Escambia County Commissioners Hear Hours of Testimony on Perdido Key Beach Access

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- More than 40 speakers packed Escambia County Commission chambers Wednesday to debate whether the county should declare customary use on Perdido Key beaches, with private property owners warning of costly litigation and public access advocates demanding beaches remain open to all.

Private property owners pointed to Walton County's experience spending more than 10 million dollars fighting customary use claims. Tony Hobbs told commissioners Walton County battled owners of nearly 1,200 parcels and failed to prevail on more than 1,000 of them.

"Why would Escambia County take such a risk in terms of time and money?" Hobbs asked.

Tony Reeves of La Playa said a 1978 lawsuit already settled the issue. A Florida court entered final judgment against Escambia County rejecting claims the public had rights to use the property at La Playa and Sandy Key.

Joseph Kleinpeter, president of the Indigo Condominium Association, said his property pays more than 2 million dollars in county taxes annually and owners have Fifth Amendment rights to their private property.

Public access advocates said tax dollars restore beaches after hurricanes so everyone should be able to use them. Ethan Jones, a beach attendant, said Public Access One is a nightmare with 40 parking spots and 50 feet of beach while Johnson Beach sits mostly empty.