If we look at the article above, we read: “The land on each side of Steel Bridge Road, excluding a portion of privately-owned land next to the water on the northeast side, was recently acquired by the Florida Division of Forestry. This area IS also frequented by swimmers and IS used as a launching point for canoes and inner tubes. Recently, the land was posted as an “Alcohol-free” zone by the state, which means NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED on the shoreline of the creek.”

Assuming it means neither more nor less than it says, it is still a popular swim location, still used as a launching point for canoes and inner tubes.

The only thing forbidden is alcohol. Except for those who think they have to have a beer to swim, this is a good thing. It should mean fewer foul mouthed drunks and fewer broken bottles cutting feet and children.

David for good things

I understand what you have researched for us all here, thank you. I am still confused, however weather the munson bridge area is on or off limits for parking your car to get out of the river.

Steel bridge road is obviously no longer ok, however I am also confused as to how Bob’s can use that location…

My friends and I had planned to come out this weekend but if we are unable to legally do so we dont want to go. I mean I wouldnt want people running across my front yard to litter in my back yard. I understand the intent of the rule, but I just want to know how I can enjoy my river still…

You can’t, as explained below. Public ownership extends to the ordinary reach of high water. This means, however, that people above the high water mark CAN own that land and stop people from crossing it if they wish.

I suspect part of what’s going on here is that the owners don’t want to be liable for the actions of the drunks, druggies, vandals and idiots crossing their property.

AND:
“So does that “no trespassing” apply to Bob’s too?”

If people enter the water where they have legal access, they have no problem being there or going up and down the creeks or picnicking on the sandbars, since all that is public land.

http://www.floridageomatics.com/publications/legal/submerged1.htm

“The boundary between publicly owned navigable waters and privately owned uplands is the “ordinary high water” boundary line. Century-old Florida Supreme Court decisions established that public ownership extends to the ordinary reach of high water and includes marshes and aquatic forests on the low, flat vegetated shores of Florida’s lakes and rivers. “

To view Florida’s constitution, you might want to go to:
http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/const/const10.htm
which includes:
Article X, SECTION 11. “Sovereignty lands.–The title to lands under navigable waters, within the boundaries of the state, which have not been alienated, including beaches below mean high water lines, is held by the state, by virtue of its sovereignty, in trust for all the people. Sale of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when in the public interest. Private use of portions of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when not contrary to the public interest. “

David for fear reduction

Somebody wants to stop you from trespassing on their land and you want to respond with a revolution?

Please think further and get back to us on that.

David for measured responses

The one who own’s it wins.