AANR urges members to act on Canaveral closures
There’s still time to help: Public comments on FAA proposal could shape the future of Playalinda Beach
The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) is asking members and supporters of clothing-optional recreation to take action before September 29, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closes public comment on a proposal that could restrict access to Florida’s Playalinda Beach.
As Planet Nude reported recently, Playalinda—part of Canaveral National Seashore—is one of the most popular nude beaches in the United States. Under the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for SpaceX’s Starship operations at Kennedy Space Center, sections of the seashore could be closed for up to 60 days per year during rocket launches and landings.
AANR warns the closures could threaten the clothing-optional area at Playalinda (parking lot #13) and create ripple effects at Apollo Beach in Volusia County, where displaced visitors might fuel user conflict. The association says the FAA and National Park Service should address not only visitor impacts but also broader concerns including tourism, wildlife, and beach ecosystems.
Public comments on the proposal can be filed at regulations.gov under docket number FAA-2024-1395, or mailed to Ms. Eva Long, FAA Environmental Protection Specialist, c/o Leidos, 2877 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
The extended comment period runs through September 29, 2025.
How to take action
AANR encourages everyone who values nude recreation to submit a comment. Members can adapt the sample language below, adding their own perspective and personal details.
Sample comment
(Include date and docket number FAA-2024-1395 in your submission)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am a member of the American Association for Nude Recreation (and [insert club or organization]) and a resident of [state].
I share concerns related to:
Increased beach closures associated with more takeoffs and landings.
Travel delays of up to two hours that are incorrectly classified as “insignificant.”
The need for SpaceX to establish and maintain a program of reimbursement for damages related to takeoffs and landings.
The need for SpaceX to support and maintain programs that protect the environment and ecosystems of beaches with legally designated clothes-free areas.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
