Policy on Personal Beach Chairs vs Vendor

If you are talking about Chapman, Imfield and especially Cecilia Jones, I'd agree with you but you seem to want to single out Ms. Meadows when she is the only voice you have South of the Bay and has tried to do more than any of the aforementioned put together. There''s an old saying "Don't s*hit in your own backyard". Don't trash the one good thing you've got going for you!

You're way off base.

You're way off base.

I didn't make the trash can comment, you did. I think (given the comments people have posted here from Ms. Meadows) that at this point in time she is the ONLY Commissioner you have working for you. Obviously Cecilia Jones has a puppy in the fight she is trying to protect like a pit bull and Bill Imfield and Chapman actually voted NO on removing the signs, ropes and chains. How the hell do you think they will vote regarding vendors? And don't forget, we ELECT Commissioners to listen to the will of the people. The BCC isn't perfect in that regard in fact, FAR FROM IT but when you have one on your side why would you try to alienate the one voice you have who wants to change the status quo?

And it's just my opinion but I do believe that Sara Comander also listens to the majority (this is perhaps a poor analogy but the Confederate flag still fly's at the Courthouse in Defuniak) and that's a powerful statement and a testament to the will of the people!! Just think what WE can accomplish when we are (for the most part) UNITED in what we think is fair and equitable to everyone who lives, works, plays and vacations here?

If you think trashing the voice you have is helping carry on.

Misty has it right about Cindy Meadows. I on occasion differ with her and definitely disagree with her on Customary use. I also think she and the other two female commissioners should have had a reasonable semblance of a plan in place for protection of the rights and prerogatives of the beachfront property owners before passing the new beach activities ordinance. That said, Cindy has been and remains the one commissioner who not only has a conscience but who also votes it consistently. While we have our differences, she is the one whom I respect, and I believe her to be about 7 light years better than the second place finisher on the BCC. Neither Mr. Anderson nor Ms. Wise-Coble can even see Cindy's league, let alone compete in it.

I think her mentioning the complaint file may have been in artful, but it's an accurate term. Your comments were a complaint, and the other file is for those who like things as they are. Don't know what you call that one, but I suspect it's much smaller than the complaint file. Like -- Dislike. Complaints -- Want another family member hired. Same thing. I know Cindy well enough to say she is keeping score o the complaints, not round filing them.

Actually, we are not so far apart regarding customary use as some people might think. I agree with private homeowners who do not want tents, beach chairs, audacious behavior, loud music, drunks, trash etc. in their backyard (I don't want to see that kinda crap anywhere on any beach) but I see no harm in people walking, sitting or just enjoying the beaches. I was totally opposed to the signs, ropes, chains and fences because of the dangers posed to the sea life who nest here and it had gotten way out of control. I don't think people own the sand that washes up on our beaches and I think that if someone is going to call the police regarding customary use of the beach they should at the very least be able to prove that they actually own the property in question before anyone is issued a fine, thrown off the property or carted off to jail for trespassing. I am also totally opposed to beach vendors who take up miles and miles and miles of beach with empty beach chairs. What's the point? If the chairs are empty they aren't making money off them anyway. Beach vendors parking in clearly marked HANDICAPPED ACCESS, hell no! They got to go! The Sheriff should be tracking down those vehicles and issuing the fines they deserve.

Maybe if the other 4 CouncilPeople would Vote for what is good for the Golden Goose down south..this SOWAL defection wouldn't be considered...it would be fun to watch those 4 hustle for tax money to run NOWAL...

Maybe if the other 4 CouncilPeople would Vote for what is good for the Golden Goose down south..this SOWAL defection wouldn't be considered...it would be fun to watch those 4 hustle for tax money to run NOWAL...

Steel1man, I am curious what you are talking about? If you are talking about incorporation, that isn't going to change what those that run the county are going to collect. It is going to add a layer of government and possibly another tax. Of course you may be aware of something I am not.

