Sylvester Stallone has sparked controversy among his Palm Beach neighbors with his unconventional proposal to install a barrier of seaweed around his luxurious $35 million property. The actor, renowned for his roles in iconic films such as "Rocky" and "Rambo," intends to create this underwater barrier not only to prevent seaweed and debris from washing ashore but also, as some neighbors claim, to deter boats from encroaching on his shoreline.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Stallone's application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers explicitly stated the goal of the project. While the seagrass barrier was pitched as beneficial for the environment, the Army Corps issued notices indicating the primary aim was to exclude boaters from approaching the actor's waterfront.
Neighbors raised concerns as public commentary on Stallone's plans approached, culminating in a hastily organized Town Council meeting on December 19. Many familiar faces were present, sharing their worries about the impact of the proposed barrier on public access to the water. Bradford Gary, one of Stallone's neighbors, voiced his feelings about ownership and the barrier, stating, "You can’t just stake your claim and think you own the water." People expressed the collective disbelief at the seeming disregard for community rights.
"He bought a beautiful property...but you can’t just stake your claim and think you own the water,” Gary reiterated, underlining the frustrations many felt. Stallone, who had previously maintained his intent was focused on environmental preservation, attempted to calm the crowd at the Town Council meeting, stating, "We wanted to bring back this, it’s almost a sanctuary." His wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, appeared supportive during this public discourse.
Despite his earnest appeals about marine protection and the negative effects of local boat traffic, he faced pointed objections from the community. The Army Corps of Engineers was also under scrutiny, as their communications revealed the barrier's aim was predominantly about restricting access, much different from his suggested environmental motivations. One official remarked, "The overall project purpose is to exclude boaters," causing discontent among residents.
Throughout the meeting, Stallone elaborated on how boaters have increasingly occupied the waters surrounding his home, even leading to what he described as "lookie-loos" and rambunctious gatherings on anchored boats nearby, displacing the tranquility of the area. "There are fishermen and tour boats. Vessels come there, drop anchor, and stay for 10 hours to party or fish. So, we're trying to make this pristine," he added, reflecting on how his celebrity status had drawn excessive traffic to his neighborhood.
The conversation turned more poignant when Stallone raised issues beyond his personal experience, citing concerns about pollution and the impacts it has had on local wildlife. He declared, "It’s just unbelievable to me...there’s nothing you can do about it," stressing his motivation to hold back water pollution but wrestling with how few options exist to maintain peace at his pristine beach.
After considerable feedback from neighbors against his proposal, Stallone acknowledged their concerns. He later agreed to withdraw his application at the meeting's conclusion, leading to applause from the very residents who initially opposed him. "You’re great neighbors and you’ve been here a long time, and we respect your work and the way you see this; it was not just about vanity, it was about genuinely caring," he reflected post-discussion.
The collective sigh of relief among the community pointed toward their desire to prevent other similar encroachments on their shared waterways. Susan Gary, another resident, remarked, "We cannot thank you enough, and we're so willing to work with you on the derelict boats and prohibiting the mooring fields along our shores." The result of this engagement looks less like victory for Stallone's project and more like collaboration opportunities to address broader environmental issues.
Mayor Danielle Moore closed the meeting by recognizing the necessity of maintaining public access and the rights of boaters to enjoy the area freely. She expressed the council's unanimous decision to send letters opposing future projects like Stallone's and to advocate for the rights of community members against overreach.
Stallone left the meeting perhaps feeling like he had not achieved the intended outcome but opened the door to forge new alliances with his Palm Beach neighbors focused on aquatic conservation. The dialogue surrounding boat access and ocean health has just begun, and with Stallone's influence, it will be interesting to see what environmental initiatives emerge next.
