im south of you and i cant think of any beach in florida thats "not safe".sure you can be at the wrong place at the wrong time.but im young and have a good strong scoop if you know what i mean
I've been out there in the past at 2 am or 3 am in the dry. It seems to be the best time, nobody bothers you...and no questions like "does that thing really work?"
The last time I hit the dry at 3 am with a friend there was already another hunter there too.
I went out ONCE at 1 am when I was at the GSBS last year. It was low tide. I gotta say that that is a scary time, at least for me. There were a few people - very few people on the beach and one guy was scaring me a little because he seemed to be following me and when I would stop he would stop so I left the beach and went back to the hotel. I've gone out very early - way before day break on the gulf side and I see people sleeping on the beach. I stay way clear of them but it is scary there too. For me..... I'm not taking any chances anymore. A little piece of jewelry or a few coins just isn't worth it to me. You just be real careful out there. Good luck!