Riviera Beach, Florida

[mad4wrecks]

Anyone know why this beach is so special that metal detecting is not allowed? I mean, it is certainly not in a particularly nice area of Palm Beach county, it is not a pristine or historic beach, and yet, for some reason, they don't want folks digging little holes on their beach.

The strange thing is, they allow you to walk down the beach into the water and detect in the water.

I walked right past the lifeguard tower with my detector as I entered the beach. No one stopped me. I saw no signs prohibiting metal detecting. However, after 20 minutes of searching the "beach captain" rolls up on his dune buggy and orders me off the beach. Funny thing is, in that 20 minutes I had done a great community service by removing about a dozen pieces of junk metal off their beach.

Any other similar spots off limits in Palm Beach county?

[billinstuart]

On what basis did he order you off the beach? The beach is state property. However, since Riviera Beach is the rectum of the east coast, you're probably better off.

[aquanut]

Hey Mad,
As far as I know all beaches, (except those under federal control ie: national parks, NASA, military, research stations and the like ) are public access and not under the control or whims of local yahoos. Correct me if I am wrong.
Aquanut

[mad4wrecks]

The beach patrol captain said it was a city ordinance. Someone else on another forum told me that it was a law passed by the Riviera Beach city council. You can walk down the beach to the water and detect in the water, you just cannot detect on the beach. If each city along the coast of Florida has the capability to pass similar laws, we could all be in trouble!