Beach Vendor Ordinance Meeting 10/18/17

Special Meeting for Vendors???

Look for a new push to ban all tents.

I still would love to know how vendors can operate on a public beach without paying fee?

...and now, that the BCC has blessed all beaches as public with customary use... Where does this go?

"All current and prospective beach vendors are encouraged to attend."

Special Meeting for Vendors???

Look for a new push to ban all tents.

I still would love to know how vendors can operate on a public beach without paying fee?

...and now, that the BCC has blessed all beaches as public with customary use... Where does this go?

"All current and prospective beach vendors are encouraged to attend."

There are pre and post season vendor meetings every year (at least for the last few) in order to get and give feedback (post season) about what went well, what didn't, and hear suggestions. The pre-season vendor meetings cover the rules of the beach with emphasis on new rules that may have changed since last season.

Regarding: Look for a new push to ban all tents. Not disagreeing, but why do you say that and are you in favor of banning all tents or not?

There are pre and post season vendor meetings every year (at least for the last few) in order to get and give feedback (post season) about what went well, what didn't, and hear suggestions. The pre-season vendor meetings cover the rules of the beach with emphasis on new rules that may have changed since last season.

Regarding: Look for a new push to ban all tents. Not disagreeing, but why do you say that and are you in favor of banning all tents or not?

The tent issue is really interesting. I've hear the "Safety" argument that they blow away if unattended, etc. I also have heard that families need them for "shade"... I'm on the beach a lot and I can tell you that I've never seen at tent blow away and I've also seen dozens of tents, sit taking up space, for hours on end, UNOCCUPIED. The tents seem to get larger and larger. Perhaps a limit on size (oh we have that, but no enforcement).

I think defining exactly what a "tent" is, would be a good starting point.

The tent issue is really interesting. I've hear the "Safety" argument that they blow away if unattended, etc. I also have heard that families need them for "shade"... I'm on the beach a lot and I can tell you that I've never seen at tent blow away and I've also seen dozens of tents, sit taking up space, for hours on end, UNOCCUPIED. The tents seem to get larger and larger. Perhaps a limit on size (oh we have that, but no enforcement).

I think defining exactly what a "tent" is, would be a good starting point.

To be fair, the 6' canopy rule is difficult to enforce. Most tourists and locals didn't even know about the rule. I did see code enforcement try to do their job many times with the tents during the peak season at Grayton this year. But as usual, enforcement of other rules was lacking.

So, do you think a ban on all tents would be a good idea? I'm just asking. I don't use them, but clearly a lot of people do and it does create a lot of issues with enforcement and reserving space on the beach. I have also heard complaints from various owners, management companies, and even beach maintenance about having to pick up and dispose of them. There is also the consideration that many popular beach areas either already ban tents or at least restrict where they can be used.

John G., there is actually a fairly decent definition of tent in the beach activities ordinance, but to your point, it doesn't get uniformly enforced.

Whatever is decided about tents, the proper authorities must enforce it, instead of turning residents into Code Enforcements' dispatch.

The tent issue is really interesting. I've hear the "Safety" argument that they blow away if unattended, etc. I also have heard that families need them for "shade"... I'm on the beach a lot and I can tell you that I've never seen at tent blow away and I've also seen dozens of tents, sit taking up space, for hours on end, UNOCCUPIED. The tents seem to get larger and larger. Perhaps a limit on size (oh we have that, but no enforcement).

I think defining exactly what a "tent" is, would be a good starting point.

Was at SRB the last week of July. A dust devil kicked up right on the beach. Took out one big tent which proceeded to take out a bunch of umbrellas and two smaller tents all of which landed in the surf. Amazingly, the lifeguard was no more than 10 yards east of where it happened, and he never saw it...

Hard to see a dust devil when your watching bikinis on the beach

Was at SRB the last week of July. A dust devil kicked up right on the beach. Took out one big tent which proceeded to take out a bunch of umbrellas and two smaller tents all of which landed in the surf. Amazingly, the lifeguard was no more than 10 yards east of where it happened, and he never saw it...

Fortunately it sounds like no one was hurt. That's good and its an argument vendors will use to ban all tents if possible, safety...

With a vendor, there is an attendant there "watching" as will be said. With a touron, they set up shop and leave for the day. No one to "watch" until its too late...

