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.
Replies
658
Beach FanaticAuthor
I saw chairs this morning at Lakewood/Beachfront Tr (between Eastern Lake and Deer Lake) marked:
Butterfly Rentals 231-2826
Previously I've seen these:
Beach chair 4U rentals 231-4448 or 4446
267-2000 SWind Beach Service 231-2974
Maybe the previous ones are heeding the ordinance? Sorry my numbers might be wrong, the notes are rough. I had called on the beach and got recorders. They never called back. However, what do you think? Would a lot of complaints, tying up their phone lines, be educational and maybe persuasive for these squatters? After all, when they rent for more than a day, they simply are trying to make more money by doing less work.
Based on the schedule, they will be tagged Saturday in the Eastern Lake area and must be off by Monday. Not to mention, they have already received letters from Code Enforcement. The one thing about vendor chairs is that they can't hide as they typically have their names on them, and if they have multiple infractions their permits can be pulled by the County and they will be out of business..
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Wish I could monitor the tagging and removal at Eastern Lake this weekend, but I'm heading out of town for a week tomorrow AM. How about one of the other Eastern Lake SoWallers posting an update Sat or Sun?
I'll do to Lakewood/Beachfront, going east on Saturday. I doubt if the taggers will be there at 6 a.m. I will go again Monday a.m. and look for tags. Hey, I should do video of everything there on Saturday. Then go again on Tuesday and video the same stretch. Then youtube it. Or can I do videos at sowal?
Meow
Based on the schedule, they will be tagged today in the Eastern Lake area and must be off by Sunday. Not to mention, they have already received letters from Code Enforcement. The one thing about vendor chairs is that they can't hide as they typically have their names on them, and if they have multiple infractions their permits can be pulled by the County and they will be out of business..[/quote]
And that would be called...consequences! I'm guessing if their chairs are picked up, that would hurt business, as well. I know that beach set up is hard work, but it should be honest work, as well.
Thank you, everyone, for keeping us posted on the developments of this situation. Because of your diligence, the beaches might just get reclaimed!
Beach FanaticAuthor
I'll do to Lakewood/Beachfront, going east on Saturday. I doubt if the taggers will be there at 6 a.m. I will go again Monday a.m. and look for tags. Hey, I should do video of everything there on Saturday. Then go again on Tuesday and video the same stretch. Then youtube it. Or can I do videos at sowal?
Considering how long that stretch of beach is, the tagging will probably be done by Saturday afternoon, which should help that area with all the new Saturday check-ins. Since Monday am is when they would start removing them, Monday afternoon/early evening would be a good time to see what is left.
Beach Fanatic
Based on the schedule, they will be tagged today in the Eastern Lake area and must be off by Sunday. Not to mention, they have already received letters from Code Enforcement. The one thing about vendor chairs is that they can't hide as they typically have their names on them, and if they have multiple infractions their permits can be pulled by the County and they will be out of business..
I look forward to code enforcers issuing infractions. Really? By the way, the schedule I got says Sat/Mon for tag/drag for One Seagrove to Sea Breeze. I would think Eastern Lake would be in that zone F. No?
Beach FanaticAuthor
I look forward to code enforcers issuing infractions. Really? By the way, the schedule I got says Sat/Mon for tag/drag for One Seagrove to Sea Breeze. I would think Eastern Lake would be in that zone F. No?
No, I made a mistake and changed my post. You are right, it's sat/Monday sorry....
Beach Lover
Many of the beach chair rental companies will rent by the week, but leave the responsibility for the chairs to the renter. While the rental companies have always emphasized that the equipment is the responsibility of the renter, the sudden enforcement of the ordinance is providing a new twist in their ability to offer services to the visitors.
I am in full agreement with enforcement of the ordinances, but please don't go off at the rental companies because of their customers.
On another note, for those of you who got onto the mother about the amount of stuff she wanted to schlep to the beach, if you have not had children, please don't judge.
I am in full agreement with enforcement of the ordinances, but please don't go off at the rental companies because of their customers.
On another note, for those of you who got onto the mother about the amount of stuff she wanted to schlep to the beach, if you have not had children, please don't judge.
Beach Fanatic
I saw chairs this morning at Lakewood/Beachfront Tr (between Eastern Lake and Deer Lake) marked:
Previously I've seen these:
Beach chair 4U rentals 231-4448 or 4446
267-2000 SWind Beach Service 231-2974
Those are the two with all the chairs at Ramsgate. I didn't want to identify them, as it wasn't my intent to make an object of them. I'm sure the other beach chair services along 30A all face the same challenge. It is revealing, though, that they are supposed to have letters in hand stating the intent to enforce the ordinance.
