Randy Fine: Stop double taxation of Sebastian Inlet residents

Photo: Florida State Parks

State Rep. Randy Fine says he’ll file legislation to provide residents of Sebastian Inlet District with free access to Sebastian Inlet State Park.

The park’s infrastructure is already paid for by people who live in the special taxing district, Fine explained. The district was created by lawmakers in 1919 “to maintain the inlet between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the waters of the Indian River Lagoon.”

“The small number of South Brevard and North Indian River residents who pay to keep Sebastian Inlet open and functioning for everyone should not be forced to pay a second time in order to see the results of their taxes,” the Palm Bay Republican said in a Wednesday statement.

Admission is $8 for a vehicle with multiple occupants (limit of 8), $4 for a single occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Admission Pass, according to the park’s website.

“Sebastian Inlet is one of Florida’s natural treasures and I am excited about the prospect of increasing access to those who make it possible,” he added.

Fine represents House District 53, comprised of the southern portion of Brevard County and includes the entirety of Palm Bay, Malabar, and Grant-Valkaria, and portions of Melbourne, West Melbourne, and unincorporated Brevard.

A news release from his office explains: “Under the rules of the Florida House, this proposed local bill will be presented before the two-member Indian River Delegation and six-member Brevard County Delegation meetings.

“If it is approved by a majority in each delegation, then it is eligible to be filed as a Local Bill. Local Bills do not count against the six bill limit in the Florida House, nor do they require a Senate sponsor.”