Again, definition of what is a tent and what's a baby shelter needs to be clear.

To answer a prior question a few posts back, I am for banning all large tents. I define a large tent as one that is over the current size limit as it is actually larger as the support ropes extend an additional two feet out.

Where this ban should take place is a completely different topic...

What's to stop someone from putting up four 6'x6' tents? And tent people get up early!

WZEP reports...

Walton County Tourist Development Council held its annual beach vendor post season meeting. Brian Kellenberger, the Director of Beach Operations gave an update on how the season went, and heard the concerns of local beach vendors that he can gather and present to the Tourist Development Council, ACCORDING TO A REPORT FILED BY Panama City’s Channel 13.

At the meeting, many of the local business owner's concerns were in reference to the increases in special event permits and vendor fees that Walton County Commissioners made back in February. The vendor fee was from 500 dollars to 750 dollars. The cost for a special event permit came on a graduated scale. The previous cost was 50 dollars and it was considered a processing fee, according to the report.

Commissioners changed the special event permits to a minimum of 150 dollars, but the amount depends on the number of people anticipated to be at the event. Kellenberger said the increase in fees are due to an increase in volume on the beaches. The increase enforces local photographers and wedding planners to pay the same vendor fee as beach rental services if they want to use public beach access points.

Kellenberger will present the rest of his recommendations at the TDC's next meeting on October 4. After the Walton County TDC hears Kellenberger's presentation, they will recommend to Walton County Commissioners how they should respond the vendors' concerns.

WALTON COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS RESPOND TO HIGH FEES | WZEP AM 1460

"Respond to high fees"

Really, high fees?

Why should you be allowed to vend on PUBLIC Beaches without a fee?

Are those complaining willing to show their tax returns? Probably not. Lots of Ca$h transactions...

So how do the resorts work? They either own the beach service and make all the profit or they sub it out to a an "independent" vendor and tak a huge cut? Either way they maintain the consistency and quality of the service. Now a lot of people don't want to go to a resort that is covered up with chairs and umbrellas, etc.

SHould the TDC own the beach service or sub it out?

I can't imagine the resorts allowing vendors to run roughshod all over their beaches and especially not making any profit.

So how do the resorts work? They either own the beach service and make all the profit or they sub it out to a an "independent" vendor and tak a huge cut? Either way they maintain the consistency and quality of the service. Now a lot of people don't want to go to a resort that is covered up with chairs and umbrellas, etc.

SHould the TDC own the beach service or sub it out?

I can't imagine the resorts allowing vendors to run roughshod all over their beaches and especially not making any profit.

Good Q's.

As for the TDC owning anything, I say no, hell no. Their stats have been released as they pertain to Code Enforcement and they are even more dismal than last year.

There are some good beach service vendors out there. I think this is simply a matter of time where those that are professional will work with the community to do what is right and fair for their business and keep in good graces with locals. Others, those that cut corners and make a bad rep for all, will be culled out of the business.

Bottom line is, if you want to provide a service where you (the service provider) makes a profit, on a Public Beach, the public (taxpayer) should be compensated. I feel that a fee or license, whatever they want to call it, is very warranted.

One way to ensure the vendor is legit is to require a Certificate of Insurance (COI), naming the county on it from the vendors insurance provider.

Does Walton County charge a Franchise Tax?

Posted on: September 27, 2017
BCC Workshop: Beach Vending Ordinance


You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach FL.


The purpose of this meeting is to discuss beach management and possible revisions to the municipal codes that regulates beach activities. The workshop will include a presentation of the 2017 Beach Code Enforcement Activity Report and a public comment period.


We encourage you to attend this meeting in order have a better understanding of the current beach vending ordinance and to provide input for possible revisions to the beach vending ordinance.

Please be governed accordingly.

Does Walton County Charge a franchise fee for anything?

If people want to affect change in Walton County on any subject, they need to show up in droves to the public meetings and workshops. Social media sites are good for discussing topics and disseminating information, but they don't typically change anything. Whatever your viewpoint, if you feel strongly about any topic concerning beach management, show up for the October 18 workshop or at least send an email to the Commissioners.

