Pinellas commissioners could vote Tuesday on relaxing beach restrictions

Pinellas County is moving closer to opening its beaches for exercise after sweeping closures due to COVID-19.

Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday in favor of a soft reopening of the beaches.

RELATED: Dozens flock to Jacksonville beaches as coronavirus restrictions ease

The chair of the Pinellas County Commission Chair Pat Gerard says she and the other commissioners will likely vote to open beach and apartment complex pools on some level.

People will not be allowed to sit or congregate on the beach and the sheriff’s tip line would be available to report people large groups at pools.

RELATED: No apparent issues as Sarasota County beaches reopen for limited use

Over the weekend, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said he also supported a partial reopening of the beaches.

Commissioner Gerard says this is the first step to easing restrictions.

It is unclear when new rules for Pinellas County beaches would take effect. That will likely be part of what the vote on Tuesday.

MORE: Which Florida beaches are open? Counties begin reopening beaches with restrictions

Commissioners said they are waiting to see what Gov. Ron DeSantis does with his ‘stay at home’ order, which is set to expire April 30.

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know

AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com

Map of known COVID-19 cases:

MOBILE APP USERS: Click here for map