Clearwater Beach Reopens; Visitors Greeted By Beach Ambassadors

CLEARWATER, FL — As Clearwater Beach reopened Monday morning for the first time in more than six weeks, beach goers were greeted by a team of beach ambassadors.

More than 10 employees from the city's Parks and Recreation Department are working at beach access areas to welcome and educate beach goers on social distancing guidelines including maintaining 6 feet between groups and not gathering in more than groups of 10.

Beach ambassadors are also stressing the importance of wearing masks, frequent washing of hands and using hand sanitizer.

The beach restrooms and public areas will be opened but will be cleaned more often.

Visitors are encouraged to use mobile parking apps instead of the touch-screen parking stations.

Ambassadors will also answer questions regarding which businesses and restaurants are open along Clearwater Beach.

"Our city employees will be a tremendous resource to people who are visiting the beach for the first time in several weeks," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. "If they don't know the answer to your question, they will find someone who does. We want the reopening of the beach to be a smooth transition for everyone."

The beach reopened at 7 a.m. Monday. There are no restrictions when it comes to chairs, blankets, umbrellas or other normally allowed items. There will be no cabana or chair rentals at this time.

"The biggest thing we want people to do is to keep in mind the social distancing guidelines and the ban on large groups," said Hibbard. "If we all work together, we can get back to enjoying the best and most beautiful beach in the country together - just spaced out a little farther apart."

The Clearwater Police Department will also have multiple officers canvassing the beach and enforcing the social distancing rules. Chief Dan Slaughter encourages people who want to visit the beach to pick a day and time when it might not be as busy.