I know many don't see the Beach Breeze/Defuniak Herald so I thought I would post this article from July 12th that I found interesting. It looks like we will have more fireworks in addition to handcuffs on the beach. By the way, note that this will affect private individuals and vendors so let the funn begin..
Items left on beach to be removed
By DOTTY NIST
"Remove it or lose it," is now the rule in the evening on Walton County beaches.
To alleviate what has been identified as "a severe problem," Walton County has initiated a coordinated approach to have beaches clear of clutter in the evenings. The clutter of chairs, awnings, umbrellas, and other items on the beach has long been a complaint of South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers.
Federally-protected native sea turtles come onto the beach during their spring and fall nesting season, and their reproduction can be hampered by obstacles left on the beach in the evening. Human beachgoers can also run into or trip over these obstacles as they walk on the beach at night.
On June 28, Pat Blackshear, county planning and development services director, announced a cooperative effort between the county, the tourism council, and the sheriff's office to address the problem.
Blackshear explained that items left on the beach would be tagged and then removed after 24 hours if not taken off the beach by their owners. The policy applies both to private individuals and beach vendors, who are being notified by mail.
Walton County Sheriff's Office and Walton County Code Enforcement personnel will share patrol and tagging duties. South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) personnel will pick up tagged items once the 24-hour period has elapsed, and owners will forfeit items that are picked up.
TDC Executive Director Kriss Titus commented that, while Walton County's beaches have been honored by the Clean Beaches Council, she believes that the TDC has not been getting the message out about the importance of an uncluttered beach.
She said the TDC plans a "remove it or lose it" marketing campaign and will post information on its web page urging visitors to comply.
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SoWal Expert
I am pretty sure it will not. The reason being is that many of the items will be picked up with the trash and to get it into the truck, it will have to be squished, cut, dismantled, etc. If not, there would be even MORE trucks up and down the beach which is a whole other issue, not to mention more people to work with some getting trash and others getting the beach items. The sheer volume of items will not make it feasible. I am not sure about the kayaks though.That makes sense to me, but put me down for first dibs on any kayaks or paddles. They cannot crush them in with the garbage. ;-)
On another note, all of the tags have a "remove by" date on them so if you see something that has an "expired" remove date it will be taken that day so go get 'em!
Beach FanaticAuthor
That makes sense to me, but put me down for first dibs on any kayaks or paddles. They cannot crush them in with the garbage. ;-)
The kayaks will be the interesting part, as I could use one too!;-)
Beach Fanatic
The kayaks will be the interesting part, as I could use one too!;-)All joking aside, if I were the owner of a kayak that was chained to a walkover, well away from the main beach, I would be REALLY PISSED if 2 days later (instead of 24 hours) I decided to go back to the beach and find my kayak gone.
If TDC is removing these items with no "NOTICE" of this policy posted at the walkovers, I would think they could be held liable for "theft" of private property. IF not, then they should be accused of using VERY POOR judgement.... somewhat negates the emerald coast beach advertising I've been seeing on Fox News lately.
I understand the tent city thingy and other beach junk left in the MIDDLE of the beach, but one's (relatively expensive) kayak chained to a walkover is another matter. Don't bother trying to convince me otherwise.
This is my pet peeve with TDC... all these stinkin' rules, yet they pick and choose what they post at the accesses (including the private property issue, BTW). Then we all wonder why tourists get upset when they "break the law" without even knowing they did.
For that matter, did TDC ever post the "remove it or lose it" on the TDC web site? Try it: http://www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
Then search for "rules" or "policy" or "remove". Nothing.
--edit: They do have the rules posted - http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf
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SoWal Expert
BMBV, out of curiosity, what would you think about a big inflatable jumping platform which was tied to State Park "no tresspassing" and "keep off the dunes" signs?
Beach Fanatic
Is the walkover a public or private walkover?
If it's a public walkover, I'd call anything left overnight there abandoned property.
If it's a public walkover, I'd call anything left overnight there abandoned property.
