During a special meeting, Brevard County Commissioners agreed Thursday to reopen most county-owned beach parking lots as soon as Saturday, despite pleas from six beach-side cities to keep them closed at least another week.
In a 4-1 vote, Commissioner John Tobia backed reopening parking Friday to boost beachside business, except for spans of beach in Satellite Beach and Indian Harbour Beach currently undergoing beach renourishment. Those beaches will open next Thursday.
The commission also voted to open county libraries as soon as Monday, or as soon as libraries can put plans in place to follow hygiene guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Commissioners set a May 18 goal for reopening other county buildings.
Tourists will be able to stay at hotels in Brevard, beginning Monday, as a 30-day provision that limits hotel stays to local residents expires.