Maybe if the other 4 CouncilPeople would Vote for what is good for the Golden Goose down south..this SOWAL defection wouldn't be considered...it would be fun to watch those 4 hustle for tax money to run NOWAL...

They laugh at you while filling their pockets. The only justification I need for incorporation.

I didn't make the trash can comment, you did. I think (given the comments people have posted here from Ms. Meadows) that at this point in time she is the ONLY Commissioner you have working for you. Obviously Cecilia Jones has a puppy in the fight she is trying to protect like a pit bull and Bill Imfield and Chapman actually voted NO on removing the signs, ropes and chains. How the hell do you think they will vote regarding vendors? And don't forget, we ELECT Commissioners to listen to the will of the people. The BCC isn't perfect in that regard in fact, FAR FROM IT but when you have one on your side why would you try to alienate the one voice you have who wants to change the status quo?

And it's just my opinion but I do believe that Sara Comander also listens to the majority (this is perhaps a poor analogy but the Confederate flag still fly's at the Courthouse in Defuniak) and that's a powerful statement and a testament to the will of the people!! Just think what WE can accomplish when we are (for the most part) UNITED in what we think is fair and equitable to everyone who lives, works, plays and vacations here?

If you think trashing the voice you have is helping carry on.

Did you really just bring the confederate flag into the conversation? Time for the South (walton) to secede.

Maybe if the other 4 CouncilPeople would Vote for what is good for the Golden Goose down south.

I don't disagree with that. In fact I have been one of the harshest critics of the BCC for the last 25-30 years. I hate the hidden agendas, developers who influence the BCC and self interests . I hate that the people don't really have a voice in their own government unless they have a pocket full of cash larger than the developers pockets are deep. I use to write letters to the Editor on a weekly basis and attended every BCC meeting held in this County. I've exposed more BCC BS than I can even remember. I've seen BCC Commissioners come and go and when they left rather than STOP recycling the garbage people would re-elect them and it's still going on to this day. The entire BCC right now (with the exception of Cindy Meadows) is made up entirely of people who have served in Walton County Government for years and years in some capacity or another, who ALL promised change but have literally fought against one another to keep things the same. (Cecilia Jones calling Ms. Meadows a b*itch) at a PUBLIC meeting is but 1 example.

It tool almost 7 years after the BCC VOTED unanimously to build an animal shelter for them to actually break ground. It also took 3 different BCC boards and as many unanimous votes for them to do so. The landfill has leaked off county property for years. It was so bad the county actually bought up land the landfill had leaked on to. We have spent millions of tax dollars to fix a perpetual problem that's never been fixed. We have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines to the EPA and now the "new thing" is to hire expensive lawyers at $725.00 an hour on how to customarily use the beach.

Seriously steelman...do you think incorporation is going to change that? If you do, you're as delusional as the folks who keep voting to keep these folks in office.

Did you really just bring the confederate flag into the conversation? Time for the South (walton) to secede.

I made the point and I'm sure it wasn't lost on you.

Good luck on secession!

I don't disagree with that. In fact I have been one of the harshest critics of the BCC for the last 25-30 years. I hate the hidden agendas, developers who influence the BCC and self interests . I hate that the people don't really have a voice in their own government unless they have a pocket full of cash larger than the developers pockets are deep. I use to write letters to the Editor on a weekly basis and attended every BCC meeting held in this County. I've exposed more BCC BS than I can even remember. I've seen BCC Commissioners come and go and when they left rather than STOP recycling the garbage people would re-elect them and it's still going on to this day. The entire BCC right now (with the exception of Cindy Meadows) is made up entirely of people who have served in Walton County Government for years and years in some capacity or another, who ALL promised change but have literally fought against one another to keep things the same. (Cecilia Jones calling Ms. Meadows a b*itch) at a PUBLIC meeting is but 1 example.