Beach Fanatic
BMBV, out of curiosity, what would you think about a big inflatable jumping platform which was tied to State Park "no tresspassing" and "keep off the dunes" signs?Another subject?
I was wrong!!! Yes I was indeed. SLAP!!! as the hand goes across my my face!!!
http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf
It is posted. Thank you TDC !!! Lingering question...will this be posted at the accesses?
Beach FanaticAuthor
All joking aside, if I were the owner of a kayak that was chained to a walkover, well away from the main beach, I would be REALLY PISSED if 2 days later (instead of 24 hours) I decided to go back to the beach and find my kayak gone.
If TDC is removing these items with no "NOTICE" of this policy posted at the walkovers, I would think they could be held liable for "theft" of private property. IF not, then they should be accused of using VERY POOR judgement.... somewhat negates the emerald coast beach advertising I've been seeing on Fox News lately.
I understand the tent city thingy and other beach junk left in the MIDDLE of the beach, but one's (relatively expensive) kayak chained to a walkover is another matter. Don't bother trying to convince me otherwise.
This is my pet peeve with TDC... all these stinkin' rules, yet they pick and choose what they post at the accesses (including the private property issue, BTW). Then we all wonder why tourists get upset when they "break the law" without even knowing they did.
For that matter, did TDC ever post the "remove it or lose it" on the TDC web site? Try it: http://www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
Then search for "rules" or "policy" or "remove". Nothing.
Like I said, I don't know what the policy is with kayaks so if someone loses one they should probably contact the TDC.
However, do you think the TDC chose to implement this program? This is a COUNTY ordinance, that the COUNTY decided to enforce, using the SHERRIF's DEPARTMENT. The TDC's only role as I understand it is to get the stuff off the beach, that they mark. The TDC has no authority to hand-pick anything as they are the last part of this system, not the first. Like I said earlier, I would not want to be the one implementing this program because typically "S$^t" rolls down hill and in this case it's the guys taking things off the beach. The access rules are decided by the COUNTY and SHERRIF'S Department also BTW, it's just another case of the TDC's role is to try and get the information out.
Finally, regarding something chained to a public structure. Are you seriously defending taking something down to the beach and chaining it to a PUBLIC structure? How about a little personal responsibility here. Are people entitled to do whatever they want just because it's a public structure. My understanding is that this is only occurring at the County access points not private strutcures. So, if a homeowner is chaining something to their property or if it is under their walkover it is left alone, but I think it is very reasonable to not allow public access points as storage areas.
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Beach FanaticAuthor
Is the walkover a public or private walkover?
If it's a public walkover, I'd call anything left overnight there abandoned property.
That's my feeling also. I do not believe I have the right to leave my personal belongings overnight away from my property and expect it to be there when I get back. All of our visitors come from places where there are public parks and I would not believe for a minute that they would leave their things unattended in Jackson Square in New Orleans for example, and expect it to be there when they got back. This requires a little personal responsibility I understand, but if we don't require it with ramifications then it will never happen.
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SoWal Expert
Beach FanaticAuthor
Per STATE PARK request, the County does NOT clean the state park beaches. You may want to let them know where you saw it as I don't know if it will be removed with the current program.
Meow
Holy Sheet! That thing is huge! Does it belong to the blue tent train folks? I was holing for a pic of that tent city...got one?
SoWal Expert
Holy Sheet! That thing is huge! Does it belong to the blue tent train folks? I was holing for a pic of that tent city...got one?I doubt it belongs to those people. I'll get the construction people with the tent city to smile big and purty for the camera, today.
Beach Fanatic
BeachSiO2,
I think you missed my main point that I had underlined:
".. all these stinkin' rules, yet they pick and choose what they post at the accesses (including the private property issue, BTW)."
The last I heard, our crime rate is much lower than New Orleans. So yes, I would expect my kayak to still be there when I got back the next day regardless of what it was chained to IF I had no knowledge of the "Remove It or Lose It" initiative.
So going back to the meat of the matter, has anyone seen these rules posted at the public accesses? How is the "public" made truly aware of this new, not so obvious rule?
