Just In: Walton County Beach Permit Lottery Information

Pfft. What right does the EPA have to tell us how many people can drive on our beach? If it was FDEP that might be different, but IMHO the FEDs don't have any business telling us how to manage our beaches. The results of their meddling - a whole lot of local folks who have been going down to the beach for decades are going to have to spend their time doing something else instead of what they truly enjoy. What an improvement.. NOT! And you Geo, take the side of the EPA and people implementing this policy instead of defending all the Walton County resident who've been shut out? Shame on you buddy.

Ha- Not sure whose post you're reading Shopper, old buddy, old pal...
In my post I never took sides with the EPA or anybody. I never stated my personal/political beliefs about the beach permit changes here. Hell, like I said earlier- I didn't even know which federal entity was involved. It's quite possible it was FDEP and I just botched the story. Anywho.

For the record, I only reported my understanding of the events that transpired as a courtesy to those who believe they can't get a beach permit because of an imaginary clique.

That said- I'm pretty sure the feds (or FDEP) could take away our ability to drive on the beach citing any number of laws on the books (e.g. turtles).

So stuff your shame in a sack. 😉

It wasn't the EPA. It started with a Grayton resident.

I explained it from memory as it was told to me (by a Grayton resident) in early 2010. If I have said anything untrue, pls share what u know.

FYI-
Here is what I understand is behind the changes:

Some federal gov't entity (EPA maybe) expressed concerns about driving on the beach at Grayton. They suggested they were going to step in and take away this priviledge to protect us from ourselves. In response, a group of locals organized and proposed some reforms that would restrict the number of issued permits so they could show the Feds that we as a community are proactively addressing their concerns in the hopes that they wouldn't step in and ruin it for all. As a result, we saw the changes for June 2010.

My understanding is that these reforms were successful in lowering the number of permits significantly and as a result the decison makers were able to issue 150 new permits for June 2011 using the lottery system (which was a suggestion by citizens). Per earlier posts in this thread, 75% of those who entered the lottery were selected to receive permits).

your right! sorry just had to get on my soap box for a minute. im off now.

I really don't want you to explain to me why you didn't renew when you could have or why you didn't enter the lottery. I honestly don't care.

Just wanted to set the record straight that at the end of the day it is your fault that you didn't renew or enter the lottery and not the fault of a clique or politics.

sorry this is the message i meant to quote. but again you are correct if i would have got my butt down there to renew the permit every year i would still be driving on the beach instead of lugging my cooler 75 yards from the parking lot but its cool i need the workout. maybe i'll have time to get my name in the hat next year. my only argument is that it seems every little thing now a days has rules and restrictions on it. we live in such a beauitful place but to enjoy it we have to check the new law on the subject. but i know its for our own good and natures on good. after reading a bit on the subject we are discussing now i see both sides views.