Help Bring a Nude Beach to Florida’s Gulf Coast (with ready-to-send emails!)
Tampa Bay Free Beaches (TBFB) is fighting to give Florida’s west coast what the east has enjoyed for decades—a safe, family-friendly clothing-optional beach. They’ve set their sights on Ft. De Soto’s East Beach, a stretch of sand with parking, showers, and easy access that’s been overlooked for too long.
After years of lobbying, TBFB has built trust with local leaders and tourism boards. But the final decision now lies with the Pinellas County Commission. Some commissioners support the idea, others are hesitant.
On October 1, TBFB will launch its “If You Build It, They Will Come” campaign to flood commissioners with letters from locals, tourists, and naturists worldwide.
This is the moment. If you want a legal clothing-optional beach on the Gulf Coast, your voice matters. Sending emails is still an effective way to let your voice be heard.
Every letter shows the county this isn’t a fringe wish. It’s a real, respectful call for a welcoming beach for all.
Here are all the ready-to-send email drafts from the TBFB Letter-Writing Campaign package. I filled in the recipient names for each Pinellas County official. Replace my info with yours before sending.
1. To Commissioner Brian Scott
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Dear Commissioner Scott,
I strongly support establishing a clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Here’s why:
• Public demand: Recent polls show people want this option.
• Economic boost: East-coast examples prove these beaches bring business to hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Safe and family-friendly: Experience shows these beaches are respectful, wholesome, and pose no risk to children.
• Tourism advantage: A clothing-optional beach would attract visitors and make Pinellas unique.
Concerns about children and negative publicity have already been addressed by decades of success at Florida’s east-coast clothing-optional beaches. Families attend safely, and once established, controversy fades as the benefits become clear.
Please move forward with making this vision a reality in Pinellas County.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
2. To Commissioner Dave Eggers
Subject: Request for Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Honorable Commissioner Eggers,
I support the creation of a family-friendly, family-centric clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. It has been widely established both internationally and locally on the East Coast in Florida that such beaches are safe and prove to be an economic engine for the local communities.
As a traveler, I frequently visit Florida to experience its numerous attractions and beaches. Nudity is fully accepted in my family and if a clothing-optional beach were available in Pinellas County, I would certainly consider including it as part of my travel itinerary.
Please support this measure to allow a family-centric, family-friendly clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Its establishment will attract tourists and benefit the local economy.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
3. To Commissioner Chris Scherer
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Dear Commissioner Scherer,
I support creating a family-centric, family-friendly clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. As a tourist who enjoys the beach, having this option would encourage me to spend more time and money in the area.
Clothing-optional beaches have positive reputations, often benefiting from Beach Ambassador Volunteer programs who ensure visitors’ and especially families’ safety. I encourage you to make this vision a reality for Pinellas County.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
4. To Commissioner Vince Nowicki
Subject: Request for Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Honorable Commissioner Nowicki,
I support the creation of a family-friendly, family-centric clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. It has been widely established both internationally and locally on the East Coast here in Florida that such beaches are safe and prove to be an economic engine for the local communities.
As a [VISITOR, TRAVELER, or TOURIST], I would utilize this beach, and I would inspire others to utilize this beach as well.
I encourage you to support this measure and approve this clothing-optional beach for Pinellas County. As its presence becomes known, it will bring tourists and economic benefit to Pinellas County.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
5. To Commissioner Chris Latvala
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Commissioner Latvala,
This contact is to inform you of my unequivocal support for designating Ft. De Soto Park’s East Beach as clothing-optional.
East Beach, its parking lot, and the surrounding amenities are an underutilized resource. Designating the beach as clothing-optional will attract national and international tourism. The increase in tourism will result in additional tax revenue, business growth, and job creation so vital to the financial health of the county and state economies.
Decades of historical evidence associated with Florida’s four established clothing-optional beaches clearly affirms this positive outcome. Furthermore, risks and negatives assumed to be associated with these beaches have proven to be inconsequential or entirely imagined.
