Tents On The Beach

**kurt** · 07-21-2011, 05:07 AM

I haven't heard much this year. Has it been a problem? This article about problems to the east makes me think we need to continue our efforts to keep our beaches clutter free.

The mass of tents causes problems for vendors who rent beach equipment. Fights have nearly broken out between vendors and visitors who refuse to move their tents, said city code enforcement officer James Tindle.

“The last thing you want is to fight with someone over tents,” Tindle said. “This problem is not going away until something is done.”

Tindle said the tents have become so inexpensive that some parts of the beach look like a “metal recycling yard” because of the aluminum tent poles left behind. Baby sea turtles emerging from their nests at night “get tangled up in that spider web of tents,” he said.

The city grappled with the problem in summer 2009 and crafted an ordinance requiring removal of all personal property overnight, a proposal mirrored after a “Leave-No-Trace-Behind” ordinance in South Walton County.

The measure was abandoned in February 2010 because of the expense of tagging and storing the left-behind stuff, including tents and other “tangible personal property” such as cabanas, volleyball nets, beach chairs, floats and other watercraft.

Read more: http://www.newsherald.com/articles/b...#ixzz1SjVZiom2

**justhavinfun** · 07-21-2011, 05:58 AM

In the Seagrove area , tents do not seem to be a major problem on the beach but these portable canopies are all over the place. The county does not seem to be enforcing the ordinance at all as many of these structures stay on the beach overnight with the guests just removing the canvas tops until the next day.

**kurt** · 07-21-2011, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by justhavinfun

In the Seagrove area , tents do not seem to be a major problem on the beach but these portable canopies are all over the place. The county does not seem to be enforcing the ordinance at all as many of these structures stay on the beach overnight with the guests just removing the canvas tops until the next day.

Good input - I guess tents mean all manner of structures with poles, including canopies.

**30A Skunkape** · 07-21-2011, 06:35 AM

I am seeing fewer now than before. It used to piss me off so much to see all the beach crap lazy slobs would leave out for those of us up and about before 7AM to enjoy. God only knows how many turtles died.

**NotDeadYet** · 07-21-2011, 06:45 AM

If you read the caption for the photo in the News Herald article, it shows a picture of a "canopy" but refers to it as a "tent." I think we are talking about the same thing here, just using a different word.

I wonder what people are thinking they accomplish when they remove the top for the night, but leave the metal poles?

I saw some enforcement earlier in the summer. Code enforcement was tagging and removing stuff, but I think there is only one person working the entire beach. I'd say overall in Seagrove there is less stuff but still far too much left overnight. Seems like as the season progresses the amount of stuff starts creeping back.

Does all that aluminum get recycled?? It isn't just the canopy poles. Chairs are so cheaply made lots of them get thrown out every year.

I would also comment that, like the beach service chair placement issue, and the so-called "private" beach signs, it's too many people wanting to be in the same place at the same time. We still have quite a lot of vacant lots and undeveloped land in SoWal. The closer we get to build out, the worse these problems are going to get. Best thing would be to work as many of them out now.

**Miss Kitty** · 07-21-2011, 07:02 AM

WaterColor has BANNED them on their beaches! Hallelujah!

**tistheseason** · 07-21-2011, 07:02 AM

Great point NYD -- these issues will be much harder to solve 10 or even 5 years from now. In our area (seacrest) I've seen more people taken their entire canopy down at sunset than in years past -- but the beach chair setups are so closely packed all the way down the beach, it's driving me crazy!!

**Lake View Too** · 07-21-2011, 07:25 AM

I happened to meet the "Tent Tagger" this morning near Eastern Lake, and he was diligently doing his duties. He said there was only one person from Code Enforcement delegated to giving out warning tags on all items left on the beach overnight (tents, canopies, canopy frames,etc.) for the 26miles of SoWal. He said his job was greatly hampered by the fact that most of the lakes have broken out, and he was having to do most of the patrolling by foot rather than by Jeep. They (he) is on the case.

**tsutcli** · 07-21-2011, 07:36 AM

As far as I know and I am in Seacrest, the turtle folks do have a number to call to have tents, chairs and umbrella's removed if they are not taken up at the end of the day and stay on the beach over night. And I also believe there is only one person covering the beach but I hear he is doing an awesome job. It is possible in some locations they are not tagging or calling in about items left behind. Items will be picked up if they are reported after they are tagged. Sorry, just saw the above and was typing when item was posted.

**NotDeadYet** · 07-21-2011, 08:23 AM

I happened to meet the "Tent Tagger" this morning near Eastern Lake, and he was diligently doing his duties. He said there was only one person from Code Enforcement delegated to giving out warning tags on all items left on the beach overnight (tents, canopies, canopy frames,etc.) for the 26miles of SoWal. He said his job was greatly hampered by the fact that most of the lakes have broken out, and he was having to most of the patrolling by foot rather than by Jeep. They (he) is on the case.

