Pinellas County Public Beaches, Community Pools To Remain Closed For Now

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday extended its local state of emergency for another seven days and all orders, including the closure of public beaches, community pools and playgrounds, remain in effect.

The commission also directed staff to develop programs that will provide financial assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by coronavirus using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The county has already established a working group to plan for the distribution of the funds once the CARES Act federal guidelines are received.

Pinellas County remains under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ safer-at-home order, which directs everyone to stay home except for essential activities. Businesses not listed as essential by the state must remain closed through the duration of the order unless they are reclassified by the state.

With the stay-at-home order in effect through April 30, residents are reminded they can leave home only to obtain essential services or perform essential activities. Seniors and people with significant underlying health conditions must stay home as much as possible to limit their risk of exposure.

Pinellas County parks, preserves and the Pinellas Trail remain open, except for Sand Key and Fort De Soto parks, so residents can get fresh air and exercise. Outdoor activities must be done with social distancing of 6 feet and in groups of no more than 10 people from the same household.

The same rules apply to other essential activities, including grocery shopping or attending a religious service.

For more details on the Safer at Home Order, how to stay safe and where to get help, visit the county's coronavirus website.

This news release was produced by the Pinellas County Government.