In Escambia County, Florida, a passionate debate unfolded among county commissioners on Thursday morning regarding a matter that could significantly influence public access to the beach. The focal point of their discussion was related to the concept of "customary use" of private beachfront properties.
The commissioners are grappling with the question of which parts of private land, if any, should be made available for public use. This topic was ignited by a new law enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025, prompting these discussions.
On one side of the argument, property owners and members of the community advocate for open beach access for all. This situation involves three key stakeholders: the general public, property owners, and the commissioners responsible for making the ultimate decision.
A primary concern at this juncture is how to prevent complicated legal disputes. The recent legislation permits local governments to acknowledge customary use of beaches, which adds complexity to this dialogue.
Commissioner Steve Stroberger, whose district encompasses much of the affected area, expressed apprehension that property owners might respond with a flurry of lawsuits. He emphasized his commitment to seeking greater beach access for the public.
"I have visited countries where property rights do not exist," Stroberger remarked. "Here, we have those rights, and people own their land. The perception some have is that the public simply wants the beach without recognizing that landowners still have responsibilities such as maintaining their properties. This is evident in Walton County. You may disagree, but you may not fully understand the implications."
In contrast, Melissa Pino advocates for customary use to extend from the sand dunes right down to the water's edge.
"One crucial point that seems to be overlooked is that the public has the right to sue in this scenario," Pino pointed out.
She, along with a significant number of supporters in attendance, accused Stroberger of prioritizing the interests of out-of-state property owners. Pino believes that lawsuits are inevitable regardless of the outcome.
"In fact, he appears to be favoring the interests of approximately 2,500 Gulf-front condominium owners, as estimated by the Perdido Key Association," she explained. "Many of these owners do not even reside within Escambia County. There is a substantial number of non-local owners here."
However, not everyone shares this perspective. Larry Downs voiced his understanding of the opposing viewpoint, acknowledging the desire for free beach access but highlighting the financial responsibilities involved.
"I empathize with their desire to enjoy a beach that is owned by someone else," Downs said. "Who wouldn’t want something for nothing? But let’s face it, they aren’t paying taxes on that property, are they? And are they contributing to the upkeep? Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t."
Despite the divides, there is hope for finding common ground. Connie Walker, President of the Perdido Key Association, mentioned that they are collaborating with the commissioners to reach a mutually beneficial resolution for both the public and property owners. However, the timeline for achieving this resolution remains uncertain.
- WEAR: "Do you believe it's possible to strike a balance between the needs of the public and the rights of property owners, or do you lean more towards supporting property owners?"
- Walker: "Every day on our beaches, we witness cooperation between private beach owners and the public. Compromise is achievable and has been successfully implemented before. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the possibilities for collaboration, especially as we experience further growth in the area."
The commissioners plan to revisit this issue at their next meeting scheduled for February 19, where public input will be encouraged.
