Here is the (in)famous article from the Fall 2007 Rosemary Thymes
EXTRA SECURITY HIRED FOR BEACH AND BEACH WALKOVERS
"Just too many people" is the refrain that has been heard all over south walton this summer as large numbers of visitiors clogged roads and crowded beaches.
In Rosemary Beach the problem is particularly acute at at the West Water Street access on the town's west side. after hearing complaints from homeowners, town manager Jim Bagby decided to find out just how many are too many.
A revealing count was taken on Memorial Day Weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the 134 and 154 peaple, respectively, were turned away from W. Water Street. On Monday, when many visitors had already left, 80 people were still turned away in a five hour time period.
"We are trying to balance being good neighbors with the homeowners' rights," Bagby said. "After spending over $2 million on rebuilding walkovers and buying sand and sea oats the homeowners should not have to fight for space on the beach," he said.
"Our position is that our beach is a private beach but we want to be a welcoming, vibrant town, the center of activity in southeast Walton County. The challenge is to balance the two."
On September 10, the Rosemary Beach board of directors voted to hire security to enforce the privacy of the beach and the beach walkovers.
"We will be sending letters to remind our neighbors," Bagby said, "that the beach walkovers and the beach are private. To avoid embarrassment or calls from angry renters, they need to let them know where the public beach access and the Seacrest access are located."
No one was available for comment from the Seacrest Beach community, Rosemary's nearest neighbor to W. Water Street. However, according to their website and to local vacation rental agents the sole b each access available to Seacrest Beach owners and guests is an easement through the Sunset Beach community, a gated development on the south side of 30-A.
A tram service currently operates in Seacrest Beach Memorial Day through Labor Day, or guests may walk through Sunset Beach but bicycles, scooters, golf carts, and other wheeled traffic is not permitted making the access incovenient for many.
"We have abandoned that access," said a Seacrest Beach couple using the W. Water Street access one day last week, explaining that even though Sunset Beach is their designated legal access they don't feel welcome there.
The couple (who wish to remain anonymous) also said they were told by their realtor when purchasing in Seacrest Beach that they had the use of the W. Water Street access.
"Rosemary Beach wants us to use their shops and restaurants, but not their beaches," they said.
Their comments echo sentiments heard locally as more and more beachfront owners are taking action to protect their property.
A lively debate took place on an area internet message board (www.sowal.com/bb) over the summer following the July trespassing arrest of an unauthorized guest on a privately owned beach in Blue Mountain. A range of views were expressed, some echoing the Seacrest Beach couple, others defending private ownership of beaches, and still others expressing moderation and attempting a balancing act between competing interests.
At the end of the day, many sought legal guidance from the courts as needed, but for now, Rosemary Beach homeowners must seek their own solutions. "Public beaches are not the law in this part of Florida right now," Bagby explained. Currently, there is little dispute that the public does have the right to use the wet sand portion of the beaches. It is that line in the sand between the wet and the dry that is generally taken as the dividing line between public and private.
The Walton County TDC acknowledged this in a press release which stated the following: "Most public beach accesses are nestled between private properties. Beach goers should stay within the easement of the dune walkover to set up on the dry beach. Along 30-A, beachgoers who wish to have beach set-ups outside of these areas must be on the wet sand."
While there are no public beach access between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach (the location of Seacrest), the county's largest beach access, Inlet Beach, is located east of Rosemary Beach. With 13 acres of preserved beach and dune and a parking spot is usually easy to find.
So, what does everybody think about this?;-)
Replies
61Beach Fanatic
I DO think the county should be responsible for the beach and the beach should be public to all.
Mexico Beach and PSJ are all public as far as I know, not many houses actually are directly on the beach. Oh and no those beaches in Mexico Beach and PSJ aren't as beautiful - Nothing beats SoWal beaches...
Thanks Philip_Atlanta. You're
dude! Isn't it also way the way some of the gulf front down there is open in some areas, where you can cruise and see the sunset. I 
the nature coast area too but it's seems very remote. I don't know if Hubba could take it though. He grew up in NYC. 
