Protect Public Beach Access in Key Largo

Public beaches are very scarce in the Florida Keys and the majority of these are limited to the sides of channel bridges, which in some cases are miles apart. Because of this, many residents rely on local road access points termed "right of ways" within their neighborhoods to reach a beach and the beautiful waters of the Keys. Sunset Point Park (Bay Drive beach access), in Keys Largo, is a perfect example of this type of public beach access used by residents for decades. Like all county owned right of ways, it is “dedicated to the perpetual use of the Public for proper purposes…”, however, now this popular access is under threat of being privatized. 

The adjacent Homeowners Association is seeking an amendment to the county code which would allow for the closure of Sunset Point Park, effectively cutting off the surrounding community to the beach. Surfrider is committed to keeping beaches accessible to the public and opposes this amendment and the threats it poses to beach access. The Florida Keys Chapter is advocating to preserve beach access at Sunset Point Park with the Monroe County Commission as they contemplate this amendment to county code.

Update (6/21): The BOCC decided to NOT proceed with the unfavorable code change! While we have had a victory in stopping this, a compromise solution will be discussed at the September meeting. Currently, the proposed idea will allow the HOA a 10-foot swath area for their residents to access the water but not disturb public access or the public beach. Surfrider Florida Keys will continue to monitor this issue.