turtle watch volunteer arrested

ASH, your photos are appreciated but I have to say they make me want to grab a Louisville Slugger and something sharp and go to town. What a freaking disgrace;what kind of lazy, trashy, foul, rude, arrogant, vile person would leave that junk on the beach? It looks like something the Germans might have constructed in anticipation of D-Day!

Now we might have a little insight into what Mary saw (allegedly). Those pics truly show what could make law abiding citizens go a bit bat sheet. I know I'd be hauling what I could up to the trash cans, myself. :angry:

ASH...I really appreciate you taking and posting those "crappy" pics. Will you be sending them to the TDC?

I think the Beach Ambassadors program is a great idea...I believe it was mentioned on here some time ago.

In New Orleans the tourist office used to have --not sure after Katrina-- young people on the streets with maps, information, directions, available to answer questions from tourists. They are always super helpful, very friendly, seem to enjoy their job and even sometimes give out discount coupons from local restaurants and attractions. I think it is a value added component to the NOLA tourism and visitors bureau's effort.

Here, perhaps we could educate our visitors about not only keeping litter and abandoned stuff off the beach overnight, but also let them know about the turtle nesting, the coastal dune lakes, and the rip currents. All in all, it sounds like a win-win to me.

Maybe the locals who routinely pick up trash, could become a bit more organized and then let folks know about Adopt a Beach and Leave no Trace and get more members of the community involved in a meaningful way.

The Beach Ambassador program sounds good if the people are receptive to being educated. Unfortunately in our personal experience, many of the people who "need" to be educated don't appreciate being "educated" ... to the degree of becoming violent at times.

A sneak peek at a contestant in the new Miss SoWal Beauty contest.
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Miss Drapper Lake Outfall
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Good grief, do you ever take a break from trying to get a rise out of somebody?

Quit encouraging me.

:angry:Turdists:angry:

How offensive!
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(I prefer "tourons")

The Beach Ambassador program sounds good if the people are receptive to being educated. Unfortunately in our personal experience, many of the people who "need" to be educated don't appreciate being "educated" ... to the degree of becoming violent at times.

I know. That is why on another thread I said we might need to set up a legal defense fund for those trying to keep the beach clean. LOL

Why do you suppose this is true? Is there something about coming to South Walton that makes people react in such a way? What on earth could it be?

Why do they feel entitled to litter, trash, and generally behave in such irresponsible ways? Is it the times? This has only been happening since the late 90s I think and others have said that too.

Many Florida beaches and other beaches around the country have much stricter rules than we do for how to behave on the beach. Do we need to ban certain items, like the "funeral tents", big shovels, etc.

Not sure what the answer is and I agree it can be dangerous sometimes when someone asks another to abibe by the standards of common courtesy. At a homeowners association meeting the other night, we looked out the Club House door to see a couple and their dog--the dog not on a lead; which is against the rules; then, to our amazement, the dog squatted and began to answer nature's call right in front of the clubhouse door; the owners had not brought anything to dispose of the "poop" and began to walk away. One of the women from our group opened the door and in a civil tone, asked them to take care of their dog's poop and to please put the dog on a leash to conform with the rules of the HOA.

What happened next was unbelieveable: the dog owner started to scream that she always carried a baggie with her; that she had just forgotten--then she stomped off. In a few minutes she returned, picked up the poop and then opened the door to the clubhouse where our meeting was in progress and proceeded to yell and scream and threaten us that we should never again speak to her about her pet; that she would do what she wanted; that she had a right, etc, etc, etc, About half way through the tirade (in front of a whole group of neighbors) her husband jumped into the act. I actually thought he was going to get physical and I think if he had had a gun, someone would have been hurt or killed. Finally, with one more threat that is not appropriate on this board, she slammed the door so hard that the glass almost shattered...

I was shocked to see anyone behave in such a manner. We all sat there looking at one another, not sure what to do next. We simply had asked her to abide by the rules.

I have to say I have lived a lot of places for a good many years, and I have never seen anyone behave like that in similar settings. What is happening with our society? have all parameters of civil behavior been abandoned? How on earth will children grow up to be civil in society if this kind of role model is out there.....it is a mystery to me. I wanted to send that woman to a Good Manners class, but as you say, it appears that those who need educating the most are the very ones who react in such a violent way.

It is frustrating to say the least.

ASH...I really appreciate you taking and posting those "crappy" pics. Will you be sending them to the TDC?

Sharon Maxwell continues to send them to the county officials who will accept her emails in hopes of keeping this issue in front of them.

As has been pointed out I am bit bothered by the no bid contract to turtle watch. Especially when I find out that in 2007, $43,143 was paid out of the $80K I am assuming that they received that year in employee compensation. And that those dollars did not appear to go to volunteers who are giving their hours walking up and down the beach trying to save the turtles, but actually went to 3 members of the board of directors of the organization. Personally, I think something is fishy, and it ain't the turtles.


Those dollars should be going directly to getting more people on the beaches to accomplish their mission. That would be some change I could believe in.

