I know this has been discussed, but does anyone else find private beaches offensive? For 30+ years, my family rented beachfront houses in Panama City Beach and exclusive beach access never crossed our minds. It felt like a privilege just to walk out onto the sand. Given the county-level difference in property law (Bay vs. Walton).
We've vacationed here four times, but never again. Our condo's convenient boardwalk, previously leading to open beach, now funneled us into a tiny, packed zone. Cones blocked access, forcing us to walk along the water to reach the 'public' area. The sight of miles of deserted beach on either side was infuriating. For the price, we're taking our business elsewhere.
Palmer T
54,062 views
Replies
232
Beach Fanatic
And that, my friends, is a big reason why BFOs don't want beach nourishment.
Beach Comber
And that, my friends, is a big reason why BFOs don't want beach nourishment.Uneducated goof. Do you want to bring back slavery as well? Is that the next genius idea of yours? You’re an absurd sad and small individual. Stay miserable. One day you’ll die and everyone will be better off and everything you will have done will be meaningless. Imagine that "my life purpose was to defend MY beach so that no one could enjoy it but me". Sick. Mental health issues are real folks hahaha.
Beach Fanatic
And that, my friends, is a big reason why BFOs don't want beach nourishment.And what reason is that my friend? You are speaking for "thousands" so please explain your reasoning. Is it because a family just wants to go to the beach and not see "keep out" signs and when they do they are upset? Is it because you want control of a natural resource that has been enjoyed by the people forever. You are not a victim. Your one sentence statement regarding why you do not want beach nourishment explains why the people, the county and the State are against you. The people, the county and the State understand you much better now and we are in this fight to save our beaches from you. Your cause is nothing more than fear of something that does not exist. You have lost nothing but somehow will never be satisfied.
And that my friend is the reason why the majority is against you. All you had to do is share something that has been shared since the beginning of time...
Beach Lover
What's the story for those of us who don't know the name?Willie snow ethridge was an author. newsman spouse. I think one of her children owned the “Ethridge Cottage”. my parents noted that in the well stocked library of that charming View attachment 109393cement block cottage on montgomery st had a her books. and a picture of her i believe. so we always called it that. it’s still there w a 2nd story added. from my dads file
Beach Comber
And that, my friends, is a big reason why BFOs don't want beach nourishment.
Is that you or one of your friends? Embarrassing to say the least. Mentally ill that’s exactly what I said and I was spot on . Make asylums great again.
Beach Fanatic
Vending on the beach is a bad idea.
Is that you or one of your friends? Embarrassing to say the least. Mentally ill that’s exactly what I said and I was spot on . Make asylums great again.
Beach Fanatic
Willie snow ethridge was an author. newsman spouse. I think one of her children owned the “Ethridge Cottage”. my parents noted that in the well stocked library of that charming View attachment 109393cement block cottage on montgomery st had a her books. and a picture of her i believe. so we always called it that. it’s still there w a 2nd story added. from my dads fileI wondered why that name was familiar. I live in Louisville. Her husband was with our once great newspapers, the Courier Journal and the Louisville times. She was a writer. The CJ still exists and does a good job today as it can. We are a blue city in a red state. Ellen
Beach Fanatic
Here's a link I saw on FB (click here).
Below is an excerpt that sticks out in my mind:
The Corps, the government agency in charge of playing in such big sandboxes, always claims they’re “saving” the beach from disappearing. They aren’t, says Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geology professor who’s an expert on beaches and barrier islands.
“We’re just saving a lot of people’s investments,” he told me.
A big issue is that between the county with about 60 million dollars and the state/federal willing to match that, the government has a pile of money burning holes in their pockets that, supposedly, can't be used for anything else. And, of course, you have the "majority mentality" as well as developers, who want to develop tons of off beach property with beach access guarantees, exerting influence on the commissioners. Heck, if I was a commissioner, I'd probably push for nourishment as well, only to make my core constituency happy. But trying to make the majority happy doesn't necessarily translate to the best decision - remember CU litigation?
