Capt. Andrew Bolonka, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson had been in touch with the commanders at the beach and nothing had materialized, a contrast to the planned No Kings protests across Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast that drew significant attention recently.
Special Event Zone Designated at Pepper Park Beach
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro designated Pepper Park Beach and the surrounding area as a special event zone, which state law allows. Del Toro designated the area a special event zone because organizers failed to get a permit for the event, which they were supposed to do.
Under Florida law, a “special event” is an unpermitted temporary activity or event organized or promoted via a social media platform that is attended by 50 or more persons and substantially increases or disrupts the normal flow of traffic on a roadway, street, or highway. This has been an important topic since the No Kings protest drew thousands in Port St. Lucie, highlighting the impact such gatherings can have on local communities.
Organizers on social media indicated the event would last “til whenever.”
Cost Recovery Under State Law
Under state law, the sheriff can recover the costs to designate and enforce the special event zone, including costs for personnel and traffic control. Promoters and organizers would pay those costs.
Other Activity at Pepper Park Beach on April 18
Also at Pepper Park Beach on April 18 was an obstacle run event called “Battle of the Branches.” The event was scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. Meanwhile, similar events have taken place elsewhere, such as when the No Kings protest drew thousands in Vero Beach, prompting local officials to take extra precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Park Beach Takeover
What happened with the Pepper Park Beach takeover?
The hyped-up beach takeover scheduled to start at noon on April 18 at Pepper Park Beach in Fort Pierce never happened — at least by late afternoon. By 4 p.m. it was business as usual at the beach, except for several law enforcement vehicles there.
What is a special event zone under Florida law?
A special event is an unpermitted temporary activity or event organized or promoted via a social media platform that is attended by 50 or more persons and substantially increases or disrupts the normal flow of traffic on a roadway, street, or highway.
Why was Pepper Park Beach designated a special event zone?
The area was designated a special event zone because organizers failed to get a permit for the event, which they were supposed to do.
Can the sheriff recover costs for enforcing a special event zone?
Under state law, the sheriff can recover the costs to designate and enforce the special event zone, including costs for personnel and traffic control. Promoters and organizers would pay those costs.
Port St Lucie Talks
