During a recent government meeting in Atlantic Beach, community members voiced their concerns regarding property rights, environmental regulations, and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing flooding issues.

One resident emphasized the importance of maintaining property rights while advocating for regulations that protect the community's natural resources, particularly its trees. She expressed that the current development landscape in Atlantic Beach is heavily built out, suggesting that those wishing to build without restrictions may need to reconsider their choice of residence.

Another homeowner, Brenda Simon, shared her positive experience with pool maintenance during storms, but raised concerns about the maintenance of city drains on residential properties, highlighting that some are clogged and could exacerbate flooding problems. Simon also expressed gratitude towards city officials for their responsiveness to her concerns about local infrastructure, particularly regarding the installation of antennas on lift stations, which she argued should be reconsidered to avoid aesthetic issues for residents.

Former Mayor Ellen Glasser contributed to the discussion by reflecting on the evolution of development regulations in Atlantic Beach, noting the need for balance between property rights and community welfare. She pointed out that the city is grappling with aging infrastructure that was not designed to handle the current level of development, and emphasized the importance of maintaining the town's character while addressing flooding challenges.

Sarah Boren, another resident, praised the city staff for their hard work and highlighted the need for long-term planning to address the increasing water and flooding issues. She advocated for a collaborative approach between property owners and city officials, stressing that any solutions would require adequate funding and community involvement.

The meeting underscored a collective desire among residents to preserve the unique character of Atlantic Beach while navigating the complexities of development, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.