MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County beach sweepers say they have recently had to fill holes that were several feet deep, some as large as the big machinery they operate.
What You Need To Know
- Manatee County has its own ordinance regarding rules with its beaches
- Mayor Judy Titsworth created a similar ordinance
- Holmes Beach leaders approved an ordinance that prohibits the use of metal shovels and holes deeper than one foot. Mark Taylor believes it will help
While the county has its own ordinance with rules regarding digging at the beach, the city of Holmes Beach has also approved its own ordinance prohibiting the use of metal shovels and limiting holes to a depth of one foot.
It is good news for Mark Taylor.
“We do the best we can to keep it clean and safe,” he said.
His job title is beach rake operator for Manatee County seven days a week.
“Filling in this hole,” he explained.
Recently he has seen more holes at Manatee County’s beaches. He says he fills hundreds of holes a day.
“It gets a little bit worse every year, only because more people are using the beach now than ever before. We don’t really have a slow season nowadays. It might be no bigger than a number three wash tub. Or it might be as big as my tractor,” he said.
And his tractor is pretty big. Here are some pictures of holes Taylor took last weekend.
Photo from City of Holmes Beach
Taylor believes the ordinance will help.
“They’re dangerous,” he said.
A danger he knows about too well. And he treats filling holes seriously.
“A couple of years ago, I found a sign in a hole, a homemade sign, and it said, my wife is in Blake Hospital with serious injuries because of this hole,” he explained.
Holmes Beach officials say it’s not just about safety concerns for people. The holes were also trapping sea turtles. Taylor believes this new ordinance will help.
“It’s a step in the right direction, I really do. I’ve been pushing for it for a long time,” he said.
Taylor says it’s a step in the right direction to keep Manatee County’s beaches, wildlife and people safe.
Julia Hazel
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