NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — There seemed to be no shortage of patrons on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday on one of Florida's most popular beaches.
"It's been busy - extremely busy," said Ashley Miller, manager at Bali Cargo Company, located in Neptune Beach.
While headlines are dominated by national, state and local states of emergency due to coronavirus, the beach provides a refuge for many - and somewhat of a safe distance.
The mayors of North Florida beaches held a news conference Saturday morning to sign an emergency declaration due to COVID-19.
The mayors also announced that the beaches will remain open during this time. Large gatherings will not be allowed and everyone is asked to practice social distancing and be sure to sanitize often, the mayors urged.
One of the mayors cautioned, "It's not party time."
RELATED: 'Enjoy the beaches but be cautious': First Coast Beaches to remain open amid COVID-19 concerns