Sylvester Stallone makes headlines in Palm Beach, Florida, with a surprising plan to build an underwater barrier near his $35 million mansion. The barrier causes problems in his wealthy neighborhood, as many people feel upset about the idea.
The Barrier: To Protect His Property or Stop Boats?
Stallone says he wants the underwater barrier to block seaweed and debris from floating near his property. But official documents show that the barrier aims mostly to stop boats from getting too close to his house. This frustrates his neighbors, who feel they didn’t get enough time to voice their opinions on the plan.
“You Can’t Own the Water”
Many neighbors get angry because they didn’t get enough notice about the project. Some only learn about it after the deadline to give feedback passes. One neighbor, Bradford Gary, says, “You can’t just kind of stake your claim and think you own the water,” pointing out that everyone should have access to the water, not just Stallone.
A Fast-Tracked Plan: No Time for Public Feedback
Stallone submits his plan in January 2023, asking for a lease of public land to build the barrier. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gives people until December 25 to comment on the plan, but many residents claim they receive the notices too late to give feedback.
Environmental Concerns: What About the Wildlife?
People worry about the environment. Some fear the barrier could harm seagrass and marine life in the area. Others worry that manatees could get trapped in the barrier. These are serious issues that the Army Corps of Engineers investigates while deciding whether to approve the plan. they still reviews Stallone’s plan to check if the barrier follows the law and if it could damage the environment. The decision remains uncertain, but people anxiously wait for the outcome.
Stallone’s Mansion: Luxury and Controversy
Stallone, 78, buys his huge mansion in 2021 for $35 million. It has over 13,000 square feet of space, seven bedrooms, and 12 bathrooms. While the mansion impresses, many people question whether Stallone goes too far trying to control access to the Intracoastal Waterway, which is public space.
Stallone’s Move to Florida: Seeking a Fresh Start
Stallone hasn’t said much about the criticism he faces, but he mentioned before that he moved to Florida for a fresh start and to find new creative inspiration. However, his latest project causes a lot of tension with his neighbors, who feel that their voices don’t matter.
For many, the issue isn’t just about Stallone’s personal property; it’s about shared space and the environment. People want to make sure their community has a say when big decisions like this get made. Even though Stallone can afford the barrier, the pushback shows that money doesn’t mean you can do anything without consequences.
The Palm Beach community watches closely to see what happens next.