My wife and I have heard that the district attorney has told the beach patrol that the ordinance prohibiting items left on the beaches overnight will no longer be enforced. That would appear to be true, judging by the canopies, chairs, etc sitting on our part of the beach. This would be another big waste of money since the county was spending a lot to put out the word about the policy of removal, which now seems to be dead.
Comments?
Replies
185margarita brocolia
dooode...sweeeeet stuff at Ed Walline.....we might fight I've been eyein the stuff daily!!!!.
If that isn't abandoned stuff, I don't know what is!
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SoWal Expert
Sometimes those items have not been there as long as you believe. I never said it was smart to "hide a 10,000 watch in a cooler" but people do strange things at times.
DId the county remove your necklace from private property and throw it in the dump?
No, I think maybe someone built a volleyball net or seawall on them and I want them back!
Seriously, where is the DEP and the gov't in all of this. We have to jump through major hoops about the wattage and style of lightbulbs, but circus tents and piles of sheet are okay in turtle nesting areas?
Beach Fanatic
No, I think maybe someone built a volleyball net or seawall on them and I want them back!
Seriously, where is the DEP and the gov't in all of this. We have to jump through major hoops about the wattage and style of lightbulbs, but circus tents and piles of sheet are okay in turtle nesting areas?
Why did you build a seawall on your property and cover your necklace up ?
Oh! - I see you buried it on someone else's property without their permission - not very smart either way.
SoWal Insider
Why did you build a seawall on your property and cover your necklace up ?
Oh! - I see you buried it on someone else's property without their permission - not very smart either way.
No dumber than the person who left the Rolex overnight in a cooler!

SoWal Expert
Here is a short (and incomplete) list of some things the government already dictates to coastal lake/beachfront property owners:
-Where they can have light fixtures
-What light fixtures they can have
-The wattage and type of bulbs in those fixtures
-How many of those fixtures they can have
-How much trimming of certain trees and shrubs can occur
-What plants are allowed to be used in landscaping
-The tinting/film required on any windows or doors w/ glass in them
-How high they can build their house (overall and height from the ground)
-How close they can build to the water
And after reading that list, you are telling me that picking up abandoned items hazardous to humans and endangered species is overstepping the bounds and violating property rights?!?
-Where they can have light fixtures
-What light fixtures they can have
-The wattage and type of bulbs in those fixtures
-How many of those fixtures they can have
-How much trimming of certain trees and shrubs can occur
-What plants are allowed to be used in landscaping
-The tinting/film required on any windows or doors w/ glass in them
-How high they can build their house (overall and height from the ground)
-How close they can build to the water
And after reading that list, you are telling me that picking up abandoned items hazardous to humans and endangered species is overstepping the bounds and violating property rights?!?
SoWal Expert
I stated earlier that the current ordinance was flawed and part of the flaw is the procedure that was being followed. Items removed from both private and county owned property were being disposed of without the owner being able to retrieve items. E-mails records were filed for by hte plantif that showed horror stories of items such as Rolex watches hidden in coolers being thrown in the landfill. A tremndous amount of liability is involved with the enforcement process as implemented.
Vehicles left on right-of-way are impounded after being "tagged" and the time allowed for removal are not hauled directly to the landfill and that action only takes place on "public property".
...
Vehicles are not impounded on public property only, and they do not have to be tagged in order to be towed. Proper notice of towing on sign is sufficient.
So do you think the County should license beach chairs, umbrella's, Rolex watches, and tents, so that the County knows to whom the items belong, so that they give it to the correct owner of record when the supposed owner comes by to claim it.
I find it difficult to believe that someone would leave a Rolex in their cooler on the beach overnight, and if they do, either they have too much money, or not enough sense, and should be worried about other things, than their Rolex being in the dump.
Beach Fanatic
Why did you build a seawall on your property and cover your necklace up ?I can hardly wait for the Florida Supreme Court to tell you, me and all the other "private" beach owners with deeds created by greedy developers and realitors to sell beach front property they really didn't own that "customary use of the beach" prevails due to decades of use by ALL citizens. The court may decide otherwise and if they should, I would hope the Florida Legislature does as Oregon and Hawaii has done and declare all beaches from the toe of the dune to the Gulf as "public" land. The deeds granting such lands to beachfront property owners are flawed and have been from the git go, IMO. Its time for the government to correct the situation.
Oh! - I see you buried it on someone else's property without their permission - not very smart either way.
Beach Fanatic
Couldn't agree more, Andy.
And in the meantime, I wonder where the personal responsibility is in all this--the "junk" left unattended on the beach is a hazard to marine and human life, in addition to the "litter" effect. Heaven forbid, we have a storm blow up unexpectedly, and some of the tent poles or umbrellas become a projectile and impale some person, or damage others' property.
Perhaps we need a "dangerous instrumentality doctrine"for things other than cars! The legislature has tried to include grocery store shopping carts in this law; maybe it's time for someone to introduce a bill to include beach junk in Walton County.