I think you missed my main point that I had underlined:
".. all these stinkin' rules, yet they pick and choose what they post at the accesses (including the private property issue, BTW)."
The last I heard, our crime rate is much lower than New Orleans. So yes, I would expect my kayak to still be there when I got back the next day regardless of what it was chained to IF I had no knowledge of the "Remove It or Lose It" initiative.
So going back to the meat of the matter, has anyone seen these rules posted at the public accesses? How is the "public" made truly aware of this new, not so obvious rule?
SoWal Expert
So going back to the meat of the matter, has anyone seen these rules posted at the public accesses? How is the "public" made truly aware of this new, not so obvious rule?I think someone mentioned that the rule was pointed out to the homeowners in one sub-division, and they were asked to pass along the info to renters. I think that adding more signs regarding basic rules like this are pointless and will do nothing more than add clutter to the scenery, as most people walk right past the signs without reading any of them.
Some warning tags placed on the items might draw awareness, but I doubt it. Too much work and too many beaches, and not enough people to enforce on a daily basis. Believe me. It will take no more than one season to get the word out if the County would just start by collecting the crap today.
My second choice of enforcement would be to charge fines. I don't know what amounts -- $50 per item left?
Beach FanaticAuthor
BeachSiO2,
I think you missed my main point that I had underlined:
".. all these stinkin' rules, yet they pick and choose what they post at the accesses (including the private property issue, BTW)."
The last I heard, our crime rate is much lower than New Orleans. So yes, I would expect my kayak to still be there when I got back the next day regardless of what it was chained to IF I had no knowledge of the "Remove It or Lose It" initiative.
So going back to the meat of the matter, has anyone seen these rules posted at the public accesses? How is the "public" made truly aware of this new, not so obvious rule?
My main point is blame enforcement on who it is, as the TDC is typically the target and in many cases it's not them. By the way, does anyone read the signs anyway? I don't think many people even see them but I bet there will be some signs at the major accesses reagrding this issue pretty soon.
So, you believe that someone should be able to leave stuff on the beach and expect it to be there just because there is no sign? Can you tell me where your place is at BM? I will start using that beach myself and need a good place to store stuff as it gets heavy carrying it up and down the beach access. I am guessing you don't have a sign there so it must be ok for me to do it. Don't worry, I will bring my own chain and lock.
I think this is much simpler. I was taught by my mother if I expected to keep my toys, I would have to keep up with them and not leave them at someone else's house. Why shouldn't we expect the same of adults?
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SoWal Expert
I wonder how much crap is getting washed out into the Gulf right now.
hmmmm......can't remember
I've stayed in Gulf Trace for the last 11 years for Memorial Day weekend. I don't know if that beach is actually considered public or private. There are signs at the access, but I don't remember the exact wording. The gist is that parking is for Gulf Trace residents and their guests.
I've known for the last couple of years that they didn't want stuff on the beach overnight. There was once a sign at one time, which cited sea turtles as the reason for clearing the beach each evening. I honestly don't remember if it is still there.
You guys are gonna crucify me for this, but I'm gonna go ahead and lay it out: This year, one of my friends asked me if it was okay to leave tents up on the beach overnight. She has an infant and all the mandatory paraphernalia that infants require.
Her question was worded "Can I leave this here?" but it really meant: "Do I have to schlep the baby, the stroller, the giant bag full of baby junk, the chair AND the godforsaken tent two blocks every day just so I can sit on the beach for 20 minutes before she starts screaming?"
I heard the second question, and asked a resident, "Can she leave the tent on the beach?" The resident is a mother, so she heard the translated version and compassionately said, "I'm sure that it will be fine." My friend left the tent out there, and all the other stuff that the group left overnight (volleyball nets, sea kayaks, etc.) was left in that one little area.
I know, I know! I hear you. It's an ugly eyesore in your backyard. My friend was just there for a few days, but you have these people coming in and out all year. Therefore you have these stupid tents up all year. It's rotten for everyone.