In my previous posts I have made at least two absolute claims regarding Blue Mountain Beach and Walton County beaches in general:
1. The beach has naturally accreted, not eroded, since the back to back hurricanes of 2004 and 2005;
2. Most beach front owners, the ones nourishment is supposed to benefit, do not want beach nourishment, i.e. they do not feel "their investments need saving" at the moment via nourishment.
So the reality comes down to this: beach nourishment is only a guise to create more public beach (only the added part). And based on the article, and as I have mentioned in a previous post, if the added beach eroded away by a hurricane, the public would then be legally LOCKED OUT from going to the beach (where ECLs were established) until another beach nourishment is performed. That scenario would be a disaster, especially from a public relations / law enforcement points of view. "What do you mean we can't go to the beach?? The nourishment project made all the beach public!!" Again, if the nourished beach south of the ECL washes away, it's all private again. And then the county would have to come up with "60" MORE MILLION DOLLARS for a follow up nourishment project. How long do you think that would take?
Nobody touting nourishment wants to admit to the above, but the situation could very realistically happen. That's why I mentioned in a previous post that the county should acquire beach property next and near to public accesses via eminent domain. There would still be public access in that scenario.
I know the county will push for beach nourishment. So we'll just have to wait to see how it all plays out, especially after a major hurricane hits, post nourishment.
Below is an excerpt that sticks out in my mind:
The Corps, the government agency in charge of playing in such big sandboxes, always claims they’re “saving” the beach from disappearing. They aren’t, says Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geology professor who’s an expert on beaches and barrier islands.
“We’re just saving a lot of people’s investments,” he told me.
A big issue is that between the county with about 60 million dollars and the state/federal willing to match that, the government has a pile of money burning holes in their pockets that, supposedly, can't be used for anything else. And, of course, you have the "majority mentality" as well as developers, who want to develop tons of off beach property with beach access guarantees, exerting influence on the commissioners. Heck, if I was a commissioner, I'd probably push for nourishment as well, only to make my core constituency happy. But trying to make the majority happy doesn't necessarily translate to the best decision - remember CU litigation?
In my previous posts I have made at least two absolute claims regarding Blue Mountain Beach and Walton County beaches in general:
1. The beach has naturally accreted, not eroded, since the back to back hurricanes of 2004 and 2005;
2. Most beach front owners, the ones nourishment is supposed to benefit, do not want beach nourishment, i.e. they do not feel "their investments need saving" at the moment via nourishment.
So the reality comes down to this: beach nourishment is only a guise to create more public beach (only the added part). And based on the article, and as I have mentioned in a previous post, if the added beach eroded away by a hurricane, the public would then be legally LOCKED OUT from going to the beach (where ECLs were established) until another beach nourishment is performed. That scenario would be a disaster, especially from a public relations / law enforcement points of view. "What do you mean we can't go to the beach?? The nourishment project made all the beach public!!" Again, if the nourished beach south of the ECL washes away, it's all private again. And then the county would have to come up with "60" MORE MILLION DOLLARS for a follow up nourishment project. How long do you think that would take?
Nobody touting nourishment wants to admit to the above, but the situation could very realistically happen. That's why I mentioned in a previous post that the county should acquire beach property next and near to public accesses via eminent domain. There would still be public access in that scenario.
I know the county will push for beach nourishment. So we'll just have to wait to see how it all plays out, especially after a major hurricane hits, post nourishment.
Beach Fanatic
Here's a link I saw on FB (click here).I think you know that you do not speak for all BFO's. Your post are not serving the BFO well. Why do you fear a family going to the beach so much? It makes no sense. You do not lose anything with beach nourishment or a family enjoying the beach for a few hours on this beautiful resource. BTW our leaders are not happy with anything Duke University. Interesting quote on your part
Below is an excerpt that sticks out in my mind:
The Corps, the government agency in charge of playing in such big sandboxes, always claims they’re “saving” the beach from disappearing. They aren’t, says Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geology professor who’s an expert on beaches and barrier islands.
“We’re just saving a lot of people’s investments,” he told me.
