Some Florida beaches have reopened, a first step toward a general resumption of leisure activities in the state.
That's the good news. The bad news is that beaches in some of the state's most populated areas remain closed, and those that are open are heavily restricted.
For example, Monroe County beaches are open, but the Florida Keys themselves remain closed to everyone who isn't a resident or worker there.
Beaches in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties remain closed.
Generally speaking, the farther north in the state you go, the more likely it is that the beaches will be open.
Jacksonville became the first Florida community to reopen on April 17. Hours are limited to between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. and, after a midday break, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Although people are welcome, beach chairs, blankets, grills and coolers are not. Also banned are team sports, group activities or any congregating in large numbers.
Beaches in Sarasota County, on Florida's Gulf Coast, reopened on April 27; the exception is Lido Beach, which is still off limits. Beach parking lots remain closed, though, and group activities are banned. So is hunting for sea turtle nests, except for groups of authorized and socially distanced volunteers.
In Bay County on the Panhandle, the sands on Panama City Beach opened April 24 to individuals and groups of up to five people. Hours are 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Among other communities that have opened under restrictions are Indian River County (home to Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast), St. Johns County (St. Augustine), Volusia County (Daytona Beach) and most of the beaches in Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast.