Eroded: 30A's Battles for Florida's Beaches

About Eroded: 30A's Battles for Florida's Beaches

When Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 631, they ignited a battle for the soul of Walton County's beaches. Through expert interviews, legal history, and raw local voices, the Eroded traces how a once-unified coastline is now divided by lawsuits, signs, and security guards. What began as an intention to legally clarify Customary Use has evolved into a crisis that could reshape the future of Florida's beaches—and public coastlines across America.

Publisher

Eroded

Category

news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

26 Dec 2025

Latest episode

15 May 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 May 2026

   Bonus 1: HBO Fame to Flame

   In this Bonus Episode, Jared Schnader (host) speaks with Sara Day. She was interviewed for a previous episode of the Eroded Podcast, and came back in to speak with Jared about her involvement with the HBO series, Neighbors. If you haven't seen it, the series highlights absurd and sometimes violent altercations between neighbors. The first episode, "Shoreline Defender", revolved around the battle over 30A's beaches. Sara Day is highlighted in the episode along with some other locals. While Sara and Eric Wilhelm, a local Beach Front Owner, are spotlighted to discuss the issues, HBO was able to find a cast of characters to draw in the audience through outrageous antics and some creepy interviews. Sara details her ongoing work to support free and open beaches in Walton County and what comes next.

2. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 1: Before the Storm

   🎙️ Eroded – Episode 1: 30A's Battle for Florida's Beaches Over the past year and a half, this issue has been examined and is one of the most intense and consequential local issues in recent Florida history: the struggle over using the beach and property rights in Walton County—specifically the 27 miles of coastline along County Road 30A. What began as a seemingly isolated conflict has steadily escalated into a county-wide crisis shaping local politics, economics, tourism, and community trust. This episode lays the foundation for the series, explaining how a local battle over sand turned into a precedent-setting legal and political fight with implications for coastlines across the state and nation. This episode explores the tension between private beachfront owners asserting property rights and residents and visitors who have used these beaches freely for generations. Despite attempts to speak with all sides, some individuals declined interviews due to fear of retribution or ongoing litigation. All information included in this series is based on firsthand interviews or verified public records. The story includes uncomfortable truths, and listeners may find themselves angry—but as the host explains, that reaction is appropriate given what has transpired. Central to the conflict is the passage of Florida House Bill 631 (HB 631) in 2018, which created a pathway for beachfront owners to legally challenge customary use rights. Though presented as a neutral property bill, the legislation targeted Walton County specifically and intensified existing disputes sparked by earlier battles over beach nourishment projects. Altercations, signage campaigns, and political maneuvering followed, culminating in a community divided over what it means to live next to the water. The host makes it clear: this is not an agenda-driven production. There are no financial interests at stake, and the series is not funded by any organization or individual involved in the conflict. Instead, it is an effort to present all sides clearly, without spin, and to help listeners understand what happened, how we got here, and why it matters. By the end of this series, the goal is simple—ensure the public understands the stakes and the importance of choosing leaders who protect both rights and community. 🔑 Key Takeaways Both can be true: You can believe in private property rights and public access to the beach. HB 631 (2018) significantly changed the legal landscape and targeted Walton County specifically. Beach nourishment projects, and rulings that newly placed sand becomes public, were earlier flashpoints leading to the current battle. Many experts declined to comment due to fear of retribution or active lawsuits, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue. Tourism vs. local needs: South Walton has ~20,000 residents but welcomes 4.5 million tourists annually. This issue is bigger than beaches—it's about governance, policy influence, local representation, and the long-term economic health of the region. 📚 Resource Links & Documentation (All sources referenced are public domain records, legal rulings, or original interviews. Below are key documents and organizations listeners can explore.) Legal & Government Resources Florida HB 631 (2018) – Customary Use Law Florida Senate Bill Text & Analysis (search "Florida HB 631 full text"). Florida Supreme Court – City of Daytona Beach v. Tona-Rama Inc., 1974 Landmark ruling establishing customary use doctrine. U.S. Supreme Court Case on Beach Nourishment (Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection), 2010 County / Local Policy Walton County Customary Use Ordinance (repealed after HB 631; archived records available via Walton County Clerk of Courts) Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) – Public Access & Beach Ambassador Program Organizations Referenced Florida Beaches for All – community advocacy group U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – documentation on renourishment projects Walton County Board of Commissioners – public meeting minutes South Walton Fire District & Sheriff's Office – beach incident reports (public request available) Individuals / Interview Subjects Mentioned Kent Safriet (Holtzman-Vogle law firm, Tallahassee) Dave Rauschkolb (local business owner of Bud and Alleys, founder of Florida Beaches for All) Former Governor Mike Huckabee (referenced in media campaigns) 📍 Listener Note This series is based only on verified and firsthand accounts. If you have documentation or personal experiences that may support future episodes, contact the show confidentially. Disclaimer: The views, information, and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, portions of this episode may include personal narratives, subjective interpretation, and evolving research. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify information and consult original sources. Some content may be sensitive for certain audiences.

3. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 5: Dismissed With Prejudice

   🎙️ Show Notes: Customary Use, Vendor Impact & the Changing Beach Economy In this segment, we examine how the repeal of local ordinance authority under HB 631 forced Walton County into the courtroom to establish customary use, leading to over 1,100 lawsuits and mounting legal costs. While the intent was to ensure non-political adjudication of property rights, the real-world application resulted in years of litigation with minimal gains. Most critically, over 1,044 beachfront parcels were "dismissed with prejudice" in 2023, meaning Walton County will never again be able to bring customary use claims against those properties. This effectively prevents customary use from ever being reestablished along most of South Walton's beaches, regardless of any change in statute. We hear from beach vendor Jake Williams, who describes the local business impact since the law's implementation. Once a low-barrier entrepreneurial opportunity for high schoolers and small local operators, beach vending has now transitioned into a contract-driven industry dominated by larger companies. Vendors like Jake find themselves turning away business due to limited access points and increasingly restrictive property rights. Simultaneously, as Gulf-front access narrows, more tourists are being pushed into overcrowded areas, leading to a strange phenomenon: more people visiting 30A, but fewer using the beach. Jake highlights the growing disconnect between visitors' expectations and on-the-ground beach access realities. Longtime vacationers are leaving for quieter destinations like Orange Beach, Alabama, while locals struggle to maintain business growth due to legal ambiguity, rising competition, and increasing privatization. What was once part-time beach work is now a competition influenced by legal contracts, HOA negotiations, and escalating enforcement measures. The implications extend beyond business—this evolution is redefining what it means to live, work, and vacation on 30A. As Jake puts it, "Everyone is my boss—clients, HOAs, the county." Vendors are caught between tourism demand and private property enforcement, navigating a system where access is determined less by tradition and more by legal strategy and contract leverage. 🔑 Key Takeaways Dismissed With Prejudice (2023): Walton County can never refile customary use claims on over 1,044 parcels, even if HB 631 is repealed. Shift From Free Market to Contract Market: Beach vending has moved from open territory to contract-only service, stifling small local businesses. Tourism vs. Access Mismatch: More visitors, but fewer actual beachgoers due to access restrictions and contract limitations. Business Uncertainty: Vendors rely on maintaining relationships with HOAs and homeowners but face fierce competition from larger, well-capitalized companies. Growing Visitor Frustration: Long-term tourists are leaving for more accessible coastal areas; fewer repeat visitors returning to 30A. Legal Confusion Persists: Enforcement lacks clarity; local vendors often serve as educators in real time regarding where guests can sit. 🔗 Reference Links & Resources (Note: Use as hyperlink references or ending resources section) Florida HB 631 (2018) – Customary Use Law Legislative Text & Analysis "Customary Use" Legal Explanation (Florida Bar Real Property Law) Walton County vs. Beachfront Owners (Case Settlement Overview, 2023) Interactive Beach Ownership Map – Walton County GIS Mapping Tool Florida Supreme Court Guidance on Customary Use Doctrine Economic Impact Report on Coastal Tourism Rental Trends Post–HB 631 Orange Beach, AL Tourism Data (VisitAL Beaches Report) Reference Links Florida House Bill 631 (2018): "Possession of Real Property" — prohibits local governments from enacting customary use ordinances and changes ejectment rights. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00631 The Florida Senate+1 Article: "New Florida Law may Restrict Public Beach Access" — overview of how HB 631 impacts beach access. https://www.pallegarlawfirm.com/articles/new-florida-law-may-restrict-public-beach-access/ Pallegar Law Firm Legal article: "Recreational Rights to the Dry Sand Beach in Florida: Property, Custom and Controversy" — academic analysis of customary use law in Florida. https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/facultypub/831/ UF Law Scholarship Repository Blog post: "Customary Use Litigation in Walton County, Part II" — breakdown of the litigation results and "dismissed with prejudice" issue. https://clarkpartington.com/2023/12/05/customary-use-litigation-in-walton-county-part-ii/ Clark Partington Article: "Senate committee advances bill to repeal Walton County beach access law" — covers proposed legislative change (SB 1622) in 2025. https://www.getthecoast.com/senate-committee-advances-bill-to-repeal-walton-county-beach-access-law/ Get The Coast Surfrider Foundation news: "Lawsuit Filed to Protect Customary Use in Walton County, Florida" — about the original lawsuit by the county in 2018. https://www.surfrider.org/news/lawsuit-filed-to-protect-customary-use-in-walton-county-florida Surfrider Foundation

4. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 4: Who Are You Representing?

   Show Notes – Who Are You Representing? In this episode, we dive into the political maneuvering and legal battles that shaped the future of Walton County's beaches following the passage of HB 631. The discussion details how state legislation—authored by lawmakers outside the county—ultimately rolled back Walton County's customary use ordinance, forcing the county into litigation against more than 1,000 beachfront properties. Though the bill passed with overwhelming support, former State Representative Brad Drake's reversal in his vote remains a point of contention and speculation. According to firsthand accounts, his reluctance to advocate against the bill raised concerns about potential political influence and alignment with private beachfront interests over public access. We hear from longtime Walton County advocate Dave Raushkolb, who recalls urging Representative Drake to request a veto from Governor Rick Scott, only to experience an hour-long effort to dissuade him. Despite initial signals that the governor would veto HB 631, he ultimately signed it into law, later issuing Executive Order 18-202 which encouraged access but did not halt the law. Attorney Daniel Uhlfelder, who helped found Florida Beaches for All, expands on highly strategic and largely undetected legal actions—such as quiet title filings—that repositioned beachfront boundaries to favor private ownership. These efforts, according to Uhlfelder, frame the legislation as part of a broader organized "land grab." As the episode unfolds, we explore how lobbying and influence campaigns contributed to legislative decisions contrary to local interests. Uhlfelder reflects on the deeper lesson: what happened on Walton County's beaches could happen anywhere, and only through active civic engagement can such efforts be challenged. His personal motivation stems from family history and a belief in speaking out against injustice, even without personal gain. The episode closes with a call to recognize that while the fight may not be won, silence ensures defeat. Key Takeaways HB 631 passed in 2018, overturning Walton County's customary use ordinance and requiring property-by-property litigation to reestablish beach access. Former Representative Brad Drake changed his vote between rounds and later resisted engaging publicly in the reasoning, despite inquiries from residents. Governor Rick Scott signed the bill, though he later issued Executive Order 18-202 urging continued public access to beaches. Attorney Daniel Uhlfelder co-founded Florida Beaches for All, organizing advocacy efforts, legal intervention, public education, and social mobilization. Quiet title actions involving beachfront property boundaries played a significant role in reducing public beach access. The broader issue extends beyond Walton County—highlighting the power of lobbying and political influence over public interests. Civic engagement, persistence, and willingness to act are presented as the only means to resist similar erosion of public rights. Referenced Resources & Materials HB 631 (2018) – Public Reform Legislation Florida House Bill text: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/631 Executive Order 18-202 (Governor Rick Scott) Review: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/EO-18-202.pdf Florida Beaches for All (Advocacy Organization) General Info: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeachesForAll/ (public-facing social page) Customary Use Doctrine Overview Florida Bar Journal: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/customary-use-and-beach-access/ Quiet Title Legal Definition Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/quiet_title_action 30A Sand & Beach Access Community Efforts ("Stand Your Sand" Marches) Archived news coverage: https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Stand-Your-Sand-Local-Protest--475064493.html

5. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 3: A War on all Fronts

   Episode 3 – Eroded Beaches (2017–2018) "30A's Battle for Florida's Beaches" I'm about to show you how four Florida lawmakers — two at the state level and two at the federal level — were involved in decisions that impacted beaches along the panhandle between 2017 and 2018. This episode drills into the evolution of HB 631, a bill that began as an eviction-related technical amendment and ultimately became legislation affecting coastal property rights statewide. We explore how amendments were added through committee input, lobbyist influence, and legal advisement, and how the process allowed geographically distant lawmakers to impact a local issue — often over the objection of experts or even the bill sponsor. State Senator Kathleen Passidomo (then Senate sponsor of HB 631) explains how bill amendments are part of the legislative process, though sometimes pushed by outside interests. On the House side, Representative Katie Edwards-Walpole, who represented Florida's 98th district 575 miles from Walton County, helped shepherd the bill despite having no direct coastal constituency. We investigate whether legal and political strategy targeted Walton County specifically. In parallel, U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, formerly a state representative for Walton County, began promoting H.R. 1073, a bill that would have allowed sell-offs of federal beach lands in his district. Meanwhile, former Governor Mike Huckabee sent an email supporting property rights enforcement after experiencing issues near his beachfront home. In the second half of the episode, we hear from Kimberly Stanley, a short-term rental owner in Seagrove Beach, who details how privatization and shifting access rules have hurt tourism and rental revenue. Her firsthand account paints a picture of mounting frustration, mixed messaging, and unclear enforcement that has directly impacted investment value, visitor reviews, and local sentiment. While the intent of HB 631 was to clarify customary use, the result has been economic harm and increased conflict between homeowners, renters, and local government. As we close the episode, we examine whether lawmakers acted in the best interest of their constituents — and what happens when decisions are made from 500+ miles away. Key Takeaways HB 631's evolution: Started as a technical legal bill, later amended to address beach access and customary use in ways that disproportionately impacted Walton County. Legislative influence from afar: Lawmakers outside the region shaped policy affecting 30A, including Rep. Edwards-Walpole and Sen. Passidomo. Cross-level alignment: At the same time, Rep. Matt Gaetz promoted a related proposal to open up federal beach land in his district to private development. Property rights vs public access: Emails, including one from former Governor Mike Huckabee, highlighted tensions over private beachfront ownership rights. Real-world consequences: Rental investors like Kimberly Stanley have seen revenue drop 20–25% due to confusing and restrictive beach access rules. Referenced Materials & Resources HB 631 (2018 Florida Legislature): Official Bill Text: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/631 Legislative Analysis: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/631/Analyses Customary Use Doctrine – Florida Law: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/customary-use-of-floridas-beaches/ Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA) Overview: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/the-marketable-record-title-act-a-primer/ H.R. 1073 ("Escambia County Land Conveyance Act" by Matt Gaetz): https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1073 Article: Northwest Florida Daily News Coverage of HB 631: https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/ (https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/) House Bill 843 (2014 Medical Marijuana – Gaetz & Edwards-Walpole): https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/843 Beach Privatization Reporting: Walton County Ordinance & Court Case Overview: https://www.co.walton.fl.us/ (https://www.co.walton.fl.us/) Overview of beach access disputes: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/national/wp/

6. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 2: HB631 Origins and Impact

   Show Notes In this episode, we dive into the complicated and highly charged fight over customary use and private beaches in South Walton (especially along County Road 30A). The conversation begins with a recap of HB 631 — a controversial Florida law that many local residents believed would "take away the beach" from the public. Amid election-period rhetoric, people received alarming emails about losing beach access, but as Senator Passidomo, one of the bills sponsors points out, much of the fear stemmed from misunderstanding or mischaracterizing the language of the bill. Next, we unpack the origins and mechanics of HB 631. It was introduced by legislators hundreds of miles away from Walton County, raising questions about representation and local versus state control. The guest expert, Senator Kathleen Pasadomo, walks us through how the bill was drafted, committee changes, and the intense negotiation process. She emphasizes that while the law might appear simple on its face, its implications for property rights and public access are nuanced and deeply rooted in Florida's common-law doctrine of "customary use." We then hear from a beachgoer, Lindsey Oxford, who shares her personal experience trying to use what she thought was a public beach — only to be confronted by private beach signs, code enforcers, and confusing boundary markers like a small PVC pipe with a pink ribbon. Her story illustrates how the legal debate plays out in real life for visitors, not just in courtrooms or legislative chambers. Finally, we reflect on the broader implications: how important civic engagement is, especially during the bill-making process; how legislation can be misrepresented during election cycles; and why people need to actively track bills, read staff analyses, and communicate with their local legislators if they want their voices to be heard. This episode is a reminder of why understanding civics matters — and how a seemingly technical land-use law can directly affect people's lives and economy. Key Takeaways Legislation vs. rhetoric: Political messaging during election cycles can distort the real impact of laws like HB 631. Bill-making is complex: State bills go through multiple rounds of drafting, committee review, public input, and compromise before they become law. Public involvement matters early: Waiting until a bill is about to pass isn't enough — citizen input during drafting and committee stages is most effective. Customary use doctrine: This is a legal principle rooted in common law that allows public recreational use of privately owned dry-sand beach areas, under certain conditions. On-the-ground confusion: Without clear physical markers, beachgoers may not know where they're legally allowed to set up, even if the law supports their presence. Local consequences: For communities like South Walton, beach access affects tourism, property rights, and the very character of the shoreline. Reference Materials & Further Reading To help you dive deeper into the issues discussed in this episode, here are some helpful links: WJHG News – Bill repealing 2018 customary use statute Coverage of SB 1622, which passed to repeal the 2018 statutory restrictions on customary use. (https://www.wjhg.com) Florida Senate Bill 1622 Analysis The official bill text and legislative analysis, which provides legal background and details on customary use. (The Florida Senate) Surfrider Foundation – Lawsuit to Protect Customary Use Explains the 2018 lawsuit in Walton County to affirm public recreational use of private dry-sand beaches. (Surfrider Foundation) FSBPA Legal Memo on HB 631 The Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association's legal explanation of how HB 631 changed the customary use process. (Florida Shore & Beach Association) Ocean & Coastal Law Journal Paper A thorough legal analysis of HB 631, its origins, and its implications for customary use doctrine. (NOAA Institutional Repository) Florida Politics Analysis Expert commentary on how HB 631 limits local governments' ability to create customary-use rules. (Florida Politics)

7. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 6: What's Done is Done

   In this episode, we examine the legislative and grassroots efforts that reshaped beach access in Florida, focusing on how HB 631 (effective July 1 2018) created a legal framework for local governments to take action on "customary use" of dry‑sand beaches—yet it especially targeted Walton County, where property owners and the county itself spent millions of dollars in litigation. Meanwhile, the subsequent law SB 1622 (signed June 24 2025) repealed key portions of HB 631 and opened the door back for local governments to adopt customary‑use ordinances. We talk with grassroots activist John Dillard — founder of Support Open Florida Sanded Beaches — who outlines how he mobilized citizens, used digital platforms, and met with legislators to influence the process. His experience in Georgia gave him perspective for how change can happen across state legislatures, and his Florida campaign underscores the importance of participation beyond simply "liking" something online. The episode also explores the ongoing conflict between public access, private beachfront rights, and the business of beach vending. As legal terms like "quiet title" and "dismissed with prejudice" become part of the vernacular, beach vendors such as Jake Williams describe how their contracts, business model and local return‑customer base have changed in the wake of these laws. For them, the beaches are not just sand and surf—they're livelihood, community identity and economic ecosystem for 30A and the Florida Gulf Coast. Finally, the episode ends with a call to civic engagement: going to county commission meetings, meeting elected officials, reading bills, and understanding how state laws translate to local sand and water. The fight over beaches in Walton County is more than a property law debate—it reflects who gets to access public coastline, who pays for it, and how laws drafted hundreds of miles away can affect one's backyard. Key Takeaways HB 631 (2018) established the need for local governments to go to court to assert customary use, giving rise to over 1,000 lawsuits in Walton County and many property owners opting for settlement agreements. SB 1622 (2025) repealed the statutory provision for recreational customary use (Fla. Stat. § 163.035) and streamlined beach‐renourishment and public access processes for Gulf Coast counties. The Florida Senate+2Florida Governor's Office+2 Grassroots mobilization matters: Individuals like John Dillard show how citizens can meet with legislators, build online platforms, and influence policy—not just complain on social media. The vending and short‐term rental industries are directly affected by beach access rules—they rely on access, visibility, and affordability for guests; contracting and enforcement changes pressure their business models. Legal terms matter: "Quiet title," "dismissed with prejudice," "customary use" all shape the practical outcome of access and ownership—even more than bill summaries. Local consequences of state legislation: Although HB 631 and SB 1622 are statewide, the impact is acutely local—Walton County's economy, tourism, and community identity are deeply wrapped up in its 26 miles of beaches. References (MLA Style) Flournoy, Alyson C., Thomas T. Ankersen, and Sasha Alvarenga. Recreational Rights to the Dry Sand Beach in Florida: Property, Custom and Controversy. University of Florida Levin College of Law, Jan. 2019. Web. https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/facultypub/831/. Florida Senate. House Bill 631 (2018) – Possession of Real Property. Florida Senate, 2018. Web. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00631. Florida Senate. Senate Bill 1622 (2025) – Beaches. Florida Senate, 2025. Web. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1622. "Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Local Beach Access and Expedite Coastal Restoration." Office of the Governor of Florida, 24 June 2025. Web. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-signs-legislation-protect-local-beach-access-and-expedite. Perry, Mitch. "Republican Wants to Repeal Law That Keeps the Public off Panhandle Beaches." Florida Phoenix, 28 Feb. 2025. Web. https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/02/28/republican-wants-to-repeal-law-that-keeps-the-public-off-panhandle-beach/. "Beach Access and Customary Use: Breaking Down SB 1622." Davis Property Blog, 3 July 2025. Web. https://www.davisprop.com/blog/beach-access-and-customary-use-breaking-down-sb-1622/. "Lawsuit Filed to Protect Customary Use in Walton County, Florida." Surfrider Foundation, 11 Dec. 2018. Web. https://www.surfrider.org/news/lawsuit-filed-to-protect-customary-use-in-walton-county-florida. "What is Customary Use and What Impact Does It Have on 30A's Beaches?" 30a.com, 5 Nov. 2018. Web. https://30a.com/30a-beaches-customary-use/.

