Changes could be coming for beach ordinances in Nassau County

Families could see new rules for driving on the beach in Nassau County.

It comes after Nassau County Commissioner Aaron Bell says officials have seen a marked increase in complaints since 2016 – specifically at Peters Point and American Beach.

Susan King raised her kids in Fernandina Beach. She said she and her husband would drive out to a tide pool where the kids could play.

“You can bring your cooler down with your trucks. We would come and set up volleyball nets and cornhole,” she said. “We’d have tents. You could spend the whole day.”

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King is among locals who say they don’t want more restrictions on beach driving.

One neighbor started a petition, saying some homeowners on Amelia Island want to outlaw driving on the beach everywhere it’s currently allowed.

Action News Jax Brittney Donovan asked county leaders and learned they’re not considering an outright ban, but they are asking families for input on current ordinances.

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Commissioner Bell said a beach committee was formed to listen to families and make a recommendation on possible updates.

He said the committee has met four times, and another meeting for public input is scheduled for May 15 at the James Page Government Complex.

Any changes would only apply to beaches outside Fernandina Beach city limits.

Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller told Action News Jax the city also received complaints about speeding and headlights on the beach late at night. People getting stuck has also been an issue.

Miller said a bill will soon go through a second reading that will allow the city to ticket drivers who take vehicles that aren’t four-wheel drive onto the beach.

If passed, the amended ordinance will also ban beach parking from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. year-round.

The second reading is scheduled for May 7.

As for King, she says she hopes families can continue to enjoy driving to their favorite spot on the beach.

“There’s a lot of locals that have been doing it for years,” she said. “I don’t want to see it being taken away.”

Bell said Nassau County residents can also email their input to County Manager Mike Mullin at mmullin@nassaucountyfl.com.

Cox Media Group