(a) Because the invasive non-native plant known as beach vitex has been found to exist on the beach, and because vitex grows prolifically which kills native plants such as sea oats and bitter panicum which protects the integrity of the beach berm, and because vitex is unfriendly to nesting sea turtles and birds dependent upon this habitat, it shall be unlawful for any person to plant or maintain beach vitex. Property owners shall be responsible for re-establishing vegetation on the dune.
(b) Any person violating this provision shall be subject to a civil citation in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense; second offense shall subject the offender to a civil citation in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00). After the second offense each day shall constitute a separate offense until compliance is met.
(Ord. No. 2008-15, 8-5-08; Ord. No. 2018-07, § I, 9-4-18; Ord. No. 2022-08, § I, 7-5-22)