Gopher Tortoise Archives - The Space Coast Rocket

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Florida Wildlife Officials Seek Research and Outreach Proposals to Protect Gopher Tortoises

The Space Coast Rocket -

February 14, 2026

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The Space Coast Rocket

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Video of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell confronting a beachgoer on the sand in front of his Walton County, Florida home has been circulating. Littrell argues it's his private property and people are trespassing too close; the other guy says he's on public wet sand near a public access point.This isn't just celebrity drama, it's highlighting a bigger debate in places like 30A: When beaches are lined with private waterfront homes, where exactly is 'the line in the sand' for public access?Florida law is pretty clear on the basics:The mean high water line (MHWL) marks the boundary. Everything below it (wet sand, intertidal zone) is sovereign state land held in trust for the public, walking, sitting, swimming there is generally allowed.Dry sand above that line is typically private property, but longstanding customary use (historical public recreation on specific stretches) can create public rights there too. In 2025, Gov. DeSantis signed SB 1622, repealing 2018 restrictions and restoring more local authority for counties to recognize customary use without as many court hurdles.Should someone who buys (and pays premium for) oceanfront property have the right to limit crowds right up to their backyard/dunes?Or should beaches remain a public commons where anyone can enjoy the shoreline, even if it means some noise or foot traffic near private homes?Does it change if the beach has a long history of open public use vs. a more exclusive area?What's a fair balance—easements, signage, enforcement, or something else?Drop your thoughts below. Property rights, public access, or somewhere in between? ... See MoreSee Less

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The Space Coast Rocket

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Trump says 48 hours left for Iran to open the strait or all hell will reign down on them. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Space Coast Rocket

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Very serious accident at 95 exit on Malabar Road. Silver car crashed into the fence of the gas station. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Space Coast Rocket

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Bad accident at Sanfilippo and eastern Florida State intersection in Southeast Palm Bay ... See MoreSee Less

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The Space Coast Rocket

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According to The New York Times, in addition to the F-15E Strike Eagle shot down earlier today over Southern Iran, a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II went down near the Strait of Hormuz about the same time that the F-15E was downed over Iran. The A-10C’s lone pilot was safely rescued and is receiving medical attention in a Gulf Nation. ... See MoreSee Less

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Florida Wildlife Officials Seek Research and Outreach Proposals to Protect Gopher Tortoises