Public Safety Director Jake Saur announced that Manatee County boat ramps would close on March 26 after staff observed large gatherings near Beer Can Island. Under the county’s local state of emergency resolution, Saur had the authority to close them.

As they discussed reversing his course of action, Saur was not able to comment on the proposal during Friday’s meeting. Reached for comment after Friday’s vote, Saur said the board’s decision could send a “mixed message” about the county’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“My hope is after the action by the board, the public continues to heed the message to social distance,” Saur said. “It’s unfortunate, at a pivotal point in our fight against COVID-19, that we could possibly send a mixed message that now is the time for the public to be at home. They should only be out for essential business.”