Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Residents clash over 'customary use' on Perdido Key as commissioners weigh staff direction
Summary
Public forum speakers and commissioners debated whether to adopt a state-backed "customary use" policy to restore public access on Perdido Key beaches; beachfront owners warned of uncompensated loss of private use while visitors and advocates pushed for expanded public access and long-term protections for turtles and parks.
Dozens of residents and property owners filled the Escambia County commission chambers to press rival views on whether the county should implement a new state law restoring "customary use" rights on Perdido Key beaches.
At the public forum, supporters including Gary Holt asked the board to direct county legal staff to draft an ordinance to implement Senate Bill 1622—passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by the governor—so the county can begin enforcing customary use on Perdido Key. Holt said the policy would restore pre-2018…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
