You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Workshop on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the Emerald Coast Middle School located at 4019 US HWY 98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss public access to the beach.
Walton County adheres to the American with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to the meetings upon request. Please call (850) 892-8115 to make a request. For hearing impaired, please call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD), 1-800-955-8770 (VOICE). Requests must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to allow time to provide the requested services.
Replies
509
Beach Fanatic
Fair and equal enforcement is going to need to be part of any solution and we need to find a better solution for the vending on the beach. I think a franchise setup with kiosks at the regional accesses that rent beach equipment to beachgoers would be far better than hundreds of unused chairs trashing up the beach. Then let the private property owners make their own arrangements with the vendors and ban vendors from neighborhood accesses.
Beach Lover
Danny - We don't need any more unnecessary buildings on or along our beaches. The beach vending problem is 4-5 months long and a kiosk is permanent. The hundreds of unused "equipment" you mentioned is a result of poor policy of allowing set-up without requiring occupancy prior to set-up. Occupancy. Given the vast number of empty set-ups and speaking with owners who rent their place, I suspect some of these set-ups could have been paid for but are not used because it is included with the rental. This has to end.
These beach chair vendors are just the beginning....soon we'll see food and drink vendors and then we'll see a ton more trash. Time to ban vending on public beaches now since it is already a big problem and it will only get worse.
Private property owners should be able to do as they please. It's their property after all, but there should be some responsibility of these owners who allow vending to ensure trash is properly disposed of.
These beach chair vendors are just the beginning....soon we'll see food and drink vendors and then we'll see a ton more trash. Time to ban vending on public beaches now since it is already a big problem and it will only get worse.
Private property owners should be able to do as they please. It's their property after all, but there should be some responsibility of these owners who allow vending to ensure trash is properly disposed of.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Private property owners should be able to do as they please. It's their property after all, but there should be some responsibility of these owners who allow vending to ensure trash is properly disposed of.I agree that we should ban vending from public beaches. Get rid of it now.
Regarding vending on private beaches, the way the vending code is written, vendors are supposed to be responsible for cleaning up around their set ups when they take them down. But we all know that nobody actually enforces anything around here. The only folks I have seen the sheriff or code enforcement bother are the folks who are following the rules. It's totally bizarre...
Beach Fanatic
Mike Smith, we could make the kiosks a temporary or moveable structure. I would think the goal is to get the endless lines of unused chairs and such off the beach. To do that you must have some sort of compromise and while dispensing from Kiosks next to the parking lot might not be a perfect solution, it is a step in the right direction. The franchise fees could be used to pay for additional beach cleanup or improving beach access.
Beach Lover
These chairs are not used. Some may be paid for, but few are actually used or used for more than a short period of time during the day. I'm all for franchise fees, but this fee will just be passed on to the tourists and the chairs will continue to sit empty. I understand your concept with the Kiosks, but IMHO these services belong on private resort beaches, not public ones. A compromise could be to allow beach set-ups after 9am and complete removal by 5-6pm as long as they are not set up until the renter takes occupancy. Yes, this would require the vendor to place their wares on or near the beach and physically attend them during the duration of the day. I'd prefer to see this rather than see a kiosk set up wether its temporary or not.
Admin
We believe in our communtiy and do what we can to foster it. It's part of our mission statement. We are very happy to make a living here. We greatly appreciate our financial supporters who appreciate what we do here and want to support our community website.
I try to keep out of politics. I wish all our beaches were free and open like Oregon. But that was done there a long time ago. Early developers in SoWal were allowed to do whatever they liked. That horse left the barn long ago. Now it's up to lawyers unfortunately. That lawyers and law enforcement is telling people to put up signs on the beach is sad.
Not many people have been banned on this site, and not because of political reasons. Unless you count axe grinders like the recent poster who repeatedly posted personal attacks about certain school personnel under five different screen names ("sock puppets" - also against forum rules).
I try to keep out of politics. I wish all our beaches were free and open like Oregon. But that was done there a long time ago. Early developers in SoWal were allowed to do whatever they liked. That horse left the barn long ago. Now it's up to lawyers unfortunately. That lawyers and law enforcement is telling people to put up signs on the beach is sad.
Not many people have been banned on this site, and not because of political reasons. Unless you count axe grinders like the recent poster who repeatedly posted personal attacks about certain school personnel under five different screen names ("sock puppets" - also against forum rules).
Beach Fanatic
We believe in our communtiy and do what we can to foster it. It's part of our mission statement. We are very happy to make a living here. We greatly appreciate our financial supporters who appreciate what we do here and want to support our community website.
I try to keep out of politics. I wish all our beaches were free and open like Oregon. But that was done there a long time ago. Early developers in SoWal were allowed to do whatever they liked. That horse left the barn long ago. Now it's up to lawyers unfortunately. That lawyers and law enforcement is telling people to put up signs on the beach is sad.
Not many people have been banned on this site, and not because of political reasons. Unless you count axe grinders like the recent poster who repeatedly posted personal attacks about certain school personnel under five different screen names ("sock puppets" - also against forum rules).
