Story on WMBB
Walton County, Fla. - In a statement that contradicts Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Thursday that his office will prosecute people who trespass on private beaches in Walton County.
The controversial issue has been an ongoing source of confusion and anger in Walton County after the Florida Legislature changed the law regarding private beaches in the state. Under the new law, which went into effect on July 1, private property above the high water line must be treated like normal private property.
That means some beachgoers could be arrested for trespassing while walking along the beach. In a previous statement, Adkinson said that after consulting with the State Attorney's Office, the two agencies had determined that it wasn't feasible to prosecute beach going trespassers.
He added that since they weren't going to be prosecuted his deputies also would not arrest them. However, the state attorney's office position has apparently changed since the two parties last spoke on the matter.
"This office has reviewed its position released on June 28, 2018 and has determined that the provisions of Section 163.035 are mandatory and must be followed," the State Attorney's statement reads. "For that reason, any person trespassing on private property above the high water line may be subject to arrest. Each case will be reviewed on its individual facts and circumstances to determine if criminal charges are appropriate. All appropriate law enforcement agencies have been advised of this policy."
A spokesperson for the Walton County Sheriff's Office told News 13 that they were aware of the change and were reviewing the issue.
Walton County, Fla. - In a statement that contradicts Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Thursday that his office will prosecute people who trespass on private beaches in Walton County.
The controversial issue has been an ongoing source of confusion and anger in Walton County after the Florida Legislature changed the law regarding private beaches in the state. Under the new law, which went into effect on July 1, private property above the high water line must be treated like normal private property.
That means some beachgoers could be arrested for trespassing while walking along the beach. In a previous statement, Adkinson said that after consulting with the State Attorney's Office, the two agencies had determined that it wasn't feasible to prosecute beach going trespassers.
He added that since they weren't going to be prosecuted his deputies also would not arrest them. However, the state attorney's office position has apparently changed since the two parties last spoke on the matter.
"This office has reviewed its position released on June 28, 2018 and has determined that the provisions of Section 163.035 are mandatory and must be followed," the State Attorney's statement reads. "For that reason, any person trespassing on private property above the high water line may be subject to arrest. Each case will be reviewed on its individual facts and circumstances to determine if criminal charges are appropriate. All appropriate law enforcement agencies have been advised of this policy."
A spokesperson for the Walton County Sheriff's Office told News 13 that they were aware of the change and were reviewing the issue.
