Sylvester Stallone, the iconic Hollywood actor known for his roles in action films, has found himself in hot water in Palm Beach over a proposed floating barrier in the Intracoastal Waterway near his lavish $35 million estate. This initiative, intended to keep seaweed and debris at bay, has ignited fierce backlash from local residents who feel blindsided and argue that the proposal threatens public access to waterways and the local ecosystem.

Stallone's opulent property, purchased in December 2020, features a stunning two-story mansion, a guesthouse, a pool pavilion, and a private stretch of beach measuring 262 feet. This serene area, frequented by boaters, paddleboarders, and kayakers, is now at risk due to the actor’s plans. Documents submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Army Corps of Engineers outline the project, which involves constructing an "L-shaped" floating barrier. This barrier would extend 191 feet from the dock and turn 50 feet toward the shoreline, rising 8 inches above the water and descending 10 inches below, secured by nylon ropes and six submerged piles.

What's alarming to neighbors is the Army Corps of Engineers' assertion that the primary purpose of this barrier is to exclude boaters from accessing the area around Stallone's estate, with seaweed control being secondary. Many residents were taken aback by this revelation, prompting them to voice their objections. Bradford Gary, a nearby resident, expressed his concern, stating, “You can’t just kind of stake your claim and think you own the water.” He and his wife, Susan, are spearheading efforts to oppose the project, claiming they were not adequately notified about the plans, which have the potential to disrupt the community.

The proposed barrier has also raised critical safety issues. The cove adjacent to Stallone's property is a refuge for small vessels navigating the strong currents of the inlet. Susan Gary recalled a harrowing experience with the currents, emphasizing that blocking this safe zone could endanger inexperienced boaters unfamiliar with local dangers. “From that experience, I would say it was a safety issue, particularly for people who are new to the area and don’t realize how strong the current can be,” she warned.

Environmental concerns are also at the forefront of opposition. The cove hosts federally protected species, including manatees and smalltooth sawfish, as well as vital seagrasses and coral. Critics question whether the potential entanglement risks for these creatures have been thoroughly evaluated. Additionally, the recent DEP survey indicated minimal seaweed accumulation in the area, contradicting the project’s primary justification. Many locals agree that seaweed is a minor nuisance, with some even stating they have not encountered significant seaweed issues.

The project has been in the works since at least 2022, with formal applications submitted in early 2023. However, residents argue that the process has lacked transparency, leaving little opportunity for community members to express their concerns adequately. The DEP is currently reviewing public comments, with a deadline of December 25 for submissions.

With significant community pushback and regulatory hurdles ahead, it remains to be seen whether Stallone’s controversial proposal will move forward or be shelved in the face of widespread opposition and environmental scrutiny. Local advocates continue to rally for greater awareness and action, and all eyes are now on how officials will address this contentious issue. Will Stallone's dreams of a serene waterfront oasis come at the cost of community access and environmental well-being? The coming weeks will tell.