Sick Of Beach Chair Vendors in South Walton

The vendor(s) at / near Pompano Joe's has now dug deep troughs at the waterline so that the pooling water from high tide will drain out...

People say these chairs are already paid for and that may or may not be completely true. Some vacation rentals include chair set ups as a part of their package so there are set-ups for people sitting there all week with no intention of being used. I wouldn't have an issue with the chair service if they were set up when the customer arrives and then removed when they leave, but that's not likely ever going to happen.

It is unfair to the tourists and locals to have to compete with empty chairs and professional businessess for a space on our PUBLIC beaches. Vacations should be relaxing and shouldn't require 5am wake-ups to claim a spot on the beach.

In my eyes, a simple fix to much of this issue would be to deny set-ups before 9 or 10am. This would give people plenty of time to "claim their spot" and would mitigate the taking over of 50% of the beach.

The vendor(s) at / near Pompano Joe's has now dug deep troughs at the waterline so that the pooling water from high tide will drain out...

Damn the Sea Turtles

People say these chairs are already paid for and that may or may not be completely true. Some vacation rentals include chair set ups as a part of their package so there are set-ups for people sitting there all week with no intention of being used. I wouldn't have an issue with the chair service if they were set up when the customer arrives and then removed when they leave, but that's not likely ever going to happen.

It is unfair to the tourists and locals to have to compete with empty chairs and professional businessess for a space on our PUBLIC beaches. Vacations should be relaxing and shouldn't require 5am wake-ups to claim a spot on the beach.

In my eyes, a simple fix to much of this issue would be to deny set-ups before 9 or 10am. This would give people plenty of time to "claim their spot" and would mitigate the taking over of 50% of the beach.

Another easy fix! Make laws and enforce a 10-20' set back from wet sand for vendors. i.e. Like PCB

Speaking as a fourth generation local, beach propertyowner, full time resident and parent of kids who work for beach chair vendors every summer, who has NEVER rented a beach chair in my life, I can't resist commenting on this thread. First, let me restate I have personally never rented from a vendor. I typically carry a bag, a chair, and a small umbrella when I walk down to the beach. I also choose to live at the less crowded west end of the beach where there are very few vendor setups. However, we have a lot of friends and family who come from other states to stay at our beaches. I try to look at this from their perspective.They save all year to come to Walton county's beaches for one or two weeks, usually coming in huge droves with extended family for a reunion type vacation. Most we know stay at seaside or watercolor or rosemary or other resort areas where there are services, like beach chairs. They go online as soon as they know their dates and reserve their seats. They pay for them in advance, rain or shine. . They are happy to do it because they don't want to bring 14 chairs and umbrellas in their cars or on a plane. It's their vacation and they are willing to spend lots of money to be comfortable and unencumbered. They know in advance exactly where their chairs will be because they choose them in advance. (Just like we do when we buy tickets to a concert or broadway play- the best seats go fast and cost more). Some days they decide to go shopping, or stay in the pool, but they have paid for the seats, and the vendor has no idea whether they are coming down to the beach each day or what time. So YES you see empty seats. should we require the vacationer to stay seated in the chairs at all times?! Despite what some people on this thread seem to think, we NEED these tourists. I lived in this county when San Destin was about the Only place for a teenager to get a job. No outlet malls, no movie theater, no Commons, and a handful of restaurants. (Personally I loved it like that but there's no unringing that bell). The vendors are not these greedy people you like to think they are. They are providing a service that the tourists want! They provide jobs to hundreds of local kids. And to the person above laughing about the chairs in the water.....that's done purposely because in case you haven't noticed there's a Tide that goes out AFTeR the chairs are set up.

Great post with good points, but many locals who moved here develop a drawbridge mentality once they purchase their piece of paradise.

Speaking as a fourth generation local, beach propertyowner, full time resident and parent of kids who work for beach chair vendors every summer, who has NEVER rented a beach chair in my life, I can't resist commenting on this thread. First, let me restate I have personally never rented from a vendor. I typically carry a bag, a chair, and a small umbrella when I walk down to the beach. I also choose to live at the less crowded west end of the beach where there are very few vendor setups. However, we have a lot of friends and family who come from other states to stay at our beaches. I try to look at this from their perspective.They save all year to come to Walton county's beaches for one or two weeks, usually coming in huge droves with extended family for a reunion type vacation. Most we know stay at seaside or watercolor or rosemary or other resort areas where there are services, like beach chairs. They go online as soon as they know their dates and reserve their seats. They pay for them in advance, rain or shine. . They are happy to do it because they don't want to bring 14 chairs and umbrellas in their cars or on a plane. It's their vacation and they are willing to spend lots of money to be comfortable and unencumbered. They know in advance exactly where their chairs will be because they choose them in advance. (Just like we do when we buy tickets to a concert or broadway play- the best seats go fast and cost more). Some days they decide to go shopping, or stay in the pool, but they have paid for the seats, and the vendor has no idea whether they are coming down to the beach each day or what time. So YES you see empty seats. should we require the vacationer to stay seated in the chairs at all times?! Despite what some people on this thread seem to think, we NEED these tourists. I lived in this county when San Destin was about the Only place for a teenager to get a job. No outlet malls, no movie theater, no Commons, and a handful of restaurants. (Personally I loved it like that but there's no unringing that bell). The vendors are not these greedy people you like to think they are. They are providing a service that the tourists want! They provide jobs to hundreds of local kids. And to the person above laughing about the chairs in the water.....that's done purposely because in case you haven't noticed there's a Tide that goes out AFTeR the chairs are set up.