If people want to affect change in Walton County on any subject, they need to show up in droves to the public meetings and workshops. Social media sites are good for discussing topics and disseminating information, but they don't typically change anything. Whatever your viewpoint, if you feel strongly about any topic concerning beach management, show up for the October 18 workshop or at least send an email to the Commissioners.

As long as Cecilia Jones is at the helm nothing will change except what she wants changed.

Bob Hudson made the point elsewhere that C. Jones DIRECTED staff to violate someones First Amendment Rights. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in! Be sure to VOTE HER OUT! It could be your First Amendment rights she violates next! Been there done that!

This is their same annual format...meeting/talking, agreeing to study proposals, come back Nov/Dec, present, come back Jan. And "STATE" not enough time until spring break to implement so will review after the season in Sept....check the minutes over last 4 years...Same Old Same Old.....never enough time so just kicks the sand down the beach...

FROM THE RULING

Prior to this workshop, the County had received complaints about the ever increasing obstructions on the beach, a trend since mid-2015.5 The meeting began with a presentation on the law of “customary use” by David A. Theriaque, outside legal counsel for the County. The public was permitted to comment on the presentation and the issue of beach access. At the end of the meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (the “Board”) directed the County Attorney’s Office to “begin changing the beach activities ordinance to address obstructions on the beach.”6 ECF No. 53-1 at 201.

More specifically, one of the Commissioners, Cecilia Jones, stated that: [she] would like to direct staff to work with Mr. Theriaque in coming up with some kind of action, some kind of plan to bring back to us [regarding beach access]. And please include those atrocious fences and those unsightly signs that if a mouse did get caught in our fences he would not live. If a turtle got caught in those fences. And even our public. We just don’t need – aesthetically we don’t need those ugly fences. We don’t need those no trespassing signs.

Bob,I was out of town and didn't attend. Was there any complaints presented to the board regarding copious amount of umbrella(vendors)?

just posted 10-8-17 Sunday afternoon. Thought that was sneaky ( UH, interesting)

BCC Workshop: Beach Vending Ordinance
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach FL. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss beach management and possible revisions to the municipal codes that regulates beach activities. The workshop will include a presentation of the 2017 Beach Code Enforcement Activity Report and a public comment period. We encourage you to attend this meeting in order have a better understanding of the current beach vending ordinance and to provide input for possible revisions to the beach vending ordinance. Please be governed accordingly.

just posted 10-8-17 Sunday afternoon. Thought that was sneaky ( UH, interesting)

BCC Workshop: Beach Vending Ordinance
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach FL. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss beach management and possible revisions to the municipal codes that regulates beach activities. The workshop will include a presentation of the 2017 Beach Code Enforcement Activity Report and a public comment period. We encourage you to attend this meeting in order have a better understanding of the current beach vending ordinance and to provide input for possible revisions to the beach vending ordinance. Please be governed accordingly.

That is very sneaky and odd.

We are still in the closing phases of the storm and they have TIME to announce this? How about enforce all the dogs on the beach, glass bottles on the beach... Lots of that the past few days. At least WCSO is starting the local special on traffic enforcement, how about you offer a "special". Its called doing your job!

Speaking of Time, wait to you see the Activity Report. The first thing that BOD needs to do is Motion to Rename it the Inactivity Report. Its really sad.

It's sickening and these "officers" are paid a healthy salary to schmooze with people, not to enforce. Jeff is the worst and his stats (facts) reflect that.

The TDC is the ultimate farming implement. It continues to turn manure into flowers each year...

That is very sneaky and odd.

We are still in the closing phases of the storm and they have TIME to announce this? How about enforce all the dogs on the beach, glass bottles on the beach... Lots of that the past few days. At least WCSO is starting the local special on traffic enforcement, how about you offer a "special". Its called doing your job!

Speaking of Time, wait to you see the Activity Report. The first thing that BOD needs to do is Motion to Rename it the Inactivity Report. Its really sad.

It's sickening and these "officers" are paid a healthy salary to schmooze with people, not to enforce. Jeff is the worst and his stats (facts) reflect that.

The TDC is the ultimate farming implement. It continues to turn manure into flowers each year...

All the discussion in the world on social media will not change anything. Show up and speak up at this meeting. We may bore them to death, but at least there is an opportunity to influence the outcome. It's the same idea as voting, we only get complaining rights if we actually voted (not that people honor that either).