No wonder I've become so vocal after 28 years. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
I am not vague at all when it comes to the point of public/private. I am wholeheartedly AGAINST the concept of private beach. And as browndog said, it goes completely against the grain of NUD. But the point I am trying to get across is that the HOAs of these communities that were elected after the development deals were done, seem to have no clue about those deals but yet feel the county (read:us) should maintain their amenities and beaches and also provide more space for public areas so they dont catch the fall out of wanting to keep the places they are private. Well, there is only SO MUCH sand out there. And when it has all been bought up and gated off, there is none left for the public areas. So, YES, those gated communities are the villain here and cant expect to not take the repercussions of keeping things the way they want them. I feel that if we pay we get to play, but these HOAs still feel the need to act all high and mighty while still professing that they have done nothing wrong. When in fact all the public areas are pretty much GONE due to them. And we cant expect for the county to come in and renourish/maintain the small 10ft wide areas around the public accesses without touching the subdivisions while they are at it. Until it is settled in I would venture to say the Supreme Court,cause you know they wont stop at the local level, the debates about it are senseless. The only way there will ever be resolution is for us to elect some officials that are not afraid to P.O. some of the people and stand firm in a decision without @$$ kissing the big money. Our county has a HUGE tax base now and I dont think they need to cater to the developers and abandon what few County beach accesses left.
Beach Fanatic
"One does not sell the land people walk on."
Crazy Horse, September 23, 1875
Crazy Horse, September 23, 1875
SoWal Expert
...........with "private beach" or "deeded beach access"
- insert name of realtor here :roll:
- insert name of realtor here :roll:
SoWal Insider
"One does not sell the land people walk on."
Crazy Horse, September 23, 1875
If there was Interest Only and Neg Am mortgages available in 1875, this would have read:
"Now is the best time to buy!! They're not making anymore land."
Crazy Horse, September 23, 1875​
Crazy Horse, September 23, 1875​
.
Beach Fanatic
Beach Fanatic
I am not vague at all when it comes to the point of public/private. I am wholeheartedly AGAINST the concept of private beach. And as browndog said, it goes completely against the grain of NUD. But the point I am trying to get across is that the HOAs of these communities that were elected after the development deals were done, seem to have no clue about those deals but yet feel the county (read:us) should maintain their amenities and beaches and also provide more space for public areas so they dont catch the fall out of wanting to keep the places they are private. Well, there is only SO MUCH sand out there. And when it has all been bought up and gated off, there is none left for the public areas. So, YES, those gated communities are the villain here and cant expect to not take the repercussions of keeping things the way they want them. I feel that if we pay we get to play, but these HOAs still feel the need to act all high and mighty while still professing that they have done nothing wrong. When in fact all the public areas are pretty much GONE due to them. And we cant expect for the county to come in and renourish/maintain the small 10ft wide areas around the public accesses without touching the subdivisions while they are at it. Until it is settled in I would venture to say the Supreme Court,cause you know they wont stop at the local level, the debates about it are senseless. The only way there will ever be resolution is for us to elect some officials that are not afraid to P.O. some of the people and stand firm in a decision without @$$ kissing the big money. Our county has a HUGE tax base now and I dont think they need to cater to the developers and abandon what few County beach accesses left.
I agree with you plus some!
I don't know if the debates are senseless though. Talk has to begin somewhere, right? Maybe it will open some eyes. People aren't mind readers, right? We are stronger in numbers. We need to connect through various forms of communication like this board. After all word of mouth is the best advertiser.Beach Crab
Watercolor will start their security"concierge" in the spring. I am an owner there and would love to have public access to the beach for everyone. It's a big beach. The issue is more the use of the pools and that's the need for the "concierge." The pools and facilities are very expensive to maintain and to date has been treated like a common amenity for any who want to visit.
My two cents
My two cents
Beach Lover
Watercolor will start their security"concierge" in the spring. I am an owner there and would love to have public access to the beach for everyone. It's a big beach. The issue is more the use of the pools and that's the need for the "concierge." The pools and facilities are very expensive to maintain and to date has been treated like a common amenity for any who want to visit.
My two cents
No one should argue with that. It seems to be a problem on 30-A. We had to kick out a couple of kids (construction workers), who announced that it was their right to swim in our pool because they paid taxes like everyone else.
I think that the cops and the site manager finally cleared that up
Beach Lover
This is a sad story. One of the main concepts of a New Urbanist Development, such as Rosemary Beach, is to build a strong sense of community- where people move freely throughout the town amentities, including the beach. No fences, no gates to keep out the outsiders...
My initial response is emotional. I am sad to see Rosemary Beach become a town that forgets its roots so quickly.
This is a GREAT observation, and sadly true. Well said.
SoWal Expert
REAL towns don't have large fences, entry gates, or security guards!
