Sanctuary at Redfish

Here's a question:

If you post a sign on public beach and leave it doesn't that make it trash? Can't anyone walk up and remove it?

actually, if the beach is nourished by WalCo, FEMA picks up most of the tab for future renourishment. (just like they are picking up most of the $7million tab to rebuild the County Pier at Pier Park.)

As for signs on the beach, if they are blocking emergency vehicles or seaturtles, they can be removed, just like umbrellas and chairs.

actually, if the beach is nourished by WalCo, FEMA picks up most of the tab for future renourishment.

That's worth knowing, but IMHO it's still a waste of money that could be spent on real improvements that benefit the public at large. I haven't seen the entire SoWal beach, but the parts I have seen seem to have recovered nicely from the 2005 storms, thank you. I'd like to think the $50M could be spent more productively. Schools, roads, bridges, dune lake preservation, parks, fire stations, emergency services, replacing blue signs.

Or maybe to fund a secession from NoWal...

I, too, think the beaches would recover fine on their own if homes weren't built on top of the dune system, which has its own way of replenishing the beach as needed over time. FEMA spends billions of our taxes on things such as pumping sand onto the beach, only to watch it wash away with the next major storm, so that they can do it again. Just ridiculous, when there are real projects which need funding. Don't even get me started on the waste of FEMA.

FEMA spends billions of our taxes on things such as pumping sand onto the beach, only to watch it wash away with the next major storm, so that they can do it again. Just ridiculous, when there are real projects which need funding. Don't even get me started on the waste of FEMA.

It's time to retreat into the "TreeFrog theory of selective taxation", the fantasy world in which I get to allocate how my federal tax dollars are spent. Many years we choose to fund highway infrastructure. This year, we split it equally between jet fuel for the Blue Angels and Medicare, which benefits my elderly relative.

I think everyone just needs to respect Mother Nature (instead of spending millions to fight her) and enjoy the beach without getting all clenched and territorial.

Meanwhile,Kimbug is worried whether she'll get arrested on her vacation. My advice to her is this:

Most of the jerks, excuse me - concerned property owners, who have been wanting to keep people off "their beach" are in Blue Mountain, which is near Sanctuary at Redfish. The rest are in Seaside. If you are going to be uncomfortable with that, I'd suggest looking for another rental location. There are a lot of other very nice vacation spots in SoWal.

Anyone who gets run off a "private beach" can PM me. I've got a sympathetic friend with a parking space, a nearby public walkover, and an outdoor shower they can use if they bring their own soap/shampoo & towels.

2008: taking back the beach one family vacation at a time!

Meanwhile,Kimbug is worried whether she'll get arrested on her vacation. My advice to her is this:

Most of the jerks, excuse me - concerned property owners, who have been wanting to keep people off "their beach" are in Blue Mountain, which is near Sanctuary at Redfish. The rest are in Seaside. If you are going to be uncomfortable with that, I'd suggest looking for another rental location. There are a lot of other very nice vacation spots in SoWal.

Anyone who gets run off a "private beach" can PM me. I've got a sympathetic friend with a parking space, a nearby public walkover, and an outdoor shower they can use if they bring their own soap/shampoo & towels.

2008: taking back the beach one family vacation at a time!

It's nice to know you all got my back! Apparently I won't get arrested if I quietly pack up my stuff and high tail it back to the Redfish Water Taxi if I'm politely asked to do so by the sheriff. That's according to the Sheriff that my brother-in-law talked to this afternoon. He was also told that they definitely don't come looking for trespassers. Well, I don't really want to take those chances. It's too bad because the property at Redfish is beautiful. I doubt with these issues they'll be selling many units for the millions they're looking for. So now I have to get our deposit back and get looking for something else. If anyone's got suggestions, we're a family of 7, preferring a 3 or 4 bdrm., with beach access and nice pool. Don't hesitate to pm me. Thanks again for the warnings.

It's nice to know you all got my back! Apparently I won't get arrested if I quietly pack up my stuff and high tail it back to the Redfish Water Taxi if I'm politely asked to do so by the sheriff. That's according to the Sheriff that my brother-in-law talked to this afternoon. He was also told that they definitely don't come looking for trespassers. Well, I don't really want to take those chances. It's too bad because the property at Redfish is beautiful. I doubt with these issues they'll be selling many units for the millions they're looking for. So now I have to get our deposit back and get looking for something else. If anyone's got suggestions, we're a family of 7, preferring a 3 or 4 bdrm., with beach access and nice pool. Don't hesitate to pm me. Thanks again for the warnings.