A big issue is that between the county with about 60 million dollars and the state/federal willing to match that, the government has a pile of money burning holes in their pockets that, supposedly, can't be used for anything else. And, of course, you have the "majority mentality" as well as developers, who want to develop tons of off beach property with beach access guarantees, exerting influence on the commissioners. Heck, if I was a commissioner, I'd probably push for nourishment as well, only to make my core constituency happy. But trying to make the majority happy doesn't necessarily translate to the best decision - remember CU litigation?
In my previous posts I have made at least two absolute claims regarding Blue Mountain Beach and Walton County beaches in general:
1. The beach has naturally accreted, not eroded, since the back to back hurricanes of 2004 and 2005;
2. Most beach front owners, the ones nourishment is supposed to benefit, do not want beach nourishment, i.e. they do not feel "their investments need saving" at the moment via nourishment.
So the reality comes down to this: beach nourishment is only a guise to create more public beach (only the added part). And based on the article, and as I have mentioned in a previous post, if the added beach eroded away by a hurricane, the public would then be legally LOCKED OUT from going to the beach (where ECLs were established) until another beach nourishment is performed. That scenario would be a disaster, especially from a public relations / law enforcement points of view. "What do you mean we can't go to the beach?? The nourishment project made all the beach public!!" Again, if the nourished beach south of the ECL washes away, it's all private again. And then the county would have to come up with "60" MORE MILLION DOLLARS for a follow up nourishment project. How long do you think that would take?
Nobody touting nourishment wants to admit to the above, but the situation could very realistically happen. That's why I mentioned in a previous post that the county should acquire beach property next and near to public accesses via eminent domain. There would still be public access in that scenario.
I know the county will push for beach nourishment. So we'll just have to wait to see how it all plays out, especially after a major hurricane hits, post nourishment.
It seems you are acknowleding climate change which includes storm intensity, storm frequency and higher sea levels. Do you realize that our leaders have completely abandoned efforts to lower our risk of climate change? I am not sure what your true purpose is on this subject. I really do not believe you can be this upset over beach nourishment or a family enjoying the beach.Beach Fanatic
I am not sure what your true purpose is on this subject.Pretty obvious, based on your rambling posts.
Beach Fanatic
Pretty obvious, based on your rambling posts.What is your true purpose on this subject? Not trying to ramble. Just want an honest answer. I really want to understand what motivates you to continue down this path of resistance to public beaches for all people to enjoy. For example is it people you fear? Is it government you fear? Just what is it that causes you to spend so much time on this. You try so hard to keep BFO's angry. Is that your purpose?
Beach Comber
Here's a link I saw on FB (click here).You’re dumb. It wouldn’t make public beaches disappear. The mean high tide water line would still exist… it would just be further away. Anything under that line is public whether you like it or not. Public beaches and sea access have a strong historical precedent in common law. It’s not gonna change now after thousands of years just because of you and your dumb ass friends’s entitlement and greed.
Below is an excerpt that sticks out in my mind:
The Corps, the government agency in charge of playing in such big sandboxes, always claims they’re “saving” the beach from disappearing. They aren’t, says Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geology professor who’s an expert on beaches and barrier islands.
“We’re just saving a lot of people’s investments,” he told me.
A big issue is that between the county with about 60 million dollars and the state/federal willing to match that, the government has a pile of money burning holes in their pockets that, supposedly, can't be used for anything else. And, of course, you have the "majority mentality" as well as developers, who want to develop tons of off beach property with beach access guarantees, exerting influence on the commissioners. Heck, if I was a commissioner, I'd probably push for nourishment as well, only to make my core constituency happy. But trying to make the majority happy doesn't necessarily translate to the best decision - remember CU litigation?
In my previous posts I have made at least two absolute claims regarding Blue Mountain Beach and Walton County beaches in general:
1. The beach has naturally accreted, not eroded, since the back to back hurricanes of 2004 and 2005;
2. Most beach front owners, the ones nourishment is supposed to benefit, do not want beach nourishment, i.e. they do not feel "their investments need saving" at the moment via nourishment.
