City of Atlantic Beach: Don't walk through sea oats on the dunes

Freshly planted sea oats have the city of Atlantic Beach concerned.

Recently, photographs were taken of people walking on the dunes through the sea oats.

TRENDING: Twitter user criticizes ‘KKK' sign at baseball game, learns baseball tradition

“The photographs are cringe-worthy for sure,” said Interim City Manager for Atlantic Beach Kevin Hogencamp.

And it’s also breaking the law.

“There’s a state law that prohibits the removal, harvesting or destruction of the sea oats themselves,” Hogencamp said.

PHOTOS: $9.6 million house for sale in St. Johns County

Atlantic Beach police say if you’re caught walking through or destroying the sea oats, it’s a misdemeanor and comes with a fine of up to $500.

They have issued tickets in the past, however, the city said it would like to educate people first.

Cox Media Group