Key West to open nude beach? City may put it to a vote on Oct 6- poor economy may push it through

July 15, 11:16 AMFt. Lauderdale City Buzz ExaminerCheryl Avins Smith

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The City of Key West is considering whether or not to allow nude bathing at one of their beaches.  Florida Keys Free Beaches, an organization that has been promoting a nude beach as a way to bring  tourists to town, has been pushing for a change in the law that would allow a nude beach in Key West.

Richard Mason, president and spokesperson for the Florida naturists pointed to the success of the designated naturist beach at Haulover Beach Park on Miami Beach. Now in its 18th year, Mason pointed out that the naturist beach attracts 1.4 million visitors annually with over 60% being tourists from outside of Miami-Dade County. The economic impact is large and has been a major contributor in sales taxes, resort taxes and the creation of jobs. Further, Miami-Dade County is the only county in Florida to report an increase in European tourist visits in 2008. Haulover Beach may be the contributing factor in that increase.

For a resort area relying on tourists, Mason stated that “the need in Key West is ‘heads in beds’ and a designated naturist beach is one of the best ways to do that.” He further stated that while tourism to Florida is down, in Cuba 90 miles away they are enjoying increases in the number of tourists. Cuba reports 2.35 million in 2008, up from 500,000 in 1995. Cuba has designated naturist beaches and increased hotel facilities. Source: FKFB

Key West commissioners have obviously been listening. "Representatives from the group spoke at a July 7 City Commission meeting. They described Haulover Beach, a clothing-optional beach in Miami Beach, and told the commission that the beach is safe, patrolled by its own beach ambassadors and family-friendly". Commissioner Bill Verge is pushing to have the question raised on the city's October 6th ballot.  The city currently has a ban on nude sunbathing within the city limits. Source: KeysNews

While there are many nude beaches throughout Florida, there is only one legal nude beach, that being the aforementioned Haulover Beach in North Miami Beach.  Their website characterized itself as legal, lovely and laid back.

Haulover Beach is one of the most beautiful and frequently-used clothing-optional beaches in the country, let alone Florida. The beach proudly declares its nude beach status and perimeters with signs. Beautiful, laid back and accepting of everyone, naturists of all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and physical build visit this beach - don't be surprised to see more than a thousand sunbathers getting all-over tans along the half mile stretch of pure white sand. The beach also includes a gay nude section and a designated area for nude volleyball.  Florida Beaches Guide

There are lots of private clubs that are clothing optional, but a public beach allows those so inclined to practice nude sunbathing without fear of reprisals and/or unfriendly gawkers.  It will be interesting to see how much interest there is in Key West.  Perhaps current economic conditions will persuade those opposed to the idea to reconsider in the hopes of attracting more tourists to the area.  What do you think?  Do you think part of a public beach should allow nude bathing?  Please share your thoughts.

 To reach me: cheryl3539@yahoo.com   Follow me on Twitter