Subject: Request for Fair, Affordable Access and Clear Guidelines for Surf Skate Science at Deerfield Beach

 

 

Dear Mayor Drosky,

 

I am writing as a concerned supporter of Surf Skate Science, a cooperative that has provided free and affordable science-based outdoor education for nearly 30 years to local youth and homeschool families in Deerfield Beach.

Recently, the group has faced escalating challenges in accessing public beach space.

These include:

Permit fees as high as $500 per day;
Repeated denials to rent or even partially share public pavilions, despite offering to keep them open to others;

Inconsistent and unclear communication from city staff;

Threats of removal from the beach despite having prior written permission;

And no clear list of requirements for how to remain in compliance moving forward.

Surf Skate Science has made good-faith efforts to meet the city’s needs: they’ve submitted insurance, followed up on requests, offered compromise solutions (like using just half the pavilion), and even sought to resolve minor concerns like changing tent logos. Despite this, they’ve encountered roadblocks at every turn — with very few emails returned and no official clarity on how to operate within city guidelines.

 

We’re asking the city to:

Provide a clear, actionable list of requirements that Surf Skate Science can follow to remain in compliance with all regulations;

Offer affordable permit options that reflect the group’s nonprofit, educational mission;

Allow fair use of public space, including shared pavilion access, rather than penalizing organizations that serve the public good.

Surf Skate Science is not a commercial vendor — it’s a homegrown educational community that enriches local families, teaches real-world science, and directly contributes to the Deerfield Beach economy.

Please help us protect access to this incredible resource and find a fair path forward that supports learning, equity, and community engagement on our public shores.

 

Sincerely,

Local Kids and Homeschool Moms