Hello,
I am writing in regard to the beach closures and a petition on Change.org.
I live in Gainesville and whenever the waves look decent on my days off, I head over to St. Johns County to surf. Needless to say, I am disappointed — though supportive of the reasons — with the closure. But I am even more disappointed with the petition because it proposes to allow only county residents onto the beach during the allowable hours. I’m not signing the petition because of that. I’d be all-in otherwise.
Its ironic that supporters of the petition are trying to keep non-residents off the beach, even to merely to access the water for surfing, when beach-goers in other Florida towns are fighting the state law that allows property owners to prevent people from being on much of the shore behind their homes.
Florida’s customary use policy before the “dry sand” law was that all of the beach is open to everyone no matter where they are from.
That aside, I believe an effort to open to beach during limited hours stands a better chance of positive action from the County Commission without the residents-only clause. It’s impracticable — who would check the identification? I seriously doubt the commission would approve something that would require
law enforcement or other government employees to stand around at every beach access point to check IDs of everyone who wants to get on the beach. And really, is that the best way to use employees during this time of COVID-19?
It’s also disappointing that at least some people don’t seem to appreciate or understand that out-of-town surfers like me support the local economy. My baby —the best board I’ve ever owned — is a custom Inspired cork deck board. I’ve owned a Warrior longboard that I bought at Surf Station. I’ve bought gear from every surf shop in town. I get bagels from Everything Bagel, coffee from Kookaburra, hamburgers from 123, tacos from Osprey and Mojo. I even go out of my way to Kyle’s Seafood to take home fish for dinner.
I doubt I’ll change many minds, but I do feel it’s important to give the perspective of a surfer who does not live in St. Johns County. Thanks for the opportunity express it, Surf Station.
Aloha, everyone.
Cindy
