In this episode of Eroded, host Jared Schnader sits down with Sara Day, a Santa Rosa Beach resident who has become a central figure in the fight for public access to Walton County beaches. Moving from Texas in search of a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Sara quickly realized that the idyllic beaches she and her family had envisioned were not fully accessible to the public. From being harassed on the sand to discovering that some beachfront homeowners were actively misrepresenting property lines, Sara's journey exposes the complexities of private vs. public beach access in Florida.
Sara shares the human side of this ongoing battle, describing the community dynamics, resistance from property owners, and the challenges of standing up against entrenched interests. She recounts specific incidents, including confrontations with individuals enforcing "private" beach rules and the lengths some will go to maintain exclusive access. Despite facing intimidation and threats, Sarah emphasizes a commitment to fairness and community, ultimately creating a solution that empowers residents and visitors alike.
Central to this solution is the Shoreline Defender app, a free geospatial tool that uses NOAA data to help beachgoers understand where public sand begins and ends relative to the tides. The app provides real-time information on usable beach space, ensuring families can enjoy the Gulf Coast without conflict. Sara highlights how the app is part of a broader movement to restore public access, educate users, and encourage collective community action without encouraging trespassing.
The episode also provides historical and legislative context. HB 631, passed in 2018, initially allowed Walton County to enforce customary use ordinances, leading to litigation involving over 1,100 property owners. Although the law was repealed with SB 1622 in 2025, previous court settlements prevent re-enacting customary use on many properties. The episode explores options for future public beach access, including beach nourishment programs, cooperative agreements with homeowners, and lessons from other states like Texas' Open Beaches Act.
Key Takeaways:
Public beach access is a mix of legal, environmental, and human challenges.
Community members like Sara Day play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency.
Technology, like the Shoreline Defender app, can empower the public without infringing on private property.
Historical legislation, litigation, and local ordinances have shaped the current landscape of Florida beaches.
Collective action is essential; no single hero can solve complex community problems.
Resources & Links:
Shoreline Defender App – Free app for public beach access and tidal forecasts.
Eroded Podcast Website – Sign up for notifications about future episodes.
Florida State Legislature – HB 631 & SB 1622 historical context.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended to provide information on public beach access and community advocacy in Walton County, Florida. It does not constitute legal advice. Listeners are encouraged to verify property boundaries and ordinances before visiting any beach locations.
Where Are They Now:
Dave Rauschkolb – Continues to operate Bud & Alley's and other restaurants while advocating for public access.
Daniel Uhlfelder– Practices law locally, no longer active in the customary use fight.
John Dillard – Continues advocacy for open sand in Florida, managing a growing Facebook community Support Open Florida Sand and Beaches.
Kent Safreit– Represents property owners along the Gulf Coast.
Senator Passidomo– Served her final Senate term; was Senate president 2023–2024.
Mike Huckabee – Sold his beach home in 2021; named U.S. Ambassador to Israel in 2025.
Katie Edwards-Walpole – Practices law as a land use attorney in South Florida.
Brad Drake – Appointed Walton County Commissioner in 2023; elected in November 2025 and chairs the Walton County Tourism Development Council.