Ya know KB...for the record, I just want you to know I think the hoops you have to jump through to ensure you can enjoy the beaches in our area just sucks out loud! I regret the problems you're dealing with trying to find a place to vacation--it didn't used to be this way. I wish you the best of luck finding a perfect place by the beach where you feel "welcome"...even if it isn't here.

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Your vacation paradise IS still here, there are just some rotten apples spoiling the barrel so you have to be a little more informed when booking.

I personally plan on a long happy summer of dry sand beach time sans handcuffs and sheriff's deputies.

Ya know KB...for the record, I just want you to know I think the hoops you have to jump through to ensure you can enjoy the beaches in our area just sucks out loud! I regret the problems you're dealing with trying to find a place to vacation--it didn't used to be this way. I wish you the best of luck finding a perfect place by the beach where you feel "welcome"...even if it isn't here.

.

Now that's a statement I can fully agree with.

Before the RFVs stampeding in and around private residential areas, before the Sanctuary at Redfishes with no direct beach accesses, before the (almost) Nature Walks with their 100's of homes north of 30A, before the Seasides vs WaterColors, before the Rosemary Beaches vs everyone else, and especially the very large Village at Blue Mountain Beach north of 30A using (and claiming beach access) via the infamous beach access to nowhere next to the Retreat and the Inn at BMB, on and on......

Shelly, you are right.

I can't imagine what changed.

More people maybe?

Needless adverse reactions from those against gulf front owners protecting their property?

Oh, could it possibly be private property owners are just sick of those who feel automatically entitled to the beach because of the Daytona court case and their rediculous analogy of that long established overcrowded commercially obscene area known as the boardwalk and pier with our area (that I use to frequent and drive upon as a teenager)?

[edit: Keep in mind that the people who owned the beach in Daytona directly profitted by attracting the public. The more people they could get to walk on their beach, the more likely they would spend money at their establishment. I think there's a HUGE difference between that and let's say Blue Mountain Beach or anywhere else in Walton County.]

The developers slip these huge developments here in Walton County through planning and the BCC with no regard to who truly has rights to the (private) beaches. All private property rights be damned.

TDC's goal is to increase tourism. They have succeeded to a degree. Now they are beginning to run into a brick wall. TDC finaly (at least) acknowledged on their website that there are private beaches after the notorious arrests that were made.

Renourishment is their ONLY salvation....not for the beach's sake as one would logically think but for everyone else who needs INCREASED tourism to make a living (or their fortune). Steady-state does not seem to be an option.

Maybe, just maybe, Kim can see that there are two sides to every story. I'm one of the few speaking up for the other side as unpopular as it may be in mainstream.


FWIW, can't Kim take the boat across the lake and walk EAST a bit (away from BMB)? Will the development next door also run one off?

As far as going WEST a tad, are we saying that the huge house at the end of Blue Mtn Road will run people off the beach there as well? Where in the heck is the north south property line where a dune lake is located?

Ya know KB...for the record, I just want you to know I think the hoops you have to jump through to ensure you can enjoy the beaches in our area just sucks out loud! I regret the problems you're dealing with trying to find a place to vacation--it didn't used to be this way. I wish you the best of luck finding a perfect place by the beach where you feel "welcome"...even if it isn't here.

.

Thank you. I'm sure I'll find a place. But just so you all know, I've always felt welcome while visiting sowal (well, maybe there are a few snobs in locations I won't mention) so I'd never want to stay at a place that could potentially spoil that. Our visit there will be grayt; I've never known it not to be!

Ya know KB...for the record, I just want you to know I think the hoops you have to jump through to ensure you can enjoy the beaches in our area just sucks out loud! I regret the problems you're dealing with trying to find a place to vacation--it didn't used to be this way. I wish you the best of luck finding a perfect place by the beach where you feel "welcome"...even if it isn't here.

.

Ditto!

Kimbug, I wouldn't want the potential hassle of being ran off the beach by the cops, either. It is a shame that people now try to claim something that has been used by the general public for decades. As more vacationers avoid the hassles, the property owners slowly gain a little ground.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, we were considering staying at the Sanctuary at Redfish this summer like kimbug. However, the whole issue of beach access has me worried. Therefore, we will be staying at WaterSound instead. They have a whole mile of beach there. WaterSound has all the amenities, but none of the hassles of getting to the beach. I think it's a real shame that some homeowners feel they have a right to "own" the beach. As I mentioned previously, I've vacationed at beaches all over the US (including the Caribbean and Hawaii). I have never encountered any problems with private beaches before.

AI've vacationed at beaches all over the US (including the Caribbean and Hawaii). I have never encountered any problems with private beaches before.

It's a recent issue for us too! :roll:

Again, I reiterate, the owners in Blue Mtn Beach S/D have not erected "Private Beach" signs. Thus far, they have only filed a deed for the property, which will give them grounds for the next steps, which COULD be, erecting signs and calling the police.