So the reality comes down to this: beach nourishment is only a guise to create more public beach (only the added part). And based on the article, and as I have mentioned in a previous post, if the added beach eroded away by a hurricane, the public would then be legally LOCKED OUT from going to the beach (where ECLs were established) until another beach nourishment is performed. That scenario would be a disaster, especially from a public relations / law enforcement points of view. "What do you mean we can't go to the beach?? The nourishment project made all the beach public!!" Again, if the nourished beach south of the ECL washes away, it's all private again. And then the county would have to come up with "60" MORE MILLION DOLLARS for a follow up nourishment project. How long do you think that would take?
Nobody touting nourishment wants to admit to the above, but the situation could very realistically happen. That's why I mentioned in a previous post that the county should acquire beach property next and near to public accesses via eminent domain. There would still be public access in that scenario.
I know the county will push for beach nourishment. So we'll just have to wait to see how it all plays out, especially after a major hurricane hits, post nourishment.
May Jesus protect us from greedy prideful people. Jesus is coming back soon. Stop wasting your time on useless debate about God’s green Earth or white sand shall I say. Repent and read your Bible. You’re acting super unbiblical it’s embarrassing.
Beach Fanatic
Hey @mputnal ,
Why don't you give your twin brother, @JuridicBeach , a lesson on humanity and all?
Oh, sorry. I guess you'd self destruct, truth be known.
Gosh, I've had posts deleted by SoWal for 0.1% of the vitriol contained in the previous post.
It's obviously a new day.
Why don't you give your twin brother, @JuridicBeach , a lesson on humanity and all?
Oh, sorry. I guess you'd self destruct, truth be known.
Gosh, I've had posts deleted by SoWal for 0.1% of the vitriol contained in the previous post.
It's obviously a new day.
Beach Fanatic
Hey @mputnal ,You are super duper unbiblical.
Why don't you give your twin brother, @JuridicBeach , a lesson on humanity and all?
Oh, sorry. I guess you'd self destruct, truth be known.
Gosh, I've had posts deleted by SoWal for 0.1% of the vitriol contained in the previous post.
It's obviously a new day.
Beach Fanatic
Hey @mputnal ,Goodness you are so paranoid about people. If this other poster was my twin brother I would be proud but I would tell them to tone it down just a bit even though I agree. It is not very hard to get frustrated at your incessant complaining about being a victim of people and government trying to take something away from you. Cry me a river! I have actually tried to understand you, tried to communicate respectfully and tried to reason with you. I am also dumb. You have disconnected from humanity and I am just wasting my time. You have so much fear and for some reason consider yourself as a victim. You are no victim my friend. Your time and my time is limited on this good earth. We both have won the lottery by having life on this beautiful planet with amazing resources like our beach. You are not going to be able to take it with you when you leave this good planet so what is your problem really? Why not enjoy your time here instead of being fearful and angry at so many good people just trying to enjoy a few hours at the beach when you have it all day and every day.
Why don't you give your twin brother, @JuridicBeach , a lesson on humanity and all?
Oh, sorry. I guess you'd self destruct, truth be known.
Gosh, I've had posts deleted by SoWal for 0.1% of the vitriol contained in the previous post.
It's obviously a new day.
I may even disagree with my twin brother a bit. I prefer Jesus to help the starving children instead of you or me. I think my twin brother has found it difficult to turn the other cheek and I do relate
Beach Fanatic
You have so much fear and for some reason consider yourself as a victim.Boy, that's rich.
Do you have ANY constructive comments regarding beach nourishment vs. eminent domain?
Both achieve public beach.
I've simply expressed my opinion ON THE SUBJECT AT HAND.
Why do you continually and personally attack me instead of the issue at hand? But I guess this question just adds fuel to your personal bonfire.
Beach Lover
Boy, that's rich.
Do you have ANY constructive comments regarding beach nourishment vs. eminent domain?
Both achieve public beach.
I've simply expressed my opinion ON THE SUBJECT AT HAND.
Why do you continually and personally attack me instead of the issue at hand? But I guess this question just adds fuel to your personal bonfire.
Since there are so many that struggle understanding, or accepting, the facts of beach front property owner's rights, maybe a basic example will help.
Let's say that currently the beaches are wide open to everyone in Walton County. No private beach property. But Walton County has a shortfall in funds to properly operate and support the needs of citizens in the county. So they decide that starting Jan 1, 2026, any Walton County beachfront property purchased will include the beach area to the MHWL as the private property of that buyer - now owner.
