Backstreet Boys Member Sues Local Man Over Beach Access

Once known for his music career, a member of the Backstreet Boys is now in a legal battle over beach access. Brian Littrell has taken legal action against Carolyn Barrington-Hill, an elderly beachgoer he claims has been illegally sunbathing on the sand behind his Florida home.

The singer, who loves spending time by the water, says that Hill has repeatedly trespassed on the dry sand behind his $3.8 million property in Santa Rosa Beach since April. Under state law, the public can only access beach areas up to the high tide line near private homes, which Littrell argues Hill has violated.

In his complaint, Littrell mentions incidents where the woman refused to leave and even filmed his family without permission during disputes.

Hill, 67, describes himself as semi-retired and receiving Medicare benefits. He has pushed back against the lawsuit, filing a motion to dismiss Littrell’s claims. During a video hearing, Hill’s attorney argued for broader beach access laws, emphasizing that Florida’s beaches are public lands held in trust for everyone, not just the affluent.

Littrell’s attorney, Brent Day, claims that Hill’s repeated appearances on the property are part of a broader effort by local activists to gain access to private beaches. He expressed concern about the harassment his clients have faced, stating they simply wish for peaceful enjoyment of their beach.

Meanwhile, Hill’s attorney, Heidi Mehaffey, accused Littrell of using the legal system to infringe on the rights of beachgoers, asserting that Littrell’s allegations are vague and lack evidence.

During the hearing, Day highlighted the attempts Littrell’s family has made to establish the boundaries of their property, including placing signs and setting up beach equipment. He mentioned that the family feels unsafe due to ongoing conflicts with neighbors.

The judge, Jonathan Schrechter, has stated he will provide a ruling after reviewing all arguments. Littrell also claims that he has felt compelled to hire security to keep his family safe after calling the sheriff’s office to remove Hill on one occasion.

Adding to the complexity, Littrell has previously filed a lawsuit against the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, alleging inadequate response to trespassers, which is still pending. A video surfaced last year showing Littrell confronting beachgoers who had set up on his property, leading to a heated exchange.

The situation has been a topic of conversation in the community, with local residents expressing concerns about how the matter has been handled, and some even accusing Littrell’s property manager of aggressive tactics to enforce private property rights.