BEACH ACCESS PROPOSED LAW

A Florida state senator has filed a proposal that could repeal a controversial law that critics say helps private landowners prevent public access to some beach areas. Senator Darryl Rouson, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, filed Senate Bill 54. The new law took effect on July 1^st and did away with Walton County’s Customary Use Ordinance. Coastal property owners in South Walton began posting no trespassing signs and began taking action to keep almost everyone, including county tourist development employees, off the dry sand portions of beach to which they hold deeds. However, Senate President Bill Galvano, indicated he does not want to revisit the controversial issue.