Something crazy about fostering a sense of community or some silliness about being a good neighbor. ;-)
Something crazy about fostering a sense of community or some silliness about being a good neighbor. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
The short-sightedness and laziness of the whole 'solution' to the overcrowding is just really bugging me. Today, I went biking in Rosemary and it occurred to me that when the new condos on the north side of the street are finished, the fractional ownership club gets going, and the Hotel Samba is opened the number of people turned away from the W. Water Street access is going to be nothing. This security patrol is just a Band-Aid on the problem.
Riding through Rosemary, I really felt sorry for this poor Jim Bagby guy. As the town manager he must be getting pressure from all sides to fix the overcrowding issue, meanwhile he's got to keep throwing up more and more development, and he's just one person. One person can't begin to fix this problem. So yes, security guards and scapegoating Seacrest Beach dwellers may be really silly and abhorrent to the idea of New Urbanism, but how else could he make it seem like he was being responsive? It's a shame that the RB homeowners don't realize this is a problem they simply can't delegate away.
Of course, for all the outrage on this board, how many of us are really actively trying to challenge the unchecked development, the ridiculous density, or the privatization of the beaches?
Riding through Rosemary, I really felt sorry for this poor Jim Bagby guy. As the town manager he must be getting pressure from all sides to fix the overcrowding issue, meanwhile he's got to keep throwing up more and more development, and he's just one person. One person can't begin to fix this problem. So yes, security guards and scapegoating Seacrest Beach dwellers may be really silly and abhorrent to the idea of New Urbanism, but how else could he make it seem like he was being responsive? It's a shame that the RB homeowners don't realize this is a problem they simply can't delegate away.
Of course, for all the outrage on this board, how many of us are really actively trying to challenge the unchecked development, the ridiculous density, or the privatization of the beaches?
Admin
Just a couple of thoughts:
A planned "new urban" community may start with laudable goals and intentions but ultimately it is up to the homeowners (organized) to decide what the end product becomes.
An original owner in a new urban community is likely to have different ideas than a 2nd, 3rd, 4th . . . . 10th owner.
An owner might have certain ideas and hopes when they buy in a new urban community and then change their attitude when faced with the reality.
A planned "new urban" community may start with laudable goals and intentions but ultimately it is up to the homeowners (organized) to decide what the end product becomes.
An original owner in a new urban community is likely to have different ideas than a 2nd, 3rd, 4th . . . . 10th owner.
An owner might have certain ideas and hopes when they buy in a new urban community and then change their attitude when faced with the reality.
needs to get out more
i think we should sue Andreas.
SoWal Insider
Of course, for all the outrage on this board, how many of us are really actively trying to challenge the unchecked development, the ridiculous density, or the privatization of the beaches?
Yeah! Let's start by stopping development of Doodle Int'l that will <alledgedly> bring tens-of-thousands more folks stampeding to our beac....
...oh, forget it..
Beach Comber
Wow, It looks like this thing is spreading. I'm not surprised having been away a few months. The Beach is a scarce resource a subset of a finite resource, an idea our system is founded on; private property ownership. Money will buy it all evetually unless there is strong leadership form both the public and private sector. I really think that is the root problem. Home ownership associations should be given a chance to do what is right and strike a balance between private ownership and the public trust. If they don't it has to be up to the government to legislate.
Currrently there seems to be a groundswell of activity on the side of private owners drawing lines in the sand (I'm surprised that no one's come up with that line yet!). In doing so that are denying the public trust. If they don't change their tune, the county goverment should "threaten" to get involved.
Does the county have the guts to fill the leadership vacuum? And where is the Leadership from the courts? The wet / sand dry sand argument is silly in todays environment. A more definitve ruling must be made with how the beach is used.
Cant' wait to come down again. We booked for spring break, I just hope we get access.
Currrently there seems to be a groundswell of activity on the side of private owners drawing lines in the sand (I'm surprised that no one's come up with that line yet!). In doing so that are denying the public trust. If they don't change their tune, the county goverment should "threaten" to get involved.
Does the county have the guts to fill the leadership vacuum? And where is the Leadership from the courts? The wet / sand dry sand argument is silly in todays environment. A more definitve ruling must be made with how the beach is used.
Cant' wait to come down again. We booked for spring break, I just hope we get access.
Beach Fanatic
drawing lines in the sand (I'm surprised that no one's come up with that line yet!)
