DeSantis Restores Public Beach Access in Walton County: A Win for Locals!

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, USA - In a pivotal moment for Walton County and its residents, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 1622, which focuses on returning beach access authority to local governments. This move, celebrated at the Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar in Santa Rosa Beach, shifts control from a restrictive 2018 law back to the community, allowing for the recognition of customary use of beaches in the area. With state legislators and local officials in attendance, the chanting of applause echoed as the governor made the announcement.

This legislation marks a significant turning point, as it repeals the 2018 law that had confined local governments from affirming public recreational use of dry sand areas on private beaches without undergoing a lengthy judicial process. Senator Jay Trumbull, who championed the bill, pointed out that the old law had drastically impacted Walton County residents who had used the beaches for generations. The change, indeed, seems a breath of fresh salt air!

Restoring Local Control

DeSantis underscored the essence of the bill, stating that it was about restoring local control and prioritizing the needs of residents. More than just restoring access, the legislation also aims to streamline beach restoration efforts, making it simpler for the Department of Environmental Protection to initiate projects without requiring public easements from private landowners. “We are not expanding ownership claims beyond what is constitutionally recognized,” emphasized the governor during his remarks.

Importantly, the environment had not been forgotten in this legislative journey. Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted that Walton County faces significant challenges with erosion, with nearly 19 of its 26 miles of beach in dire need of nourishment. This bill isn’t just about access; it also opens the door for essential environmental recovery.

The Economic Implications

With Walton County having 26 miles of coastline, and only nine miles mapped out as public, the remaining 17 miles had left residents and tourists in a quandary. Tourism, accounting for 80% of the county’s economy, heavily relies on beach access, and any restrictions can lead to financial unease for many local businesses. Representative Shane Abbott pointed out that the bill addresses community needs, and aims to benefit those who have historically cherished these beaches.

The backdrop of this legislative shift came on the heels of considerable community division sparked by the 2018 law, which many claimed had a negative effect on beach rentals and the local economy, prompting a lawsuit settlement among 39 property owners that allowed limited public use in specific areas. The passage of SB 1622, which moved swiftly through both chambers of the Florida Legislature, passing 35-2 in the Senate and receiving unanimous support in the House, has elicited a newfound hope for a more inclusive beach-going experience.

“This measure allows us to focus funds for beach renourishment on what matters—sand and vegetation—not needless litigation,” remarked DeSantis during the bill signing, summarizing not only the practical aspect of the legislation but also the essence of community spirit restored.

As Walton County steps into a new chapter of beach accessibility, its residents can anticipate opportunities for leisure and tourism that echo the sentiment of enjoying the sandy stretches that Floridians have cherished for generations. With $60 million ready for beach renourishment efforts, coupled with additional federal funds, the future looks brighter for both the local environment and its economy.

For further insights on this community-centric legislation, check out the full details from Get the Coast, Tallahassee.com, and Floridian Press.