Last weekend the Grand Isle beaches were packed as visitors flocked to the southernmost tip of the state.
Tourism Commissioner Louise LaFont says beaches are open to the public but they’d appreciate it if people would space out a bit more.
“We do have people covering the beaches and the beaches are beautiful, but as far as people being far apart from one and other I would say no, they are not doing too much social distancing,” says LaFont.
The weather was great last weekend and photographers snapped photos of packed beaches, sparking some controversy about the reopening of public spaces.
Tourism is the lifeblood of that small community and LaFont says since they opened to vacationers Friday the crowds have rapidly grown.
“We go from zero to sixty in a second and it is insane how much we depend on tourists and it is such a blessing to see them back,” says LaFont.
Police are also enforcing a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM. Elmer’s Island and Grand Isle State Park are also closed.
LaFont says the island has some great fishing and they’d love to see anglers return. Just know there’s a few restrictions.
“You cannot fish anywhere on a pier, or docks, or anything like that on Grand Isle because they are still trying to do social distancing,” says LaFont.
If you don’t want to catch your meal LaFont says the island’s restaurants are bustling and offering take out with outdoor seating.
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