Back in September 2011, the City of Hollywood discussed the concept of removing tents from Hollywood beach, or at least outlawing them. An article in the Sun-sentinel summarized the discussion about banning umbrellas at the shoreline. Many points were discussed from Safety to Tourism and overall public opinion. Some visitors say the ban on umbrellas by the shoreline would be ridiculous and unfriendly to parents, but city officials say it’s a matter of esthetics and safety. Some commissioners seemed appalled by the measure; others were supportive.
Fast forward to December 15 and a workshop at City Hall and the only that that is clear is that there is no real simple solution to this dilemma.
Members of the Hollywood Beach Civic Association attended this meeting and have provided the summary of comments and discussion below:
Jack Mathison, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, made a brief presentation regarding the proposed wording for an ordinance regulating tents and picnics on the Beach. The support material included photos of tents crowding the beach. The discussion that followed can be summarized by the remarks made by the commissioners.
· Commissioner Russo and Sherwood said that there are already areas designated for picnics. They saw no reason for allowing picnics in other areas, especially those near the Broadwalk.
· Commissioner O’Sheehan firmly stated that Hollywood Beach should not go back to its old times when there was a long unwelcoming list of prohibited activities which gave our beach an unfriendly feeling. The beach should be enjoyed by as many residents as possible. She would not endorse any language on the ordinance limiting lawful usage. She added that the use of barbecue grills and the likes should not be permitted.
· Commissioner Furr, Blattner, and Vice Mayor Asseff centered their remarks on the fact that it would be difficult to enforce any ordinance that would prohibit picnics. It would be impossible to differentiate between a cooler with soft drinks and snacks with a full picnic.
During the public remarks session, Hollywood Beach Civic Association Board (HBCA) members made the following remarks:
Andrew Zullo, Pres, indicated that picnics should be permitted (no grilling, barbecuing and the likes) but that tents should be prohibited.
Frank De Risi VP, said that a friendly Hollywood Beach as described by Comm. O’Sheehan is definitely desirable. But Tents occupy a larger space than umbrellas thus limiting the number of families that can use our ever shrinking beach. Therefore, Tents will limit the use of the beach which is what Comm. O’ Sheehan wants to avoid.
Commissioners asked Mr. Mathison to reword the ordinance taking into account the opinions expressed in the workshop. Final wording accommodating everyone’s ideas may not be easy considering the remaining differences of opinion. Mayor Bober was out on city business in Washington.
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