Where would the displeasure and anger be directed at that point? The people who purchased any of said properties? Or possibly the county administrators that made this decision? Who would be "blamed" for this happening?
Because that is exactly what happened 60+ years ago in Walton County.
And what kind of person do you have to be to blame and vilify those that purchased these properties?
I have found it interesting that so many have blamed the "rich beach front owners" which is actually a VERY small percentage of the BFO's. I don't read many comments about the Sandestin Hilton, Adagio, or the Watercolor Inn as being "greedy" BFO's. Why is that?
Maybe the people who refuse to accept facts like these would be happier in Seattle or possibly NYC when they both come under local government rule.
Beach Fanatic
Maybe the people who refuse to accept facts like these would be happier in Seattle or possibly NYC when they both come under local government rule.
Beach Fanatic
I don't read many comments about the Sandestin Hilton, Adagio, or the Watercolor Inn as being "greedy" BFO's. Why is that?Inconvenient truths - that's why.
And don't forget Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watersound, Bella Vita, White Cliffs, and multitudes of other multi-unit gulf front HOAs.
I'm just an easy target for the wrath of the mob majority as I have been for many, many years, here, on SoWal. Through people like me, people like @mputnal try to impose their personal beliefs WITHOUT any factual or logical debate. It's just a worn out record that's played over and over without any real civil discourse... "greed", "humanity", etc. The real issues are never addressed because they truly don't have any facts supporting their "feelings". So they resort to personal attacks. It's simply juvenile.
I can't wait for @mputnal (or anyone else) to state his opinions on nourishment vs. eminent domain without a personal attack.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Inconvenient truths - that's why.
And don't forget Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watersound, Bella Vita, White Cliffs, and multitudes of other multi-unit gulf front HOAs.
I'm just an easy target for the wrath of the mob majority as I have been for many, many years, here, on SoWal. Through people like me, people like @mputnal try to impose their personal beliefs WITHOUT any factual or logical debate. It's just a worn out record that's played over and over without any real civil discourse... "greed", "humanity", etc. The real issues are never addressed because they truly don't have any facts supporting their "feelings". So they resort to personal attacks. It's simply juvenile.
I can't wait for @mputnal (or anyone else) to state his opinions on nourishment vs. eminent domain without a personal attack.
Boy, that's rich.I just call it as I see it. Obviously you fear "mob mentality". Where is that coming from? Where is the mob? Listen I ask you questions trying to understand why you are so angry and fearful. I ask you what is it that you really fear because there is no mob, there is no one trying to take something away from you and there is nothing mean about a family just wanted to go to the beach. You keep avoiding these questions. These are real issues. This is a real subject. Human issues. Everything you want to talk about seem to be personally motivated in terms of money. No I do not believe in giving you any money so NO to eminent domain. Yes to beach nourishment. I have lost a little faith in you in having a real conversation. You only want to talk about what is best for you. Trust me I wish I were wrong. I want you to prove to me I am wrong. You can't or won't. Your opinion is all that matters. You have to be right. You have built a bonfire of fear and anger and nothing is going to change that. You are the source of fuel for your fear and anger. Until you see this subject from a human perspective not personal greed then we will go back and forth forever. What is sad is that forever is not very long. If you are not able to read and understand that all I am saying to you is relax about public beaches. There are many more important things for you to worry about. Let it go. Breathe some fresh ocean air. You are going to be okay.
Do you have ANY constructive comments regarding beach nourishment vs. eminent domain?
Both achieve public beach.
I've simply expressed my opinion ON THE SUBJECT AT HAND.
Why do you continually and personally attack me instead of the issue at hand? But I guess this question just adds fuel to your personal bonfire.
Beach Fanatic
Since there are so many that struggle understanding, or accepting, the facts of beach front property owner's rights, maybe a basic example will help.Yes you are to blame for this. You built on a sand dune. You put up signs and fences. You call law enforcement to remove tax paying families from the beach. All you had to do is share the beach with a family for a few hours. You are not a victim of anything. You do not lose anything. You blame and blame everyone but you. I ask why? You answer with property rights. I say you do not own the beach. You cry and then blame so more. This is all pretty simple actually. Either you understand that humanity is not just you or you don't. That is the only fact that matters in the end...
