Brevard County Settles $121K Dispute Over Beach Access with Altman Family

1225 N. State Road A1A, Indialantic, FL, USA - Brevard County is navigating its way through a legal dispute involving County Commissioner Thad Altman, who is set to receive $121,721 from the county in a settlement over beach land access issues. The settlement was approved on July 8 with a 3-1 vote; however, Altman abstained from the vote while Chair Rob Feltner expressed his dissent.

The heart of the issue stems from the county’s need for an easement on the Altman family’s property located at 1225 N. State Road A1A. This easement is crucial for the county to secure reimbursement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, part of a broader beach renourishment project aimed at preserving public access to the beaches.

A Complicated Situation

The legal tussle began when Altman and other property owners rejected the county’s initial offer for the easement. In response, the county opted for a „quick take“ legal process to obtain the necessary easements and started negotiations for prices. As part of the settlement, the county will compensate the Altman family $100,000 for the easement, along with $20,394 in attorney fees and $1,327 in other related costs.

The funding for this settlement comes from various channels: $69,868 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an equivalent $25,927 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and another $25,927 sourced from the county itself. This settlement facilitates essential beach renourishment efforts while ensuring that the Altman family retains ownership of their property.

Beach Renourishment Necessities

The context of these developments is largely shaped by the damage inflicted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole on Brevard County’s beaches, which exceeded $70 million. As highlighted by Brevard County’s beach renourishment newsletter, these storms led to significant erosion and structural damage along the coastline. Federal and state entities are set to cover a substantial portion of the restoration expenses.

Renourishment work is vital for the area, especially for the Mid Reach stretch that spans 7.6 miles from Patrick Space Force Base to Flug Avenue, Indialantic. Recent work in this region wrapped up in April, while the next phase is expected to kick off in about four years. Beach-related tourism alone contributes over $1 billion annually to the local economy, underscoring the importance of maintaining these coastal areas.

Wide-Ranging Impact

Interestingly, the need for easements extends beyond just this legal dispute. In nearby Pinellas County, beach nourishment projects are mandated by law to establish erosion control lines, ensuring the public access and protection of these natural environments. These easements not only facilitate the restoration process but also shield public interests in coastal conservation.

In Brevard County, the successful acquisition of easements has already seen the cooperation of 173 out of 177 property owners in the Mid Reach area. However, negotiations continue for the final three properties. As of now, the establishment of a wider, stable beach remains paramount, serving both as a buffer against storms and a sanctuary for wildlife.

While Altman remains tight-lipped about the settlement, it’s essential to recognize the bigger picture: the importance of collaboration between local government and property owners in successfully navigating the challenges posed by nature and maintaining the lifeblood of the community—its beaches. Without a doubt, there’s more at stake as Brevard County moves forward towards enhancing and protecting its coastal treasures.