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Residents urge Escambia County to adopt customary-use beach access ordinance following state law change
Summary
Multiple residents asked the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to adopt local rules implementing Senate Bill 1622, which supporters say restores customary public use of beaches; county staff said ongoing litigation over a 75-foot easement remains the top priority.
Dozens of residents told the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 2 that the county should move quickly to adopt a local ordinance implementing a recently enacted state law on customary public use of beaches.
Supporters said the Legislature’s action — identified in public remarks as Senate Bill 1622 — restored pre-2018 conditions and removed a requirement for a prior judicial declaration in some cases. "He signed it. So Senate Bill 1622 is a law," said Gary Holt, who urged the board to put the matter on a future agenda.
Why it matters: County residents and property owners said a local ordinance would secure recreational public access for future generations, preserve coastal recreation and resolve local disputes…
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