I think it got wore out a few years back. Kinda like everyone saying "hunker down" doing a hurricane.SoWal Insider
THE FUTURE???
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Beach Fanatic
THE FUTURE???
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Nothing a pair of wire cutters can't take care of...
SoWal Insider
Nothing a pair of wire cutters can't take care of...
....and a Bail Bondsman; and a lawyer; and a $500 fine.
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Beach Fanatic
....and a Bail Bondsman; and a lawyer; and a $500 fine.
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....that gets thrown out and helps all beaches become public once more attention is drawn to the issue.
Beach Fanatic
Grayt shot, Shel. 
:nono1:
What a sad reality. Thanks for speaking out. It's not as easy as it looks. If you make a living from real eastate there I would imagine it could be a little intimidating to go up against new wealthy developers to preserve evreybody's right to the beach. Bravo to you and Bobby J! If your an absentee homeowner it's a little scary because you wonder if somebody's going to destroy your sheeet while you're not there for speaking out. 
Fear really paralyzes folks. I wish more people would speak out loud and clear for public beaches for all! From one neighbor to the next, thanks to everyone who will speak up. 
:nono1:What a sad reality. Thanks for speaking out. It's not as easy as it looks. If you make a living from real eastate there I would imagine it could be a little intimidating to go up against new wealthy developers to preserve evreybody's right to the beach. Bravo to you and Bobby J! If your an absentee homeowner it's a little scary because you wonder if somebody's going to destroy your sheeet while you're not there for speaking out. Fear really paralyzes folks. I wish more people would speak out loud and clear for public beaches for all! From one neighbor to the next, thanks to everyone who will speak up. Beach Comber
Wow, my first visit to this thread -- sort of scary!
All potential buyers of SoWal real estate should read these posts - puts the "warm, welcoming beach community atmosphere" description in a whole new perspective.
I am a potential buyer of a retirement home in the SoWal area. After reading the posts here it strengthens my conviction that the best course of action for me may be to continue living in my gated golf course environment and rent on the beach for two months in the Spring or Fall. I can see both sides of this but I have no desire to become an owner and then get caught up in an argument about who owns the beach. Besides, things seem to be a little more tranquil below the frost line!
All potential buyers of SoWal real estate should read these posts - puts the "warm, welcoming beach community atmosphere" description in a whole new perspective.
I am a potential buyer of a retirement home in the SoWal area. After reading the posts here it strengthens my conviction that the best course of action for me may be to continue living in my gated golf course environment and rent on the beach for two months in the Spring or Fall. I can see both sides of this but I have no desire to become an owner and then get caught up in an argument about who owns the beach. Besides, things seem to be a little more tranquil below the frost line!
SoWal Expert
Wow, my first visit to this thread -- sort of scary!
All potential buyers of SoWal real estate should read these posts - puts the "warm, welcoming beach community atmosphere" description in a whole new perspective.
There is still a warm welcoming beach community atmosphere, there are just a couple spoilt apples in the barrel so we are trying to solve the problem before they ruin the whole barrel! Go ahead and buy a house on the beach, as long as you are here to enjoy the beach/beach lifestyle and not to raise your BP by running folks off the empty sand in front of your house you'll be fine :roll:.
SoWal Guide
I'm sorry but I don't see the problem with any resort town owning their own amenities such as pools, tennis courts, beach walkovers, etc. I don't think they should own the entire beach, though they do take all the responsibility of maintaining it. The issue is access. Access to the beach via beach walkovers.
Private beach walkovers are built for homeowners, residents and visitors/renters. I can't see why they should be open to the general public, especially in Rosemary Beach where there are huge neighborhoods nearby (seacrest). They have every right to reserve their walkovers and amenities for town residents.
On the other hand, I love how Seaside seems to be the only real beach resort community that opens its town to all. But, they don't have a "seacrest" next door that uses and abuses its amenities and walkovers. We are all pretty much welcome there. And I do appreciate Seaside for that.
Private beach walkovers are built for homeowners, residents and visitors/renters. I can't see why they should be open to the general public, especially in Rosemary Beach where there are huge neighborhoods nearby (seacrest). They have every right to reserve their walkovers and amenities for town residents.
On the other hand, I love how Seaside seems to be the only real beach resort community that opens its town to all. But, they don't have a "seacrest" next door that uses and abuses its amenities and walkovers. We are all pretty much welcome there. And I do appreciate Seaside for that.
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