In an effort to get a handle on the number of beach fires, and with an eye on public safety and the cost of beach upkeep, the City Commission has decided to hit beachgoers where it hurts: their wallets. Starting soon, if you're planning to build a fire on the beach, you'll need to shell out for a permit. This new order requires a payment of $75 and comes attached with a $150 deposit that's refundable as long as you play by the rules, according to a recent announcement on the City of Atlantic Beach official website.
It seems that the City Commission is banking on the idea that these new permit fees and deposits will cover the cost of enforcing the fire regulations and cleaning up after beachgoers who don't, the idea is that this money will offset the staff costs necessary for such tasks. But one has to wonder if the sting of a $75 permit and potential fines for violations—which can reach a steep $500—will cool the desire for those quintessential beach bonfires.
Among the stipulated conditions for the permits, there wasn't much detail provided on what behavior might put your $150 deposit at risk, or what exactly would classify as a permit-busting violation. The commission's message is clear though: follow the rules or pay the price.
