Nude Dude Ranch Forgets to Get Permits

Lotto winner Tim Clements followed his dream of opening a clothing-optional dude ranch in Brookings, Florida. One problem: he forgot to get any permits.

1 minute read

April 20, 2009, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


"The clothing-optional aspect of the business might also bring some government notice. [County zoning administrator Gary] Fisher noted that the county has a no-public-nudity ordinance, enacted in 2002.

At the time the County Commission was considering the ordinance, representatives of the Florida Naturist Association asked the county to allow nudist clubs, parks and resorts.

The group "suggested that the failure to include a specific provision authorizing nudity in nudist or naturist resorts constitutes discrimination against an otherwise legal use of property,'' according to a memo at the time by Assistant County Attorney Kent Weissinger.

He went on to say that the county's ordinance was based on one already tested in court and provided "the best means of prohibiting nudity in public places.'' Commissioners never approved the addition to allow nudity in clubs, parks or resorts.

Clements, 50, said he didn't think anything was wrong with the clothing-optional designation because of the remote location and the vegetation all around his property. 'My place is so private,'' he said. 'I'm always out washing the bus in the nude.'"

Sunday, April 19, 2009 in St. Petersburg Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.