A New Rule at Holmes Beach: Protecting Safety and Wildlife
As the summer season kicks off, families across the United States are heading to coastal destinations for a much-needed break. However, one Florida beach is taking an unusual approach to ensure that everyone can enjoy their time on the sand safely and responsibly.
The City of Holmes Beach in Florida recently implemented a new rule that has sparked some conversation among locals and visitors alike. The rule states, “No holes on beach.” This means that digging holes in the sand is now prohibited, with specific restrictions on the depth and tools used for excavation.
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Holmes Beach City Commissioner Carol Whitmore explained the reasoning behind this decision to FOX 13. She emphasized that the measure is aimed at protecting both beachgoers and local wildlife. “People aren’t listening. They’re on vacation, they’re not thinking, and unfortunately, we have to think about the people [then] coming to the beach after they leave,” she said. “We have to think about their safety.”
The ordinance specifically prohibits digging holes deeper than one foot and bans the use of metal shovels, such as gardening tools. However, children’s toy shovels and plastic shovels are still allowed. Whitmore shared a personal experience that highlighted the need for this rule. “We almost had a [person] fall into a gigantic hole that nobody covered up. It’s a safety issue,” she added.
This rule comes in response to a tragic incident that occurred in 2024. A young girl lost her life after falling into a nearly six-foot hole in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea when the sand collapsed on her. Such incidents have raised concerns about the dangers of leaving large, uncovered holes on the beach.
In addition to safety concerns, the city is also addressing the impact of these holes on local wildlife, particularly sea turtles. “These holes can be 3 to 6 feet deep, and then they leave and don’t cover them back up. We’ve got photos of our turtles getting caught in the holes, and they can’t survive,” said Whitmore.
The National Ocean Service encourages beachgoers to help protect sea turtle mothers and their offspring by filling any holes they create in the sand. This simple action can significantly improve the chances of survival for these vulnerable creatures.
For many families, the act of digging in the sand is a cherished part of their beach day. Waylon Slabach, a visitor at Manatee Public Beach, shared his family’s routine. “On a Sunday afternoon, we love to bring her out here. Have her play and dig holes and fill them back in before we leave,” he said. He described it as an easy task that helps protect turtles while still allowing his daughter to enjoy the beach.
With over 143 million people visiting Florida last year, according to Visit Florida, the challenge of managing beach activities has become more complex. Local authorities are working to find a balance between allowing families to enjoy the beach and ensuring that the environment remains safe for all.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on promoting responsible behavior that respects both human safety and the natural habitat. Whether it’s through education, enforcement, or community involvement, the goal is clear: to preserve the beauty and integrity of Florida’s beaches for future generations.