As a [RESIDENT OF CITY, STATE, COUNTRY], I will frequent this beach and encourage others to do so as well. Your support of this action will be appreciated.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
6. To Commissioner Kathleen Peters
Subject: Approval of Clothing-Optional Beach
Dear Commissioner Peters,
I am a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I have been to many beaches, clothing and clothing-free alike. A clothing-free beach feels more secure and a cleaner environment to bring a family. In Europe it is second nature in many places.
There are four such beaches on the East Coast of Florida, bringing tourist dollars for parking, restaurants, hotels and shopping. It would be great to have that added income come into the West Coast and help the businesses that have struggled through the pandemic, hurricanes and other natural disasters that have struck in the last so many years.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
7. To Commissioner René Flowers
Subject: Approval of Clothing-Optional Beach
Dear Commissioner Flowers,
I am writing to express my strong support for establishing a designated clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. There is a clear and growing interest in this idea, and now is the right time for the County to move forward.
Concerns are sometimes raised about children being present at a clothing-optional beach. The reality, proven by long-standing examples on Florida’s east coast, is that these beaches are family-oriented, safe, and respectful environments. Children and adults interact no differently than at any other beach—except without swimsuits. There is no evidence that children are harmed by these settings; in fact, such beaches foster body-positivity and healthy attitudes toward self-image.
Another concern is the possibility of negative publicity. But history shows that once clothing-optional beaches are established, the initial controversy fades, and the community embraces them as an asset. In fact, these beaches often become points of pride and unique attractions that set the region apart.
In addition to addressing concerns, I want to highlight the many benefits:
• Public demand is clear: A recent poll indicates that residents and visitors alike want this option available.
• Economic impact is significant: Clothing-optional beaches on Florida’s east coast bring consistent business to local restaurants, hotels, and shops. Pinellas County could benefit in the same way.
• Family-friendly and safe: Experience has shown that these beaches are well-managed, welcoming to all ages, and foster a respectful, wholesome atmosphere.
• Tourism advantage: A clothing-optional beach would provide Pinellas County with a unique attraction, bringing visitors from across the country and beyond.
For these reasons, I urge you to move forward with designating a clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. This initiative would strengthen our economy, broaden our tourism appeal, and provide a safe, family-friendly recreational space for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity to enhance our community.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR LOCATION]
8. Optional Formal Letter (for postal mail to any commissioner)
Subject: Clothing-Optional Beach Designation
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[DATE]
[COMMISSIONER’S NAME]
315 Court Street
Clearwater, Florida 33756
Dear Commissioner [LAST NAME],
Thank you for doing the hard work of representing the interests of everyone in Pinellas County.
As a resident of [YOUR LOCATION], I would appreciate your support for designating East Beach, in Ft. DeSoto Park, as clothing-optional.
Presently, when I wish to go to the beach, I’m forced to travel [APPX. DISTANCE or TIME] to one of the four clothing-optional beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Those communities benefit from my related spending on [YOUR EXPENSES like fuel, park fees, food, accommodations, airfare, car rental, entertainment, etc.].
A clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County will, without a doubt, make visiting and financially supporting your area more attractive.
Your support for designating East Beach as the first designated clothing-optional beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR CITY, STATE]
These eight drafts align with the provided templates
Tbfb_Letter_Writing_Campaign_Pa…
. Fill in your personal details, pick the ones you want for each commissioner, and send via email or print for letters.
Sources
Here’s a clean set of ready-to-send emails for the TBFB Letter-Writing Campaign.
Copy and Paste my emails below and change up your name.
1. Commissioner Brian Scott – 2025 Chair
Email: brscott@pinellas.gov
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Dear Commissioner Scott,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I strongly support establishing a clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Here’s why:
• Public demand: Recent polls show residents and visitors want this option.
• Economic boost: Florida’s east-coast clothing-optional beaches prove these sites drive business for hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Safe and family-friendly: Experience shows these beaches are respectful, wholesome, and pose no risk to children.
• Tourism advantage: A clothing-optional beach would attract visitors and make Pinellas unique on the Gulf Coast.
Concerns about children and negative publicity have already been addressed by decades of success at Florida’s east-coast beaches. Families attend safely, and once established, controversy fades as the benefits become clear.
