Atlantic Beach council backs ordinance change to keep beach equipment clear of lifeguard towers

Atlantic Beach Fire Chief Mike Simpson asked the Town Council on Feb. 13 to amend Chapter 5 of the town's Beach and Shore Regulations to give Fire and Police staff the authority to enforce clearance around lifeguard towers during lifeguard season. Simpson told council that people have been setting up umbrellas and other equipment too close to lifeguard stands, interfering with lines of sight to the water, and he asked for a 20-foot clearance from the towers.

Simpson also raised safety concerns about holes dug on the beach and recommended setting a maximum size; he said the regional median hole size is "two (2) feet deep and three (3) feet wide," which he described as hazardous to children, vehicles and wildlife. He said signage would be placed on lifeguard towers and possibly at the Circle to inform beachgoers about the restriction.

Mayor Danny Navey and other councilmembers discussed enforcement logistics; staff noted the restriction would apply only during lifeguard season when guards are on duty. Council consensus was to place the ordinance amendment on the February consent agenda for approval, rather than taking separate action at the work session.

The amendment as presented would change enforcement authority and clarify acceptable beach-hole size and placement of large umbrellas and equipment near lifeguard stands. The council did not take a recorded roll-call vote on the amendment during the work session; the item was scheduled for the consent agenda for the regular meeting in February.