FYI: Jacksonville, Fl City Pools Close

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Amid dangerously hot conditions -- at a time when people seek the comfort of cool, refreshing water -- dozens of city pools were closed this week.

Starting Monday, more than 30 pools across the city of Jacksonville were scheduled to be closed on weekdays, leaving residents seeking refuge from the heat high and dry.

Unfortunately, because the state extended the school's summer vacation period, swimmers were left on the outside looking in as the city's pools switched over to their budgeted weekend schedules, which leaves the pools closed on weekdays.

"As soon as the school system settled on a exact calendar, we knew there was going to be an extra two weeks. But, you have to keep in mind that next week the teachers start school," said Denise Ostertag of Parks and Recreation. "It's difficult to staff as many pools that we have with the number of employees we have when they have prior commitments."

Some said this week was the worst time for the city to close the pools because temperatures have been near 100 degrees, making the crystal, clear pool water a tease for those trying to beat the heat.

"It's hot, so I would think they would be open right now since it's the hottest of the summer," said resident Tiee Wilson.

After Channel 4 reporters talked to city officials, the mayor's office said it would work to get the swimming pools reopen on weekdays for the remainder of the summer vacation.

Reference: News 4 Jacksonville, Fl