The dollars do go directly to the cause. It is spent on advertising on the local papers such as the Walton Sun and NWF Daily news and many others. Pick up a paper. This stuff isn't free.

It goes to educational materials that every walker is handing out every day to people on the beaches. I was handing it out at 10 O'clock last night near Gulf View Heights because it was reported a turtle came ashore and people with cameras and flashlights harrassed the turtle to the point she left the beach without nesting. One did nest further to the East and I was blessed to watch her do her work. I didn't get off the beach last night until after 11PM.
It goes to flashlights for walkers, stakes to mark nests, hammers to pound in stakes, tape to rope off nests, surgical gloves. The list is extensive and again, this isn't free.

It goes to backpacks with a message on them about turtles that the group is trying to sell at a loss just to keep getting a message out.

Let's turn this on its head. You tell me of a volunteer organization that puts out as much information on the very regular basis that this one does and does it with $80K a year.

Is the problem that you feel a need to control the funds this group is issued and that you feel qualified in determining how the funds should be used or is it that you're just upset that you don't get these funds. I'm trying to determine what you have a chip on your shoulder about. Has this group offended you somehow? Did you used to be a walker and no longer can?

I'm telling you everything I know. Please tell us what's up your sleeve.

As has been pointed out I am bit bothered by the no bid contract to turtle watch. Especially when I find out that in 2007, $43,143 was paid out of the $80K I am assuming that they received that year in employee compensation. And that those dollars did not appear to go to volunteers who are giving their hours walking up and down the beach trying to save the turtles, but actually went to 3 members of the board of directors of the organization. Personally, I think something is fishy, and it ain't the turtles.


Those dollars should be going directly to getting more people on the beaches to accomplish their mission. That would be some change I could believe in.

BTW, the county was required by law to put a turtle program in place. There are not bunches of people lined up wishing they could have a crack at this program. It is not a no bid contract. Your misleading statements are destroying your credibility.

The dollars do go directly to the cause. It is spent on advertising on the local papers such as the Walton Sun and NWF Daily news and many others. Pick up a paper. This stuff isn't free.

It goes to educational materials that every walker is handing out every day to people on the beaches. I was handing it out at 10 O'clock last night near Gulf View Heights because it was reported a turtle came ashore and people with cameras and flashlights harrassed the turtle to the point she left the beach without nesting. One did nest further to the East and I was blessed to watch her do her work. I didn't get off the beach last night until after 11PM.
It goes to flashlights for walkers, stakes to mark nests, hammers to pound in stakes, tape to rope off nests, surgical gloves. The list is extensive and again, this isn't free.

It goes to backpacks with a message on them about turtles that the group is trying to sell at a loss just to keep getting a message out.

Let's turn this on its head. You tell me of a volunteer organization that puts out as much information on the very regular basis that this one does and does it with $80K a year.

Is the problem that you feel a need to control the funds this group is issued and that you feel qualified in determining how the funds should be used or is it that you're just upset that you don't get these funds. I'm trying to determine what you have a chip on your shoulder about. Has this group offended you somehow? Did you used to be a walker and no longer can?

I'm telling you everything I know. Please tell us what's up your sleeve.

Probably trying to reinforce the stereotype held among many that the turtle watch people are elitist south Waltonites who are using taxpayer's money to discuss turtles over mixed drinks and quiche at Alys Beach. These are the same masses who are easily led to believe that Led Zeppelin LPs played in reverse, yoga and high school plays are the gateway to Hell.

P These are the same masses who are easily led to believe that Led Zeppelin LPs played in reverse, yoga and high school plays are the gateway to Hell.

That just cost me a cup of coffee

ExcellenT!

Probably trying to reinforce the stereotype held among many that the turtle watch people are elitist south Waltonites who are using taxpayer's money to discuss turtles over mixed drinks and quiche at Alys Beach. These are the same masses who are easily led to believe that Led Zeppelin LPs played in reverse, yoga and high school plays are the gateway to Hell.

I can assure you I'm not in such a group. I can't afford it. I don't even qualify for a sticker to drive my truck on the beach. I gotta walk. If such a group exists, I'd better understand where Wrobert was coming from.

I can assure you I'm not in such a group. I can't afford it. I don't even qualify for a sticker to drive my truck on the beach. I gotta walk. If such a group exists, I'd better understand where Wrobert was coming from.

Watch your PM's for an invitation. I will make sure that some of the 'missing' $40,000 goes to cover your dues. Do your prefer your martini shaken or stirred?

The attached pdf file and the excerpts within this post are a matter of public record. Not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organizations must annually file a Form 990 (basically a tax return for not-for-profits). It is our policy to no disclose the names associated with salary data even though the info is a matter of public record - therefore we have blanked the names associated with this post.

It appears that many are interested in but lack the data to describe the financial workings of this organization and we therefore have chosen to make them available for all.

We as an organization take no position on this other than providing the facts.