Can someone gently tell me why there can't be some sort of compromise, such as under the walkovers? A figurative "beach locker" area where that stuff can sit overnight, maybe even in the parking lots, where I presume sea turtles don't nest?
(Don't hate me. Don't kill me. Don't ban me. I'm just sayin...)
I've known for the last couple of years that they didn't want stuff on the beach overnight. There was once a sign at one time, which cited sea turtles as the reason for clearing the beach each evening. I honestly don't remember if it is still there.
You guys are gonna crucify me for this, but I'm gonna go ahead and lay it out: This year, one of my friends asked me if it was okay to leave tents up on the beach overnight. She has an infant and all the mandatory paraphernalia that infants require.
Her question was worded "Can I leave this here?" but it really meant: "Do I have to schlep the baby, the stroller, the giant bag full of baby junk, the chair AND the godforsaken tent two blocks every day just so I can sit on the beach for 20 minutes before she starts screaming?"
I heard the second question, and asked a resident, "Can she leave the tent on the beach?" The resident is a mother, so she heard the translated version and compassionately said, "I'm sure that it will be fine." My friend left the tent out there, and all the other stuff that the group left overnight (volleyball nets, sea kayaks, etc.) was left in that one little area.
I know, I know! I hear you. It's an ugly eyesore in your backyard. My friend was just there for a few days, but you have these people coming in and out all year. Therefore you have these stupid tents up all year. It's rotten for everyone.
Can someone gently tell me why there can't be some sort of compromise, such as under the walkovers? A figurative "beach locker" area where that stuff can sit overnight, maybe even in the parking lots, where I presume sea turtles don't nest?
(Don't hate me. Don't kill me. Don't ban me. I'm just sayin...)
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SoWal Expert
I wonder how much crap is getting washed out into the Gulf right now.
I don't know, but it is raining so hard that the road looks like it is washing away!
SoWal Expert
Boo-f-ing-hoo! Quit whining about having to schlep stuff back and forth to the beach and having items left there removed after 24 hours.
If you can't easily carry it all there & back, you have too much stuff. I've camped for a month with less crap then people "need" for a day at the beach. I can appreciate that for some people going to the beach, especially with kids or babies, can require more items, but perhaps if they have to carry it there and back every day, they wouldn't take so many unnecessary items.
This is one of the few places where people leave things out and expect them to be there when they return hours or days later. I'd love to see them try it back home.
Pick up after yourself! If people weren't being irresponsible slobs we wouldn't have a problem..................and if you pick up after yourself you won't have to worry abot losing any of your stuff.
If you can't easily carry it all there & back, you have too much stuff. I've camped for a month with less crap then people "need" for a day at the beach. I can appreciate that for some people going to the beach, especially with kids or babies, can require more items, but perhaps if they have to carry it there and back every day, they wouldn't take so many unnecessary items.
This is one of the few places where people leave things out and expect them to be there when they return hours or days later. I'd love to see them try it back home.
Pick up after yourself! If people weren't being irresponsible slobs we wouldn't have a problem..................and if you pick up after yourself you won't have to worry abot losing any of your stuff.
hmmmm......can't remember
Boo-f-ing-hoo! Quit whining about having to schlep stuff back and forth to the beach and having items left there removed after 24 hours.
If you can't easily carry it all there & back, you have too much stuff. I've camped for a month with less crap then people "need" for a day at the beach. I can appreciate that for some people going to the beach, especially with kids or babies, can require more items, but perhaps if they have to carry it there and back every day, they wouldn't take so many unnecessary items.
This is one of the few places where people leave things out and expect them to be there when they return hours or days later. I'd love to see them try it back home.
Pick up after yourself! If people weren't being irresponsible slobs we wouldn't have a problem..................and if you pick up after yourself you won't have to worry abot losing any of your stuff.
Good grief. So much for a gentle discussion.
Leave the "you" out of it. I have a book and a chair, and neither of them get left.
