CBCE
Crystal Beach Community Enrichment
Crystal Beach Community Enrichment (CBCE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, enriching, and maintaining the treasured shoreline of Crystal Beach.
CBCE proudly maintains the land west of Gulf Drive, north of Georgia Avenue, and south of Ohio Avenue — a special stretch that includes the pier, boat ramp, and Gulf Shore Park. From the very beginning, this land was intended to serve as the “front yard” of Crystal Beach. The original developers promised they would “forever hold this strip of land as a park for the use of lot owners and residents,” establishing a legacy of shared coastal beauty that continues today.
In 1951, the property was sold by the Crystal Beach Development Company to Mabel Powers, who later bequeathed it to several California charities and her descendants. In recent years, CBCE has worked diligently to reclaim this historic shoreline. Over the past five years, we have successfully acquired 32% of the land — an achievement that has allowed us to rebuild our beloved pier after hurricanes Helene & Milton of 2025 destroyed it, and further enhance and protect the shoreline for future generations.
This progress has been made possible solely through the generosity of our residents and supporters — including many who simply love our pier and enjoy the natural beauty of Crystal Beach. In addition to private donations, fundraising efforts such as shoreline bench sponsorships and our annual 5K RUN/SUP event help fuel our mission.
CBCE has no formal membership — only a dedicated 7-member board committed to safeguarding our shoreline. From time to time, we call upon our community for support, and as always, Crystal Beach shows up with heart, generosity, and pride.
Together, we are preserving the front yard of Crystal Beach — today and for generations to come.
CBCE Shoreline Bench Program is ongoing and we will be ordering more benches! There are only 6 bench locations left! Please fill out the form below.
Crystal Beach Shoreline Park Bench Program
The Crystal Beach Community Enrichment is pleased to offer the Memorial Bench program to those who wish to purchase a bench in honor of a loved one or group. Various pre-determined locations have been selected along the Gulf which will be allocated using a lottery system.
CBCE is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donation is tax deductible.
The bench sponsorship cost is $2,000 and will cover the cost of purchasing the 6’ bench, engraving (and filling) up to 4 back slats, and complete installation. The sponsorship shall last for 10 years if the bench is in a good physical condition.
Crystal Beach Shoreline Park Bench Program Policies
The Crystal Beach Community Enrichment shall coordinate, manage, and administer the Shoreline Memorial Park Bench Program (the “Program”).
The 6’ Benches will be of a single uniform design selected by the Crystal Beach Community Enrichment. The locations available for bench installations will be pre-approved by CBCE.
Memorial benches or other project installations shall be maintained by the Community for a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the date of installation. Maintenance shall include and be limited to cleaning and minor repairs
The CBCE shall not be held responsible for loss or damage to the bench including but not limited to theft, vandalism, or weather. If a bench is vandalized or lost it may be repaired or replaced. The sponsor shall be notified and may elect to replace or repair the bench at their expense. There is no obligation on the part of the CBCE or the sponsor to repair a bench that was damaged by theft, vandalism or weather.
Memorial Park Bench Sponsorships shall cost $2,000 per bench. The total bench sponsorship will pay for the cost of the bench, the cost of the memorial engraving, and shipping and installation fees. The bench sponsorship is not refundable under any circumstances once the bench and memorial engraving have been ordered.
No work shall commence until full payment of the sponsorship is received and all project approvals have been obtained.
Benches will be installed in groups; bench installation dates shall not be guaranteed.
Sponsors shall be informed by the CBCE after installation is complete.
Within the term of the agreement and any extensions, the CBCE reserves the right to relocate any and all benches at any time should such action be necessary, including but not limited to property development, vandalism, or interference with community operations. The CBCE shall make a reasonable effort to contact the sponsor should relocation of a bench be required.
It shall be the duty of the sponsor to keep the CBCE informed as to his or her current mailing address and the current address of his or her legal representative if notices are to be sent to that representative. Notices or other correspondence mailed to the address on file with the CBCE for the sponsor or his or her representative shall constitute actual delivery and notification.
All decisions of the CBCE with regards to this Program shall be final.
Locations will be assigned with your preference in mind, but not guaranteed. We will do our best to locate your bench in the vicinity of your choice.
Benches can be shared.
Fill out the form to the left & make payment of $2,000 to Crystal Beach Community Enrichment with “Bench” in Memo
Send payment to: CBCE, PO Box 855, Crystal Beach, FL 34681