches at its parks, as stated in an order issued by Mayor Glenn Troast on Thursday.

For more Pompano Beach news and things to do in Pompano Beach read Pompano! magazine and search our website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10285″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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This post was prepared by staff at Point! Publishing. For inquiries call 954-603-4553.

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