Flagler Beach adopts ordinance restricting shoreline fishing in designated beach zones; pier fishing remains allowed
Summary
Flagler Beach voters approved an ordinance Tuesday authorizing the city to prohibit shoreline fishing in designated beach stretches to reduce conflicts between swimmers and fishers; the measure does not bar fishing from the municipal pier.
The Flagler Beach City Commission on Tuesday adopted an ordinance that enables the city to designate specified areas of shoreline where surfcasting and other forms of fishing from the beach are prohibited to reduce conflicts between swimmers, walkers and anglers.
City Attorney’s office drafted the ordinance and staff emphasized the language specifically addresses shoreline (land-based) fishing rather than fishing from the municipal pier. The city attorney said he had avoided the phrase “safe swimming” in the ordinance text to prevent implying that a stretch of beach would be a lifeguarded area when it may not be.
Commissioners directed staff to identify and publish the exact restricted zones by resolution before the ordinance’s second reading so the public can see where the restriction will apply. Commissioner Cooley asked about enforcement, and the city manager said lifeguards would be positioned to educate beach users but that enforcement would rely on cooperation with the police department.
Public comment: A member of the public asked that the ordinance explicitly exclude pier fishing; the city attorney agreed the ordinance’s language covers shoreline fishing and does not prohibit fishing from the pier.
Outcome: Ordinance 2025-13 passed on final reading by a 5–0 roll call. Staff will prepare the attendant resolution and signage that delineates the restricted shore zones and a public-education campaign is planned to inform residents and visitors.
