Tybee Island Mayor Calls On Gov. Kemp To Close Georgia Beaches During The COVID-19 Pandemic

April 15th, 2020

Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions joined “Closer Look” to discuss why she still hopes Gov. Brian Kemp will reconsider his decision to reopen Georgia’s beaches.

City of Tybee Island via AP

Typically, spring is when tourists would flock to Georgia’s coast and beaches. But this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s “shelter-in-place” order, which is currently in effect through April 30, calls on all Georgians to stay home and for residents to leave only to perform “necessary travel.”

However, some local leaders wish the governor’s order had included additional restrictions when it comes to Georgia’s beaches.

Because the governor’s shelter-in-place order supersedes all local ordinances, some of Georgia’s beaches had to reopen after local leaders previously closed them.

At a recent news conference, Kemp defended his decision to not close down state beaches and campgrounds, saying Georgians should still have the opportunity to get outside.

“I think part of the problem was that people didn’t understand exactly what it meant that we were going to keep state parks and have our beaches accessible,” said Kemp. “It doesn’t mean that we’re opening the beaches up for spring break parties or the Friday afternoon before the July 4th weekend.”

.⁦@GaDNRLE⁩ just took this video of the beaches on St. Simon’s. Very few visitors. Patrols are vigilant so people can get fresh air and exercise while following social distancing rules. pic.twitter.com/lCWUftfiJ2

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 5, 2020

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions shared why she still hopes Kemp will reconsider his decision to reopen beaches, and how her barrier island community has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.