Not my stuff, not my beach, not my problem, then. :leaving:
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SoWal Expert
perhaps if they have to carry it there and back every day, they wouldn't take so many unnecessary items.Absolutely right! Why do parents think that kids need tons of cheap plastic stuff in order to be entertained? How about letting the kid have a little imagination? Kids don't need shovels and buckets. Most kids have hands with which they can dig as deep as they need to go. Ever heard of making sand sculptures with your hands? Pleas help free the kids from all of the needless crap.
Beach Fanatic
NoHall:
While I understand your issue, I tend to agree that most folks pack crap to the beach like they are on a Normandy invasion!
Regarding the new momma.....you could have educated her about the beach issue AND taught her about streamlining her accessories to the beach.
They make beach chairs with a backpack, portable umbrella (to keep those evil rays off the bambino and tada.....she would have been one mobile momma......!
Whatever happened to the ole days of a towel, lotion and maybe a cooler full of your favorite beverage in a CAN.....
While I understand your issue, I tend to agree that most folks pack crap to the beach like they are on a Normandy invasion!
Regarding the new momma.....you could have educated her about the beach issue AND taught her about streamlining her accessories to the beach.
They make beach chairs with a backpack, portable umbrella (to keep those evil rays off the bambino and tada.....she would have been one mobile momma......!
Whatever happened to the ole days of a towel, lotion and maybe a cooler full of your favorite beverage in a CAN.....
Beach Fanatic
My main point is blame enforcement on who it is, as the TDC is typically the target and in many cases it's not them. By the way, does anyone read the signs anyway? I don't think many people even see them but I bet there will be some signs at the major accesses reagrding this issue pretty soon.Once more, it IS the responsibilty of TDC to make the general public aware of these rules.
So, you believe that someone should be able to leave stuff on the beach and expect it to be there just because there is no sign? Can you tell me where your place is at BM? I will start using that beach myself and need a good place to store stuff as it gets heavy carrying it up and down the beach access. I am guessing you don't have a sign there so it must be ok for me to do it. Don't worry, I will bring my own chain and lock.
I think this is much simpler. I was taught by my mother if I expected to keep my toys, I would have to keep up with them and not leave them at someone else's house. Why shouldn't we expect the same of adults?
We (rental property owners) collect tax on short term rentals and pay TDC because we are required to. The TDC spends this money on advertising campaigns...inviting the public from all over to the Beaches of South Walton.
Then when the public arrives, you assume that the TDC shouldn't be responsible for educating the public? Just allow the sheriff to arrest those who "thought" they were on public beach. Take away their kayaks because they "thought" they were safe back off of the beach.
So yes, I do believe it is TDC's responsibility to educate the public.
IT REALLY IS SIMPLE! Add this to the bottom of the existing "Don't do this and this and this" signs:
Don't leave items on the beach overnight - possible confiscation.
This is the core of my position on the past few posts
Am I asking too much?
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Beach Comber
Holy Sheet! That thing is huge! Does it belong to the blue tent train folks? I was holing for a pic of that tent city...got one?
This is unbelieveable!!!!!! I would love to meet the self-assuming ingrate who tied this up! How about I drop by their front yard and tie up my kids trampoline!
Somebody please share the sunset pictures---
Beach Fanatic
Good grief. So much for a gentle discussion.Your post is realtistic and appreciated. Many of us are "guilty" of the same and some of us are changing our attitudes.
Leave the "you" out of it. I have a book and a chair, and neither of them get left.
Not my stuff, not my beach, not my problem, then. :leaving:
However some people here are so idealistic that they lose their sense of civility on this board.
Also you asked, "Can someone gently tell me why there can't be some sort of compromise, such as under the walkovers? A figurative "beach locker" area where that stuff can sit overnight, maybe even in the parking lots, where I presume sea turtles don't nest?"
I believe Gulf Trace is private - just a guess. Assuming it is, you have the right to pull your stuff off the beach up to the dune line and leave it there overnight and store it behind the private walkover.
So those here telling you that you have to remove it completely off the sand, are simply, wrong - as much as I hate to say it. ;-)
Thanks for your middle of the road input!
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