I’m not sure about other states, but Florida has had difficulties in recent weeks because of Spring Breakers who insist on coming to our beaches and congregating in large groups, despite an international pandemic going on. These young adults and their “I’m not scared of the corona” (their words, not mine) attitudes put themselves and, when they go home, others in danger of the COVID-19 virus that has reached nearly half a million cases and 20,000 deaths worldwide.
Florida’s Governor has, to date, closed the beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties, but has refused to close others, instead leaving it up to each county’s mayor and other governing bodies to decide. As such, the state’s more liberal and urban areas, such as Miami-Dade and Ft. Lauderdale, have been quick to shut down beaches while more conservative areas, not so much. So in those counties, young adults are still having their fun on the beach while giving each other coronavirus without even knowing it.
For government entities that refuse to close their beaches, I think I’ve found the PERFECT thing for the private sector to do to get tourists away from that sandy coastline.
Truth be told, this video was taken in Brazil. From the actual YouTube page:
Brazilian police fly a helicopter to create a sandstorm and chase people off a beach to enforce coronavirus lockdown – as GANGS vow to enforce curfew in Rio’s favelas
This is the moment Brazilian cops fly their helicopter low across a beach to create a mini sandstorm forcing beachgoers to go home during the coronavirus lockdown. The startling scenes were recorded at Galheta Beach…
Of course, I’m saying this tongue in cheek – it would be reckless, if not downright illegal for a helicopter from the private sector to do something like this. I just found it to be an interesting (and more than a little amusing, but hey, I’ve been on self-imposed lockdown for 2.5 weeks so far) way to get people off a beach. 😉
*** Many thanks to Michael G. for the idea about this post
#stayhealthy #stayathome #washyourhands
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
5 comments
I get that we don’t want the typical spring break rave/music/wet t-shirt type gatherings but to close beaches is dumb in my opinion. Just being at the beach (without being in a crowd) is one of the safest places you could be. It’s safer than getting take out food, going to the grocery store or even staying indoors for weeks on end. Sad.
It was/is also apparently illegal in Brazil. What we think about it doesn’t matter.
yup..closing beaches is dumb. Enforce max # of people and distancing…but to close…dumb. Face plant!
The video didn’t happen here, though. It was in Brazil. Different culture, different laws. They also have gangs ensuring that people stay indoors.
It’s a great idea. Closed doesn’t mean sorta open. It’s a shame that it takes measures like this to get people away, but if they show disregard for these rules, they are more likely to ignore gathering rules as well so best to send them away quickly.