Any truth to the rumor?

The parking WAS a problem, until the huge signs were installed.

The shuttle ran from the Subdivision on 393 to Blue Mtn., to this access. I saw it each weekend as it would stop (with no one riding it BTW).

Followed it back on its route and spoke with driver at Gulf Place. This was one of the stops.

Perhaps, no more...

I think it would be easy to have the shuttle’s route restricted to improved county accesses or state parks only.

Copy and share this to your contacts

Let’s keep our right to use the beach
Contact the Commissioners-
Beach front property owners at Beach Highlands have claimed title to the beach and beach accesses at the Stallworth Walkover and Bullard/Highland access through a quiet title. As a result of this, or similar actions, South Walton Beaches are becoming closed to the public.
Walton County must protect the public’s right to use the beach through an ordinance declaring Customary Use of the beach and beach access by the public. Once an ordinance is in place the public will be allowed use of the beach, no matter who has title. It will be up to the property owners to challenge the county ordinance.
Contact ALL of the county commissioners and tell them to move forward with writing and adopting a Customary Use ordinance for the beach and beach accesses of Walton County.
Walton County Commissioners:
William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4860
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-4020
joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us
Bill Imfeld (R), District 3 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-8474
imfbill@co.walton.fl.us
Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4834
comsara@co.walton.fl.us

Cindy Meadows(R), District 5 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 231-2978
meacindy@co.walton.fl.us

The parking WAS a problem, until the huge signs were installed.

The shuttle ran from the Subdivision on 393 to Blue Mtn., to this access. I saw it each weekend as it would stop (with no one riding it BTW).

Followed it back on its route and spoke with driver at Gulf Place. This was one of the stops.

Perhaps, no more...

The parking was a problem because owners in that neighborhood don't understand what a public right of way is. They put barriers on public land to prevent legitimate street parking. They have intimidated the traffic study engineers, public works and even Chelco to keep ROW's obstructed. These people are worse than socialists or communists in there greed to STEAL from the public.

Now they'll tell you that they have suffered vandalism, threats and violence and a host of other unsubstantiated claims. Countless times they have outright lied at BCC meetings and attempted fraud to restrict access to Public roads and lands. Regarding their claims of vandalism and threatening beach goers there is not 1 arrest or even police report to back up any one of their claims.

Last Saturday night, I had a bonfire at the Dune Allen west neighborhood access to celebrate my sons 17th birthday and a gulf front homeowner called the police who arrived within 5 minutes of our fire being lit. We had a permit, the proper container, and wood. There was no alcohol, a few chairs, a radio and about 25-30 people standing around the fire. The tide was out so we set up right by the waters edge, as far from the gulf front houses as possible. We chose this access because it is the closest one to our house. The homeowner told the police we were trespassing on private property,which was not true as we went straight down from the steps at the access, which is what the permit allows. The officer even walked with me toward the nearest house and half way there, agreed he couldn't even hear the music or talking. He was very understanding but said if he got called back, we would probably have to leave because the homeowner would just keep calling and saying it was disturbing him. This homeowner was INSIDE his house and you could barely hear us from outside ( I am sure of this because I walked up to the access steps and recorded the sound ). We stayed for a while, but it sure put a damper on the night when you have to spend the first 20 minutes defending your right to be on the public beach, and worrying that the police are going to be called again. I have lived in walton county my entire life, and resent that I can't have a LEGAL bonfire on the public beach without having to defend my right to do so.

Things have sure changed from the good old days Sunny 850. Remember when you could camp on the beach, fish all night and no one would even come around? The only problem back then was if you ran out of supplies you had to drive all the way back to Freeport to find an open store. Hard to believe that world existed only 30-40 years ago.

Copy and share this to your contacts

Let’s keep our right to use the beach
Contact the Commissioners-
Beach front property owners at Beach Highlands have claimed title to the beach and beach accesses at the Stallworth Walkover and Bullard/Highland access through a quiet title. As a result of this, or similar actions, South Walton Beaches are becoming closed to the public.
Walton County must protect the public’s right to use the beach through an ordinance declaring Customary Use of the beach and beach access by the public. Once an ordinance is in place the public will be allowed use of the beach, no matter who has title. It will be up to the property owners to challenge the county ordinance.
Contact ALL of the county commissioners and tell them to move forward with writing and adopting a Customary Use ordinance for the beach and beach accesses of Walton County.
Walton County Commissioners:
William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4860
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-4020
joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us
Bill Imfeld (R), District 3 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-8474
imfbill@co.walton.fl.us
Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4834
comsara@co.walton.fl.us

