Trash left on Seaside beach

I was so dismayed yesterday afternoon to see so much trash left on Seaside beach. There were cups and water bottles everywhere, it looked like the aftermath of a concert. I haven't seen this much garbage left behind in Grayton or Blue Mountain and wonder if some of the renters and homeowners in Seaside just figure they are paying for a beach cleaning service as well and don't need to pick up after themselves. Harm to the ocean ecosystem aside, the trash sends a terrible message to our visitors (even if visitors left it). How do we get the message across?

We know how you feel ... we've spent a lot of time down at the beach near Eastern Lake lately and can't believe the amount of trash left on the beach --- it's really repulsive! What is wrong with people?

And then to top it off, we've observed something that's really had us fuming for the past few days. We're up early so we've watched this happen for several days now. At our beach access there is a big SUV parked in the ONLY handicapped parking spot -- Louisiana plates. Later in the morning, we notice the people coming to the car --- well they aren't coming from the beach but rather from one of the neighborhoods where they must be staying (on the beach). Rather than park the SUV at the house where they are staying, they have chosen to leave the SUV parked in this handicapped spot (the only one) for days. They do have a sticker but we've watched the whole family tote more stuff to the beach than we could lift --- with no problem. It's clear the handicap must be mental.

So, this is what they do:

Each evening (and we are happy about this part) they pack up their 6 umbrellas, multitude of chairs, towels, toys etc into the back of the SUV. They look around to see who's paying attention, then lock up the SUV in the (1) handicapped spot, then they walk to the neighborhood where they are staying. Then, early the next morning they walk over, and set up their massive beach getup in the spot right in front of the boardwalk. Leaving the SUV packed and getting the closest spot, assures them the same spot every day and is the shortest amount of distance for them to walk.

IT'S INFURIATING .... !!!!!

Today, it looks like they must have got scared about the handicap thing or felt some guilt ... they have moved to the parking spot right next to it.

Again, we have to say .... what is wrong with people?

They just don't care. I call it me ism.

this kind of attitude is so sad....and what is it teaching the kids?!?!

West from Ed Walline last night, I was shocked at all the holes, massive holes, dug and left. I was even more mad at the three wave runners driven up onto the beach and left. They were only on the beach enough so they didn't float away. They blocked anyone walking the water line from passing so that you either had to head out into the water or climb up onto the sand berm to get around them.
We too saw garbage everywhere. Empty beer cans and bottles, a broken chair. You just know that none of that got picked up last night.
It is sad that this is all the deeper some folks can be.

To save the beaches and turtles, we may have to get rid of the tourists.

West from Ed Walline last night, I was shocked at all the holes, massive holes, dug and left. I was even more mad at the three wave runners driven up onto the beach and left. They were only on the beach enough so they didn't float away. They blocked anyone walking the water line from passing so that you either had to head out into the water or climb up onto the sand berm to get around them.
We too saw garbage everywhere. Empty beer cans and bottles, a broken chair. You just know that none of that got picked up last night.
It is sad that this is all the deeper some folks can be.

Oh yes, we forgot to mention the massive holes we came upon too. If we are out there today, we will try to get a photo of the holes and the people who think that they have some kind of "reservation" for parking and playing.

When we are there, we try to pick up the trash. It's like the tourists have seen the signs warning that "anything left over night will be removed". Then they see that other people have done it and it's still there the next day -- so they do it because they can! There really needs to be consistency on this issue. We need to send a clear message otherwise our beaches won't be so beautiful anymore. With more and more people finding out about us, we need to nip this issue in the bud now before it spirals out of control. You can't take some things off the beach, and turn your head when you see others.

My brother and sister-in-law on an adventure RV'ing. Here is part of a post he left on his blog. I thought about SoWal beaches when I read this. They were at South Padre Island, Texas.

"So we have to pack up and head up (over) to Mission Texas tomorrow. 'Fore we go though, wanted to share some more thoughts on South Padre.

Things that we REALLY like are how clean the public areas of the beaches are here.

There are signs and notices that you had better keep it that way or you'll get a visit to a Cameron county four bar hotel and pay some hefty fines.

That keeps the beaches pretty dadgum clean."

Wouldn't it be nice if they locked up a few of the folks around there that were littering those beautiful beaches in SoWal!!!!

To save the beaches and turtles, we may have to get rid of the tourists.

Perhaps it is not JUST the tourists.

Teaching people to throw away their trash is a tough one. However, there is no reason why there should be trash left on the beach in Seaside because, I believe in order for the Cabana Man to get his vending license, part of the requirements include that vendor cleaning up the beach on which he conducts business.

I've been known to ask a group of people to take their garbage with them when I noticed them packing up and intending to leave it. Yes, their arms were full, but they got it down there, they can take it back up.

A diplomatic way

Ask the groups you see packing up to leave the beach if you can help them remove their stuff, as it will be picked up discarded if left. You seem like a nice guy and it gets the message across too. I am guessing most will "get it" and not actually have you carry anything for them! When you see a pile of cans or whatever, tell the folks how much the rest of the community appreciates it when litter is picked up and placed in a county trash can. You can even say where the nearest can is located. Do it with a SMILE.

Definitely!!! I've offered and have taken others trash with me when I leave the beach. I keep garbage bags in the SUV and since I drive on the beach it is easier to transport it. No big deal to be helpful. When it is blatant and careless I will speak up and not be so accommodating.

