Beach Access
Historically the public has been using the beach on North Hutchinson Island, free from restriction anywhere, from East of the frontal dune and/or vegetation line to the ocean, and all has been well and peaceful. However, there has been talk about some beachfront property owners potentially wanting to privatize their beach area. So, before conflicts arise, we are asking the county to create an ordinance which would clarify the rights of the public and the rights of the beachfront property owners regarding the public’s use of the dry sand beach on North Hutchinson Island. In the process of doing this we need to be able to show the areas which the public has used consistently during the last 50 years.
So, we urge you to take our survey, and email your letters of testimony giving evidence to our historic use of this beach!
Detailed information about this issue can be found on the website: FortPierceShoresPreservation.com
What we are doing
In an effort to prevent conflicts and maintain the customary use of the beach, Fort Pierce Shores Preservation, Inc. and the North Beach Association are together asking the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to create and pass an ordinance.
Our goal is to create a County Ordinance that will protect the rights of the public to use the entire beach east of the frontal dune (or permanent vegetation line) for ordinary recreational purposes.
Ordinary recreation would include: fishing, surfing, walking and running, playing a game or ball, chairs, towels, etc.
The Ordinance should also protect the rights of beachfront property owners against any trespass west of the designated area, protect the structural integrity of the dunes and vegetation, and prohibit littering.
Take the Survey
We are conducting a Survey on North Hutchinson Island Beach Use. We will present data from the Survey to the Board of County Commissioners to clearly establish the public’s rights under the Doctrine of Customary Use, and then request that they codify our rights in a County Ordinance.
Please take our survey by going to the website:
FortPierceShoresPreservation.com, or by using the button link to the survey below.
Thank you!