Imagine your elderly loved one relaxing quietly on the beach near the waters edge when a grown man approaches her with a power drill in hand. Now imagine her later hearing a knock at the door and being handed a Civil Summons notifying her that she is being sued by a millionaire boy-band celebrity.
That is the shocking reality for Carolyn Hill—a Walton County senior and lifelong beach lover. It is truly a modern David-and-Goliath story.
Florida Beaches for All is a non-profit 501(c)(4) founded in 2018 by a group of citizen volunteers concerned about the use of the dry sandy beaches in Walton County, Florida. Simply put, our mission is to peacefully preserve and perpetuate the doctrine of Customary Use of ALL BEACHES in Florida. As part of that mission, we have established this fundraiser to help Carolyn with her growing legal expenses. 100% of funds raised here are earmarked for Carolyn’s fight.
Carolyn is one of us. She is a hardworking local with a modest income and everyday bills to manage. Yet she now finds herself being sued by boy-band member Brian Littrell simply for using a constitutionally protected stretch of beach that belongs to every Floridian.
She needs help. Carolyn has already struggled to secure legal representation, and the fight ahead will not be easy. But let there be no doubt: this community stands with her. We refuse to be pushed aside by wealthy part-timers who appear to be using lawsuit after lawsuit to strip away our longstanding customary use of these beautiful beaches.
Together, we will stand up for Carolyn—and for our right to the coastline that belongs to all of us.
As the Supreme Court of Florida has so eloquently stated: "There is probably no custom more universal, more natural or more ancient ... than that of bathing in the salt waters of the ocean and the enjoyment of the wholesome recreation incident thereto. The lure of the ocean is universal; to battle with its refreshing breakers a delight. Many are they who have felt the lifegiving touch of its healing waters and its clear dustfree air. Appearing constantly to change, it remains ever essentially the same. …… We recognize the propriety of protecting the public interest in, and right to utilization of, the beaches and oceans of the State of Florida. No part of Florida is more exclusively hers, nor more properly utilized by her people than her beaches. And the right of the public of access to, and enjoyment of, Florida's oceans and beaches has long been recognized by this Court."
Carolyn did not ask for this fight, but she is determined to win on behalf of all Floridians who flock to our beaches to enjoy the lure of the ocean on lands constitutionally protected and held in trust for the public.
Carolyn’s lawyers have already filed a motion to dismiss this case, that hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec 11. Please give what you can, no amount is too small, to help pay her legal fees which have already grown to 5-figures.
Please note that donations made to a 501(c)(4) are not tax deductible. A copy of the official registration and financial statements for Florida Beaches For All may be obtained from the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services at www.FDACS.gov . Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.