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Customary Use and Our 30A Legacy

Reggie Gaskins avatar
Beach Lover
526,499 views2
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When you see a PCB or Destin bumper sticker, what thought immediately comes to mind? Probably same for all of us with any time spent here - nice, but it ain’t 30A! Do you remember why you started renting/visiting here? What was it? Remember when you bought your first 30A property? Why here?
Because it was DIFFERENT, right? Remember the words you used to describe it to family and friends as you invited them here? “Private” “Quiet” “Intimate” “Less crowded”. That wasn’t by accident. The entire genetic code of Sowal beaches is because of the private ownership and neighborhood beach personalities.
You could rent “private beach”. You could buy “private beach”. There wasn’t a free for all frat party atmosphere because of unlimited public beach access on the sands. That behavior was regulated by the privately owned property where such behavior was immediately squelched. And yet, by custom, no one was ever “Kicked off” of private beaches because owners don’t do that unless bad actors abuse the privilege.
Walton County has always had more than 50% PUBLIC beach. Still does. That hasn’t changed. There are now deliberately misleading fear tactics out there with scary words like “Quiet Title” and “Privatization”, neither of which have affected one single square inch of public beach, not one. Yet, the mob mentality, orchestrated by local carnival barkers eager for fame and notoriety, and dollars, have mislead the citizens and deliberately tried to divide the community in a shell game of Customary Use.
The fact is that the county outran the capabilities of local Commissioners to plan for growth 20 years ago, and we haven’t improved that talent to deal with it even yet. So the County, in failing to plan beach availability, tried to illegally claim private property as public, without following the laws requiring judicial oversight. The local Good Ol’ Boys overreached their authority and got caught by the adults in Tallahassee. So they then decides to sue 4,800 of Sowal citizens to take their property. That’s right, your tax money is being spent, and a lot of it, to SUE almost 5,000 of your neighbors, and steal what they agreed to purchase at a premium, and have a deed to prove it.
Don’t blame them please, they didn’t want or ask for this fight. They live here and care for these beaches just like you and me. Go meet them, they are truly the eclectic fabric of 30A. The signs they had to put up are just in defense of this new orchestrated public attack against them.
The bottom line is this: The minute you release the public to occupy all of Sowal beaches, you IMMEDIATELY get nasty Destin and PCB problems. How will you feel about that 30A sticker then? Nostalgic? Me too.

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Replies

2,312
Jimmy T avatar
Beach Fanatic
#302
That’s freakin’ FUNNY! Thanks Jimmy T for the laugh.
“Naked but not afraid, that's the message.”
You going?
Nah. Not interested in going to this "event." Just thought this thread could use a bit of humor.
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
Beach Fanatic
#303
I wouldn't know uhfeder from a muscogee.
Yeah, I know - they all look alike.
THAT's A JOKE!!! (just in case.)
I don't care about him or what he says.
You really should if you support CU. He and Dave R are key spokesmen, supposedly.
Don't try to lump millions of independent beach lovers with a lawyer with an agenda.
I wouldn't dare dream of insulting the general public. Too many lawyer jokes confirm that is a bad idea.
It's about free beaches not about what comes out of his mouth.
FYI, "Nothing in life is free." BFOs prove that by buying the beach and then having to spend more money defending it. BTW, if the county loses, the public will be paying for that part as well. And what came out of his mouth was very hurtful, at least to me. Apparently all you CU people are A-OK with it.
Or what some yahoo with a video camera posts.
You're right about that. FBFA should try to vet their sources of such questionable information such as that dumb slide of Vizcaya's beach by the same so called "yahoo with a camera".
Beach front owners will get tired of spending money and fighting and will move on or fight a dumb never ending battle against millions.
That certainly will not happen until the FINAL verdict comes in. And the millions you refer to - I assume you mean millions of people and NOT millions of dollars that is being pissed away by the county with a questionable hope of success. Assuming millions of people, again, that is one of the beautiful things about the U.S. Constitution....

Protection of minorities from things like David R's polls shared in this thread.
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
Beach Fanatic
#304
Just a thought. Maybe I could be accused of aiding and comforting the enemy. But here goes.

IMHO, FBFA should seriously reconsider there public relations tactics and this includes elected representatives. As it stands now based on events evidenced here on SoWal, I for one, have absolutely zero respect for the organization for multiple reasons. I sincerely understand the desires of so many who wish customary use to come true. Yes, the courts will decide. We all know that. And yes, FBFA's goal could be considered a noble cause by many. And a confession... I could even respect that (not that I agree, of course) if it weren't for some the tactics exhibited by past and present board members of FBFA.

But FBFA should take serious notice of the very obvious.

FBFA, do yourself a favor.....at least think about it.
Kurt avatar
Admin
#305
Hello everyone. This topic is a hot one and is likely to get hotter. We do not tolerate personal attacks on SoWal.com, and name calling is unnecessary. Please keep on topic and be kind, or find another forum.

