REDINGTON BEACH, Fla. — Redington Beach commissioners voted 2-1 to ban the use of tents on its beach. The mayor said a similar ordinance was first passed in 2018, and this one just clarifies the language. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Redington Beach commissioners approved an ordinance that prohibits tents on the beach

  •  "Tents" include shade structures like shelters, cabanas, and awnings

  • The mayor says the ordinance is a continuation of one passed in 2018 that was updated at the request of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, which wanted clarification of confusing language

  • Residents say tents are especially important for young children, seniors, and those with medical issues to enjoy the beach safely

“Stupid - just plain stupid,” resident Debbie Decicco said of the plan earlier in the day.

Decicco was enjoying a day on the beach with her family, and she said the canopy they use isn’t just for comfort.

“I had skin cancer. I’m not allowed to sit in the sun constantly, but I want to be on the beach with my grandchildren,” Decicco said.

The ordinance prohibits the public from setting up tents - whether they’re shelters, cabanas, awnings, “or other similar name.” On Wednesday afternoon, temperatures climbed into the 90s along the town’s shore, and Decicco wasn’t the only one against the plan.

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” said Redington Beach visitor Ed Volpe.

“I would turn into a lobster myself,” said Chris Westby, also visiting from out of town. “The UV is really strong out here, so it’s nice to have a little protection.”

Commissioners heard those same concerns at their meeting.

“You need to have four umbrellas for 12 people - you need to have one canopy,” one resident told the board. 

While the ordinance also bans umbrellas that exceed seven feet in diameter, Mayor David Will noted beachgoers can still use umbrellas for shade.

“It continues the 2018 ordinance,” Will said. “There’s nothing new in it. It continues the original ordinance with some clarifying language.”

Will said the law was first passed after gulf front homeowners reached out for help as short-term rentals became more popular.

“In 2018, that’s what the ordinance was for, was to recognize that we’ve always utilized the beach throughout history and to also give some consideration to the homeowners, that they’re not going to have wild ruckus, crazy parties out there,” Will said.

The mayor told attendees the new ordinance came about after the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office asked that confusing language in the original be simplified.

Tempers flared at the commission meeting, with more than a dozen people - including gulf front homeowners - saying they didn’t want the ban. They said the 2018 ordinance was never enforced, and they’ve been using tents without problems for years. For many, the final vote was a disappointment.

“It’s truly a sad day here in Redington Beach because, again, the majority of voters who elected them to their position were here in opposition to that ordinance, but they chose to go ahead,” said gulf front homeowner Al Alcala.

The ordinance says tents can be set up on beach property owned by condo associations if the governing board provides the town with a written resolution saying that’s permitted. Representatives from some condo associations addressed commissioners and said that wasn’t enough.

“We surveyed our owners and got a quorum vote, and 100% of the responses were in favor of allowing canopies on the beach,” said Hoag Ostling, president of the Breakers Condominium Association. “Now, the city misunderstood that and said, ‘We’ll put canopies behind the condos.’ No - that’s not what we meant. We meant the entire beach.”

Residents said their work isn’t done, and they plan to look into whether the ordinance can be amended. Will said enforcement won’t begin immediately. He said code enforcement and the sheriff’s office need to be notified of the changes, and signs will be put up letting beachgoers know what is and isn’t allowed.