Please move forward with making this vision a reality in Pinellas County.
Sincerely,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
2. Commissioner Dave Eggers – Vice Chair
Email: deggers@pinellas.gov
Subject: Request for Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Honorable Commissioner Eggers,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I support the creation of a family-friendly, family-centric clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. These beaches are proven safe and bring measurable economic benefit to their local communities.
As a frequent visitor to Florida’s beaches and cultural events, I would absolutely include a clothing-optional Gulf-coast beach in my own travel plans and encourage our readers to do the same.
Please support this measure to allow a family-friendly clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County.
Respectfully,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
3. Commissioner Chris Scherer – District 1
Email: cscherer@pinellas.gov
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Dear Commissioner Scherer,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I support creating a family-centric, family-friendly clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Having this option would encourage me — and many of our readers — to spend more time and money in the area.
Clothing-optional beaches enjoy positive reputations and often benefit from Beach Ambassador Volunteer programs that ensure all visitors, including families, feel safe. I urge you to make this vision a reality for Pinellas County.
Sincerely,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
4. Commissioner Vince Nowicki – District 3
Email: vnowicki@pinellas.gov
Subject: Request for Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Honorable Commissioner Nowicki,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I support the creation of a family-friendly clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Beaches like these are well established elsewhere in Florida and internationally, proven safe and beneficial to their communities.
As a frequent visitor and travel publisher, I would use this beach myself and encourage others to do the same — further contributing to the local economy.
I encourage you to approve this measure so Pinellas County can enjoy the same economic and tourism gains.
Respectfully,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
5. Commissioner Chris Latvala – District 5
Email: clatvala@pinellas.gov
Subject: Please Support a Clothing-Optional Beach in Pinellas County
Commissioner Latvala,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I offer my unequivocal support for designating Ft De Soto Park’s East Beach as clothing-optional.
East Beach and its facilities are an under-utilized resource. Designating it as clothing-optional will draw national and international tourism, bringing in new tax revenue, business growth, and local jobs — all proven benefits seen at Florida’s existing clothing-optional beaches.
As a travel publisher and frequent visitor, I will visit and promote this destination to others.
Respectfully,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
6. Commissioner Kathleen Peters – District 6
Email: kpeters@pinellas.gov
Subject: Approval of Clothing-Optional Beach
Dear Commissioner Peters,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
A clothing-optional beach is not new to Florida — four on the east coast already thrive, bringing tourist dollars for parking, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Establishing one on the Gulf Coast would extend those benefits to West-coast businesses still recovering from pandemic and storm-related losses.
I encourage you to support designating East Beach in Ft De Soto Park as clothing-optional to bring this economic and cultural advantage to Pinellas County.
Thank you,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
7. Commissioner René Flowers – District 7
Email: rflowers@pinellas.gov
Subject: Approval of Clothing-Optional Beach
Dear Commissioner Flowers,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I strongly support establishing a designated clothing-optional beach in Pinellas County. Long-standing east-coast examples prove these beaches are family-oriented, safe, and respectful.
Key benefits:
• Public demand: Residents and visitors want this option.
• Economic boost: Similar beaches consistently bring business to hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Family-friendly: Well-managed and welcoming for all ages.
• Tourism advantage: A unique Gulf-coast draw for domestic and international visitors.
This initiative would strengthen the local economy, expand tourism, and offer a wholesome recreational space for residents and visitors alike.
Sincerely,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH
8. County Administrator Barry A. Burton
Email: bburton@pinellas.gov
Subject: Support for Clothing-Optional Beach Designation
Dear Mr. Burton,
I’m Nickolas Vannello, publisher of GoNaked Magazine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I appreciate your office’s role in guiding policy for Pinellas County and urge your support for designating East Beach at Ft De Soto Park as the first clothing-optional beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
This single step would keep more tourism dollars in the region, attract international naturist travelers, and generate year-round revenue for local businesses.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to enhance the county’s reputation as an inclusive, forward-thinking tourist destination.
Respectfully,
Nickolas Vannello
Publisher, GoNaked Magazine
Cleveland, OH