The City of Atlantic Beach is taking new steps to protect the dunes along its oceanfront.
With beach season upon us, they posted 20 to 25 temporary signs reminding beachgoers to stay off the sand dunes.
Sea dunes and sea oats on the dunes are protected under Florida state law.
KEEP OUT! These signs were posted on Atlantic Beach, asking beachgoers to be kind to the dunes. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/msj46EphPH
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) April 11, 2018
Atlantic Beach Deputy City Manager Kevin Hogencamp said it’s in response to several recent complaints from neighbors about people walking on the dunes.
“More than 99 percent of people who use the beach abide by this request. It's just the few people who either don't know better or who don't care about the rules who are the problem,” Hogencamp said.
He said they are working on a final design for the signs and plan to install permanent ones in the coming weeks.
After two active hurricane seasons, Genice Dunayer said she understands the vital role dunes play in protecting her beachfront property.
I spoke with the Atlantic Beach Deputy City Manager about the signs. He says every year they get complaints about people walking on the dunes. He says it picks up during the summer months. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/phNPWw2zep
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) April 11, 2018
“We've actually seen Mother Nature since the hurricanes hit really change and fix what was damaged,” she said.
Dunayer said the dune warning signs are nice, but she would like to see the rules enforced more.
“Are there really going to be tickets if someone sees someone breaching the dunes?” she asked.
Homeowners along Atlantic Beach say they like the signs. After two active hurricane seasons, Genice Dunayer says she understands how important sand dunes are in protecting her home. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/0CrHjAJ8yW
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) April 11, 2018
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