October 26, 2009, 2:42 pm
The National Park Service announced that it will permanently close beach driving within its boundaries beginning Jan. 1, 2010.
The
area includes more than 70 acres north of the Matanzas Inlet. The
closure will shut driving down from the southernmost Crescent Beach
access ramp - Matanzas - completely around the island's south end.
This
area is among the most popular fishing spots for St. Johns County
anglers who chase redfish, trout, drum, Spanish mackerel, tarpon,
whiting, pompano and other species there. It is also an area popular
for cast-netting mullet.
Fort Matanzas superintendent Gordie Wilson said that the only way to overturn the driving ban would be legislative, requiring a new law by Congress.
