Florida Parks, Florida Keys Closed Due To Coronavirus Concerns

WUSF | By Mark Schreiner

Published March 23, 2020 at 4:00 AM EDT

All Florida state parks, like the Little Manatee River State Park, are temporarily closed effective Monday because of the coronavirus.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is closing all state parks to the public effective Monday.

In , which came Sunday night, department officials said they tried to keep the parks open with limited operating hours and reduced visitor capacity at the most popular parks.

However, they say that still didn't provide the reductions to best slow the spread of COVID-19.

At the direction of @GovRonDeSantis & to uphold @CDCgov guidance, DEP will close all Florida State Parks to the public effective Monday, March 23. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/wfXTMZdfa1— Florida State Parks (@FLStateParks) March 23, 2020

Also, Monroe County officials in the Florida Keys decided to close the Florida Keys to all tourists and leisure visitors. That includes shutting down hotels and other visitor facilities, effective Sunday evening.

The only exception is for long-term renters in vacation homes and recreational vehicle parks with contracts of 28 days or more, who are already in the Keys. Those people are allowed to remain there until their contracts end.

Sadly, due to the #coronavirus crisis, today is the last day the Keys are able to host visitors. Officials made the decision to close hotels and other visitor facilities. Please take the necessary precautions and know we will keep you informed + continue sharing our beauty. pic.twitter.com/psnwWZC0a1— The Florida Keys (@thefloridakeys) March 22, 2020