Thanks, LVT. I had heard there was only one person. Poor guy must feel like Sisyphus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus

**MonicaQA** · 07-21-2011, 08:55 AM

I don't live it SoWal (yet), but as a visitor, I HATE seeing the poles up when I go on early morning walks. Besides being potentially harmful to the sea turtles, it just looks trashy. We do use a portable canopy on the beach, but we fold it up & drag it back when we go in for the day (& it is not easy or fun trying to bring back the canopy along with beach bags, towels, sand castle building tools, skim boards, etc.) However, it is a small thing to do, when we have the privilege of enjoying these beautiful beaches!!!

**Lake View Too** · 07-21-2011, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by MonicaQA

I don't live it SoWal (yet), but as a visitor, I HATE seeing the poles up when I go on early morning walks. Besides being potentially harmful to the sea turtles, it just looks trashy. We do use a portable canopy on the beach, but we fold it up & drag it back when we go in for the day (& it is not easy or fun trying to bring back the canopy along with beach bags, towels, sand castle building tools, skim boards, etc.) However, it is a small thing to do, when we have the privilege of enjoying these beautiful beaches!!!

That's the spirit! We're all in this together!

**CastlesOfSand** · 07-21-2011, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by MonicaQA

I don't live it SoWal (yet), but as a visitor, I HATE seeing the poles up when I go on early morning walks. Besides being potentially harmful to the sea turtles, it just looks trashy. We do use a portable canopy on the beach, but we fold it up & drag it back when we go in for the day (& it is not easy or fun trying to bring back the canopy along with beach bags, towels, sand castle building tools, skim boards, etc.) However, it is a small thing to do, when we have the privilege of enjoying these beautiful beaches!!!

We do the same. It's nice to have a little shade when you are on the beach all day but we would never leave anything out over night. I always hate when I see chairs, tents, floats etc. discarded by the trash can on the beach because someone didn't want them anymore. That drives me crazy!!!

**nolachic** · 07-21-2011, 10:38 AM

Most condos are now offering free chairs and umbrella. Problem I have is they strip you off the chair at 5:00, best time of day, and they also set them up way too close to each other. We end up bringing our own chairs but have down graded to light umbrellas rather than canopies. We bring everything back in each night with help from our kids.

**ASH** · 07-21-2011, 10:56 AM

I'm a turtle walker and we have no standing orders to contact anyone regarding left overnight tents and chairs. We likely see the ones left for multiple days because we're there so much, but our focus remains keeping our eyes fixed on the sand looking for tracks. I personally work the West end of 30-A and I have to say that the beach embassador has been doing a standup job of educating people about why it's important to remove items at the beach each evening. Way better than the past couple years.

**kurt** · 07-21-2011, 10:58 AM

Just popped into my inbox - good job Elisa!

Items Left on the Beach Overnight Are Disposed of Following Warning

Items left overnight on the beach can be a hazard for both beachgoers and nesting sea turtles. Each morning, a Walton County code enforcement officer patrols the beach and tags items left overnight, warning owners that they will be disposed of if not removed. If the same item is still on the beach the following morning, it will be removed and discarded. This policy is in compliance with Walton County Ordinance 2010-05, designed to help keep our beaches clean and safe. You can help by reminding beachgoers to remove items like beach chairs, umbrellas, tents and other personal items at the end of each day. Questions about tagged items should be addressed to Walton County Code Enforcement at 850-622-0000.

**kurt** · 07-21-2011, 10:58 AM

31 Turtle Nests Marked in South Walton!

As of July 19, there have been 31 sea turtle nests marked by South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers. Early each morning, volunteers walk South Walton beaches looking for signs of new nests and checking closely for signs of tampering by animals. Nests are clearly marked to keep beachgoers from disturbing them. Hatching is expected to begin this month. Thanks to everyone who works toward protecting one of South Walton's most valuable assets! For more information or to volunteer, please visit: http://southwaltonturtlewatch.org/.

**bluecat** · 07-23-2011, 07:02 AM

The less one carries to the beach,the less one has to take in. Try it with a light weight chair,small bottle of ice and sun screen,not too hard to leave with that.

**tistheseason** · 07-23-2011, 07:15 AM

Hmmm. . . Me thinks bluecat isn't headed to the beach with kids! But your point is valid, lighten the load!

**Teresa** · 07-23-2011, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

WaterColor has BANNED them on their beaches! Hallelujah!

That is the best news I've heard! Way to go WaterColor.

