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Commissioners ask staff to explore county property for additional beach volleyball courts
Summary
After residents complained about the removal of a volleyball court at Sampson Park, commissioners directed staff to talk with Miami-Dade County about siting additional beach volleyball courts on county property south of Tropicana and to review enforcement of beach-chair permits and turtle-nesting protections.
The commission discussed the loss of a beach volleyball court at Sampson Park and asked staff to begin conversations with Miami-Dade County about placing additional beach volleyball courts on county-controlled sand south of Tropicana.
Commissioner Joseph and others said residents had expressed disappointment when the Sampson Park court was taken down. Staff explained the city's existing volleyball court at Sampson Park sits on city-owned property near the county line and that the city lacks other suitable city-owned beach parcels large enough for regulation courts. "The only option would be at the South end...talking to the county to see if they'd allow us to do that," staff said.
Commissioners also raised enforcement concerns about private vendors and condominium operators placing chairs and equipment on the beach, which can reduce public sand and compete with turtle-nesting protection measures. One commissioner noted the current turtle-nesting season and urged coordination with the county and building managers to protect nesting areas and maintain lifeguard sightlines.
Staff said it would contact the county to explore permitting volleyball courts on county sand south of Tropicana and will assess existing enforcement practices for pre-set beach chairs and dune protections.
