For Beach Parking and Public Access--By Dotty Nist
Walton County will have parking for hundreds more beachgoer vehicles and hundreds more feet of beach access property, funded through the bed tax, if efforts now being pursued by the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and the county come to fruition.
Executive Director Jay Tusa provided a number of updates to county commissioners on Aug. 9, with topics including potential parcels for beach parking and access and options for use of the parcels.
This was at the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regular meeting at the Walton County Courthouse.
Two locations were discussed where property is available for purchase that could be utilized for beachgoer parking.
Tusa commented that there would be many opportunities for public/private partnerships in developing the parcels, giving the example of Lee Park in Okaloosa County.
As had been requested, Tusa displayed examples of parking garages in other areas such as Naples and St. Augustine, Fla. where there had been a focus on aesthetics, unobtrusiveness, in short a different appearance from that of the typical parking garage. The garages can be built to look like beach cottages, for example, or anything else, he explained.
If constructed in south Walton County, parking garages would be subject to the 50-foot height limit applying to the area.
The cost for construction of a parking garage would be approximately $19,000 per space, Tusa reported. For retail space constructed as part of parking garage projects, a $4.48 per square foot rental charge or more would be possible, he added.
Tusa discussed the need for a shuttle in connection with at least one of the parcels. A bike sharing program would also be possible, he commented.
Tusa suggested holding workshops to “incorporate the human element” and find out what people would like to see in the way of parking garages.
The “Grayton Grand” parcel
Turning to the two parcels that are available for purchase, Tusa said the one on CR-283 in Grayton Beach is seven-tenths of a mile from the beach and would require a shuttle ride of two to three minutes. This is known as the “Grayton Grand” parcel due to its having been approved for a project by that name in 2003.
Grayton Grand was approved for a 75-room hotel, 78 condominium units, 1,000 square feet of retail space, a 3,600-square-foot exhibition area, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, and a 160-seat conference facility, all on the 7.35-acre site. The approved construction height is 50 feet.
The structures were never constructed, but there are currently 188 spaces of parking on the site with curbing and limestone base, according to details of a proposed purchase agreement drafted by the property owner that was presented at the BCC meeting. Also in place, according to the document, is a 1,000-foot elevated boardwalk traversing natural areas on the site.
The proposed agreement also states that the project is approved for a total of 309 surface parking spaces, or an additional 121 spaces over those now in place.
The parking area was utilized at one time by Seaside for employee parking.
Tusa observed that, if the property were acquired by the county, while a three-to-five-year plan would likely be required to construct a parking garage, he had discussed the question, “What can we do for the next season,” with Walton County Public Works Engineering.
Tusa estimated that the county could construct the additional approved surface parking for approximately $92,200 through the use of county staff. The cost would be approximately $147,500 if the work were contracted out, he said.
Future uses might include an events plaza and restaurant, Tusa noted.
Appraisals obtained for the property were $7.785 million and $7.5 million. The price negotiated with property owner Jay Odom was $7.632 million.
Story Continued here...
defuniakherald.com/officials-acquire-parcels-public-beach-parking-beach-access/
Replies
39
Beach Fanatic
Thanks for posting - I read it in the paper and thought the Grayton Grand property would make a great spot for a community park with an appropriate amount of parking but not a smart place for a giant beach parking lot.
Beach Fanatic
Why is C. Jones opposed to that beach access in Seagrove? The one where the old hotel used to be...
BannedAuthor
Why is C. Jones opposed to that beach access in Seagrove? The one where the old hotel used to be...
Doesn't Cruella Jones also have a home in Seagrove?
Beach Lover
Walton Sun Friday
Posted Aug 26, 2016 at 8:00 AM
South Walton will be getting a new regional beach access thanks to a unanimous vote of the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday morning to purchase beachfront property in Dune Allen.
Appraisals come in for between $4.5 to $6.5 million, but the owner was asking more than $7 million.
The purchase price for the property that commissioners agreed to is $7,427,000.
While a lawyer representing property owners and some neighbors spoke against the purchase, most in attendance at Tuesday's meeting urged commissioners to make the purchase in light of beach accesses being desperately needed.
"This has moved very fast," said Whispering Sands condo owner Chris Richardson. "This is the first we have seen of this proposal at this level. We need more beach accesses, but we have a huge parking issue on 30A. We can barely get through there on a summer day. This will be like putting in a six-story condo. Beach accesses are great, but not parking lots. Putting 57 cars plus the ones that will line the road could be catastrophic."
Jacquee Markel spoke of the need, though.