I'd hate to have to tell an angry chair renter that he/she was going to have to pay me for chairs that got confiscated. Those aren't $5 WalMart specials they are renting. And forcing the customers to remove the chairs every night takes away much of the convenience that sells the chair rentals in the first place. You know, I always thought the beach chair business might be a lot of work for the amount of $ you'd make from it. Looks like it just got worse.
None of which is a way of saying they should be exempt, just feeling a little emphathy.
SoWal Expert
Publicizing the tagging/removal schedule schedule seems counter productive to keeping the beaches clean. Now I know what days I can leave my stuff littering the beach w/ no repercussions!
Beach Fanatic
Publicizing the tagging/removal schedule schedule seems counter productive to keeping the beaches clean. Now I know what days I can leave my stuff littering the beach w/ no repercussions!
True. I took my zone schedule page down. To me it is useful to track how the cleanup is working. However, this morning I talked to a TDC person who seemed quite serious about the tag and bag, so I'm encouraged. I got video of Eastern Lake today, on the last day before the new policy there.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Publicizing the tagging/removal schedule schedule seems counter productive to keeping the beaches clean. Now I know what days I can leave my stuff littering the beach w/ no repercussions!
Good point, but I wouldn't count on that not changing once the first few passes are made.
Beach Fanatic
I am in full agreement with enforcement of the ordinances, but please don't go off at the rental companies because of their customers.
On another note, for those of you who got onto the mother about the amount of stuff she wanted to schlep to the beach, if you have not had children, please don't judge.
I do have children but I don't endanger others by trashing the environment because of it. No one was 'getting on to' or 'judging' the mom. She's not even on the thread, is she? So who's callin' out who here
I was stating my opinion on a message board under a thread entitled items left on the beach overnight' ;-) Also, PS, just because a person doesn't have children does not mean they aren't entitled to an opinion about the junk others leave on the beach with the lame excuse of having 'children'. Carry all the junk you want to the beach for your children just please don't whine if you have to pick up at night. That's all I'm talkin' about, period, sunshine. If we all lived so entitled what a mess the beach would be. What about the sea turtles? Are you actually suggesting it's okay if you have children to leave stuff overnight or just that we were being mean to someone that's not even on here? 
SoWal Expert
I do have children but I don't endanger others by trashing the environment because of it. No one was 'getting on to' or 'judging' the mom. She's not even on the thread, is she? So who's callin' out who here
I can sympathize/empathize with the moms too. I'm just lucky enough now to be able to drive my junk out there. Not every person on the planet knows the beach "rules" around here, but we are working on it. What we don't need is mouthiness.
I know Sunshine, and she is quite the fan of a good beach- you need to relax a bit. She was just making an observation. But she is here every day and doesn't want a crapped out beach any more than the rest of us.
bean
I do have children but I don't endanger others by trashing the environment because of it. No one was 'getting on to' or 'judging' the mom. She's not even on the thread, is she? So who's callin' out who here
Relaaaax, your post was a little on the harsh side. I think you read a whole lot more into it than what was intended.
Beach Fanatic
Sorry if I hurt your feelings jdarg. 
IMHO, I thought posting, "On another note,for those of you who..., if you have not had children, please don't judge" was kinda mouthy ;-) If she is there everyday why is she defending the mom who leaves stuff on the beach or is she even? Why don't you let her speak for herself? I don't know who is buddies with who. BTW, you are very lucky to drive your 'junk' out there, if that's what you choose to do. WTH "Not every person on the planet knows the rules..." The thread is about leaving items on the beach overnight not how many toys you wanna carry for your kids, right? Just cuz I won't carry my kids stuff doesn't mean everybody has to do like me. No one died and left me boss. It was only a suggestion; and no, I'm not blessed enough yet to live there full-time everyday like you and sunshine, but with any luck maybe we can be smart a$$ friends on a full-time basis some day. ;-) Hail's bells, I thought I was relaxin' here. Maybe not. Sorry ya'll. Just feel passionate about this issue.
IMHO, I thought posting, "On another note,for those of you who..., if you have not had children, please don't judge" was kinda mouthy ;-) If she is there everyday why is she defending the mom who leaves stuff on the beach or is she even? Why don't you let her speak for herself? I don't know who is buddies with who. BTW, you are very lucky to drive your 'junk' out there, if that's what you choose to do. WTH "Not every person on the planet knows the rules..." The thread is about leaving items on the beach overnight not how many toys you wanna carry for your kids, right? Just cuz I won't carry my kids stuff doesn't mean everybody has to do like me. No one died and left me boss. It was only a suggestion; and no, I'm not blessed enough yet to live there full-time everyday like you and sunshine, but with any luck maybe we can be smart a$$ friends on a full-time basis some day. ;-) Hail's bells, I thought I was relaxin' here. Maybe not. Sorry ya'll. Just feel passionate about this issue.Edited
hmmmm......can't remember
why is she defending the mom who leaves stuff on the beach or is she even? ...The thread is about leaving items on the beach overnight not how many toys you wanna carry for your kids, right? Just cuz I won't carry my kids stuff doesn't mean everybody has to do like me.
