Nudist resorts don't have negative impact

Nudist resorts don't have negative impact

Written by Steven Skelley

(appeared in Florida Today newspaper at http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120709/OPINION/120706027/Letter-Nudist-resorts-don-t-negative-impact)

The arguments against Fawlty Towers Resort in Cocoa Beach offering clothing-optional recreation are ludicrous at best.

 #1: We can’t allow this to happen in Florida?

There are dozens of clothing-optional resorts, beaches and clubs legally operating in Florida. They have been here for decades. They have never promoted drug abuse or prostitution. 

The major cruise lines have offered clothing-optional cruises from multiple Florida ports for years.

#2: Clothing-optional businesses lower property values?

Key West has a clothing-optional bar located on some of the most expensive property in the state. 

Fort Lauderdale’s dozens of clothing-optional resorts are on multimillion-dollar beachside properties.

#3: Clothing-optional recreation is a costly burden to the community?

Dozens of nude swimmers visit Titusville’s Playalinda and New Smyrna’s Apollo beaches daily. 

The estimated tourist income generated from clothing-optional Haulover beach in Sunny Isles is more than $300 million a year. 

Income from the parking lot fees at Haulover Beach alone generate over $1.5 million dollars a year!

Records show crime has decreased at Haulover since its designation as a clothing-optional beach.

In conclusion:

Religious and morality zealots have attempted to stop clothing-optional recreation for decades. They have failed in both the state and federal legislatures to deny fair access to clothing-optional recreation.

It is just common sense: If you don't like drinking alcohol in public, don't go to a bar. If you don’t like nude recreation, don’t go to clothing-optional facilities in places such as Haulover, Playalinda, Apollo Beach, Fawlty Towers, cruise ship lines, Key West or Kissimmee.

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Steven Skelley is a published author of several nonfiction works and the novella The Gargoyle Scrolls. He has been a newspaper columnist, travel writer, news writer, ordained minister, music director, creative arts director, theater reviewer and tennis instructor.