It tool almost 7 years after the BCC VOTED unanimously to build an animal shelter for them to actually break ground. It also took 3 different BCC boards and as many unanimous votes for them to do so. The landfill has leaked off county property for years. It was so bad the county actually bought up land the landfill had leaked on to. We have spent millions of tax dollars to fix a perpetual problem that's never been fixed. We have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines to the EPA and now the "new thing" is to hire expensive lawyers at $725.00 an hour on how to customarily use the beach.

Seriously steelman...do you think incorporation is going to change that? If you do, you're as delusional as the folks who keep voting to keep these folks in office.

Cecila Jones called Commissioner Meadows a B!$@H at a meeting?

No way! She is a woman of Christian Values and would not do such a thing...

Cecilia called her a Jezabell and the lawyers rate is $425/hr.

Cecilia called her a Jezabell and the lawyers rate is $425/hr.

OOps...I stand corrected....I won't quibble over semantics and petty change.

I know it will never happen, but I would love to see ALL vendor activity cease on the beaches of 30A. There are plenty of Atlantic Coast beaches where no vendor activity of any kind is allowed. When people have to carry their own stuff ... they bring less stuff! Most people don't bring over more than an umbrella, some chairs and a beach bag. You don't see the baby pools, huge speakers, giant coolers, mountains of toys, cots, hammocks, etc. etc. Less stuff = less trash, less noise, less crap that gets left behind as garbage at the end of the day. Plenty of rental homes provide chairs and umbrellas for their guests but they have to carry it to and from the beach themselves. If it gets lost or broken, it comes out of the rental deposit. There are companies that provide gear rentals like SUP boards, etc. but again ... you rent, you carry. When people bring less stuff, the beaches automatically feel less crowded. People and their belongings come and go all day, vs these giant encampments standing empty half the day. I don't necessarily think increased crowds are as much of a problem as increased STUFF which gives a sometimes false impression of more people / crowds. If vendor set ups went away, there would instantly be more room for everyone to spread out!!

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Cecila Jones called Commissioner Meadows a B!$@H at a meeting?

No way! She is a woman of Christian Values and would not do such a thing...

QUOTE="John G, post: 849933, member: 26348"]Cecila Jones called Commissioner Meadows a B!$@H at a meeting?

No way! She is a woman of Christian Values and would not do such a thing...[/Q

4th of July at Sowal after the latest ordinance inaction!

I would definitely go to Dune Allen Beach where old Florida still exists but still close to everything.

No, no, don't come here, uh, we are very, uh, socially backwards. Very pale to look at...nothing to see, more on.

'A very aggressive beach' Vacationer sheds light how vendors can ruin enjoyment of paradise

"A manager at The Beach Chair Company spoke of Seacrest as “a very aggressive beach” and claimed his vendors do a great deal to keep the peace on crowded ground."

You guys! Those poor innocent chair vendors are just doing their very best to "keep the peace!" Don't blame them!! Uh..... who do you think created the "aggression" and "crowded ground" situation in the first place?? We've vacationed on that very stretch of beach for many years (the one shared by Seacrest and Sunset Beach). It's not that small. If there were NO CHAIR SET UPS taking up every inch of space .... it WOULD NOT BE THAT CROWDED. Can these guys not see that they are creating the very problem they are attempting to "solve" via their chair set ups???

"He declined to identify himself, detail strategies for setting up chairs or discuss O’Sullivan’s complaints. He referred questions to the homeowner’s association.

Lee Nettles, the association manager for the Seacrest Beach homeowners association, would not answer questions for the Daily News. He did send O’Sullivan an email, though, apologizing for her trouble.

“Seacrest Beach purchased a 50 percent interest in the beach late last year and inherited the third and final year of the current vendor’s contract,” Nettles said in the email. “We will have more control over the vendor next year, as we will be negotiating the terms of the contract.”

