Florida’s Space Coast is Open for Business! See How to Safely Plan Your Stay With Us
By Space Coast Daily // May 8, 2020
Brevard Restaurants are re-opened with outdoor seating for groups of less than 10
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – As the Space Coast begins to reopen our natural spaces, unique attractions, and local businesses, we want to keep you informed on how to safely plan your stay with us.
Please refer to the following information and links to guide your decisions upon returning to the Space Coast.
Based on Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order 20-112 instating Phase 1 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.
Plan For Florida’s Recovery Post COVID-19 Emergency, Brevard County’s Limitation of Tourism and Lodging order expired at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 4 reopening hotels and motels to allow leisure travelers.
This does not currently extend to vacation rentals. Please see these FAQs for more details.
Restaurants also re-opened, with outdoor seating for groups of less than 10 and with tables 6 feet apart.
Indoor seating will be allowed at 25% of building capacity. We encourage you to call ahead, as some locations may still be closed to indoor dining with delivery and curbside pickup available. On-site sale and retail businesses will be allowed to operate at 25% occupancy, as well.
Related Story:Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey Discusses Upcoming Rocket Launch with Astronauts From Florida’s Space Coast
Resident and Essential Visitor Resources
• The Visitor Information Center operated by the Space Coast Office of Tourism in Cocoa Village is currently closed. Calls and emails will be answered during normal business hours.
• For information on special hotel rates for health professionals and first responders, local businesses and restaurants that remain open, and educational resources for digital learning, see our Digital Resources page.
• Check out this list of Space Coast restaurants offering limited seating, take-out, and delivery services.
• FAQs on Tourism and Lodging Order (View the PDF)
Information Regarding Scheduled Human Spaceflight
We’re excited about the return to human space flight from Florida’s Space Coast and understand the caution around traveling to view this historic launch.
The space industry has been a pillar of our economy and tourism for decades, and with every milestone mission, we see an influx of visitors.
We encourage visitors to follow guidelines set by state and local government and as current orders have been updated allowing tourists to stay in our hotels, we would welcome people to do that while abiding by all the guidance given by the Department of Health and CDC.
There is plenty of room along our 72 miles of coastline to watch the launch and practice social distancing but we urge visitors to plan ahead. Beachside parking is now open to vehicles. For safety, we do not want people pulling off on the side of roads or causeways. This is very unsafe and creates life-threatening situations.
For updates, please sign up for Brevard County Alerts, download our Launch Console app, and visit Kennedy Space Center’s page for this launch.
Information Regarding Beach Parking Closures
• County-controlled beachside parks and beachside public parking access areas will be reopened for most beaches.
• Areas between Patrick Air Force Base south to Spessard Holland Park will remain closed until Thursday, May 7 for completion of a beach renourishment project.
• Municipalities, including Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne are expected to announce openings of beachside parking access at a later date.
Information Regarding Beach Access
• Brevard County beaches are currently open in accordance with CDC social distancing of 6 feet between individuals and no groups larger than 10. For County COVID-19 updates, visit BrevardFL.Gov.
• Multiple Beachside municipalities have extended closures to all activities except walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming until rescinded. Sitting or lying on the beach alone or in groups no more than 5 is permitted, so long as 6 feet in all directions is respected between groups.
Please check with the individual locations for more details.
Information Regarding National and State Park Openings
At this time, Canaveral National Seashore/Playalinda Beach is closed until further notice.
Effective Monday, May 4, DEP will implement phase one to reopen the Florida State Parks. During this early phase of re-opening, visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities.
Phase one includes approximately 80 parks and trails throughout Florida. Portions of these parks and trails have been identified that can be reopened for day use with limited risk to visitors and staff. Visitors are expected to maintain safe social distances of at least 6 feet apart and limit group size to 10 people.
• Indian River Lagoon State Preserve
Open 8 a.m. to sunset. Restrooms and trash cans are unavailable, all other park facilities are closed. Normal park fees apply.
Open for day use at the A1A day use parking area only from 8 a.m. to sunset. Visitors may engage in active recreation, such as walking, jogging, swimming, surfing and fishing. Restrooms and trash cans are available, all other park facilities are closed.
Information Regarding Brevard County Campgrounds
Brevard County Campgrounds will begin accepting reservations so long as campground capacity does not exceed 50% of occupancy capacity. All the details can be found here.
Public Guidelines:
• Current recommendations include avoiding groups of 10 or more and social distancing at 6 feet.
• Brevard County has canceled all non-governmental group meetings, activities, and events through the end of April including all non-governmental meetings scheduled at County facilities, libraries, and parks.
• You may call 211 Brevard by simply dialing 2-1-1 on your phone between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. for any COVID-19 questions or assistance you may need.
• Florida Department of Health has set up a statewide call center for any questions. You can reach them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-779-6121 or email at covid-19@flhealth.gov.
World Health Organization COVID-19 update
PCMA’s resource hub: What Business Event Professionals Need to Know
About the COVID-19
U.S. Travel Association’s COVID-19 Toolkit
Special Consideration for Cruise Ship Passengers:
• Guidelines for Cruise Ship Passengers by the US Department of State
• Guidelines for Cruise Ship Passengers by the CDC
• Please visit Port Canaveral’s Newsroom for updates
Special Consideration for Airline Passengers:
• Orlando International Airport Updates
• Orlando-Melbourne International Airport
Related Story:PETER CRANIS: Tourism in Brevard Will Come Back Stronger Than Ever, it Will Just Take Some Time
Small Business Resources
Small Business Guide to CARES Act (View PDF)
• https://careersourceflorida.com/covid-19/ – Mobile friendly site with statewide resources in one place including U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans information
• http://www.floridajobs.org/ – Information on the Reemployment Assistance Program for both the employer and employee and Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program
• https://www.flchamber.com/follow-facts-not-fear/ – Florida Chamber of Commerce Resources
• https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/florida-now.html – Visit Florida is aggregating statewide tourism information for visitors
• https://www.floridadisaster.org/sert/esf/#collapse-7738 – Florida Division of Emergency Management – select ESF #18 for Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization agencies
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