ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Lifeguards, deputies, and police in St. Johns County are preparing for what’s anticipated to be a busy beach weekend.
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times at county beaches. Lifeguards, sheriff deputies, and police officers will be out starting Saturday to make sure it’s a safe holiday weekend for everyone.
Governor Ron DeSantis expects people to be better behaved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus during this Labor Day weekend than they were on Memorial Day.
“I think you can be very active and just do it in a way that makes sense,” DeSantis said. “I think a lot of Floridians have really gotten into a good groove. You know, we’re open. We have stuff going on, they understand that. Schools (reopening), obviously a big part of that. You know, but they’re doing the basic things, and so I think If they continue to do that, I think we should be in good shape.”
Back in late June, Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties in South Florida closed their beaches during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
But as DeSantis said people have become more active since the first phase of reopening in May while also being careful.
While St. Johns County gears up for the influx of people expected to hit the beach. Here’s what you need to know before heading out this weekend:
Lifeguards and beach flags
Lifeguards will be on duty at various locations on St. Johns County beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout Labor Day weekend, weather permitting.
In addition, Marine Rescue personnel will patrol the beaches on a regular basis.
Warning flags are in place along the beach to keep visitors aware of current water and surf conditions. Yellow flags indicate a medium hazard level that could include strong currents and surf. Red flags indicate a high hazard with stronger currents and more dangerous surf conditions. Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life in the area. The absence of a flag does not mean there is no danger, as beachgoers should always exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.
Rip currents are strong, fast-moving currents of water that move seaward from the shore. They may be recognized by a foamy, choppy surface and water that appears brown from sand being churned and moved rapidly out to sea. If you are caught in a rip current, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Swim parallel with the shoreline until you are out of the pull of the current and then swim toward shore. Those who are not strong swimmers are not recommended to go beyond knee level in the water.
Beach visitors are asked to observe flag colors, swim near a lifeguard, practice social distancing and call 911 in the event there is an emergency.
On-beach driving
Vehicles are allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Beach passes are required for vehicle access and can be purchased with cash at any beach access ramp. For information about beach passes, visit www.sjcfl.us/Beaches/Passes.
Drivers are asked to comply with the following rules on St. Johns County beaches:
- Traffic must remain in the designated driving lanes as identified by cones.
- Parking is allowed on the west side of the driving lane between the cones and the dune.
- Parking on Vilano Beach is parallel parking only on the east side of the driving lane.
- The maximum speed allowed on the beach is 10 mph.
- Vehicles may not enter the beach at the Fort Matanzas Ramp.
- All vehicles are required to stop at all beach ramps and yield to all pedestrians.
- Soft sand conditions may exist and only 4x4 vehicles may be allowed on some beaches.
South beaches
Traffic is southbound between the A Street Ramp and the Crescent Beach Ramp. Vehicles can travel both ways from Crescent Beach for about 3.5 miles south and will be able to turn around to exit at the Crescent Ramp. Vehicles can also continue south to exit at the Fort Matanzas ramp. This stretch is tidal dependent and is one way only.
Drivers are asked to follow the posted signs and information given by toll staff at all locations.
Beach driving updates will be provided on the Reach the Beach mobile app and the St. Johns County Beaches Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point Beach
Vilano Beach is open for vehicular access with 4x4-mandated conditions.
Parking in the Vilano area is anticipated to be at capacity by 10 a.m., so beachgoers are asked to find alternative ways to access the beach, such as walking, biking, carpooling or visiting another beachfront park.
Porpoise Point is currently closed to vehicular access, as it has experienced extreme erosion and the vehicular ramp has been compromised.
Labor Day weekend shuttle service
St. Johns County is offering a free shuttle service to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, weather permitting.
The Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park shuttle will transport beach visitors between Cornerstone Park at 1046 A1A North and Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, which provides direct access to the beach.
The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier shuttle will transport beach visitors between St. Augustine Beach City Hall at 2200 A1A South and the pier parking lot, which provides direct access to pier amenities and the beach. The shuttles will run every 20 minutes with the final shuttles departing at 4 p.m.
In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and state guidelines, shuttles have safety plans in place to protect drivers and passengers, including drivers wearing masks, buses being sanitized frequently, social distancing protocols and capacity limitations.
Service updates will be provided via the Reach the Beach mobile app and the St. Johns County Beaches Facebook page and Twitter feed.
St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier
The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier and Gift Shop is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Visitors may purchase day and annual passes to visit the Pier for sightseeing and fishing, as well as rent fishing poles and purchase a variety of items.
For more information, call 904-209-0326.
Stay up to date
For the most up-to-date information on beach access and driving conditions, download the Reach the Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android.
For more information regarding St. Johns County beaches, visit www.sjcfl.us/beaches, follow St. Johns County Beaches on Facebook or Twitter, or call 904-209-0331.