Walton County

The Northwest Florida county has been the epicenter in recent years of fights about what is known as “customary use” of beaches by the public.

Walton County officials have reopened their beaches, but fly purple flags to make beachgoers aware of dangerous marine life.

The attacks off beaches in the Florida Panhandle led authorities to temporarily close several beaches to swimmers on Friday. Beaches were reopened Saturday, with flags warning of high hazards.

As of July 1, homeowners with beachfront property in Florida's Walton County can declare their beach off-limits to the public. That has sparked a battle with local residents and county officials.