There were no tents on the beach just 8 or so years ago. And then they just started popping up everywhere. Many are never taken down - they are just left as trash and end up all over the place. I know they help a lot when you are out in the sun for long stretches but somehow we lived without them up until recently. (our sun strategy is stay off the beach between noon and 3pm, enjoy the beach in the morning or late afternoon, or bring a beach umbrella. If we need to be out in the hottest part of the day, we limit the time we are out, and use plenty of sunscreen, hats, large umbrella, water)

**smoore21** · 07-26-2011, 10:34 AM

We used a tent during out vacation last year (for the first time) and had two other vacationing familes tell us to just "leave it up" overnight. We packed it all up a the end of the day, drug it back and then did it again the next morning. my daughters have even made a habit of picking up various "crap" left on the beaches by others. It takes an extra few seconds to clean-up after yourself....makes me sad that so many people are too lazy to clean up their slice of heaven....

**UofL** · 07-26-2011, 11:05 AM

Our friends passed us up at Seaside, on their arrival day, so they could get to the beach and set up their tent. This is in the next county, east of Carillon. They didn't bring beach chairs/camping chairs, so they took chairs from the porch. Looked kinda junky:-) Like the couch on the front porch:-) Everyone left their up too.
At Seaside, there wasn't anything left on the beach. Nice for strolling at night.
I still disagree that the cars are acceptable at Grayton. But it's a local custom, so we don't stay there anymore for that reason. If I had to choose, I'd choose tents over cars.
Ellen

**scooterbug44** · 07-26-2011, 11:09 AM

I like cars on the beach at Grayton - it's a fun funky thing that only happens at that one place and it lets locals get together at the beach - god knows there's no parking to be had if we wanted to park and walk out there.

IMO if you've got too much stuff to take it on and off the beach each day you've just got too much stuff.

**ozbeachmom** · 07-27-2011, 09:45 AM

Ok, we do not use a tent on the beach but I have a question. When "tent people" put their tents up twenty or thirty yards from the beach and they have all that open space in front of them...Is it wrong to go in front of their area and park my self on my towel and small beach chair? And I know the chair guys are trying to make a buck but really the side by side stadium seating has to stop.

**Teresa** · 07-27-2011, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by UofL

Our friends passed us up at Seaside, on their arrival day, so they could get to the beach and set up their tent. This is in the next county, east of Carillon. They didn't bring beach chairs/camping chairs, so they took chairs from the porch. Looked kinda junky:-) Like the couch on the front porch:-) Everyone left their up too.
At Seaside, there wasn't anything left on the beach. Nice for strolling at night.
I still disagree that the cars are acceptable at Grayton. But it's a local custom, so we don't stay there anymore for that reason. If I had to choose, I'd choose tents over cars.
Ellen

Cars/trucks/jeeps on the beach is a whole different issue. I can understand liking or disliking the tradition. But, the fact is that people must have a permit to drive on the beach, they know the rules, and they aren't going to be leaving stuff out on the beach overnight - and if they happen to have a tent they can easily haul it away in the truck. It is just a different kind of beach tradition at Grayton Beach. We enjoy it immensely and always have.

**scooterbug44** · 07-27-2011, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by ozbeachmom

Ok, we do not use a tent on the beach but I have a question. When "tent people" put their tents up twenty or thirty yards from the beach and they have all that open space in front of them...Is it wrong to go in front of their area and park my self on my towel and small beach chair? And I know the chair guys are trying to make a buck but really the side by side stadium seating has to stop.

I don't think so - especially if (as is typical) there is a big pile of crap under the tent and noone there.

If the only available space is in front of them, and you are not blocking them, go for it.

**tsutcli** · 07-27-2011, 04:24 PM

In all the discussions about this topic, I've never seen anyone express any concern about the leakage of motor oil, grease, transmission oil, antifreeze, etc. that leaks from almost every car and truck that drives onto the sand. Some of the wrecks I've seen down there are not well maintained I'm sure. Shouldn't some sort of inspection of the vehicle take place before issuing a permit (other than is it 4-wheel drive)? For all the railing that goes on about the various things that negatively ( both real and imagined) affect the quality and beauty of the beach, this seems to be ignored. I guess tradition trumps.

**lenzoe** · 07-29-2011, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by tsutcli

In all the discussions about this topic, I've never seen anyone express any concern about the leakage of motor oil, grease, transmission oil, antifreeze, etc. that leaks from almost every car and truck that drives onto the sand. Some of the wrecks I've seen down there are not well maintained I'm sure. Shouldn't some sort of inspection of the vehicle take place before issuing a permit (other than is it 4-wheel drive)? For all the railing that goes on about the various things that negatively ( both real and imagined) affect the quality and beauty of the beach, this seems to be ignored. I guess tradition trumps.

Driving on the beach is one of those religious issues where people on either side aren't ever going to agree. If I had a 4WD and beached at Grayton, I'd probably be one of the yahoos who love it. Although then I'd have to be next to all them other yahoos with 4WDs, so maybe I wouldn't love it so much after all.

So, on second thought, ban it!