I am sure if I left something on a so-called public beach, and it became a projectile and injured one of the people who own beachfront property or damaged his house, he would be the first to file a suit.
We need to get real people! and we need some leadership in this county who will stand up to those who threaten with lawsuits!
If the deeds were corrected as Andy suggests, and if we had solid public policy on the books, then the threat of a lawsuit would be just that-- a threat.
And in the meantime, I wonder where the personal responsibility is in all this--the "junk" left unattended on the beach is a hazard to marine and human life, in addition to the "litter" effect. Heaven forbid, we have a storm blow up unexpectedly, and some of the tent poles or umbrellas become a projectile and impale some person, or damage others' property.
Perhaps we need a "dangerous instrumentality doctrine"for things other than cars! The legislature has tried to include grocery store shopping carts in this law; maybe it's time for someone to introduce a bill to include beach junk in Walton County.
I am sure if I left something on a so-called public beach, and it became a projectile and injured one of the people who own beachfront property or damaged his house, he would be the first to file a suit.
We need to get real people! and we need some leadership in this county who will stand up to those who threaten with lawsuits!
If the deeds were corrected as Andy suggests, and if we had solid public policy on the books, then the threat of a lawsuit would be just that-- a threat.
Beach Fanatic
I can hardly wait for the Florida Supreme Court to tell you, me and all the other "private" beach owners with deeds created by greedy developers and realitors to sell beach front property they really didn't own that "customary use of the beach" prevails due to decades of use by ALL citizens. The court may decide otherwise and if they should, I would hope the Florida Legislature does as Oregon and Hawaii has done and declare all beaches from the toe of the dune to the Gulf as "public" land. The deeds granting such lands to beachfront property owners are flawed and have been from the git go, IMO. Its time for the government to correct the situation.
Andy I purchased my beachfront lot 41 years ago. no greedy developerss existed when I purchased 220 front feet for $15,000 and my legal descrption on my deed matches the original patent deed from the Govt.
If you have a cooked deed you can easily have it corrected or simply deed access to the county.
I too wish for a ruling from the Supreme Court for that is where this will end.
Edited
SoWal Expert
...and the Gov't stole that land from the Native Americans. It wasn't the Government's to give out to the politicians' friends. Interesting that you bring up theft. Read your history books.
Beach Fanatic
...and the Gov't stole that land from the Native Americans. It wasn't the Government's to give out to the politicians' friends. Interesting that you bring up theft. Read your history books.
The same is true for your lot as well. You going to give yours back?
Beach Comber
Who needs beach lighting with all of the bonfires out there. Accoding to Interested Girl, there have been 400 permitted since the first of the year.
No, I think maybe someone built a volleyball net or seawall on them and I want them back!
Seriously, where is the DEP and the gov't in all of this. We have to jump through major hoops about the wattage and style of lightbulbs, but circus tents and piles of sheet are okay in turtle nesting areas?
Beach Fanatic
Who needs beach lighting with all of the bonfires out there. Accoding to Interested Girl, there have been 400 permitted since the first of the year.
No according to Sandra in code enforcement. Call her if you don't think that is accurate.
Beach Fanatic
Full moon tide, not a storm.
E-mails records were filed for by hte plantif that showed horror stories of items such as Rolex watches hidden in coolers being thrown in the landfill.
Stupid is as stupid does.
Interested Girl, is it really that important to you that people be allowed to leave their random belongings out on the beach 24/7? Why trash the beach? But more importantly, why endanger other people on the beach?
I can understand the volleyball net; it should be treated/governed the same as dune walkovers and should be allowed to stay. But I've been on the beach too many times when the wind picks up, not even during a tropical storm, and tents and umbrellas go flying; I've chased some down a few times. It's not just the turtle argument; it's a tremendous liability argument, much more than a $10,000 watch that someone values so little they leave it stting in a cooler, unattended on the beach over night. I don't even leave my $199 iPod in my chair when I go up to the condo to fix my turkey sandwich; why would someone leave their valuable items out there if they are so sacred to them? The bigger liability is that these projectile tumbleweed items can hit someone else on the beach. Who's liable then? What's the bigger damage, someone's Rolex sent to the dump due to their negligence, or a beachgoer severly injured due to a projectile 80 pound steel and canvas tent, due to some else's negligence?
Beach Comber
I know when i say this, i am not the typical tourist. You guys have something great in south Walton and I am one who would like to see it stay that way. I have been coming to Destin several times a year for 25 plus years and I for one have seen Destin grow into the tourist trap it is now. So now when i come to fish or vacation, we usually go to Grayton. When i come to the beach, I try to leave it in better shape than when i got there. I usually pack a plastic bag or garbage bag in my snorkel gear or fishing gear. I pick up trash when i am there and throw it away when i leave. I have even go as far as telling other tourist to not bring glass bottles to the beach. It is nothing to pick up a plastic sack full of dixie cups daily in Destin!
Everyone should try to leave it better than when you got there. if you see trash on the beach take it home with you.
Everyone should try to leave it better than when you got there. if you see trash on the beach take it home with you.