Let's say that currently the beaches are wide open to everyone in Walton County. No private beach property. But Walton County has a shortfall in funds to properly operate and support the needs of citizens in the county. So they decide that starting Jan 1, 2026, any Walton County beachfront property purchased will include the beach area to the MHWL as the private property of that buyer - now owner.
Where would the displeasure and anger be directed at that point? The people who purchased any of said properties? Or possibly the county administrators that made this decision? Who would be "blamed" for this happening?
Because that is exactly what happened 60+ years ago in Walton County.
And what kind of person do you have to be to blame and vilify those that purchased these properties?
I have found it interesting that so many have blamed the "rich beach front owners" which is actually a VERY small percentage of the BFO's. I don't read many comments about the Sandestin Hilton, Adagio, or the Watercolor Inn as being "greedy" BFO's. Why is that?
Maybe the people who refuse to accept facts like these would be happier in Seattle or possibly NYC when they both come under local government rule.
Beach Fanatic
Honestly, is this autonomous AI posting gone awry?
Probably not. AI would at least use paragraphs to separate sections of logical thought.
Ooops... that explains it!
Probably not. AI would at least use paragraphs to separate sections of logical thought.
Ooops... that explains it!
Beach Fanatic
Honestly, is this autonomous AI posting gone awry?Honestly, I am a real human being who uses my own name. You are so wrong about so many things that you have to use a fake name. You are scared to use your real name because every time you respond to my post or anyone who disagrees with you, you attack me/them personally. It does not bother me. Real human beings who are trying to have a conversation usually have a train of thought. I do not expect that you care enough to actually read my post so I am unconcerned that you complain about little things like paragraphs. You only represent yourself and use a fake name. I am pretty sure most other BFO's are embarrassed. If you are going to attack someone personally why do you not own it with posting your real name? You do not have anything other than your dignity to be worried about. I try to speak truth to what really matters in life. You can't handle the truth. Private property rights is your only truth? You obviously have followed the wrong path in life if you believe you own the beach. I believe you let it slip that you inherited your property. If that is true you did not earn it. In addition you complain about having to pay taxes. You do not stop there because now you want eminent domain money. Yet you need to call a family going to the beach wanting something for nothing...
Probably not. AI would at least use paragraphs to separate sections of logical thought.
Ooops... that explains it!
Beach Fanatic
You do not stop there because now you want eminent domain money.FINALLY, a stand on eminent domain vs. nourishment. What if I told you I probably would not be one of the eminent domain parcels because of the lack of close proximity to public access.
You obviously don't want ANYBODY to receive compensation because you have declared private property isn't private, even after the county pissed away many millions of dollars on customary resulting in an affirmation that it is.
Good luck with your blathering attempts to convince thousands of owners that they are "bad greedy people". When in fact, you are the evil and mean spirited one who incessantly paints such a NEGATIVE light on many of your fellow citizens for owning private property that many people, such as yourself, feel entitled to.
If I was on the fence at all about opening up the beach (which I was at one time with a couple of compromises I threw out BEFORE customary use), I can assure you that I will now fight tooth and nail to defend what WE own.
So all your ridiculous, long winded, holier than thou posts have completely jaded me. And I thank you for that. It feels good to take a hard stand in something one believes in.
So screw eminent domain and beach nourishment without private property owners' permission. We'll see how this plays out.
Now go out and sell some pinestraw. You know, the stuff God made. Oh wait, shouldn't it belong to everyone for free, that being the case?
Have the last word between us.
Beach Fanatic
Now go out and sell some pinestraw. You know, the stuff God made. Oh wait, shouldn't it belong to everyone for free, that being the case?God don’t maintain, grow, collect, ship, store, etc. but keep trying to justify your behavior and denigrate others. You make beachfront owners stinky.
I would be happy to spend tax money for beach deeds. Around $100 per foot sounds about right. A lot more than it was worth when the deeds were stupidly made.
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