The Flagler Beach Police Department is sending a message to protect the dune vegetation and the roadway. Officers are now taking measures to stop parking on the dunes.

  • Flagler Beach police trying to stop people from parking on the dunes
  • Dunes protecting vegetation and A1A
  • Digital boards are going up to deter drivers

Ken and Kelly's Flagler Beach Winery sits directly across from where beach goers line their cars along A1A, but not all of them park legally. Kelly Tarsitano said she sees people park illegally this way all the time.

"Continuously throughout the day," said Tarsitano. "It breaks my heart to see people parked there because that's hurting our dune, and our dune not only protects our livelihood, but it protects our homes."

Police said people park on the very dunes that are also used to protect the road, which helped keep some parts intact during Hurricane Matthew.

But officials said the storm also took much of the dunes with it and made the little they have left nearly non-existent.

FPBD has recently put up signs to warn people to stay off of the dunes, including a digital board.

"What we've got is what we need to keep," said Chief Matt Doughney.

The chief said the area lost over two miles of roadway from the hurricane after dunes were breached.

Last week, heavy rains washed out parts of the road, as well.

"If we have no dune, we're not going to have A1A," said Tarsitano.

The chief said in order to park correctly, park on the sand away from the green on the dune.

"You're in a good spot if you're east of the white line on the roadway," said Doughney. "If it's green, don't park on it."

The chief said they have given out 64 tickets so far this year for violators, compared to 18 tickets around this time last year. Chief Doughney said they have also given many warnings out as well.

"Just stay off of the dunes, because they're alive," said Doughney. "Our goal is not to go out and write tickets -- our goal is to gain compliance."  

But Tarsitano hope the signs will be a huge reminder for beachgoers.

"I hope people read them and not park there and use the walkovers to get access to the beach. I hope they listen," said Tarsitano.

People will soon see another digital board at Flagler Beach and police will be giving out information cards to show people how to park properly.

The chief said some people do call them -- when they see drivers parking illegally. Now he's encouraging others to do the same.