"We need every beach access we can get," she said. "No one ever wants a beach access next to them, but there are not that many beach access opportunities for the county. We need to take the opportunities before the price goes up."
Residents Kathy Potter, Dave Rauschkolb, and Jim Bagby agreed.
TDC Executive Director Jay Tusa said there is presently a home on the site that could possibly be turned into an event venue, although he said he does not support that.
"We desperately need parking, and who would manage it?" he said.
Commissioner Cecilia Jones said if we could use the building, it might be great for restrooms or an education facility.
Plans do call for not only parking, but also restrooms, a kiosk, a multi-use path, and possibly a picnic table.
Posted Aug 26, 2016 at 8:00 AM
South Walton will be getting a new regional beach access thanks to a unanimous vote of the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday morning to purchase beachfront property in Dune Allen.
Appraisals come in for between $4.5 to $6.5 million, but the owner was asking more than $7 million.
The purchase price for the property that commissioners agreed to is $7,427,000.
While a lawyer representing property owners and some neighbors spoke against the purchase, most in attendance at Tuesday's meeting urged commissioners to make the purchase in light of beach accesses being desperately needed.
"This has moved very fast," said Whispering Sands condo owner Chris Richardson. "This is the first we have seen of this proposal at this level. We need more beach accesses, but we have a huge parking issue on 30A. We can barely get through there on a summer day. This will be like putting in a six-story condo. Beach accesses are great, but not parking lots. Putting 57 cars plus the ones that will line the road could be catastrophic."
Jacquee Markel spoke of the need, though.
"We need every beach access we can get," she said. "No one ever wants a beach access next to them, but there are not that many beach access opportunities for the county. We need to take the opportunities before the price goes up."
Residents Kathy Potter, Dave Rauschkolb, and Jim Bagby agreed.
TDC Executive Director Jay Tusa said there is presently a home on the site that could possibly be turned into an event venue, although he said he does not support that.
"We desperately need parking, and who would manage it?" he said.
Commissioner Cecilia Jones said if we could use the building, it might be great for restrooms or an education facility.
Plans do call for not only parking, but also restrooms, a kiosk, a multi-use path, and possibly a picnic table.
Beach Lover
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.Welcome to the Sowal forum, Lucas! Why don't you tell us about yourself?
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Mr. Rauschkolb is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. What is the difference between the 1,000 Walton beachfront owners protecting their property rights and Dave and Watersound protecting his?
Beach Fanatic
While I fully support acquisition of more beach front to help with our density issues, I question paying almost $2 million more than appraised value.
Looks like another trend to get used to, County paying over market value for something they should have bought years ago....
Looks like another trend to get used to, County paying over market value for something they should have bought years ago....
Beach Fanatic
County was ignorant not to purchase the property across the street from the Ft. Panic (Dune Allen) beach access.
It would have made an excellent parking facility.
It would have made an excellent parking facility.
Beach Fanatic
I was at the meeting and a suggestion was made to claim imminent domain and basically pay the appraised value. The individual, per his representative, had no feeling one way or another who he sold to, that it was going to be sold.
While I fully support acquisition of more beach front to help with our density issues, I question paying almost $2 million more than appraised value.
Looks like another trend to get used to, County paying over market value for something they should have bought years ago....
Beach Lover
A parking garage at Grayton Grand site with a shuttle to the beach? That would be disastrous!
Beach Lover
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.I heard he would run for Mayor of South Walton if incorporated.
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Beach Fanatic
Is this dune Allen new public beach property on Highland Ave.? Those folks have what appears to be 100's of no parking signs..Stallworth Preserve is at end of Highland. Private access with NO parking..
SWGB
Is this dune Allen new public beach property on Highland Ave.? Those folks have what appears to be 100's of no parking signs..Stallworth Preserve is at end of Highland. Private access with NO parking..
No. It is the vacant lot and yellow house almost across from Stinky's. I'm sure the Highland Nazis will try to fight it though.
Beach Fanatic
No. It is the vacant lot and yellow house almost across from Stinky's. I'm sure the Highland Nazis will try to fight it though.5999 W. Highway 30A
Beach Fanatic
In light of tomorrow's meeting regarding Customary Use, I think it's important for everyone to re-read the post below regarding everyone's favorite manufacturer and marketeer of mai-tai's for the masses.
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Beach Fanatic
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.Dave is trying to be part of the solution. Are you?
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Eastern Lake Outfall Parcel Purchase
Beach Fanatic
Dave is trying to be part of the solution. Are you?