Now that's a statement I can fully agree with.

Before the RFVs stampeding in and around private residential areas, before the Sanctuary at Redfishes with no direct beach accesses, before the (almost) Nature Walks with their 100's of homes north of 30A, before the Seasides vs WaterColors, before the Rosemary Beaches vs everyone else, and especially the very large Village at Blue Mountain Beach north of 30A using (and claiming beach access) via the infamous beach access to nowhere next to the Retreat and the Inn at BMB, on and on......

Shelly, you are right.

I can't imagine what changed.

More people maybe?

Needless adverse reactions from those against gulf front owners protecting their property?

Oh, could it possibly be private property owners are just sick of those who feel automatically entitled to the beach because of the Daytona court case and their rediculous analogy of that long established overcrowded commercially obscene area known as the boardwalk and pier with our area (that I use to frequent and drive upon as a teenager)?

[edit: Keep in mind that the people who owned the beach in Daytona directly profitted by attracting the public. The more people they could get to walk on their beach, the more likely they would spend money at their establishment. I think there's a HUGE difference between that and let's say Blue Mountain Beach or anywhere else in Walton County.]

The developers slip these huge developments here in Walton County through planning and the BCC with no regard to who truly has rights to the (private) beaches. All private property rights be damned.

TDC's goal is to increase tourism. They have succeeded to a degree. Now they are beginning to run into a brick wall. TDC finaly (at least) acknowledged on their website that there are private beaches after the notorious arrests that were made.

Renourishment is their ONLY salvation....not for the beach's sake as one would logically think but for everyone else who needs INCREASED tourism to make a living (or their fortune). Steady-state does not seem to be an option.

Maybe, just maybe, Kim can see that there are two sides to every story. I'm one of the few speaking up for the other side as unpopular as it may be in mainstream.


FWIW, can't Kim take the boat across the lake and walk EAST a bit (away from BMB)? Will the development next door also run one off?

As far as going WEST a tad, are we saying that the huge house at the end of Blue Mtn Road will run people off the beach there as well? Where in the heck is the north south property line where a dune lake is located?

Tear down all the condos and revert to SFH. That will keep the riff-raff out.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, we were considering staying at the Sanctuary at Redfish this summer like kimbug. However, the whole issue of beach access has me worried. Therefore, we will be staying at WaterSound instead. They have a whole mile of beach there. WaterSound has all the amenities, but none of the hassles of getting to the beach. I think it's a real shame that some homeowners feel they have a right to "own" the beach. As I mentioned previously, I've vacationed at beaches all over the US (including the Caribbean and Hawaii). I have never encountered any problems with private beaches before.

Is the WaterSound beach area where you will be staying private? Assuming yes, then aren't you being a bit hypocritical?

Is the WaterSound beach area where you will be staying private? Assuming yes, then aren't you being a bit hypocritical?

I don't think they have the issue of posting signs, arguing with people, etc. Since the community is gated you have quite a hike to get to said beaches. You would have to go thru Deer Lake State park or walk from around a mile East of Camp Creek Lake.

Is the WaterSound beach area where you will be staying private? Assuming yes, then aren't you being a bit hypocritical?

No, I don't think I'm being hypocritical. I just want to be able to stay somewhere where I won't be kicked off the beach for trespassing! It makes no difference to me if "outsiders" use the beach near WaterSound. As I've mentioned before, I think the beaches should be for the use of EVERYONE.

Is the WaterSound beach area where you will be staying private?

IIRC, the beach isn't posted there. Just the gated development.

No, I don't think I'm being hypocritical. I just want to be able to stay somewhere where I won't be kicked off the beach for trespassing!

Then you are doing the right thing regarding finding the appropriate place to stay.

It makes no difference to me if "outsiders" use the beach near WaterSound. As I've mentioned before, I think the beaches should be for the use of EVERYONE.

I assume it makes no difference to you because you don't own the property.

luvthebeach57, I honestly only want you to enjoy your stay. I do not mean to be adversarial...only to point out the idea that there are always two sides to every issue.

WaterSound looks to be a beautiful area and probably is one of the best planned gulf front communities considering their setbacks and all.

IIRC, the beach isn't posted there. Just the gated development.

Neither is Blue Mountain Beach around the 83 access and the area being discussed at the Sanctuary at Redfish.;-)

WaterSound looks to be a beautiful area and probably is one of the best planned gulf front communities considering their setbacks and all.

I agree with you. I've considered every single property between Destin and PCB over the past month. I think WaterSound has done a fantastic job of preserving the natural beauty of the area. I also like the fact that it's located between Camp Creek and Deer Lake. I think this area will be quiet and peaceful.