Commissioners back studying expanded adaptive beach access; county rules limit permanent mat length

Commissioners on Aug. 21 expressed support for expanding adaptive beach access for people with mobility disabilities but asked staff to clarify costs, logistics and regulatory limits before committing to regular deployments of beach mats and equipment. Commissioner Joseph called for rolling out beach carpets and providing beach chairs two or three times a week to improve shoreline access for disabled residents. Deputy City Manager explained staff had consulted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and found a regulatory limit: mats may be kept permanently only up to 10 feet seaward of the city's property line at Samson Oceanfront Park. Anything beyond that requires further state allowance and coordination. Staff said the city owns a small number of mats used for special events and the Adaptive Beach Day; rolling out temporary mats requires sand preparation by the county, smoothing, deployment, securing and later removal — a labor‑intensive process. Commissioners discussed storage, staffing, frequency and liability; one commissioner suggested scheduling a recurring event such as “third Thursday” to plan resources and county coordination. Commissioners asked staff to continue conversations with Miami Beach and state stakeholders pushing for a more permanent allowance; staff reported Miami Beach and other West Coast municipalities are actively engaging DEP, but East Coast progress has been limited. The commission requested staff return with cost estimates, staffing requirements and a proposed schedule for expanded adaptive access.