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
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SoWal Guide
I would vote to ban the BA tents. Umbrellas that are easily taken up and down seem to be more appropriate....they were fine for many years around here.well, that would be my vote for sure. but, good grief! they are so darn popular now!
SoWal Expert
well, that would be my vote for sure. but, good grief! they are so darn popular now!I think once they have to start putting them up & taking them down each day their popularity will wane. :roll:
I'm all for folks having some shade/protecting themselves from the sun, it's the tents sitting there vacant for days on end that I abhor.
Edited
SoWal Expert
good observation, Toots. The the madness did seem to escalate with the sale of $79.99 tents being sold at Wal-mart, and the BA holes on the beach seemed to coincide with the sale of BA plastic shovels in our local area. 
There appears to be some bell which rings in people's ears when they set up a BA tent. The bell says, "it's okay to bring everything we own and stake claim to this part of the beach." If they didn't have a tent to mark off their area, I think they would be less likely to leave the numerous toys and chairs, as it would appear more like garbage that someone left at the beach. The tent represents "their claim" to the possessions under it. It is really interesting to note the difference in the typical umbrella user and the tent user. Again, you make a great observation.
While I hate to see gov't step in and make rules on the little things in our lives, such as the type of shade we choose to use, you may be on to something here, though I would rather see the govt enforce the existing rules, rather than creating more rules which will also be unenforced. I vote no on the banning of tents and BA shovels, but I do vote in favor of enforcing existing rules.
There appears to be some bell which rings in people's ears when they set up a BA tent. The bell says, "it's okay to bring everything we own and stake claim to this part of the beach." If they didn't have a tent to mark off their area, I think they would be less likely to leave the numerous toys and chairs, as it would appear more like garbage that someone left at the beach. The tent represents "their claim" to the possessions under it. It is really interesting to note the difference in the typical umbrella user and the tent user. Again, you make a great observation.
While I hate to see gov't step in and make rules on the little things in our lives, such as the type of shade we choose to use, you may be on to something here, though I would rather see the govt enforce the existing rules, rather than creating more rules which will also be unenforced. I vote no on the banning of tents and BA shovels, but I do vote in favor of enforcing existing rules.
SoWal Guide
I think once they have to start putting them up & taking them down each day their popularity will wane. :roll:
I'm all for folks having some shade/protecting themselves from the sun, it's the tents sitting there vacant for days on end that I abhor.
I know. I have to have shade - but a big umbrella works for me. how often do you see the entire family sitting under a big tent to get out of the sun? it's usually just a place to store stuff, and maybe one or two people sitting under it, if any.
It does not seem right to stake out prime gulf front spots with huge structures for a week! when they are not being used for much of the time. some of us enjoy the beach after 5pm, and would like to be able to pick out a nice spot - and not squeeze between two empty BA tents. Oh well, the season is coming to a close. thankfully.
SoWal Expert
I know. I have to have shade - but a big umbrella works for me. how often do you see the entire family sitting under a big tent to get out of the sun? it's usually just a place to store stuff, and maybe one or two people sitting under it, if any.
It does not seem right to stake out prime gulf front spots with huge structures for a week! when they are not being used for much of the time. some of us enjoy the beach after 5pm, and would like to be able to pick out a nice spot - and not squeeze between two empty BA tents. Oh well, the season is coming to a close. thankfully.
I totally agree that tents have become the SUVs of the beach - improperly sized and used - but have WAY too much skin cancer in my family to support banning shade devices. My hope is that the "convenience" of them will be lost when they are strictly limited to daily use, so that they will then be properly and sparingly utilized.
SoWal Insider
I have never seen these monster tents until this year ever on any beach I have ever been on.
They make such nice portable tents for babies/kids and adults now that fold up into backbacks. That's all I have ever used is either an umbrella or a 2 person pop up lightweight tent that has SPF 45.
I was shocked when I came in June and woke up to my walk on the beach to these blue furnished condominiums because I come usually off season. :shock:
I think people will readjust their needs once they have to do a tear down demolition every night.
They make such nice portable tents for babies/kids and adults now that fold up into backbacks. That's all I have ever used is either an umbrella or a 2 person pop up lightweight tent that has SPF 45.
I was shocked when I came in June and woke up to my walk on the beach to these blue furnished condominiums because I come usually off season. :shock:
I think people will readjust their needs once they have to do a tear down demolition every night.
SoWal Guide
monster houses at the beach, monster cars on 30A, monster tents on the beach... what's next? monster rv's with 4-wheel drive, complete with pop-out side porch and pool?
I'm not all that worried about it though (I'm much more disturbed by hummers on 30A!). really, it's only part of the summer (mainly July) when we see so much of this and start getting a little sick of all the madness. things are getting better already. by mid-september we'll be alright...
and I'm also remembering that there are always a handful of irresponsible people on the beach, leaving trash and plastic toys - these poo-poo heads are not representative of most visitors who love and respect and do their best to care for the beach. we just pick up their crap and like to moan and groan about it the whole time...
