The Piping Plovers has taken over our beach for far too long! The Black and Brown community, who resides in Edgemere, are effected which is without a doubt, environmental racism. With no access to the beach, the residents of Edgemere are forced to walk or drive a mile or more to enjoy the sand and the water of the Atlantic Ocean. Prior to 1996 all we had to do was walk up the block from our homes to enjoy this wonderful amenity. Access to the beach is important to the mental health of those who live in this community. In addition, more patrons will attend which will bring more businesses to the area which will in turn increase the economic development in the Edgemere community, which is so desperately need. 

If this issue remains the same, our mental health is affected. For Federal agencies to deem that birds are more important than the black and brown community speaks volumes. The Edgemere community would like the same beach access as those on the surrounding Peninsula. Why is the entire community of Edgemere blocked off from entering the beach? Why are we left deserted and ignored when it comes to our basic needs for survival and mental wellness? 

We, the residents of the Edgemere community, are requesting all hands on deck by joining us in our plight for beach access to Atlantic Beach, to OUR beach, where we've lived and invested our time and energy. As children most of us had access to the beach but our children didn't. Let's all come together by signing this petition for beach access for the current and next generation to come.