Hollywood approves new beach ordinance restricting use of large tents, umbrellas, rafts, coolers, loud music and eating on the Broadwalk wall

Broadwalk

During a recent meeting, the Hollywood Commission passed an amended ‘Municipal Beach’ ordinance to revise regulations relating to activities on the beach.

The new regulations permit umbrellas to be set up anywhere except in front of lifeguard stands, where they might block a lifeguard’s view. Tents, however, will have to be placed behind the lifeguard stands and at least ten feet east of the Broadwalk.

Prohibited by the new ordinance are tents larger than ten by ten feet and umbrellas larger than ten feet in diameter. The Commission had considered restricting use of umbrellas to the tent area, but yielded to residents’ negative feedback.

Those who use tents must now place them at least ten feet apart, effectively prohibiting the tying of tents together as well. This addresses residents’ complaints about groups of people tying tents together to hold large parties and blocking the view of the beach.

Also banned on the beach are rafts and inner tubes that hold more than two people, coolers longer than three feet in length, and tables of any kind. Eating or drinking on the Broadwalk wall is also newly prohibited.

During the meeting, members of the Commission encouraged the police to be reasonable about enforcing the new policies. For example, people can play music on the beach, just not so loud that other beach-goers are offended. The commission  encourages officers to focus more on preventing crime than measuring tents. They did make clear however, that police will expect people on the beach to follow the new regulations and will enforce them if necessary.

Commissioner Patricia Asseff said she was happy with the new ordinance. “This allows people to put umbrellas anywhere on the beach except in front of the lifeguard stand and you can have one tent. We want people to have a great day at the beach but we need space between the tents,” she said.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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