The coast of Georgia is a place I consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of America after two road trips through that area of the USA in 2014 and 2015. Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia, nullified local jurisdiction orders on Friday, April 3 that do not correspond to statewide shelter in place order, along with opening access to all beaches in the state as long as visitors practice social distancing.
CNN was running a chyron today about Governor Kemp tweeting photos of Tybee Beach and the response of Tybee City mayor Shirley Sessions.
Here is her response:
“As the Pentagon ordered 100,000 body bags to store the corpses of Americans killed by the Coronavirus, Governor Brian Kemp dictated that Georgia beaches must reopen, and declared any decision makers who refused to follow these orders would face prison and/or fines.
While the beaches have to reopen under the Governor’s order, Tybee will not have beach access and parking lots will remain closed until further notice. It should also be noted that Tybee currently is not properly staffed with Emergency Medical Services and there are no life guards in place. At no time has the state designated a single point of contact to orchestrate the implementation of the Governor’s plan.
Additionally in spite of the serious health situation facing our community and the world, Governor Kemp has rescinded all restrictions put in place by local municipalities since March 1st.
Tybee City Council and I are devastated by the sudden directives and do not support his decisions. The health of our residents, staff and visitors are being put at risk and we will pursue legal avenues to overturn his reckless mandate.”
My objective is not to insert my opinion of a state public health measures dispute in the middle of this coronavirus epidemic sweeping across the USA. The news today simply reminded me of my road trips along the Georgia coast in 2014 and 2015. I look forward to visiting Jekyll Island, St. Simon’s Island and Tybee Island again some day. Those destinations hold a fond place in my travel heart.
It (was) Tybee Time on Savannah Georgia’s barrier island beach (2015).
- Jekyll Island, Georgia from historic country club to State Park This article was accidentally published when I had only described the Jekyll Island Causeway. Rather than delete it, I left it posted and the story of the transformation of Jekyll Island from historic country club to Georgia State park continues in the post below.
- Jekyll Island, Georgia History and Jekyll Island Club Hotel
- Best Western paid me $11 for my Georgia hotel night
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Hospital, Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Westin Jekyll Island, Holiday Inn Resort and Quality Inn Jekyll Island
- Savannah, Georgia Historic Buildings and New Hotels
St. Simons Island of Georgia’s Golden Isles (2014)
