Surfrider Campaign in Florida Wins Big!

Governor Crist Signs Comprehensive Beach Preservation Bill
Tallahassee, FL (June 13, 2007) – Florida Governor Charlie Crist has put pen to paper and enacted sweeping beach management legislation benefiting beachgoers and coastal wildlife.  In so doing, the Surfrider Foundation’s ten Florida chapters have achieved a major milestone in their mission to promote the right of open access to Florida's waves and beaches for all people, as well as preserving the diversity and ecological integrity of Florida’s coastal environment
 
After months of tireless effort, in which the Surfrider Foundation helped guide Senate Bill 1472 to unanimous passage through both the Florida House and Senate, Governor Crist has given beachgoers a reason to celebrate.  Governor Crist has recognized the need to preserve the public’s right to access the beach and protect beach users and sea turtles from the harmful affects caused by an experimental form of coastal armoring. Florida now joins the ranks of Texas and Oregon with an adequate beach access protection policy.
 
“We are delighted to finally see the full protection of beach access,” said Ericka D’Avanzo, Florida Regional Manager of the Surfrider Foundation. “Now recreational beach users can be assured that as growth continues along our coastline, we should not see any future loss of ocean access points.” This was accomplished through a clarification of Florida Statue Chapter 161, clarifying that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection protect all legally acquired beach access in their Coastal Construction Control Line permitting process.
 
TJ Marshall, Surfrider Foundation’s Florida Legislative Coordinator, said, “I’m stoked to see the efforts of our Florida members and so many other organizations provide substantial protection to Florida’s beaches, being part of this was like getting barreled on a perfect wave.  It was also heartening to see legislators standing up unanimously for the major components of this bill, especially the additional permitting requirements regarding geotextile tubes in order to protect sea turtles and Florida’s fragile beach and dune system.”

Governor Crist’s signing of Senate Bill 1472 validates the tremendous efforts of Senators Dennis Jones and Burt Saunders along with Representatives Stan Mayfield and Bob Allen.  Their dedication and vision for Florida’s coastal future have been realized. Legislation language can be found at here.