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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-055 ST LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION NO. 20-055 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN AND FOR ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROVIDING RECOGNITION OF THE CLOTHING-OPTIONAL BEACH COMMONLY KNOWN AS BLIND CREEK BEACH, LOCATED ON HUTCHINSON ISLAND, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS a successful naturist, or clothing-optional beach located in St Lucie County, and specifically known as Blind Creek Beach, located inside Blind Creek Beach County Park, has operated since June, 2014 with strong county support; and WHEREAS Blind Creek Beach has been regularly enjoyed by citizens of St. Lucie County as well as numerous visitors from throughout North America and Europe; and WHEREAS Blind Creek Beach has been recognized for the positive environmentally conscious visitors drawn to the location, who observe such "good neighbor" practices as keeping the beach free of litter, organizing beach clean-ups in conjunction with national environmental groups, and practicing conservation so as to foster an atmosphere that is appropriate for persons of all ages attending under the supervision of their families, while preserving this valuable public resource; and WHEREAS dedicated volunteers contribute their efforts to maintaining sound conditions on the beach, in cooperation with County staff as applicable, for which St Lucie County administrative staff is appreciative; and WHEREAS academic studies have shown that well-managed clothing- optional beaches generate strong visitor interest and are often cited by tourists as an important factor in generating their visits; and WHEREAS Florida Statutes such as Florida Statute Chapter §800 . 03 provide that simple nudity is fully lawful within places set apart for that purpose; and WHEREAS the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners has determined that it is in the best interest of St . Lucie County to continue and build upon the successful efforts at Blind Creek Beach County Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, that the following is hereby adopted: Section 1. IMPROVING CONDITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS A. Blind Creek Beach County Park personnel and Blind Creek Beach volunteers are encouraged to continue to work with each other to facilitate ongoing improvements to beach conditions through such efforts as litter removal, erecting and maintaining proper advisory signage, creating greater awareness of park policies and rules, and other measures that ensure an ongoing atmosphere that is appropriate to visitors and their families within a naturist or clothing-optional environment . B. Blind Creek Beach County Park personnel and Blind Creek Beach volunteers are encouraged to agree upon appropriate wording to be placed on durable, vandal-resistant, and weatherproof signage informing visitors of the beach' s clothing-optional or naturist status and, such other signs as may be useful for educating visitors of additional appropriate and courteous beach etiquette behavior. It is recognized that such signs are an integral part of promoting compatible relations, preventing any potential user conflicts, and avoiding complaints that could lead to charges governed under disorderly conduct per Florida Statutes § 877. 03 . C. It is recognized that Blind Creek Beach County Park volunteers, including the non-profit Treasure Coast Naturists or its successors or affiliates, have agreed to furnish privately raised funds for the manufacture and installation of the afore- mentioned naturist advisory signage in a manner consistent with County codes, custom, and design. D. County Staff will continue to work with Blind Creek Beach County Park volunteers and groups, and when necessary, to provide for periodic, informal evaluations to assess Blind Creek Beach County Park' s Management Plan and/or practices used on the property. Section 2 . APPROPRIATE CONSIDERATION OF NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS AND BEACHGOER PRIVACY Consistent with the successful naturist history of the beach in recent years, appropriate natural conditions and/or barriers separating those who do not wish to see nudity will be maintained, through a cooperative effort between neighbors, county staff, and beach volunteers. Section 3 . MAINTAINING THE PRESENT ZERO-FEE STRUCTURE OF BLIND CREEK BEACH It is not anticipated that park user fees will be assessed from visitors to Blind Creek Beach County Park. However, this should not deter any organized non-profit organization' s efforts that may seek voluntary donations for the purpose of improving conditions and promoting sound conservation practices of beach areas. Section 4. CELEBRATION OF EFFORTS The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County recognizes and appreciates the collective efforts of all who have contributed to the success of Blind Creek Beach County Park as a clothing-optional venue for the public' s enjoyment. Section 5. Effective Date This Resolution shall take effect immediately as provided by law. After motion and second, the vote for this Resolution was as follows: Commissioner Cathy Townsend, Chair AYE Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Vice Chair AYE Commissioner Sean Mitchell AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson NAY PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 2nd day of June, 2020 ATTE T:: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS By: Deput erk Chair oJOf Co*. APPROVED A CORRECTNESS *FM .-44 0 4.% 4� County t orney • 0 0ONn;FLOo!