You have one of us fooled....

Another easy fix! Make laws and enforce a 10-20' set back from wet sand for vendors. i.e. Like PCB

God....I love common-sense! Good luck with that catching on.

Per Walton County code, vendors are not supposed to set up closer than 15 feet from the water's edge at regional or neighborhood beach accesses.

It's only going to get worse. At last night's BCC meeting the TDC apologized that the year to date bed tax numbers were only up 11% and summer numbers were only up 7%. That is insane growth, no wonder we are having so many problems.

People say these chairs are already paid for and that may or may not be completely true. Some vacation rentals include chair set ups as a part of their package so there are set-ups for people sitting there all week with no intention of being used. I wouldn't have an issue with the chair service if they were set up when the customer arrives and then removed when they leave, but that's not likely ever going to happen.

It is unfair to the tourists and locals to have to compete with empty chairs and professional businessess for a space on our PUBLIC beaches. Vacations should be relaxing and shouldn't require 5am wake-ups to claim a spot on the beach.

In my eyes, a simple fix to much of this issue would be to deny set-ups before 9 or 10am. This would give people plenty of time to "claim their spot" and would mitigate the taking over of 50% of the beach.

I like how you think Mike Smith!!

The vendor(s) at / near Pompano Joe's has now dug deep troughs at the waterline so that the pooling water from high tide will drain out...

Which is exactly NOT what sea turtles need to nest!

Which is exactly NOT what sea turtles need to nest!

Agree. But it happened and nothing has been done...

Welcome to CoWal.

In my eyes, a simple fix to much of this issue would be to deny set-ups before 9 or 10am. This would give people plenty of time to "claim their spot" and would mitigate the taking over of 50% of the beach.

No it wouldn't because the TDC per BCC directives have allocated 50% percent of OUR beaches to vendors. They still get 50% whether chairs and set up's are there or not. If you do set up on their 50% you can and would be told to move.

No it wouldn't because the TDC per BCC directives have allocated 50% percent of OUR beaches to vendors. They still get 50% whether chairs and set up's are there or not. If you do set up on their 50% you can and would be told to move.

But there are vendors setting up on both sides now early some are using the cheap store bought backpack chairs and umbrellas/ tents.

I have to agree. It's extremely frustrating to carry all your stuff to the beach and when you get there, the entire beach is lined with empty chairs that people never sit in. We purchased a unit in Seagrove in 2010. The beach access where we typically go has no parking spaces and no restrooms. Yet, the beach is covered in vendor chairs. This wasn't an issue at that time the unit was purchased. However, its unbelievable how much it has changed in a few short years. It's almost not enjoyable to go any more. What can be done? I think the vendors should be required to be present all the time and set up as the chairs are rented with real people. All of the chairs are not rented when they are set up. In fact, most are not. It's simply not true.

I have always said: "NO SET UP TIL THEY SHOW UP"
A must on "PUBLIC" beaches....

I have always said: "NO SET UP TIL THEY SHOW UP"
A must on "PUBLIC" beaches....

I think a vast majority of people agree with you.

Problem is the County doesn't want to hear what any of us have to say. Certain BCC Members are too busy catering to their Special Interest Groups.

You have one of us fooled....

Which one of us? ROFLMAO!

I think a vast majority of people agree with you.

Problem is the County doesn't want to hear what any of us have to say. Certain BCC Members are too busy catering to their Special Interest Groups.

And their children who are vendors.

If a rental company has unoccupied chairs on a public beach, shouldn't members of the public be entitled to either occupy the chairs or move the chairs and occupy that space on a first come, first serve basis?

When the changes were made to the Beach Activities Ordinance prior to this season, the BCC indicated that they would like to review the vendor situation at the end of the season so that there would be plenty of time to have public input and implement changes, if needed. There are clearly lots of opinions and viewpoints on the vendor setup issue. Be on the lookout for agenda items on the topic and make sure to either email your concerns and suggestions or attend meetings where this topic is being discussed. The vendors are VERY active at their meetings with the County. If the public wants to be heard, they have to at least email the commissioners, but even better, attend BCC meetings.

If a rental company has unoccupied chairs on a public beach, shouldn't members of the public be entitled to either occupy the chairs or move the chairs and occupy that space on a first come, first serve basis?

Nope. 50% of our beaches are given to vendors free of charge to do with as they please.

How is this any different from a public pool?

Can you simply come to the public pool as soon as it opens, lie down your towel (some are now made to say "reserved" on them) and expect to show up at the public pool after lunch and have your prime seat. Hell NO!

The life guard would probably throw your towel away. A$$ needs to be in Seat or at a minimum present in the area...

If a rental company has unoccupied chairs on a public beach, shouldn't members of the public be entitled to either occupy the chairs or move the chairs and occupy that space on a first come, first serve basis?

Somebody did that in Grayton and vendor pulled out a knife.

Nope. 50% of our beaches are given to vendors free of charge to do with as they please.

Which 50% is that b/c their 50 keeps growing. It now seems to be the entire waterline on both sides of the stand. The folks who arrive after sunrise are getting the 50 behind them. Grrr. So frustrating!