No comment from the beach chair company manager. No comment from the HOA. Visitors can and will make their "comment" heard - by not returning. Myself and many others don't want to vacation at beaches where HOAs "purchase interest" in the beach turnaround and lease their interest to a vendor on "their" beach. Of course they're not talking. They're too busy lining their pockets with this extortion scam. Utterly ridiculous.

Weird ... The story linked above was edited and updated since its original posting. The quotes I outlined above are no longer there.

Letters with notification of the new Ordinance have been going out and they give a July 15th deadline for beach front owners to remove their signs, posts, chains, ropes, barbed wire, etc.

It also advised of a $500 fine...

Folks, we seen Sheriff Mike and the BCC do the "Walton Two Step" and win on dancing with the Stars.

Next we are going to see TDC Code Enforcement show use something called "Walton County Selective Enforcement".

July 15th, owners will be cited.

The problem here is that TDC Code Enforcement, is really good and has the track record to prove it, in giving "verbal warnings" and "written warnings" on other violations. Rarely do they issue a summons or civil infraction (fine).

If they plan to enforce the new Ordinance, I'll expect the vendors that stack chairs in the dunes and all the other left overs on the beach to not only be removed but also fined the same amount.

Anything less would scream of selective enforcement and one could argue discriminatory practices by a government agent / agency.

Sniff, sniff, smell another law suit!

^^^ Always the pessimist! ^^^

Bevause everybody needs a grill, hammock, cabana, and a pile of Yeti coolers at the beach. View attachment 60971

This new addition to rentals (12x12 cabanas with hammocks, etc...) are going to break beach communities.
Hopefully voters will wake up! Vendor issues are getting out of hand and a major source of the beach problems facing the county.

That's ridiculous!! That is why this vendor issue needs to be addressed immediately. When we were down there we saw a man dragging an inflatable dinghy on wheels through the shallow water selling ice cream - complete with blaring ice cream truck music! He technically was "in" the water and therefore not on "private" property. When does it end? Pretty soon there will be more giant cabanas, more chair vendors, more water sports, people selling food, trinkets, braiding ... it could turn into places like Nassau. Companies like Tail Grayton deliver flat screen TVs with satellite, grills, catering tables, sound systems, power generators, and build you a beach living room for the day ... where do you draw the line? How about draw the line at NO vending on any beaches in South Walton. Period. You rent, you carry.

Are there any regulations as to when and where and rental company can set up chairs and umbrellas on the beach? When vacationing in Seagrove Beach this summer there was a wall of umbrellas and chairs lined up by
6:00am, most of which went unoccupied. I could barely see the gulf from my spot behind them and had to zigzag between chairs and under umbrellas just to reach the water. The rental guy refused to say what time they set up but another vacationer advised 6:00am. I ultimately woke up every day at 5:30am just to set up my tent. Upon returning to the beach later in the morning a rental chair/umbrella was set up six inches from my tent. Ridiculous. Makes the drive from Maryland not worth it..

Are there any regulations as to when and where and rental company can set up chairs and umbrellas on the beach? When vacationing in Seagrove Beach this summer there was a wall of umbrellas and chairs lined up by
6:00am, most of which went unoccupied. I could barely see the gulf from my spot behind them and had to zigzag between chairs and under umbrellas just to reach the water. The rental guy refused to say what time they set up but another vacationer advised 6:00am. I ultimately woke up every day at 5:30am just to set up my tent. Upon returning to the beach later in the morning a rental chair/umbrella was set up six inches from my tent. Ridiculous. Makes the drive from Maryland not worth it..

I'm sorry to hear about your experience at our beach. You are not alone.
Many of us think vending has gotten completely out of hand. We have
been urging our local government to do something about it with little
success, but we will keep trying.

At the public beach access in Grayton, there are posts marking the areas
that vendors are allowed to set up their gear. These areas are supposed to
comprise no more than 50% of the total access area. I believe that this is
the rule at all public accesses. Regarding the setup time, vendors may
begin setting up after they are given the OK by turtle watch or an hour
after sunrise, whichever happens first.