Protect Public Access to Playalinda Beach – Apply Fair and Equal Launch Safety Rules
Protect Public Access to Playalinda Beach – Apply Fair and Equal Launch Safety Rules
The Issue
The FAA is proposing expanded restricted zones for rocket launches in Brevard County, closing all public access to Playalinda Beach for 60.5 days or more a year due to SpaceX wanting a contract to launch starship-super heavy at launch pad 39A. This does NOT account for scrubs, delays, etc.
WHY THIS IS WRONG: In Boca Chica, Texas, people live and work within 2 miles of a Starship launch pad. Yet here in Florida, visitors are being excluded from Playalinda Beach even though its main access points are outside the FAA’s own 3.11-mile hazard radius. This shows a double standard in how restrictions are applied.
Our Concern:
- Public Access: Playalinda Beach is a treasured public space. Permanent or expanded closure would harm recreation, tourism, and local heritage.
- Inconsistencies: FAA safety radius is 3.11 miles, yet Playalinda is outside of this radius from LC-39A and still targeted for closure, while some sites inside the hazard zone remain open. This is for convenience versus safety.
- Static Fire Closures: The Draft EIS says static fire tests (no launch, no public spectacle) would still trigger closures of public areas, even though the hazard radius doesn’t reach Playalinda.
- Unequal Standards: The FAA permits closer access in Texas; Floridians deserve equal treatment.
- Transparency: Community members must be fully informed and consulted.
Our Requests:
We urge the FAA, NASA, and other relevant agencies to:
- Maintain public access to Playalinda Beach.
- Apply safety protocols that are consistent.
- Engage the community in open, transparent dialogue to ensure the public is informed on choices.
Why This Matters:
- Playalinda Beach is part of our shared natural and cultural heritage.
- Access restrictions impact local businesses, tourism, and quality of life.
- Fairness demands equal treatment.
How You Can Help:
Attend upcoming FAA public meetings:
- Aug 26, 2025 – Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Kennedy Space Center, State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 @ 1-3 and 6-8pm
- Aug 28, 2025 – Radisson Conference Center, Grand Caribbean Conference Room, 8701 Astronaut Boulevard,Cape Canaveral , FL 32920 @ 1-3 and 6-8pm
- Sept 3, 2025 (Virtual) 6-8pm
- Sign this petition to demand fair treatment and protect access to our beach.
- Share this petition and spread the word in your community.
4,748
The Issue
The FAA is proposing expanded restricted zones for rocket launches in Brevard County, closing all public access to Playalinda Beach for 60.5 days or more a year due to SpaceX wanting a contract to launch starship-super heavy at launch pad 39A. This does NOT account for scrubs, delays, etc.
WHY THIS IS WRONG: In Boca Chica, Texas, people live and work within 2 miles of a Starship launch pad. Yet here in Florida, visitors are being excluded from Playalinda Beach even though its main access points are outside the FAA’s own 3.11-mile hazard radius. This shows a double standard in how restrictions are applied.
Our Concern:
- Public Access: Playalinda Beach is a treasured public space. Permanent or expanded closure would harm recreation, tourism, and local heritage.
- Inconsistencies: FAA safety radius is 3.11 miles, yet Playalinda is outside of this radius from LC-39A and still targeted for closure, while some sites inside the hazard zone remain open. This is for convenience versus safety.
- Static Fire Closures: The Draft EIS says static fire tests (no launch, no public spectacle) would still trigger closures of public areas, even though the hazard radius doesn’t reach Playalinda.
- Unequal Standards: The FAA permits closer access in Texas; Floridians deserve equal treatment.
- Transparency: Community members must be fully informed and consulted.
Our Requests:
We urge the FAA, NASA, and other relevant agencies to:
- Maintain public access to Playalinda Beach.
- Apply safety protocols that are consistent.
- Engage the community in open, transparent dialogue to ensure the public is informed on choices.
Why This Matters:
- Playalinda Beach is part of our shared natural and cultural heritage.
- Access restrictions impact local businesses, tourism, and quality of life.
- Fairness demands equal treatment.
How You Can Help:
Attend upcoming FAA public meetings:
- Aug 26, 2025 – Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Kennedy Space Center, State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 @ 1-3 and 6-8pm
- Aug 28, 2025 – Radisson Conference Center, Grand Caribbean Conference Room, 8701 Astronaut Boulevard,Cape Canaveral , FL 32920 @ 1-3 and 6-8pm
- Sept 3, 2025 (Virtual) 6-8pm
- Sign this petition to demand fair treatment and protect access to our beach.
- Share this petition and spread the word in your community.
4,748
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Petition created on August 13, 2025