Private beach laws in Florida and what Nassau County is doing about it.
As a Nassau County resident, I wanted to tell this story at the county meeting, but unfortunately, my anxiety over public speaking was far too much for me to do so. Voice cracking, body trembling, I knew my speech was over. I think I utilized maybe a minute of my time. With much deliberation, I’ve decided to share my story using this platform instead. Some risks are worth taking.
About two years ago, when working for the elderly, there was a 94 year old woman I consistently took care of. Her body slowed her down but I swear her soul was still of a 20 year old. Her favorite things were shenanigans, chocolate, krispy kreme donuts….and the beach. She loved going for drives. Luckily, driving on the beach is still permitted at Peter’s Point and American Beach on beautiful Amelia Island. There’s no way she could have walked on that sand with walker and all. Especially in the summer, I’d often take her to the beach to see the sunset. She’d sit in the front seat with the windows down, take a deep breath, and many times would doze off for a few minutes.
She loved to hear about our camping overnights on the sand by the ocean. One of which was on Christmas Eve. We woke up to our Christmas tree planted in the sand and the beautiful sunrise in the morning. She’d ask me to retell my stories many times and she’d then tell the nurses. Almost every visit with her, she’d ask me when I’d be going to the beach again or if I camped out over the weekend.
She passed away last year. I was heartbroken but knew she lived a long and very fun life. I was so very happy I was part of her final years and gave her some joy and peace through the limitations that we will ALL go through as we get older. How sad there are others who don’t bat an eye from consistently trying to take away as much as they possibly can….from parking lot hours, driving on the beach, and now making sections private. I’m glad she’s gone and doesn’t have to witness the changes and the fight to keep what God has given to ALL. She’s resting in peace now…on an endless free roaming beach with a Krispy Kreme right on it…open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
I’m upset not simply for myself, but for all the ones like my elderly friend, families, kids, teenagers looking for something to do, as well as my own son. My son, who has Autism, is now 21 years old. He is not able to drive, and is limited on things he can do. We moved to Florida so that he wouldn’t be cooped up so much in his room like he was in the frigid long winters of Massachusetts. It is so rare that there’s much left to do that doesn’t cost money. When parking lot admission kept going up to $20 a day, we simply stopped going. Moving to Florida was for a better quality of life for him.
We all want our kids to stay out of trouble, one way is to keep available things for them to do. When they must invent their own ways of having fun, it’s many times a poor choice. How I love watching them toss a football or just chatting away in the back of a pick up truck and often think what a great way to grow up. I wish I had an accessible beach nearby growing up.
Since our move here, my son has experienced camping on the beach for the first time. It was a first time for all of us. He learned to ride a bike just two years ago on the soft wet sand. When we’re bored, we can take a quick drive to the beach which until most recently, was at any time of day or night. However, now, parking lot hours have changed as well…. greatly limiting our access all days of the week, to include weekends.
Me, a writer, often went to the beach at various times. With a journal or notebook and pen, I’d sit in the chair and find my peace. I’ve gone at sunset and have done my writing in the solitude of my car or tent with what little light was available. Many of times, I didn’t go home. The ocean waves…..soothing me to sleep.
This is what we signed up for. When those shopping for beach front property purchased their homes, it is what they signed up for. A public beach. They saw people enjoying themselves, they surely saw the cars on the sand, the camping tents, and the teenagers wanting to gather on the weekends. To want the sights, sounds, and sand all to themselves they certainly could have searched for exactly that. There is plenty of opportunity…just go out and find it.
If you’re reading this as a Florida resident, and have been to our beautiful beaches on Amelia Island, take a stand on our sand! Find a notary and fill out an affidavit today!
Want to share your thoughts about the matter? We’re giving you a live chat for just that. Maintain respect in doing so as we will terminate chat if we see abusive interactions.
[quick-chat]
After research just a few of the weblog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website record and shall be checking back soon. Pls try my site as properly and let me know what you think.
I apologize for not replying sooner. The current matter regarding this issue has been taking some of my time. I very much appreciate your input, and encouragement always goes a long way. I look forward to checking out your page as well.
WONDERFUL Post thanks for share extra wait
Thank you!
This is the correct blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You notice a lot its virtually exhausting to argue with you (not that I actually would need…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, just nice!
Thank you for your input.
As an oceanfront owner, I love seeing people having a great time on the beach. I generally go down each and every morning I can, watch the sun come up in all its glory, and walk my little dog. The community of morning dog walkers is almost like a club. Permitted camping, weddings, teen groups, surf fishing, sunrise church services, frisbee and football tossing, and bike riding are all great…even horses. I just dislike cars and trucks on the beach. They are a safety menace, tear up the sand, disrupt beach species (especially nesting turtles), and too often leave their mess behind. Cans, leftover food, fireworks, baby diapers, and the occasional condom or panties. At night, the trucks bring the loud parties, fights, teen sex, and deep donuts spun on the sand. By the time our great police arrive, the party has become a gathering of angels. No oceanfront property owners want the beach for themselves. That is simply untrue. They just want the trucks off. We walk down the same distance with our chairs and umbrellas as those who park in the oceanside lots. Permits for the elderly, handicapped, event planners, and turtle ladies should be available for free. Let’s compromise, keep the beach open forever for everyone, but get rid of the vehicles for a safer and more beautiful beach experience…for all!
Thank you for your input. I’ve added a live chat room to the article page for anyone wishing to debate the issue and express more thoughts. I understand your concerns about cars and trucks on the beach, however, in eliminating it, those of us who are responsible are now going without because of the inconsiderate acts of others. There are other solutions we can consider. No matter where you go, there will always be those who can’t follow rules, disturb the peace, and so on, however, restricting to all shouldn’t always be the solution. I feel all other attempts/ideas should be considered first. We CAN work together.
Actually there is no law that encourages beach driving. The access that is now available for vehicles is for parking only. People seemed to have decided that it is ok to drive up and down the beach without parking. Plenty of videos that show this abuse. Cars will still be able to park at Peters Point and American Beach in the county access areas. That will enable older folks and/or people who need to be closer to the ocean. That is the compromise.
A lovely story! Thank you.
I am disheartened with the spin and misinformation regard the Bill and the affidavit signing.
Comments to posts have turned into a “thug mentality” of suggestions from ripping down signs to burning houses to a person standing in front of a keep off of the dunes sign with both middle fingers . Burning and ripping down signs are Suggestions that one “wing nut” may do.
In my 16 years here, the only time I can remember that the police were called was when campers were using the dunes as a toilet.
No oceanfront owner has ever asked me to leave or walk closer to shore.
The division is sad and disheartening.
The passion to keep the beach as the way it was is high. Although handling it with maturity is the goal, at times, there is rudeness about it. Much of what I’ve seen is that people are using their sense of humor through their displeasure over the attempt to take what has belonged to everyone. There is some division, however, the fight to be heard, the fight to get those affidavits signed, has also greatly united people. I’ve met wonderful people through the process. I think the unity has outweighed the division. There will be occasions here and there of ugliness….in order to keep what is beautiful to all.