July 10th Beach Ordinance Ideas

I hope we don’t need additional beach ordinances. Based upon the feedback from District 3, I’m updating this page daily!

Is our society less respectful these days? Why would anyone set up a tent directly in front of someone’s cabana? Wouldn’t you place your tent somewhere else rather than block the view of someone already sitting? The question embodies much of today’s argument.

Haven’t we enjoyed the beach and built a famous brand over the last 100 years without signs?

What have we changed that might cause owners to want signs?

-2017 we allowed alcohol on private property within “designated areas”

-2018 the state restricts city changes to customary beach use

-2025 the state revoked 2018 law and allowed cities to regulate customary use

Another thought: fix only what’s broken - we have had a successful brand for many years.

1. June 23rd we banned signs within 50 feet of the water for public safety. (This was because, for some reason, property owners allowed signs to be in the surf.) We banned all permanent signs on the sand for safety, and required any signage to be removed at sunset each night for safety. If you desire to have a sign on the beach, you will be required to apply for a permit.

It’s pretty clear that the new proliferation of SIGNS on the BEACH is considered to be unsafe. Therefore, any benefits offered by signs should be established by alternative means.

This introduces the question: why does anyone want a sign of the beach. Perhaps for these reasons:

-unruly visitors who annoy hotel guests

-unruly visitors who leave trash behind on private property

-rules that require signs (Sheriff’s idea of “trespass” requirements)

-rules for alcohol service that require designated areas

-concepts of liability

The area within 50 feet of the water is the “SAFETY ZONE.”

2. Common Use: St Pete Beach acknowledges the state mandated policy of common use of city beaches. I would also like everyone’s opinion on this thought: small beach access points have traditionally been used by neighborhood residents walking to the beach. Upon reaching the beach, what have these residents done over the years?

Possible Wording (IF we need to have rules!):

1. The SAFETY ZONE

a. The SAFETY ZONE is the area of the beach within 50 feet of the water, expressly reserved for public safety vehicles and walkers.

b. Public use towels, chairs, and umbrellas are always allowed in the SAFETY ZONE.

c. Hotels must ensure cabanas remain clear of the SAFETY ZONE.

d. In all cases, tents and cabanas are prohibited in the SAFETY ZONE.

2. The PUBLIC CABANA ZONE (must we regulate how to share the beach?)

   a. The PUBLIC CABANA ZONE is an area between a small public entrance to the beach and the SAFETY ZONE.

   b. The PUBLIC CABANA ZONE shall provide an area between private property for residents to enjoy the beach.

   c. Regardless of property ownership, this area expressly allows space for public cabanas and tents nearby the small public entrances.

d. Public users must not put tents or cabanas in front of hotel or condo cabanas.

3. Alcohol Use and the DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA (can we eliminate sign posts on the beach?)

a. Alcohol is prohibited on public beaches to maintain the family atmosphere of St Pete Beach.

b. Alcohol is allowed on private property by permit.

c. Alcohol permit rules: 

c1. Alcohol must be served by staff to the DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.

c2. The DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA is each cabana itself, wherever the cabana is placed by hotel staff.

c3. Alcohol must always remain at the cabana. Guests cannot walk around with alcohol.  If the guest leaves the cabana for any reason, the alcohol must stay at the cabana.

4. Fireworks: Traditionally allowed on the beach during July 4th and New Years, fireworks will be allowed by permit only.

a. Permit rules:

a1. Fireworks may only be permitted in locations .75 miles away from existing Black Skimmer nesting sites.

a2. Fireworks will only be permitted on the days of July 4th and December 31st.

5. Flashlights: Flashlights have traditionally been used on St Pete Beach. There will be no prohibition of flashlights. Bad behavior such as shining lights at nests or buildings shall be enforced. 

6. Bikes: Bikes are allowed on the beach outside of Black Skimmer and Turtle nesting seasons. E-bikes are prohibited on the beach at all times.   

7. Beach Parking: Parking for beach use will be allowed in locations by city permit only, and all permitted public parking areas (including beach parking lots located within 500 feet of a public beach access point) must require a public toilet to be provided by the permit holder.

8. Signs on the Beach:

   a. Only temporary signs are allowed on the beach

   b. Signs must always remain clear of the SAFETY ZONE.

IF we require rules for beach use, and I hope we don’t, I believe the rules above are practical, enforceable, balanced, and minimize the need for signs.