Balance Sheet Info

View attachment 13377

Expenses By Category

View attachment 13379

Compensation

View attachment 13378

These panels are excerpts from the South Walton Turtle Watch 2007 990EZ

2007 South Walton Turtle Watch 990EZ

http://www.waltontaxpayers.org/PDF Files/TurtleWatch.pdf

These are the same masses who are easily led to believe that Led Zeppelin LPs played in reverse, yoga and high school plays are the gateway to Hell.

I had a guy tell me the other day after he found out I did yoga that he was just not into mixing his workouts with religion! Ha! I told him it was probably a good thing because he probably could not work out at that level anyway.

So who gave her the right to destroy other peoples property? How can you bow down and make this woman your hero? Seems she has just lowered herself to way below the actions of any and all tourist leaving items on the beach. Didn't she just take the turtle watchers reputation down with her--what a shame.They work really hard to educate people about the turtles. What a fine example for our young. Just because I don't like what someone else does-------sounds like most of you have just opened the door for do as you please!?! Shame, shame. shame. What about the vandals at the church--do you bow down? Just because it's something you want to see changed, hopefully this is not the avenue you care to go. There is just no difference! Wrong is wrong is wrong. If you still call this woman your hero and bow down, then I hope to see you at church this Sunday.

So who gave her the right to destroy other peoples property? How can you bow down and make this woman your hero? Seems she has just lowered herself to way below the actions of any and all tourist leaving items on the beach. Didn't she just take the turtle watchers reputation down with her--what a shame.They work really hard to educate people about the turtles. What a fine example for our young. Just because I don't like what someone else does-------sounds like most of you have just opened the door for do as you please!?! Shame, shame. shame. What about the vandals at the church--do you bow down? Just because it's something you want to see changed, hopefully this is not the avenue you care to go. There is just no difference! Wrong is wrong is wrong. If you still call this woman your hero and bow down, then I hope to see you at church this Sunday.

Who's property was it? I'm sure if the owner came forward the TDC would like to know. I understood it to be abandoned. Do you know otherwise? Please share with us.

I need an update. Does Kathydwells still hold the highest bid on the sea turtle drawing being auctioned on this thread, in support of the defense fund of the person being accused?

Majah, you are assuming that the trash on the beach was not abandoned and was actually still being claimed by someone.

It is ridiculous for a normal person to think that he or she can set up tents, chairs, coolers, etc, on public property, leaving it indefinitely, and expecting it to always be there. At what point does it become no different than an empty soda bottle on the ground? If throwing a cigarette butt onto the shoulder of Hwy 283 comes with a fine up to $500 in order to help curb littering, what fine should be associated with dumping rusty-framed beach chairs, tents, umbrellas, bottles of lotions, beer in coolers (hello, can you say liability for contributing to minors?), nets, buckets, shovels, plastic trays, towels, underwear, wet swim suits, plastic wrappers from new beach crap, price tags, and boogie boards? (by the way, all of this crap is one example from one encampment I recently saw.)

And you are assuming that those that filed the complaint were not the owners.

... Wrong is wrong is wrong. If you still call this woman your hero and bow down, then I hope to see you at church this Sunday.

Does your church encourage judgment of others?

And you are assuming that those that filed the complaint were not the owners.

Incorrect assumption on your part. I am assuming nothing. I don't know the details. I certainly hope that you are correct on the idea that the persons logging the complaint were the owners. I would love to send them my thoughts about them leaving crap on the beach.

In todays Sun

Seagrove Beach woman arrested

A 57-year-old Seagrove Beach woman was arrested June 16 and charged with destroying several canopy tents and puncturing floats behind Beachcrest Condominiums on County Road 30A.

Witnesses identified her as the one doing the damage on June 12, according to a Walton County Sheriff ’s office spokesman.

The woman denies causing the damage.

The charges are misdemeanors. She was booked into the Walton County Jail and bonded out.

Not exactly a detailed account - who, what where, when and how.

Does your church encourage judgment of others?

This comment doesn't seem to pass the "Straight Face" test.

So who gave her the right to destroy other peoples property? How can you bow down and make this woman your hero? Seems she has just lowered herself to way below the actions of any and all tourist leaving items on the beach. Didn't she just take the turtle watchers reputation down with her--what a shame.They work really hard to educate people about the turtles. What a fine example for our young. Just because I don't like what someone else does-------sounds like most of you have just opened the door for do as you please!?! Shame, shame. shame. What about the vandals at the church--do you bow down? Just because it's something you want to see changed, hopefully this is not the avenue you care to go. There is just no difference! Wrong is wrong is wrong. If you still call this woman your hero and bow down, then I hope to see you at church this Sunday.

I don't know about 'the right', but those trashy beach goers certainly enabled her, didn't they?

I am not certain what church was vandalized, nor do I think anyone here condones politically motivated vandalism of an institution. In fact, I among others helped clean up the McCain/Palin 'Victory Center' after some pinheads plastered Obama signs all over the front windows (even though I supported the winning candidate).