:thanks:
PoppaJ avatar
SoWal Insider
#306
There are repeated references to the constitution in this thread. The portion of the 5th amendment pertaining to property states,
“nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
So it reads private property can be legally taken if the owner is compensated. In this case the owner will be justly compensated for a small section of unbuildable land.
BeachSandpiper avatar
Beach Comber
#307
No, I didn’t take the slide at face value. That is what those of us who support customary use believe. That the beach is depicted were public use beaches until July 1, 2018 when house bill 631 went into effect. That is at the core of this conflict. You folks believe that those are private beaches and you may exclude us from those beaches and we believe completely the opposite that since people began using the beaches they were shared. So I believe those images to be true and correct and that is a matter of opinion that most people agree with. The judges will decide. Tou just saying it doesn’t make it true. Anymore than you believe me just saying what I believe makes it true. See you in court.
"That is at the core of this conflict. You folks believe that those are private beaches and you may exclude us from those beaches and we believe completely the opposite that since people began using the beaches they were shared. So I believe those images to be true and correct and that is a matter of opinion that most people agree with." I am so confused by Dave's comments. Is it really just a "matter of belief"? If I believe I don't have to pay taxes, or I can drive however I like, even on the "wrong" side of the road, or that the world is really flat, does that make me right? Is the opinion that beaches were really public prior to July 1,2018, but now magically are private the "majority" opinion? Facts do matter in our world, nation, community. It is not a matter of "belief" that people can own and control property. Is there proof that Dave and pro CU people are in the majority? Let's agree to stick to the facts- no matter how difficult they are to face.
BeachSandpiper avatar
Beach Comber
#308
Another funny thing about facts is there is usually some kind of record. I also found it interesting in Dave's account of the waltonwatchdog.com blog. I understood that waltonwatchdog quit his blog then brought it back after Dave opened up the "can of worms" on this thread with inaccurate statements surrounding the incident and slandered James Lince once again. I think it is important to know what really happened. So go read the facts. Our community is better than slandering and demeaning each other. We can agree to disagree and discuss reasonably.
Beach Lover
#309
Hello everyone. This topic is a hot one and is likely to get hotter. We do not tolerate personal attacks on SoWal.com, and name calling is unnecessary. Please keep on topic and be kind, or find another forum.

:thanks:
How bout being kind in the SoWal Lounge? The Trump bashing is getting old!
Reggie Gaskins avatar
Beach LoverAuthor
#311
Another funny thing about facts is there is usually some kind of record. I also found it interesting in Dave's account of the waltonwatchdog.com blog. I understood that waltonwatchdog quit his blog then brought it back after Dave opened up the "can of worms" on this thread with inaccurate statements surrounding the incident and slandered James Lince once again. I think it is important to know what really happened. So go read the facts. Our community is better than slandering and demeaning each other. We can agree to disagree and discuss reasonably.
To expand on that BSP; the very long length of this thread is evidence of a new public venue in which honest discussion has few other legitimate options. The many informed voices here are truly attempting to inform, rather than invoke emotional response. The fact that
Walton Watchdog
has been resurrected because of truth finding daylight here is a powerful byproduct of exposing mistruths. The many recent blogposts there have referenced this SoWal thread as an indicator of progress in our community being informed. Gonna be a great beach weekend folks, hope to see ya out there.
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
Beach Fanatic
#312
...... The fact that
Walton Watchdog
has been resurrected because of truth finding daylight here is a powerful byproduct of exposing mistruths.....
OMG!
I guess I’ve been in the dark regarding all that. So sorry for what the Lince’s endured. Now I also understand why Dave R keeps trying to discredit our “anonymity” here on SoWal. My goodness, the picture just keeps getting clearer and clearer.

So I guess my plea to FBFA is a bit naive, huh?
BlueMtnBeachVagrant avatar
Beach Fanatic
#313
There are repeated references to the constitution in this thread. The portion of the 5th amendment pertaining to property states,
“nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
So it reads private property can be legally taken if the owner is compensated. In this case the owner will be justly compensated ......
“You’re getting warrrmmer.....”

You know, I’ve always wondered how Dave R could be so successful in business and then write such bizarre posts. I just figured it out (thank you BTW).

Instead of paying for it, first try to get it for free, as any good businessman should do. But lawyers aren’t cheap either.
Bob Wells avatar
Beach Fanatic
#314
How bout being kind in the SoWal Lounge? The Trump bashing is getting old!
The rules are different there Mr President, kind of like most of your press conferences.
MRBS avatar
Beach Lover
#315
What is the status of the litigation (case no. if anyone has it) ? I'd like to follow that and not check in on this thread. Thanks.
Auburn Fan avatar
Beach Lover
#316
What is the status of the litigation (case no. if anyone has it) ? I'd like to follow that and not check in on this thread. Thanks.

The case number is 547.

