On April 29, the Governor released Executive Order 20-112 establishing "Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery" to begin May 4.
Public beaches on Anna Maria Island are now open sunrise to 10 p.m. Greer Island remains closed. Residents should not park in the right of ways along Bradenton and Coquina Beaches. Some parking areas near the County's utility construction projects along Bradenton Beach will remain closed for safety. Beach-goers are expected to observe CDC social distancing guidelines.
In an effort to further curb public gatherings and to protect citizens during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Parks & Natural Resources Department building and facilities closed to the public are listed here.
Closed to the Public
Parks & Natural Resources Department buildings and facilities that are closed to the public include:
- Beer Can (Greer) Island
- Coquina Beach Cafe and Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
- Leffis Key Preserve
- All county athletic fields
- All county basketball courts
- All county tennis and pickleball courts
- Skate Parks at G.T. Bray Park and Blackstone Park
- Hockey Rink at Lakewood Ranch Park
- Portosueno Park
- Rose Park
- Sunny Shores Park
- G.T. Bray Recreation Center (All athletic league games and other organized events are canceled)
- John H. Marble Pool
- Jiggs Landing Outpost cabin and boat rentals, boat tours, concessions and restrooms
- Rye Preserve west of Rye Bridge along Upper Manatee River Road (other public entrances will remain open)
- Public Visitor Centers at Robinson Preserve and Emerson Point Preserve
- Playgrounds at Robinson Preserve and Rye Preserve
- Rye Nature Center at Rye Preserve
- The NEST at Robinson Preserve
- IFAS Extension Office (Ag & Extension, Palmetto)
Additional cancelled or suspended activities, until further notice, include:
- Picnic pavilion reservations through May 31, 2020, at parks and preserves. Customers will receive refunds or be offered credits for use at a future date, valid for up to one year.
- G.T. Bray Swim Lessons registrations.
- G.T. Bray and John H. Marble Summer Blast Camp registrations.
- Coquina Beach Market is closed (both Wednesdays and Sundays).
- Weekend camping at Rye Preserve.
Open to the Public
County parks and preserves, except Leffis Key, Portosueno, Rose and Sunny Shores Parks, continue to be open to the public and we want everyone to enjoy the facilities and everything they have to offer.
- Coquina/Cortez Beach, Manatee Public Beach and Bayfront Park are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. See details above.
- All County boat ramps are open to boaters and trailers only. Please continue to observe social distancing guidelines. Those using kayaks and canoes should use designated launches at County parks and preserves.
- County dog parks remain open. Fixed seating areas will be removed to discourage social gathering.
- Weekend hunting activities at Duette Preserve will continue as scheduled.
- Manatee County Golf Course and Buffalo Creek Golf Course. Bag handling service and rentals have been suspended. No indoor food or beverage services. The driving range is open.
The public is encouraged to exercise social distancing when out in public places. Please be mindful of hard surfaces where germs of all types could be present; playgrounds, picnic tables, boardwalk railings, and restrooms to name a few. Amid the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, we encourage patrons to wash their hands thoroughly and often. Pay attention to details and use good judgement.
Please be assured health officials and the County Administration are monitoring local conditions hour to hour and day to day and will keep us informed of any precautions as they arise.
We encourage you to follow the guidance offered by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Stay safe, wash your hands and enjoy the great outdoors!
See more County information related to COVID-19 at mymanatee.org/coronavirus.