I agree, kinda, but comparing a State to a single county??
Again Florida has like over 2000 miles of coastline and only 30 +/- miles
have this vendor problem( yes I think Vendors have created this problem).
Maybe if one of the BCC voting commissioners didn't have a family member in the Vendor business and she continues to vote on all vendor rules( or lack of)
This issue could be confronted and fixed. Good old boy/women system at its finest.
Beach Lover
All I want to do is rent the little house a couple of blocks from the beach and fish!
Beach Crab
Good luck with that.
Beach Lover
So to make sure that I am fully educated on the beach situation, can someone explain why people are putting up signs, ropes and other blockade devices to restrict people from walking on the beach?
I am a new homeowner that spent a lot of money for a beautiful home, not directly on the beach but with the knowledge that these beautiful beaches are public and NOT restricted by homeowners who have oceanfront property.
If there is more to the story, please fill me in. If there's a class action lawsuit against these homeowners that think they can patrol public beach property, please let me know the name of the law firm, I'm ready to jump in and fight these arrogant a*******!!!
I am a new homeowner that spent a lot of money for a beautiful home, not directly on the beach but with the knowledge that these beautiful beaches are public and NOT restricted by homeowners who have oceanfront property.
If there is more to the story, please fill me in. If there's a class action lawsuit against these homeowners that think they can patrol public beach property, please let me know the name of the law firm, I'm ready to jump in and fight these arrogant a*******!!!
Admin
A lot of info here...
Public Workshop About Public Beach Access 3/16/16
Public Workshop About Public Beach Access 3/16/16
Beach Fanatic
Not sure which is sadder. Someone who just moved here and finds out the situation or someone who's lived here their whole life and are witness.
Beach Comber
We've been vacationing in Seagrove for the last 5 years and the only signs I have seen is to the right of One Seagrove place if you are standing one the beach looking at the condos. There has never been a soul in that section of the "private beach" but I was always afraid to put my chair down in the area. With the 3 rows of vendor chairs there, it can get pretty tight for a spot on the beach. If it gets more crowded this year, I may sit on the private beach area and see what unfolds.
Beach Fanatic
We've been vacationing in Seagrove for the last 5 years and the only signs I have seen is to the right of One Seagrove place if you are standing one the beach looking at the condos. There has never been a soul in that section of the "private beach" but I was always afraid to put my chair down in the area. With the 3 rows of vendor chairs there, it can get pretty tight for a spot on the beach. If it gets more crowded this year, I may sit on the private beach area and see what unfolds.I was there the other day and saw those signs - they also have a couple of giant flags that are about 15 feet high. This is going to get worse folks.
My guess is that if signs, ropes, chains, flags, etc are ever banned then people would start setting up dune to gulf chairs, tents, umbrellas and whatever else is allowed, to keep people off private stretches. I've already seen that at resorts and condos.
Beach Fanatic
So to make sure that I am fully educated on the beach situation, can someone explain why people are putting up signs, ropes and other blockade devices to restrict people from walking on the beach?
I am a new homeowner that spent a lot of money for a beautiful home, not directly on the beach but with the knowledge that these beautiful beaches are public and NOT restricted by homeowners who have oceanfront property.
If there is more to the story, please fill me in. If there's a class action lawsuit against these homeowners that think they can patrol public beach property, please let me know the name of the law firm, I'm ready to jump in and fight these arrogant a*******!!!
Due to an increase in the number of people visiting our area, we have simply run out of beach at the local, public beach accesses.
The additional people have started to move to the east and west of the accesses and some, onto private property.
Due to the recent decline in the quality of people visiting (rule breakers) their behavior has prompted homeowners to take steps to protect their private property.
Due to the inability of our elected Sheriff to enforce Trespassing Laws of the State, owners now must comply with a multiple page document, created by the aforementioned elected official in order to get any level of law enforcement service.
Due to the specific provisions of the multipage document referenced, (SOP or standard operating procedure), owners are putting up clearly visible boundaries and signs, as required.
That, in a nut shell is the problem.
Now, most recently, people are antagonizing the issue on both sides.
More and more signs, everywhere a sign.
A Community Organizer stirring the pot and calling for civilized anarchy for a day on the beach.
Not how you solve problems. This is how you create more of them.
Go back to the Source of the problem.
Overcrowding & Quality of Visitor.
Fix that and you'll start to see some change for the better.
Beach Fanatic
@John G
There you go again.
Blaming the sheriff and rule breakers. I agree that people in general (visitors) are more entitled. Partl because of the price of rentals so only the entitled can afford. People who pay thousands per week feel they own the place. Imagine that!
I also agree somewhat that the sheriff's rules about placing signs and such are ludicrous and he should be leading rather than following. But he is just part of the lack of leadership around here.
What's really changed is the quality of owners. Sad fearful people who buy property here and want to change decades of beach loving tradition. Real locals live here for the beach. Most of the new beachfront owners don't care about the beach. They just want to own it and exclude others. They aren't even here to see people on "their" beach - but their lawyers are telling them to keep people off to protect their investment.
