Masks required on Fort Myers Beach as heavy crowds expected over the holiday weekend

Officials are reacting to staggering new numbers of coronavirus cases as Florida set a new record with more than 10,000 new cases in one day compared to one month ago when we had just over 600.

Now, Governor Desantis is warning people to do what it takes to protect yourself as we head into this holiday weekend.

“Do your best to avoid crowds and minimize close contact with people outside your home right now,” Governor DeSantis said.

At Fort Myers Beach wearing a mask is now mandatory and officials say that is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others.

It doesn’t matter if you’re outside or inside if you can’t social distance you need to put a mask on.

Businesses on the beach aren’t taking this lightly, some places like the Tuckaway Cafe have signs in their window letting you know you need a mask to walk in.

With Fort Myers Beach being one of the few beaches open with no restrictions you can expect to see more people out this weekend.

That means you should have a mask on you at all times.

If you don’t wear one when necessary you could face a $50 fine.

And businesses that don’t enforce this could get hit with a $500 fine.

Code enforcement will be out making sure people follow social distancing and mask rules.