APRIL 17, 2020
NORTH CAROLINA- Across the nation, beaches, parks and trails have been closed because of COVID-19. Public officials have taken it upon themselves to prohibit access to property paid for and owned by the people for the people. On Thursday, April 16 a Navy Master Chief, defied town orders in North Carolina and entered the ocean despite the beach being closed.
According to NationalFile.com, “Town Manager Matt Zapp announced around 4:15 p.m. Thursday that the town will lift its ocean access restrictions – which have banned all but those on motorized vehicles from entering the water.”
CarolinaCoastonline.com wrote, “The measure was lifted by a proclamation by Mayor Eddie Barber, who put it in place along with mayors of the other Bogue Banks towns April 2.”
Surfers in Emerald Isle, NC were the first to be angered. The surfers started a petition on April 14, asking all Bogue Banks Mayors to lift the ban. However, city officials did not agree to lift the ban until Thursday, when a Navy Master Chief silently protested and ignored the police officers’ demands to exit the beach.
In a press release, Zapp wrote, “Emerald Isle residents and property owners will be able to access the Atlantic Ocean for normal activities, including swimming, surfing, kiting, kayaking, and fishing. Residents can continue to walk, jog, and sit on the beach strand. All beachgoers must adhere to the current social distancing guidelines.”
The beach will reportedly reopen Saturday, and lifeguards will resume their usual shifts.
Will California reopen their beaches, trails, and parks after April. 30?