Eastern Lake Outfall Parcel Purchase
Solution? Enforcement? People have been saying that all along...
Now, Dave R., says it and he's the greatest thing since sliced bread?
We have TDC Code Enforcement, WHAT THE HECK DO THEY DO? Now we need another group of people to collect benefits and paychecks and not do anything?
Just another layer of B.S. in an already very full plate of B.S.
Beach Lover
Cindy Meadows said the same thing this past summer at a BCC meeting and then to me about having beach concierges every so many feet for information, possibly enforcement.
Beach Fanatic
Solution? Enforcement? People have been saying that all along...Are you part of the solution or just a complainer?
Now, Dave R., says it and he's the greatest thing since sliced bread?
We have TDC Code Enforcement, WHAT THE HECK DO THEY DO? Now we need another group of people to collect benefits and paychecks and not do anything?
Just another layer of B.S. in an already very full plate of B.S.
Beach Fanatic
Are you part of the solution or just a complainer?
I've offered my Solutions numerous times.
Enforcement by the very people we already have collecting checks!
Why won't TDC code enforcement take action? I've cited their pathetic excuse for a report in many posts. All they do is write warnings to tourists.
WCSO is too busy and short staffed to work the beach is their story.
If you think a good solution is to just throw money ( new positions ), at a problem, instead of looking at how an already existing arm of Enforcement is being managed, you probably also think that the Planning Department is a well run operation...
Beach Fanatic
I recently heard about and saw video of Dave Rauschkolb’s support of Walton Commissioner’s rush to purchase beachfront in Dune Allen in opposition to local homeowners and their attorney objections at the August 23, 2016 BCC meeting. Mr. Rauschkolb is a leading outspoken opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners have today through customary-use. Mr. Rauschkolb lives in Watersound, developed by St. Joe, and is on the Association’s board. Watersound has private beach and beach access. Across the street from Dave on Bridge Ln. D.R. Horton is developing 31 acres of housing.
Many would like to know why Dave is opposed to the D.R. Horton homeowners using the Watersound/St. Joe beach access and beach? If Dave is against others from using Watersound beach access and beach. Seems Dave is all for beach access and parking if it's in someone else and not his neighborhood.
Mr. Reynolds,
For the record, I'm not on the Association board at Watersound and you may want to do some research; evidently all Saint Joe properties beaches are open to the public from the mean high tide water line to 75 feet in. I supplied you the supporting documentation below.
Also, all traditional neighborhood developments like Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Watersound have private beach access and Watersound is no different. I'm sure the DR Horton can negotiate with Saint Joe to get access through Watersound but I have no influence over that. I do know that if you rent your property through Saint Joe resorts you can obtain a beach club membership get access through to the beach club and the beaches. Evidently this is a recent development.
I have on many occasions publicly welcomed anyone who accesses the beach at Watersound either from the east public beach access or from deer Lake State Park. You'll find no private beach signs down there and it's a pleasant walk to a beautiful beach.
Customary use has nothing to do with beach access through private accesses but it has everything to do with the public's ability to access the dry sand from public beach access and use the beaches as has been the custom for centuries. Your characterization that I am an "opponent against beachfront owners private property rights and supporter of taking of recognized private property rights of exclusive use beachfront MHWL property owners" Is simply not true. Anyone can read the Tona Rama vs Daytona Beach and see that customary use is not a "taking" of private property but rather access and use of beachfront with no liability to the beachfront owners. There is plenty of supporting documentation on this online.
You are correct in that I am a vocal supporter of customary use but I have only one voice of many, many thousands to happen to agree with me. When the Commissioners acted by unanimous vote to investigate customary use for our beaches I, along with others applauded their action.
I personally believe that this customary use ordinance will not become the law of the sand based on the number and level of lawsuits that are expected and the complexity of the issue. I would be very surprised if this prevails but it will be decided in the courts in time.
One common thread I found among all residents is regarding the behavior of people on the beaches.
I met with beachfront homeowners to encourage the county to develop a beach ambassador program to improve the behavior on the beaches. After meeting with Governor Mike Huckabee and several beachfront homeowners I found this was the common complaint and I have contacted the Sheriffs department, the TDC, and the Commissioners to encourage this plan. There is a volunteer program that has been quite successful and the TDC has hired additional beach representatives; hopefully they will fully support this plan for our beaches. I have attached below the letter I send on July 24th.
