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Volusia County reopening beaches in time for Memorial Day

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The county is getting ready to fully reopen its beaches just in time for what’s expected to be a busy Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a place to be free – nice fresh air, nice breeze,” Volusia County resident Henry Etzold said.

“Coronavirus

The county initially restricted parking at its off-beach parking lots and closed nine of its ramps to limit crowds at the beach. Starting Wednesday, all 23 driving ramps will reopen.

Full access to the parking lots and bathrooms were restored last week. The county has added posts to make sure vehicles stay spaced out.

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Beach safety officials checked the cars and the space between them Tuesday. They also talked to people to make sure they’re following social distancing guidelines.

County officials said it will encourage people to go to some of its less-traveled ramps and are asking people to be in groups of six or fewer people and stay 10 feet apart.

“Not many people gather up. If they do, (beach safety officials) break it up,” Etzold said.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.