Just to clarify: No one was defending, condoning, begging permission to leave buckets, shovels, chairs, coolers, inflatable Shamus, etc. The mom in question brought no toys on the beach, left no toys on the beach, and the "kid" was a non-ambulatory infant. She left a tent on a private stretch of beach because someone told me that it would be okay.
But I've learned my lesson. My friend the mom is in Colorado right now, but next time I see her I'm going to beat the crap out of her for leaving that tent on the beach. I hate her.
Carry on with the rampage, and have a good night...
Beach Fanatic
OMG
I don't know your personal story. It wasn't about you personally.
I don't know your personal story. It wasn't about you personally.Edited
SoWal Insider
Is it really a big deal to leave two beach chairs and your umbrella out there at night so you don't have to tote them down there every day??? We stay on a private part of the beach and have in past years left them out there until we found that someone was sitting in them at night and drinking beer and then leaving their beer bottles by our chairs. Who knows what else they may have been doing. After that, we started taking them back up every evening. But we left them out during the day as we went back out there later in the day.
We stay on a private part of the beach and have in past years left them out there until we found that someone was sitting in them at night and drinking beer and then leaving their beer bottles by our chairs. Who knows what else they may have been doing. After that, we started taking them back up every evening. But we left them out during the day as we went back out there later in the day.hmmmm......can't remember
OMG
I know..I still wub you...
My point is that you folks who are passionate about leaving the beaches pristine and protecting the turtles ARE making a good, solid point with this thread until the fighting breaks out.
Next time I'm at the beach with my friends and their toddlers/infants I'll carry the @#$&! tent, if necessary.
(Good lord. I think I'm running a fever now...)
Group hug?
Beach Fanatic
Lady D 
Have you seen the turtle posts throughout this thread. You're a critter er, aren't you? Someone throw me a line here puhleeez? Why would you care if somone drinks a beer in your chair on the 'private':nono1: beach? Have you checked out the 'Led Away in Handcuffs' thread about 'private' beaches?
Have you seen the turtle posts throughout this thread. You're a critter er, aren't you? Someone throw me a line here puhleeez? Why would you care if somone drinks a beer in your chair on the 'private':nono1: beach? Have you checked out the 'Led Away in Handcuffs' thread about 'private' beaches?Edited
SoWal Insider
Lady D
Yeah, I love critters seacrestkristi, and I have read the turtles posts throughout this thread, and the only turtle nesting area that we see anyway near us is down towards Pinnacle Port and it is roped off with a sign stating such. People are constantly walking the beach at night, at least we see many when sitting out on our deck at night, does that not disturb the turtles also? It wasn't so much them sitting in our chairs as them leaving the bottles out there for us to have to clean up. But I'm not getting into the ongoing arguments in this thread at all. We won't be leaving them out there anymore if they are threatening to remove peoples tents and chairs and umbrellas that are left out overnight, despite the fact we are on a private stretch of beach. Not replying anymore on this thread, too many harsh words going on between other posters.
Beach Fanatic
..., and the only turtle nesting area that we see anyway near us is down towards Pinnacle Port and it is roped off with a sign stating such.
Turtles can come ashore anywhere here. They will be successful if the beach is clear. There is no specific nesting area. OK, I'm not a turtle watch person, but this is the understanding I have.
Beach Lover
Is it really a big deal to leave two beach chairs and your umbrella out there at night so you don't have to tote them down there every day??? .
Yes, it is.
Beach Lover
I should have said, "Is it really a big deal to tote your junk back every day?"
Unless you're disabled in some way, it's laziness and lack of consideration for others, including turtles.
Unless you're disabled in some way, it's laziness and lack of consideration for others, including turtles.
Beach Fanatic
It is amazing to me that people think it is okay to leave things on the beach. Would you leave them in a city park? At a ball field after the game is over?
Is there anywhere else that you would leave your stuff when you have left?
If not, then why do you think it's okay to leave it on the beach?
It is beyond my comprehension. It would never occur to me to leave my chair on the beach when I am leaving the beach.
Is there anywhere else that you would leave your stuff when you have left?
If not, then why do you think it's okay to leave it on the beach?
It is beyond my comprehension. It would never occur to me to leave my chair on the beach when I am leaving the beach.
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