The Coastal Star recently covered the planned Milani oceanfront park in Highland Beach. I write to emphasize the important right of public access to the shoreline.
Recent Florida beach events spotlight the issue.
First, the Florida governor rescinded an older Florida statute, which had empowered private beachfront property owners to close off miles of Walton County beaches, denying all public access. Essentially, the old law blocked the public’s access to the “shoreline,” defined as the sandy area below the high tide water mark.
Access to the shoreline has long been recognized for all persons under Florida law. The question now facing us is the public’s right of access to reach the shoreline.
As the “War at the Shore” continues to rage in Palm Beach County, the on-again/off-again Milani oceanfront park planned in Highland Beach, on Palm Beach County-owned property, is now under reconsideration.
County Commissioner Joel Flores publicly opined that it makes no sense to build a park that “no one wants.” Flores obviously refers to the Highland Beach property owners and developers, who seem to prefer that Flores’ constituents living in central Palm Beach County not be allowed access to the shore. For the inland residents, this park actually makes a lot of sense.
Commissioner Marci Woodward is pushing for final approval of Milani Park. She is considering the needs of all county residents and visitors, not just a privileged few beachfront property owners.
The Milani Park issue should be focused on its proposed function as a guaranteed pathway to the shoreline, which can be thought of as a public right of way. Walking the Florida shoreline is a joy everyone here should be able to experience.
The folks in Highland Beach seem to view the beach as their private playground and they have, to date, successfully blocked all public beach access in their town. Now they propose a real estate deal to profit the town and a developer.
To sell this seaside public property is an outrageous proposal — but not a new one. Living in this county for the past 80 years, I have seen this scenario before.
I am hoping this time it ends well for our county as a whole.
— Terry Brown, Ocean Ridge
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