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Grayton Beach grilling?

Beach Comber
5,541 views
Has anybody heard that you cant grill out on Grayton Beach without a fire permit? The cops said that goes for crawfish boils also. Been grilling and boiling out there for many years. Has the law changed?

Replies

23
miznotebook avatar
Beach Fanatic
#2
I thought it was just for bonfires and campfires. You could check with the South Walton Fire District at 267-1298. They are in charge of bonfire permits.
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#3
Interesting read here:

http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=12452&stateID=9&statename=Florida

Guess I need to go back to the SWFD who apparently has no authority over issuance and demand my $49.00 back. Check chapter 10 in the codes above. Chapter 22 goes on to conflict with chapter 10 stating that the SWFD issues the permit, while the original ordinance clearly states that the TDC issues the permit for $1.00 with a $49.00 deposit.
30A Skunkape avatar
Skunky
#4
Has anybody heard that you cant grill out on Grayton Beach without a fire permit? The cops said that goes for crawfish boils also. Been grilling and boiling out there for many years. Has the law changed?

Unless the reulations chnaged, there should not be any prohibition against grilling on the beach (Grayton or otherwise). That said, I think you have to take into consideration that some folks abuse this by setting up a burn barrel and throwing a grate over it and end up tending their "grill" long after food has been finished. I also think they frown upon grilling operations that rival what a catering company might set up.

Now I love crawfish as much as the next guy, but I have a hard time thinking of a worse place to boil them than the beach. For one thing, you need lots of running water to pull off a boil correctly, and there just isn't any at the beach. And I hate to think about the mess of shells, lemons, onion/garlic chunks and dumped boil water funking up the beach. Gross!
miznotebook avatar
Beach Fanatic
#5
Interesting read here:

http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=12452&stateID=9&statename=Florida

Guess I need to go back to the SWFD who apparently has no authority over issuance and demand my $49.00 back. Check chapter 10 in the codes above. Chapter 22 goes on to conflict with chapter 10 stating that the SWFD issues the permit, while the original ordinance clearly states that the TDC issues the permit for $1.00 with a $49.00 deposit.

Not to worry, the county commission passed an ordinance in June 2010 making permits for fires on the beach the SWFD's responsibility:

Mr. Demers presented for final hearing the Bonfire/Fireworks Ordinance (2010-09). An
ordinance amending Section 4, paragraph b of Walton County Ordinance 2003-07; amending the
procedures and requirements to obtain permits to have fires on the beaches of the Gulf of
Mexico; amending the procedures and requirements to have fireworks displays. He stated that
the ordinance will change the authority issuing the permits from the Beach Activities
Coordinator to the South Walton Fire Department (SWFD). He reported that a language change
on page two, item nine would dictate that firework displays south of the Choctawhatchee Bay
would require a permit from the SWFD. These permits would only be issued to licensed
distributors/wholesalers. He recommended approval with the language change. Commissioner
Comander voiced concern that some changes needed to be made to accommodate the Code
Board. Mr. Demers stated that those issues can be addressed at a later date.
Mr. Richard Bryan addressed the buffer area around the historical outfalls and asked how
the outfall area is established. Ms. Christenson stated that this issue is related to the FLUE and
will be addressed at the July 12th meeting. She stated that staff would meet with Mr. Bryan to
discuss his concerns.
Motion by Commissioner Comander, second by Commissioner C. Jones, to adopt the
Bonfire/Fireworks Ordinance 2010-09. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Brannon Aye, L. Jones Aye, Pridgen
Aye, C. Jones Aye, Comander Aye.

http://www.clerkofcourts.co.walton.fl.us/document_center/Minutes/Regular_Meetings/20100608.pdf
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#62
Well there goes my dream:

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Beach ComberAuthor
#7
Unless the reulations chnaged, there should not be any prohibition against grilling on the beach (Grayton or otherwise). That said, I think you have to take into consideration that some folks abuse this by setting up a burn barrel and throwing a grate over it and end up tending their "grill" long after food has been finished. I also think they frown upon grilling operations that rival what a catering company might set up.

Now I love crawfish as much as the next guy, but I have a hard time thinking of a worse place to boil them than the beach. For one thing, you need lots of running water to pull off a boil correctly, and there just isn't any at the beach. And I hate to think about the mess of shells, lemons, onion/garlic chunks and dumped boil water funking up the beach. Gross!