I'm sorry, but I thought jet skis were not allowed on our beaches?

Personally a little kick to send them out would probably be in order, or if you not that into the vigilanty thing, just walk right over them with sandy feet. Make it a kids activity and decorate them with seaweed, sand, and shells.

Ask the groups you see packing up to leave the beach if you can help them remove their stuff, as it will be picked up discarded if left. You seem like a nice guy and it gets the message across too. I am guessing most will "get it" and not actually have you carry anything for them! When you see a pile of cans or whatever, tell the folks how much the rest of the community appreciates it when litter is picked up and placed in a county trash can. You can even say where the nearest can is located. Do it with a SMILE.

This is really nice. I don't know if I would be able to do it though. Just reading this thread is making me mad enough. What is wrong with some people?!?

I have been blessed with some wonderful and gracious renters, so I know it is not everyone -- not by a long shot. But still! It rankles.

I'm sorry, but I thought jet skis were not allowed on our beaches?

Personally a little kick to send them out would probably be in order, or if you not that into the vigilanty thing, just walk right over them with sandy feet. Make it a kids activity and decorate them with seaweed, sand, and shells.

I agree SWGB.... I would probably have to push them a bit to the south and out of my way.;-)

I'm sorry, but I thought jet skis were not allowed on our beaches?

Personally a little kick to send them out would probably be in order, or if you not that into the vigilanty thing, just walk right over them with sandy feet. Make it a kids activity and decorate them with seaweed, sand, and shells.

Cover it with a sand castle..........

I do not like those things either. It makes me nervous when they are near the shore where people are swimming. It's like doing doughnuts in a parking lot full of people. And it is usually a teen at the helm.......very scary.

Commercial jet ski rental is not allowed, but if you have the land owners permission and can drag/wheel it down to the water, you can ride it. However, if you don't go very very slow thru the surf and ride it past the second sand bar the sheriff's office will have a few words for you.

it makes me mad also that people litter the beaches,I hate litter anywhere. I could never just let my window down and throw stuff out like some do.

It isn't just tourists that litter.

The beaches of South Walton are recognized as some of the cleanest, most admired beaches in the nation. To ensure they remain pristine, join the South Walton Community Council's (SWCC) Beach Cleanup on Saturday, July 5, from 8-10 a.m. The first step toward cleaner coasts starts by joining this cleanup effort which has become an annual event.

Locally sponsored by the SWCC and Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council, this program encourages stewardship of the county's precious coastal area.

This year the event will have eight main cleanup starting sites: Eastern Lake, Blue Mountain Beach Access, Dune Allen Beach Access, Ed Walline Park Access, Grayton Beach Access, Seagrove Beach Access, Miramar Beach Access (on the eastern side of Pompano Joe's), and Van Ness Butler Beach Access (between Seaside and Watercolor).

Complimentary cleanup supplies and bottled water will be provided at each location. For more information on volunteering contact Bill Schultz, 850-231-0947, saait@aol.com


Contact: Tiffany McCaskill
Walton County TDC
850-267-1216

I was so dismayed yesterday afternoon to see so much trash left on Seaside beach. There were cups and water bottles everywhere, it looked like the aftermath of a concert. I haven't seen this much garbage left behind in Grayton or Blue Mountain and wonder if some of the renters and homeowners in Seaside just figure they are paying for a beach cleaning service as well and don't need to pick up after themselves. Harm to the ocean ecosystem aside, the trash sends a terrible message to our visitors (even if visitors left it). How do we get the message across?

Sorry Kurt..Somepeople just do not get it yet! I just posted a grage sale thread for Herons Watch. I am not sure if I did it correctly. Are you the Kurt who started SoWal?? I may have the wrong guy...

Sorry Kurt..Somepeople just do not get it yet! I just posted a grage sale thread for Herons Watch. I am not sure if I did it correctly. Are you the Kurt who started SoWal?? I may have the wrong guy...

There's only 1 kurt. ;-)

It isn't just tourists that litter.

I agree that it isn't just the tourists. My question is, do the homeowners and renters think that beach cleanup is a service they pay for (cabana boys or clean up crews)?

In a lot of wilderness areas there are pack it in/pack it out laws. Maybe we need to figure out how to do that here.

I agree that it isn't just the tourists. My question is, do the homeowners and renters think that beach cleanup is a service they pay for (cabana boys or clean up crews)?

In a lot of wilderness areas there are pack it in/pack it out laws. Maybe we need to figure out how to do that here.

If the litter magically disappears one might assume that it's included. Regardless though if it didn't I don't really think that people would pick it up, they would simply complain that it wasn't being removed. Seems to be part of the "resort" mentality.

Trash on a beach is a symptom of a much bigger problem. The problem is ATTITUDE, and the attitude is "Me, Me, Me and I don't care what you think". You can see it everywhere if you pay attention;;; driving habits, in line at WalMart, restaurants, anywhere more than one person is located at the same time. "Get out of my way!"
My family has vacationed in SoWal for over 60 years. If you left trash on the beach in 1960, you would not have been surprized to find it deposited in the front seat of your car the next morning. And, you would not have complained.
Good luck with the problem of trash, but until attitudes change a lot, get used to it.