I'm not all that worried about it though (I'm much more disturbed by hummers on 30A!). really, it's only part of the summer (mainly July) when we see so much of this and start getting a little sick of all the madness. things are getting better already. by mid-september we'll be alright...
and I'm also remembering that there are always a handful of irresponsible people on the beach, leaving trash and plastic toys - these poo-poo heads are not representative of most visitors who love and respect and do their best to care for the beach. we just pick up their crap and like to moan and groan about it the whole time...
Edited
SoWal Insider
monster houses, monster cars, monster tents... what's next? monster rv's with 4-wheel drive, complete with pop-out side porch and pool?
I'm just kidding. really, it's only July when we see so much of this and start getting a little sick of all the madness. things are getting better already. by mid-september we'll be alright...
I kind of like the monster RV with pop out pool idea.
Think I could put that on my lot and screw the whole construction idea? 
SoWal Guide
I kind of like the monster RV with pop out pool idea.
yes, then drive it to the beach when you want to camp out for a few... they have got to relax that beach curfew thing though so we can spend the night! what's the deal with that?
if you've got a dang tent on the beach, why can't you sleep there? save some $$ on lodging and all!
;-)Edited
Beach Fanatic
Many of the beach chair rental companies will rent by the week, but leave the responsibility for the chairs to the renter. While the rental companies have always emphasized that the equipment is the responsibility of the renter, the sudden enforcement of the ordinance is providing a new twist in their ability to offer services to the visitors.
I am in full agreement with enforcement of the ordinances, but please don't go off at the rental companies because of their customers.
When people are paying big $$$ for chairs owned by local companies and a) 'Aren't sure about the rules' like jdarg and nohall so nicely explain below, and B) 'see others doing it', unless they're having to sign something saying their responsible for their rented chairs, AND unless they know AND give a darn about the turtles, then I would guess they might be inclined to leave the rented chairs. Aren't they paying for 'chair service', keyword being 'service'
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.
Sunshine, you are probably very nice and didn't mean to sound insensitive about people who don't have children. I am sorry if it sounded as if I was 'judging' I was merely stating an opinion on a message board. Is jdarg your mom or just a grayt friend? ;-)
I can sympathize/empathize with the moms too. 'Im 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.
Well I guess you told me,jdarg.Everytime I come down I'm all about 'cleanin' up even pickin' up others dog poo then I hear this stuff from locals and it's ALMOST like WTH bother, that was a big ALMOST. I will continue my bag lady duties as long as I am able. BTW,doesn't driving on the beach endanger sea turtles
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.
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 @#$&! tent, if necessary.
(Good lord. I think I'm running a fever now...)
Group hug?
You say this then come out 'packin' heat in your follow up.It kinda feels like bullyin'to be honest. That was my point in telling y'all about my friend (ex-friend, the @#$% turtle-hating wench!) Y'all keep making analogies to leaving stuff in a park, etc., but it's a poor analogy, especially for people who are renting beachfront.DQ is for Drama Queen, as if ;-) . Guns are dangerous and I would never even joke about shooting anyone much less "spawn". Guess I'm just an ole stick in the mud who can't take a joke. I still
Would I leave a chair/tent/canoe out if I was renting a cabin on a lakefront? Yes, I would. Unenlightened, uneducated-about-the-facts people, (who probably voted for Bush and drive Priuses) think it's okay, especially in areas that either don't have signs or where they see other stuff left overnight.
I think that someone should sit out there with a grenade launcher and kill these poor bat-turds and all their plastic-toy-totin' spawn...
(Or wait and see how the tagging works.)
Sense of humor? I still say it's a virus.
you too though. Violence is not the answer, even jokingly, period. BTW, I passed my thousand posts night before last and none of the regular gulls that notice this sheet even said kiss my . Do my posts suck that bad ya'll? Sorry, I asked for it now, I gotta :leaving: put on my Rhino Skin.
hmmmm......can't remember
yes, then drive it to the beach when you want to camp out for a few... they have got to relax that beach curfew thing though so we can spend the night! what's the deal with that?
if you've got a dang tent on the beach, why can't you sleep there? save some $$ on lodging and all!
You stole my question. Is it really "leaving" your stuff on the beach if you don't go inside? Maybe I won't have to impose on the Hops anymore--I can "confiscate" a tent and "leave" it on the beach with me under it.
Added bonus: Just having me there full time will make the beach even more beautiful.;-)
SoWal Expert
with so many empty tents and chairs on the beach, I have no problem finding one and using it myself. Why should I lug my own sun protection to the beach, when there is already plenty available. If the "owner" comes knocking on my chair, I will give it up and move to the next one. I have yet to see anyone upset with me for using their shade and chair. Now, when I invade their cooler and sip on their beer, we might have another issue. ;-)
SoWal Guide
You stole my question. Is it really "leaving" your stuff on the beach if you don't go inside? Maybe I won't have to impose on the Hops anymore--I can "confiscate" a tent and "leave" it on the beach with me under it.