The best wash for crawfish is salt water. Plenty of that in the gulf. I have allways left the beach with no trace except my tire tracks!!
Beach ComberAuthor
#9
Wow. So who do i get permit from for $1.00
beachmouse avatar
Beach Fanatic
#10
The state park is supposed to have grills at their picnic area. Might be easier to just grill over there instead.
Beach ComberAuthor
#11
I allways clean up my spot. Gulf salt water purges mudbugs the best!!
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#12
Wow. So who do i get permit from for $1.00

You don't anymore. I was apparently looking at the original ordinance.
30A Skunkape avatar
Skunky
#13
The best wash for crawfish is salt water. Plenty of that in the gulf. I have allways left the beach with no trace except my tire tracks!!

Another myth busted! Bring them pre-boiled or better yet day old in some fettucine:wave:

“Research at the LSU AgCenter has shown that the addition of salt to the wash water provides no significant advantage in cleansing crawfish despite the numerous claims to the contrary.”

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/news_arc...ter-purges-tail-curl-for-cooking-crawfish.htm
Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
#14
Grilling on the beach is great. Can't imagine doing a boil though, unless it's by someone fully equipped and experienced.
Beach ComberAuthor
#15
So I take that as a yes. And when 30a skunkazz walks by my boil with envy. Keep on walking
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#16
So I take that as a yes. And when 30a skunkazz walks by my boil with envy. Keep on walking

You'll never know who he is.
Franny avatar
Beach Fanatic
#17
We had a boil on Saturday and left the beach as we found it, maybe even cleaner.
Leader of the Banned avatar
Beach Fanatic
#18
I once had a boil. No one was envious. Couldn't sit down for a week. Really sucked.
Beach Crab
#19
We had a boil on Saturday and left the beach as we found it, maybe even cleaner.

I hope that wasn't the same boil that was disposed of along the road in the Point Washington State Forest on Sunday. Garbage bag, 5 gallon bucket, beer cans, paper products along with the boil debris!:pissed:
Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
#20
I hope that wasn't the same boil that was disposed of along the road in the Point Washington State Forest on Sunday. Garbage bag, 5 gallon bucket, beer cans, paper products along with the boil debris!:pissed:

that's awful! I can't imagine a local being responsible for this, or anyone for that matter.
steel1man avatar
Beach Fanatic
#21
I once had a boil. No one was envious. Couldn't sit down for a week. Really sucked.
Who said Sowal Forum was dead? This post says NO.
With a very enlighting response . #doughnutcushion
Beach ComberAuthor
#22
Thanks yall. Ill take that as a yes!!!
Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
#23
Who said Sowal Forum was dead? This post says NO.
With a very enlighting response . #doughnutcushion

The forum is what the community makes it which is why it changes with the times always and never dies. It is what people need it to be, no more and no less. It is about community. It is also celebrating 10 years this year! Happy Birthday!!! #SoWalCommunityForum


glad that some things never change though such as thread tangents and bad jokes:cool:
crawfish boil doughnut
enfuego avatar
Beach Lover
#24
Here is the Ordinance:
Sec. 22-54. Regulation of use and conduct on the beach and water bodies.
(a)
Overnight camping. It shall be unlawful to camp overnight on the beach.
(b)
Fires.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person to ignite or maintain, or participate in the maintenance of, a bonfire, campfire, or other activity that results in an open flame on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico, without a permit as provided herein. No fires will be allowed within 200 feet of a marked turtle nest or within 50 feet of vegetation line or within 100 feet of any habitable structure.
(2)
It shall be unlawful and a violation of the ordinance for a person to fail to clean up after the fire has been extinguished.
(3)
All fires must be in containers approved by the SWFD and only combustible, non-toxic material, free of nails, glass, and other potentially dangerous items may be used in any fire.
(4)
All persons desiring to obtain a 24-hour permit for a fire on public or private land within the area described herein above shall apply for a fire permit from the coordinator [of the] South Walton Fire District (SWFD). All applications for fire permits shall set forth in detail the following:
a.
Full name and address of the applicant;
b.
The date and time the fire is to be set;
c.
The kind or type of fire to be set;
d.
The materials to be burned;
e.
The specific location of the fire;
f.
Written consent of private property owners;
g.
The safeguards to be taken to protect the public and other property from injury; and
h.
Such other information as may be prescribed by the SWFD.
(5)
The fee for the issuance of the fire permit shall be set by resolution of the Board and amended as necessary.
(6)
Permits shall not be issued when the SWFD has good reason to believe that the proposed fire will endanger the public health, safety, welfare, or other people or property, or when the Florida Fire Service issues a no burn order.
(7)
Issuance of a permit by the SWFD shall not excuse or relieve the applicant from any liability or responsibility for damages which may result from carelessness or neglect in setting, starting, looking after, or guarding a fire.

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