Six Nudists Arrested for Indecent Exposure at Unauthorized Florida Beach

Six individuals were arrested in Fort Pierce, Florida, for sunbathing naked at the Little Mud Boat Ramp, a location where public nudity is not permitted, after their usual clothing-optional beach, Blind Creek Beach, was closed for renovations. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office charged Daniel Harrisson, Donald Knapp, Gaetane Lambert, Steven Marhenke, Elmer Quandt, and Nickolas Ramos with indecent exposure and exposure of sexual organs. Authorities emphasized that while Blind Creek Beach is a designated nude-optional area, this policy does not extend to nearby public spaces, and visitors must cover up before leaving the designated zones. Since early September, deputies have increased patrols and posted signs to remind visitors about the boundaries and enforce the clothing requirements outside the designated nudist areas. The arrests followed numerous complaints from residents and visitors about unauthorized nudity at the Little Mud Boat Ramp, approximately 1.1 miles north of the permitted nude beach. While some beachgoers expressed no issue with nudity, many supported the enforcement of rules, highlighting the importance of respecting designated areas especially for families and other visitors.