Town Attorney Sweeney told the council that Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) has primary enforcement authority for shark‑fishing rules and that chumming is prohibited statewide. Sweeney said the town also has local ordinances against “unlawful baiting, chumming, blood baiting” and the authority to restrict beach access through town dune crossovers under the town code.

Town Manager Lehi Harpring outlined immediate operational steps: the town will tighten access controls at the Beachcomber Lane crossover by installing a sliding gate and related fencing, and public‑safety staff will lock the access from about 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Harpring said public‑safety personnel will continue education and, when necessary, enforcement and that officers have the authority to enforce state criminal statutes if illegal chumming is observed.

Resident Charlotte Harry, who lives on Beachcomber Lane, told the council she had observed groups with tents and equipment and said chumming increases shark presence near the beach. She asked whether local residents could be given a gate code; staff said distributing codes or selectively permitting residents would be difficult and that the town cannot legally restrict lawful public beach access to town residents only. Council and staff said tightening access, signage and parking enforcement are practical tools the town can use now.

Why this matters: the town cannot preempt state law but can use local access controls and its own ordinance to reduce activities that create hazardous conditions. Council directed staff to proceed with the gates, enhanced signage and enforcement, and to coordinate with Florida Fish and Wildlife as needed.