Residents urge county to back governor’s 'customary use' executive order for Pensacola-area beaches

Dozens of residents used the Gary Sansing public forum to press the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on beach access and customary use, urging the board to accept and implement the governor’s executive order on customary use along Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.

Why it matters: Speakers said private condominium signage and barriers have reduced local access to beaches that residents say were traditionally open for public use. Several speakers argued enforcement of customary-use doctrine, backed by the governor’s executive order, would restore local access and protect beach-going for residents who cannot afford state park passes.

What residents said: Gary Holt, who identified himself as a Perdido Key resident, told the board condo owners have “fences” and signage that restrict public movement to the waterline and said enforcement of customary use would help. Keith Hall and other surf-reporters said increased enforcement or recognition of customary use would preserve spots for local surfers and families. Diane Cromwell, who helped lead the Save Pensacola Beach movement in the past, urged the board to be “proactive instead of reactive” and to open public beach access along the waterfront.

Board response: The public forum remarks were heard during the board’s stated public-comment window. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and said staff would follow up; no formal vote on a county position was taken during the Sept. 16 meeting.

Next steps: Speakers asked the county to work with state officials and coastal enforcement to implement the governor’s executive order. County officials indicated they would have staff and legal counsel review the practical steps and enforcement implications.