Cindy Meadows(R), District 5 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 231-2978
meacindy@co.walton.fl.us

It was only

Copy and share this to your contacts

Let’s keep our right to use the beach
Contact the Commissioners-
Beach front property owners at Beach Highlands have claimed title to the beach and beach accesses at the Stallworth Walkover and Bullard/Highland access through a quiet title. As a result of this, or similar actions, South Walton Beaches are becoming closed to the public.
Walton County must protect the public’s right to use the beach through an ordinance declaring Customary Use of the beach and beach access by the public. Once an ordinance is in place the public will be allowed use of the beach, no matter who has title. It will be up to the property owners to challenge the county ordinance.
Contact ALL of the county commissioners and tell them to move forward with writing and adopting a Customary Use ordinance for the beach and beach accesses of Walton County.
Walton County Commissioners:
William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4860
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-4020
joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us
Bill Imfeld (R), District 3 CommissionerDistrict Office:
Office (850) 892-8474
imfbill@co.walton.fl.us
Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 835-4834
comsara@co.walton.fl.us

Cindy Meadows(R), District 5 Commissioner
District Office:
Office (850) 231-2978
meacindy@co.walton.fl.us

It was only a matter of time, seeing that the Re-nourishment Failed, that someone would open Pandora's Box and now throw the "Customary Use" argument into the mix.

Soap Pedaler, I'm not picking on you, you are entitled to your opinion on this subject, but I just find it funny that with the failure of the county's attempt at taking away private property from beach front owners aka. Beach Re Nourishment, now comes plan two - Customary Use.

Bet ya, C. Jones is behind that push.

Yeah, yippie, for Private Property Rights!!! There will soon be NONE in South Walton.

As an outsider who can only wish he was working his way toward "Local" status, I don't understand.
Can you expound a bit John?
I sense a lot of emotion and time involved with this subject. I'm kinda like Geo looking for someone to help dumb this down to how did we get here and where might this go so I understand the position of the two sides. I'd like to think I'm on the right one.

All this is depressing. I can't believe how the area is growing and getting even more crowded. Kind of makes me want to move to Wyoming.

All this is depressing. I can't believe how the area is growing and getting even more crowded. Kind of makes me want to move to Wyoming.

Yes it is a bit depressing, but we better deal with it now before the situation gets any worse.

As an outsider who can only wish he was working his way toward "Local" status, I don't understand.
Can you expound a bit John?
I sense a lot of emotion and time involved with this subject. I'm kinda like Geo looking for someone to help dumb this down to how did we get here and where might this go so I understand the position of the two sides. I'd like to think I'm on the right one.

Look no further than Commissioner C. Jones and the South Walton Small Business Association.

Both BIG fans and supporters of the beach vendors and both have provided the talking points to them.

I am amazed at just how many vendors were knowingly allow to continue to operate through all of last season, without proper permits.

Looks as if a few have been chases off this year but I'm sure the " enforcement " part of that will continue to be a bit slow until more people speak up.

My neighbor told me that a sheriff deputy was called to the Beachhighland access on Friday because a man and 2 children were sitting on the Beach at Stallworth. Spring break hasn't even started. Will the deputies be tied up all season running people off the beach instead watching neighborhoods for "real" crime like burglary and assault?

Probably, as many will complain about the lack of enforcement on the beach on the one hand and the lack of patrolling for real crime on the other. Some even say that the WCSO may be over staffed to a similar sized county in Alabama and maybe top heavy to boot.

Probably, as many will complain about the lack of enforcement on the beach on the one hand and the lack of patrolling for real crime on the other. Some even say that the WCSO may be over staffed to a similar sized county in Alabama and maybe top heavy to boot.

But your original comment was a dig huh Bob Wells?

Yes, I did say that the WCSO is top heavy, if you disagree please present your facts that prove otherwise.

Look no further than Commissioner C. Jones and the South Walton Small Business Association.

Both BIG fans and supporters of the beach vendors and both have provided the talking points to them.

I am amazed at just how many vendors were knowingly allow to continue to operate through all of last season, without proper permits.

Looks as if a few have been chases off this year but I'm sure the " enforcement " part of that will continue to be a bit slow until more people speak up.

Email reply from C.Meadows:

Thank you for your input on this. This is an ongoing issue that will be resolved only with the consensus of the BCC and at this time we do not have a consensus on how to address vendors.


Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2016 3:07 PM
To: Cindy Meadows
Subject: From Sowal vendor haters






New

Here's another idea.
Don't allow ANY vendors on OUR beaches.
If people want chairs and umbrellas set up for them they should be at a resort.

But your original comment was a dig huh Bob Wells?

Yes, I did say that the WCSO is top heavy, if you disagree please present your facts that prove otherwise.

Opinions are like belly buttons Misty, I was just pointing that out.

The beach vendors are ruining 30A. Stopped going to Sandestin because they ruined the beach there. Grayton Beach is paradise no more!

Opinions are like belly buttons Misty, I was just pointing that out.

Of course you were! And of course you have presented no facts to show the WCSO is NOT TOP heavy!

But then again, I didn't expect that you would.

Of course you were! And of course you have presented no facts to show the WCSO is NOT TOP heavy!

But then again, I didn't expect that you would.

And if I remember correctly you haven't presented anything but your opinion. I don't believe I have said either way.

And if I remember correctly you haven't presented anything but your opinion. I don't believe I have said either way.

I beg to differ with you Mr. Wells. I did post something which you actually alluded to in your post about a similar sized county in Alabama and how it is done without a multi million dollar budget.

Still doesn'the my opinion.

This was a thread about beach access. How about a separate thread about WCSO staffing?

This was a thread about beach access. How about a separate thread about WCSO staffing?

Sorry NDY, I was relating it to enforcement.

WCSO has far too many sworn that sit their butts in chairs in DFS. They need to be out patrolling our streets and Neighborhoods.

Remember that sit down bike they wanted to get bunches of that you can ride at your desk? They don't want everyone looking like the past Major that had to leave due to not being able to pass the physical fitness run.

We have Code Enforcement (TDC), as worthless as they are, that should patrol beaches and Enforce County Ordinance. WCSO beach patrol is on beaches also.

Their numbers from last year support how worthless they are at Enforcement.

My wife and I are planning on attending this meeting.

Repost from an email that I received this morning:

"In case you haven't heard, beachfront homeowners at Stallworth have gone to court to get "quiet title" to beaches on 30A. This means we have no longer have legal right to relax, fish or walk on the beach. I read that this type of legal action has recently occurred at Blue Mountain & Seagrove too. Yesterday, I'm told, a full time resident was walking on the water's edge at Stallworth and 2 WCSO officers were summoned to ask her to leave. When will that happen to you, your family or friends? This legal action taken by a few may result in negative economic impact for Walton County too. Once other beachfront homeowners do this up & down 30A, area guests will have very limited beach access -- so why visit here? And that would affect your businesses, personal incomes, property values and county tax revenues long term. And you thought BP Tar Balls were bad for our economy... All of this is happening NOW on 30A.

Tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Walton County Commissioners will meet at the courthouse in Defuniak Springs where they have "beach issues" on the agenda. It is anticipated this situation on 30A will be discussed. If you are concerned, here's what you can do: * EMAIL OR CALL ALL COMMISSIONERS TODAY; * ATTEND THE MEETING; & * SHARE. William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner District Office: 9446 Rock Hill Road Ponce de Leon, FL 32455 Office (850) 835-4860 Fax (850) 835-4836 chabill@co.walton.fl.us Jeff Skipper Commissioner's Aide skijeff@co.walton.fl.us Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 Commissioner, Vice-Chair District Office: 552 Walton Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Office (850) 892-4020 joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us Evelyn Strickland Executive Assistant strevelyn@co.walton.fl.us Bill Imfeld (R), District 3 Commissioner District Office: 6570 US Hwy 90 West DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Office (850) 892-8474 Fax (850) 892-4204 imfbill@co.walton.fl.us Evelyn Smith Commissioner's Aide smievelyn@co.walton.fl.us Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner, Chair District Office: 263 Chaffin Avenue DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Office (850) 835-4834 Fax (850) 951-0868 comsara@co.walton.fl.us Melinda Wickham Commissioner's Aide wicmelinda@co.walton.fl.us Cindy Meadows (R), District 5 Commissioner District Office: 70 Logan Lane Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Office (850) 231-2978 Fax (850) 231-3872 meacindy@co.walton.fl.us Susan MacDonald Commissioner's Aide macsusan@co.walton.fl.us"

Wish I could attend that meeting as well.
The letter I already submitted to the commissioners parrots what you said.
If they want my money going elsewhere, it can... and will.
The beaches are a huge reason Sowal is what Sowal is to me.