Added bonus: Just having me there full time will make the beach even more beautiful.;-)
truly!!! btw, loved your comment about unlightened/uneducated people (bush voters/pruis drivers) comment. which about covers a pretty wide range of the beach crowd... well, I don't fit in either slot, but I get it...
hmmmm......can't remember
DQ is for Drama Queen, as if ;-) . Guns are dangerous and I would never even joke about shooting anyone much less "spawn". Guess I'm just an ole stick in the mud who can't take a joke. I still
Um...Kiss my arse? Happy, now?
I'm sorry we missed your 1K mark; honestly I don't notice those things much.I've left an item on the beach overnight. (A chair, two years ago.) I rode a bike on the bike path, which is apparently the wrong thing to do, too. I bought a car because it was cute. I voted for Bush twice. I don't like to read non-fiction.
Packing heat? The violent smileys were a metaphor* for the sort of hate that these statements provoke on SoWal.com. Call me a drama queen if you like, but I value people and relationships over beach chairs and (*gasp*) baby sea turtles. I prefer a roundhouse kick to the head than what you people dish out.
(*"Metaphor? What's a metaphor?" "Cows and horses and sheep, mostly...")
Edited
SoWal Guide
with so many empty tents and chairs on the beach, I have no problem finding one and using it myself. Why should I lug my own sun protection to the beach, when there is already plenty available. If the "owner" comes knocking on my chair, I will give it up and move to the next one. I have yet to see anyone upset with me for using their shade and chair. Now, when I invade their cooler and sip on their beer, we might have another issue. ;-)
I have seriously thought about selecting a big nice new tent that's all ready and empty, but just can't bring myself to do it... quite...
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Drama Queen is a lot nicer... 
I thought I was a relationship
I thought I was a relationship hmmmm......can't remember
Drama Queen is a lot nicer...
I sincerely hope you are, and I hope you're a good relationship at that!
Peace out, then, dudette?
Beach Fanatic
Peace sista ...and joy. 
beats on hood
I've been doing a lot of thinking about the topic of this thread. As a part-owner of a private beach walkover, I am not bothered by renters who leave their chairs and umbrellas under the walkover at the end of the day for the duration of their stay so they don't have to tote them back and forth. (Beach toys are another matter -- even if you put them under the walkover, they're light enough to be blown around and trash up the beach). What bothers me is when renters abandon their stuff. (Owners in our neighborhood don't abandon their stuff because they want to reuse it on their next visit). Why isn't it reasonable at a private walkover to allow someone to park their chairs and umbrellas under the walkover each evening during their week's stay? If it's tagged as being there over a week, then it could be confiscated. I don't see how this would this impede the sea turtles because the walkovers and their underlying supports are themselves a barrier.
What's wrong with this idea? I'm sure someone out there can set me straight.
What's wrong with this idea? I'm sure someone out there can set me straight.
Beach FanaticAuthor
I've been doing a lot of thinking about the topic of this thread. As a part-owner of a private beach walkover, I am not bothered by renters who leave their chairs and umbrellas under the walkover at the end of the day for the duration of their stay so they don't have to tote them back and forth. (Beach toys are another matter -- even if you put them under the walkover, they're light enough to be blown around and trash up the beach). What bothers me is when renters abandon their stuff. (Owners in our neighborhood don't abandon their stuff because they want to reuse it on their next visit). Why isn't it reasonable at a private walkover to allow someone to park their chairs and umbrellas under the walkover each evening during their week's stay? If it's tagged as being there over a week, then it could be confiscated. I don't see how this would this impede the sea turtles because the walkovers and their underlying supports are themselves a barrier.
What's wrong with this idea? I'm sure someone out there can set me straight.
Per the FAQ, items left under private walkovers will not be tagged.
http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf
Beach Fanatic
I have seriously thought about selecting a big nice new tent that's all ready and empty, but just can't bring myself to do it... quite...Hey, why not? It's the way of the hermit crab! Unless it's on private property....sorry, couldn't resist.
Beach Fanatic
Damn! I was just popping my popcorn!!!
beats on hood
Per the FAQ, items left under private walkovers will not be tagged.Thanks for the info. So that means that our neighborhood is responsible for cleaning up all of the crap on the beach in front of the neighborhood since we don't have a TDC trash can? I'll do it Labor Day weekend like I always do, as well as during the off-season. It's easy to tell if something is abandoned in the off-season because there are so few renters. In the summertime you don't know whether the stuff belongs to current renters or previous ones.
http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf
SoWal Expert
I have seriously thought about selecting a big nice new tent that's all ready and empty, but just can't bring myself to do it... quite...
Could always claim you mixed it up w/ yours!!! Don't think we should encourage potential beach rage/squatters claim rights just yet ;-).
SoWal Guide
Could always claim you mixed it up w/ yours!!! Don't think we should encourage potential beach rage/squatters claim rights just yet ;-).
please, no beach rage!!! okay, I've had beach rage once or twice, but it wasn't about tents. it was about music so loud we had to pack up and move to the very end of the beach (remember mangy?)... usually though I'm happy and relaxed at the beach and I just won't let a thing get to me. I really do NOT want to get under someone elses tent. who knows where its been?
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