Mexico Beach, Florida
I live in Ft. Walton Beach, and have for 30 years in October.
The days you describe are long gone into history.
Today, we cannot build fires on the beach.
To harvest crabs requires a license.
There are Size limits as well as quantity limits.
Certain species of crabs are protected.
No egg bearing female crabs allowed.
Fines and / or jail terms for non-compliance.
http://www.eregulations.com/Florida/fishing/saltwater/
When I was a kid this was a free country.......