Lastly, the notion that I wish to run for office in the new Town of South Walton is a lie. I have no intention of running. I am far too busy with my businesses and family. The only thing I will gain from the thousands of hours of work this past two years and over $20,000 in contributions is comprehensive, focused local representation through Incorporation. I am proud of the work our board has accomplished and the talented people I have had the privilege to work with. Our research is solid and clearly a new town is feasible and a distinct possibility. www.abettersouthwalton.org has all our research, the feasibility study and new charter. In a survey we took on the website over 90% of the respondents wanted to have the right to a vote on this issue. Hopefully next August we will have that choice.
I'm always happy to discuss and work on solutions to the betterment of South Walton any time.
Very best,
Dave Rauschkolb
Regarding Saint Joe properties:
Mr. Alan Ficarra who researched this discovered: On customary use.....As far back as 1995 both the state of Florida and St. Joe Co. understood the concept of customary use. In that settlement with the state of Florida, properties that St Joe kept for development has a restriction in the settlement that stated that all Gulf front property they were to develop would have a permanent public access easement allowing public pedestrian access laterally along the beach that is 75 feet landward of the mean high water line.
July 24, 2016
Dear Commissioners, Sheriff Adkinson and Mr. Tusa,
I would like to offer this suggestion for your consideration to help stem the escalation of issues affecting our beaches in South Walton. I know you are already working on this issue but I think we could create a plan that would improve the enforcement of beach activities to a much higher level.
I have been having a positive dialog with several beach front homeowners to get at the root of the beach issues and clearly we all agree the main seed that started this Customary Use storm was the lack of consistent and solid enforcement of the Beach Activities ordinance. I believe just hiring more staff is not the full answer to the problem.
In deference to the beachfront homeowners, I think we need to create a uniformed, trained beach patrol day and night to regulate behavior that happens on all of the Beaches of South Walton. This is a great opportunity to also educate the public on what is acceptable and what is not. The beachfront homeowners, locals and tourists need a system to get satisfaction that truly works. If I had a loud party happening behind my home late into the night and a load of garbage left behind I would be furious too. As a non-beach front owner I am appalled at the lack of regard I see for our beaches by some people.
Beyond the recent hirings our County really must find the funds to enhance and add to the current enforcement in place. We need an efficient and effective beach patrol day and night to police behavior and educate the public on the rights and wrongs of the beaches (including turtle rules). The patrols would deal with loud noise, people digging deep holes hindering the turtles, unruly behavior. They could be called Stewards or Ambassadors of our beaches. We train them to be public relations specialists as well to give advice and educate beach goers on proper beach etiquette and Beach Activities rules. Night shifts could be 6 to 12am and should be either be walking patrols or on 4 wheelers driving slowly. Day patrols could be in trucks but I would imagine 4 wheelers would be preferable.
You just break up South Walton Beaches minus the state parks into distinctly named and defined zones and Beach Ambassadors work shifts in each zone. Each zone has a separate phone number for Beachfront homeowners and anyone to call when there is an issue. The calls are routed not to the Sheriffs Department but to the actual people working the shifts so they may respond quickly. This creates a first line of defense and takes a tremendous amount of pressure off the Sheriffs Department. If things get out of hand in a given situation the Beach Ambassador team is the liaison with the Sheriffs department and calls them.
Much like the lifeguard teams these Beach Ambassadors are properly trained, uniformed representatives of our community. They would be proud teams charged with informing the public and regulating our beach activities. Certainly the people working the beaches would become known and appreciated for their work by homeowners, locals and guests of our beaches. This creates a host of job opportunities for our County as well. And further, these people would be great candidates for future employment with the Sheriffs Department after their service to our beaches.
Clearly the public relations element of them being ambassadors of information should qualify the funding for this program could come from the TDC.
I sincerely hope these suggestions are worthy of consideration. I am happy to work in any capacity to help.
Very best,
Dave Rauschkolb
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Dave, spot on with all of your points. I know we all have a great disdain for signs, however, if one comprehensive sign with an actual visual example of the customary use "boundaries" could be put into place at every beach access it would be a great start. I also think if we were to get creative that we could come up with an aesthetically pleasing marker of sorts that would identify the magic invisible boundary.
I don't think landmines are a viable option, bad for repeat business.
I don't think landmines are a viable option, bad for repeat business.
Beach Fanatic
While I fully support acquisition of more beach front to help with our density issues, I question paying almost $2 million more than appraised value.I wonder how it will affect beachfront property taxes if the BCC is the one paying over market value?
Looks like another trend to get used to, County paying over market value for something they should have bought years ago....
Beach Lover
Will beachfront owners still pay private property tax? the same amount?
Beach Fanatic
Will beachfront owners still pay private property tax? the same amount?
Yes
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