SoWal Expert
The same is true for your lot as well. You going to give yours back?
I haven't claimed exclusive rights to my property. You have. I understand that this planet doesn't belong to humans. Our egos get in the way, and make us believe that we actually own a particular square because we pay money for it, but I know differently. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
The aesthetic of the beaches is everyones responsibility
Responsibility needs to happen for the sake of the beach itself. When someone that has some legal form of property leaves their own chairs, tents, volleyball net out on the beaches, it is viewed by those visiting as to how they too can treat their chairs, tents and volleyball net.
Look back on this thread to the photos of a tent buried four feet in the sand and ask yourself the question. Who removed these items from the beach?
Most times it will be left for someone else to take care of. You know this. I know this. It is the same thing with broken shovels and beach chairs. Are we going to call that stealing too because whoever finally removed it didn't own it?
I appreciate your ownership of beach property and I won't set up my chairs and umbrella next to your sea oats. I hope others won't either. I believe it is fair to ask that the sand from the toe of the dune to the waters edge be left empty each night out of respect for everyones right to a beautiful beach.
Responsibility needs to happen for the sake of the beach itself. When someone that has some legal form of property leaves their own chairs, tents, volleyball net out on the beaches, it is viewed by those visiting as to how they too can treat their chairs, tents and volleyball net.
Look back on this thread to the photos of a tent buried four feet in the sand and ask yourself the question. Who removed these items from the beach?
Most times it will be left for someone else to take care of. You know this. I know this. It is the same thing with broken shovels and beach chairs. Are we going to call that stealing too because whoever finally removed it didn't own it?
I appreciate your ownership of beach property and I won't set up my chairs and umbrella next to your sea oats. I hope others won't either. I believe it is fair to ask that the sand from the toe of the dune to the waters edge be left empty each night out of respect for everyones right to a beautiful beach.
Beach Fanatic
Responsibility needs to happen for the sake of the beach itself. When someone that has some legal form of property leaves their own chairs, tents, volleyball net out on the beaches, it is viewed by those visiting as to how they too can treat their chairs, tents and volleyball net.
Look back on this thread to the photos of a tent buried four feet in the sand and ask yourself the question. Who removed these items from the beach?
Most times it will be left for someone else to take care of. You know this. I know this. It is the same thing with broken shovels and beach chairs. Are we going to call that stealing too because whoever finally removed it didn't own it?
I appreciate your ownership of beach property and I won't set up my chairs and umbrella next to your sea oats. I hope others won't either. I believe it is fair to ask that the sand from the toe of the dune to the waters edge be left empty each night out of respect for everyones right to a beautiful beach.
I don't
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Beach Fanatic
I haven't claimed exclusive rights to my property. You have. I understand that this planet doesn't belong to humans. Our egos get in the way, and make us believe that we actually own a particular square because we pay money for it, but I know differently. ;-)
I will be sure to let everyone that they are welcome to drag all of their crap to your property and do what ever they choose whenever they choose.
Don't you sell real estate? I'm confused if you do - you sell property to people and then claim they don't enjoy the rights of ownership.
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Beach Fanatic
I don't
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I have found someone as stubborn in their opinion as I am and that's OK that we don't agree. It makes us human.
Just know that I never plan to just give up in my quest to enjoy beautiful beaches and hopefully they will be empty early in the morning like they were before people inhabited this planet. This is what SJ was getting at. You missed it in your quest to stir peoples emotions.
My wish for you is that you don't get a neighbor who thinks like you and decides to leave their junk out on "their" beach and blocks your view of the sunset with a half buried tent because you said it yourself, they have the right.
Time for me to move on to another thread with a merrier disposition.

Beach Fanatic
I have found someone as stubborn in their opinion as I am and that's OK that we don't agree. It makes us human.Posted via Mobile Device
Just know that I never plan to just give up in my quest to enjoy beautiful beaches and hopefully they will be empty early in the morning like they were before people inhabited this planet. This is what SJ was getting at. You missed it in your quest to stir peoples emotions.
My wish for you is that you don't get a neighbor who thinks like you and decides to leave their junk out on "their" beach and blocks your view of the sunset with a half buried tent because you said it yourself, they have the right.
Time for me to move on to another thread with a merrier disposition.
I have always has the ability to disagree with someone and go have a drink after the discussion. Some people just can't be like that.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Interested Girl,
maybe you could go have an ice cream cone...it might bring you some joy!
maybe you could go have an ice cream cone...it might bring you some joy!
Beach Fanatic
Interested Girl,
maybe you could go have an ice cream cone...it might bring you some joy!
I just might do that. I enjoy life everyday Thank You.
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Beach Fanatic
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I have always has the ability to disagree with someone and go have a drink after the discussion. Some people just can't be like that.
I'd have a drink with you. Heck, I'd buy.

An old salt who bought here 41 years ago has got to have some very interesting stories to tell. Likely why you feel as strong about your property as you do.
Beach Fanatic
I just find it interesting that the trucks were out here picking up the stuff frequently and then right before the holiday weekend and the season begins - it is put to a halt.
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