8. 

   26 Dec 2025

   Episode 7: No Good Deed

   In this episode of Eroded, host Jared Schnader sits down with Sara Day, a Santa Rosa Beach resident who has become a central figure in the fight for public access to Walton County beaches. Moving from Texas in search of a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Sara quickly realized that the idyllic beaches she and her family had envisioned were not fully accessible to the public. From being harassed on the sand to discovering that some beachfront homeowners were actively misrepresenting property lines, Sara's journey exposes the complexities of private vs. public beach access in Florida. Sara shares the human side of this ongoing battle, describing the community dynamics, resistance from property owners, and the challenges of standing up against entrenched interests. She recounts specific incidents, including confrontations with individuals enforcing "private" beach rules and the lengths some will go to maintain exclusive access. Despite facing intimidation and threats, Sarah emphasizes a commitment to fairness and community, ultimately creating a solution that empowers residents and visitors alike. Central to this solution is the Shoreline Defender app, a free geospatial tool that uses NOAA data to help beachgoers understand where public sand begins and ends relative to the tides. The app provides real-time information on usable beach space, ensuring families can enjoy the Gulf Coast without conflict. Sara highlights how the app is part of a broader movement to restore public access, educate users, and encourage collective community action without encouraging trespassing. The episode also provides historical and legislative context. HB 631, passed in 2018, initially allowed Walton County to enforce customary use ordinances, leading to litigation involving over 1,100 property owners. Although the law was repealed with SB 1622 in 2025, previous court settlements prevent re-enacting customary use on many properties. The episode explores options for future public beach access, including beach nourishment programs, cooperative agreements with homeowners, and lessons from other states like Texas' Open Beaches Act. Key Takeaways: Public beach access is a mix of legal, environmental, and human challenges. Community members like Sara Day play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency. Technology, like the Shoreline Defender app, can empower the public without infringing on private property. Historical legislation, litigation, and local ordinances have shaped the current landscape of Florida beaches. Collective action is essential; no single hero can solve complex community problems. Resources & Links: Shoreline Defender App – Free app for public beach access and tidal forecasts. Eroded Podcast Website – Sign up for notifications about future episodes. Florida State Legislature – HB 631 & SB 1622 historical context. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to provide information on public beach access and community advocacy in Walton County, Florida. It does not constitute legal advice. Listeners are encouraged to verify property boundaries and ordinances before visiting any beach locations. Where Are They Now: Dave Rauschkolb – Continues to operate Bud & Alley's (https://www.budandalleys.com/) and other restaurants while advocating for public access. Daniel Uhlfelder– Practices law locally, no longer active in the customary use fight. John Dillard – Continues advocacy for open sand in Florida, managing a growing Facebook community Support Open Florida Sand and Beaches. Kent Safreit– Represents property owners along the Gulf Coast. Senator Passidomo– Served her final Senate term; was Senate president 2023–2024. Mike Huckabee – Sold his beach home in 2021; named U.S. Ambassador to Israel in 2025. Katie Edwards-Walpole – Practices law as a land use attorney in South Florida. Brad Drake – Appointed Walton County Commissioner in 2023; elected in November 2025 and chairs the Walton County Tourism Development Council.

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