There are currently over 800 documents filed associated with this case.

One of the documents filed just last week was over a hundred pages.
Reggie Gaskins avatar
Beach LoverAuthor
#317
So NOW do we understand how the deep diVISION AND IDEAS in really bad taste, like nude CU beach protest marches, are indeed ruining the legacy of 30A?

Case closed. Stand down all of you attention getters and town criers. Step aside, you’ve done enough damage and created enough vile and disgusting followers. It’s time to let productive leaders in the community fix this in calm, intelligent fashion.

We’ve suffered enough from this carnival of horrors. Go to the beach and behave y’all. Greet your neighbor, enjoy the day. Hopefully no one will try to use you to make a Facebook or Twitter post to distort the truth.
Jenksy avatar
Beach Fanatic
#318
Don't feed the trolls y'all. They are easy to spot. They joined recently, have a few dozen posts or so. And they don't post on any other threads than this one or other free beach threads.


:banned:
Auburn Fan avatar
Beach Lover
#319
Don't feed the trolls y'all. They are easy to spot. They joined recently, have a few dozen posts or so. And they don't post on any other threads than this one or other free beach threads.

:banned:


The truth is the truth. On what other threads would you care for members to post? No matter how many times a lie is repeated, it doesn't make it the truth. Let's deal with discussion of facts. What "facts" have been presented here that are not true? What questions remain unanswered?
Lake View Too avatar
SoWal Insider
#320
So NOW do we understand how the deep diVISION AND IDEAS in really bad taste, like nude CU beach protest marches, are indeed ruining the legacy of 30A?

Case closed. Stand down all of you attention getters and town criers. Step aside, you’ve done enough damage and created enough vile and disgusting followers. It’s time to let productive leaders in the community fix this in calm, intelligent fashion.

We’ve suffered enough from this carnival of horrors. Go to the beach and behave y’all. Greet your neighbor, enjoy the day. Hopefully no one will try to use you to make a Facebook or Twitter post to distort the truth.

I'm going to try to say this in a really respectful manner. If your intentions were to change hearts and minds about who is responsible for the situation we are in, you miscalculated badly by starting off with a distorted lie for the title this thread, and then repeated attempts to place blame on people that have known that customary use has been a doctrine on these beaches since before we all were born. We all know who instigated the disruption, and it wasn't the citizens that have used this beach for over 100 years. The blame is squarely on a handful of BFOs who have let their narcissism, anger management problems, and delusions of grandeur cloud their thinking. Are you one of them? You have voiced your opinion as if yours is the only valid way to see things. Well, I suspect, there are probably millions people who don't think you are correct. That is simply a guess, but when you add up all the people who have enjoyed these beaches for hundreds of years, and count their children, and their grandchildren, and their great grand children, and factor in a constant wave of tourists who have been coming here, year after year since the fifties, well I guess it adds up. Do you really think they are going to accept your point of view because it comes from you? My point is simple, you can yell and scream and order people to stand down, but it just makes you look like angry buffoon and no one is going to listen to you anyway.
Jenksy avatar
Beach Fanatic
#321
The truth is the truth. On what other threads would you care for members to post? No matter how many times a lie is repeated, it doesn't make it the truth. Let's deal with discussion of facts. What "facts" have been presented here that are not true? What questions remain unanswered?
Sock puppets are not allowed on SoWal. Prepare to have your usernames merged. :nono:
jodiFL avatar
Beach Fanatic
#322
Guess Reggie doesnt realize that nudity on the beaches of 30A is nothing new. There used to be a couple of well known nude beaches. But that probably doesnt fit into what he thinks the "legacy of 30A" ought to be. If he only knew about all the potheads and gangsters that used to be around here (some still are)....:yikes:.
Lake View Too avatar
SoWal Insider
#323
Guess Reggie doesnt realize that nudity on the beaches of 30A is nothing new. There used to be a couple of well known nude beaches. But that probably doesnt fit into what he thinks the "legacy of 30A" ought to be. If he only knew about all the potheads and gangsters that used to be around here (some still are)....:yikes:.
Pirates and moonshiners!!
Beach Fanatic
#324
Guess Reggie doesnt realize that nudity on the beaches of 30A is nothing new. There used to be a couple of well known nude beaches. But that probably doesnt fit into what he thinks the "legacy of 30A" ought to be. If he only knew about all the potheads and gangsters that used to be around here (some still are)....:yikes:.

That was before beach front houses were built on the dunes.
Auburn Fan avatar
Beach Lover
#3251
Sock puppets are not allowed on SoWal. Prepare to have your usernames merged. :nono:


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jodiFL avatar
Beach Fanatic
#326
That was before beach front houses were built on the dunes.
There were some beach front houses....just not on every square inch of the dunes. It wasnt until St. Joe decided to really ramp it up that they went away. The helicopter pilots from Eglin used to make REALLY LOW passes on the beach....

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