Packed beaches, little social distancing as spring break kicks into gear in Central Florida

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Doctors say they’d like to keep spring break fun from turning into a COVID-19 super-spreader event.

Beaches were packed Friday with little social distancing, and the rest of the weekend is expected to be even busier.

Hundreds of people packed the streets of Daytona Beach, and many more filled the bars, beach, and boardwalk.

READ: Walt Disney World park passes sold out during spring break

The revelers say what they’re experiencing feels like a return to normal.

“It’s good to see...It’s good to see that people are getting out.”

Pandemic or not, Spring Break is officially underway, but Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Aftab Khan warns it carries the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases.

“These parties are happening at a crucial moment in the fight against coronavirus,” Dr. Khan explains. “We’re not at the finish line yet. Let’s not fumble when we are so close to victory!”

READ: A year since cruise ships last sailed, Port Canaveral officials remain hopeful for the future

On the other hand, some see a busy spring break as a much-needed jolt to the local economy.

Kinzey Hicks works at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop. She says business is doing much better than it has been recently.

“It’s picking up...It’s the 80th anniversary of Bike Week, so that has brought in a lot of business along with spring break,” Hicks says.

The coronavirus pandemic struck this time last March, and tourism in the area took a hit, but now, they’re looking forward to Summer.

READ: Universal Studios extends Mardi Gras 2021 celebrations

“There were a lot of nerves,” Hicks says. “It’s a small business. Are we going to continue making it? Things are definitely going up from here, so we can only pray and hope that it continues to go that way.”

Physicians like Dr. Khan are also looking forward to Summer, but for a different reason.

“By the end of May, most American adults will be vaccinated,” Dr. Khan says. “Let’s sacrifice for six to eight weeks and have a beautiful summer. That’s all I want.”

Cox Media Group