“Georgia – go to the beach, lake or a state park!” @GovKemp’s allies defend decision to reopen Georgia beaches despite coastal pushback #gapol https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-allies-defend-decision-reopen-georgia-beaches-despite-coastal-pushback/FLFtv9dKzl2VfXupvJ9XmL/

Key allies of the governor defended the statewide shelter-in-place order that lifted local restrictions when it took effect Friday, a move that infuriated some coastal officials who had recently shut down the seashore to help limit the pandemic. #gapol https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-allies-defend-decision-reopen-georgia-beaches-despite-coastal-pushback/FLFtv9dKzl2VfXupvJ9XmL/

“Georgia – go to the beach, lake or a state park!” wrote Kemp’s chief of staff over the weekend. “They are all open and despite what the media is reporting there have been no issues on Georgia beaches or lakes today.” #gapol https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-allies-defend-decision-reopen-georgia-beaches-despite-coastal-pushback/FLFtv9dKzl2VfXupvJ9XmL/?p

The push by Tim Fleming, who earlier criticized local leaders for “overreach,” came as officials in coastal communities accused Kemp of usurping local control with a statewide mandate that nullified city and county rules beyond his order. #gapol https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-allies-defend-decision-reopen-georgia-beaches-despite-coastal-pushback/FLFtv9dKzl2VfXupvJ9XmL/?d

State Rep. Jeff Jones, R-Brunswick, wrote Kemp a letter calling decision to reopen beaches “counterintuitive. “I’m scratching my head after this decision,” said Jones. “Maybe the governor should have sought the opinion of local representatives.” #gapol https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-allies-defend-decision-reopen-georgia-beaches-despite-coastal-pushback/FLFtv9dKzl2VfXupvJ9XmL/