Why do you care about private property on the beach?
There you go again.
Blaming the sheriff and rule breakers. I agree that people in general (visitors) are more entitled. Partl because of the price of rentals so only the entitled can afford. People who pay thousands per week feel they own the place. Imagine that!
I also agree somewhat that the sheriff's rules about placing signs and such are ludicrous and he should be leading rather than following. But he is just part of the lack of leadership around here.
What's really changed is the quality of owners. Sad fearful people who buy property here and want to change decades of beach loving tradition. Real locals live here for the beach. Most of the new beachfront owners don't care about the beach. They just want to own it and exclude others. They aren't even here to see people on "their" beach - but their lawyers are telling them to keep people off to protect their investment.
Why do you care about private property on the beach?
Beach Lover
So which accesses are overcrowded and have visitors and locals impeding on this quote private property? Is it all of them or just certain ones?
Beach Fanatic
So which accesses are overcrowded and have visitors and locals impeding on this quote private property? Is it all of them or just certain ones?Mostly the main accesses that have a lot of parking nearby or lots of housing nearby. It depends - there are many neighborhood accesses that are quiet, and they are supposed to be. And there are small, quiet accesses which are next to ass holy private beach owners.
And then there are especially stinky private examples like Gulf Trace in Grayton Beach. A relatively small, isolated subdivision with plenty of room for everyone. Some property owners beside the accesses are trying to keep everyone else in the subdivision off their beach. These are not public accesses, but rather an internal fight about whether or not non-gulf front owners can use the beach they've been using for decades.
Beach Lover
So we use Gulf Heights in Santa Rosa Beach/Grayton-----is this a problem access where it is overcrowded with gulf owners marking their territory? We purchased a home in Aug and have not seen any problems when we are there but we are not full timers in the area...yet... Actually that's not true, we noticed many vendor set ups with no one using them!
Beach Lover
I wonder how many beach front owners are full time residents. I would guess that it's a very small percentage.
Beach Fanatic
So we use Gulf Heights in Santa Rosa Beach/Grayton-----is this a problem access where it is overcrowded with gulf owners marking their territory? We purchased a home in Aug and have not seen any problems when we are there but we are not full timers in the area...yet... Actually that's not true, we noticed many vendor set ups with no one using them!Do you mean Gulfview Heights access behind Goatfeathers, or ...?
Beach Fanatic
...... I'm ready to jump in and fight these arrogant a*******!!!
You just got here (relatively speaking) and you're ready to pull the trigger and jump on the "class warfare" bandwagon. I think that's what I hate most about all of this public/private beach crap. It polarizes everyone and makes enemies among those that would normally get along.
"You've legally got what I want but if you don't hand it over, I'm going to call you bad names and take you to court."
Since you haven't been around very long, based on you definition, I must be one of those "arrogant a*******". I would hope you could elevate your position. Yes, I remain optimistic.
Beach Fanatic
You just got here (relatively speaking) and you're ready to pull the trigger and jump on the "class warfare" bandwagon. I think that's what I hate most about all of this public/private beach crap. It polarizes everyone and makes enemies among those that would normally get along.The sand belongs to human beings. It should unite us, not divides us.
"You've legally got what I want but if you don't hand it over, I'm going to call you bad names and take you to court."
Since you haven't been around very long, based on you definition, I must be one of those "arrogant a*******". I would hope you could elevate your position. Yes, I remain optimistic.
Beach Lover
You just got here (relatively speaking) and you're ready to pull the trigger and jump on the "class warfare" bandwagon. I think that's what I hate most about all of this public/private beach crap. It polarizes everyone and makes enemies among those that would normally get along.
"You've legally got what I want but if you don't hand it over, I'm going to call you bad names and take you to court."
Since you haven't been around very long, based on you definition, I must be one of those "arrogant a*******". I would hope you could elevate your position. Yes, I remain optimistic.
Beach Comber
Due to an increase in the number of people visiting our area, we have simply run out of beach at the local, public beach accesses.
The additional people have started to move to the east and west of the accesses and some, onto private property.
Due to the recent decline in the quality of people visiting (rule breakers) their behavior has prompted homeowners to take steps to protect their private property.
Due to the inability of our elected Sheriff to enforce Trespassing Laws of the State, owners now must comply with a multiple page document, created by the aforementioned elected official in order to get any level of law enforcement service.
Due to the specific provisions of the multipage document referenced, (SOP or standard operating procedure), owners are putting up clearly visible boundaries and signs, as required.
That, in a nut shell is the problem.
Now, most recently, people are antagonizing the issue on both sides.
More and more signs, everywhere a sign.
A Community Organizer stirring the pot and calling for civilized anarchy for a day on the beach.
Not how you solve problems. This is how you create more of them.
Go back to the Source of the problem.
Overcrowding & Quality of Visitor.
Fix that and you'll start to see some change for the better.
Right on!!!!
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