Sanctuary at Redfish

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

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.

So I guess I'd be doing the 'wrong' thing as a potential renter trusting the mgmt. co.? Arriving for vacation, I take the boat like I was told, set up my umbrella, then am asked to leave or move into the water. My point is I'm sure there are many vacationers who have never heard of this message board to find the truth. Heck, there are many owners/mgmt. co. who haven't. What if the vacationer simply did not know thru no fault of their own? Bam, now they're upset spending the week having to drive to a beach access.

While I do agree that there are 2 sides to every issue. The issue in question really relates to the mgmt. companies representing owners and the owners themselves being up front and honest with potential vacationers. It is pointless for me or anyone else who is simply looking for a nice place to stay at the beach while on vacation to see one side or the other in the private vs. public battle.

Your statement to luvthebeach57 about the situation making no difference to her because she doesn't own the property is somewhat offensive. I feel that it implies non-owners/vacationers don't care about the beach or other surroundings. Maybe many don't but you can find that kind of person everywhere beach or no beach. FYI...I cherish my visit to sowal, I read about the area and what is happening there frequently. I leave the beach as I found it and sometimes even better as I have picked up trash, etc...left behind by those who don't care. How do you know whether the slobs are owners, locals or whatever. I know that so many people who visit your beaches love and protect them. Just because we all can't own or live there does not mean we do not care.

I know it's a limitation of email and non-spoken communication to truly understand the of tone of the messages being presented, so if I have misunderstood you I apologize.

As for the public vs. private debate that is going on in sowal, I guess it was bound to happen like everywhere else. It just seems a little sad and greedy to take ownership of a natural resource, so no I really can't see that side. But as stated above, my opinion has no bearing since I don't reside at the beach.

As far as my situation...we placed a deposit on a unit at Sanctuary @ Redfish wanting the peace and tranquility it seemed to offer. We've been pretty crowded on the beach the past few summers. Until I started searching the posts here I had no idea there would be any issues. My problem now is, I'm having a difficult time finding a new place that suits or needs, family has already put in for vacation time, etc...so can't change dates. If I stay with our original plans, I have a conflict knowing that when I set up at the beach, I am trespassing. I do care about that. So as SHELLY stated earlier....SUCKS OUT LOUD! I am done whining about it as of today! We will make it work. Whatever the outcome!

Kimbug,

Thanks for putting into words exactly what I was thinking!

Kimbug, I understand your reasoning for wanting to be upset with the rental mgt company or VRBO owners. I think one problem is that they just don't know. In most cases, the ownership of the beach has never been questioned, unless someone begins running people off and posting private property signs. The public has been using the beach to the east of the 83 Access for decades, so I can see how the rental companies wouldn't know anything about the issue, and it isn't based on them not trying to be aware of the issues of private beaches. Even if they do promote the use of the beach in their rental ads, the question of the public's right to sit on the beach portion of privately deeded land, is still unknown, until as BMBV says, "the Court's work it out."

I'm glad that BMBV does speak up for the private use of the beach, because it does show that the answer to the question is not a simple one when following the letter or intent of the laws regarding private property rights. I disagree with his take on it, but it is another's point of view.

So I guess I'd be doing the 'wrong' thing as a potential renter trusting the mgmt. co.?

Like anything else in life....buyer beware. Some companies are more ethical than others - surprise!! I think you could trust the company if they state that you have beach rights "on the dry sandy portion of the beach". Remember that the term "beach access" by itself does not mean much of anything these days.

Your statement to luvthebeach57 about the situation making no difference to her because she doesn't own the property is somewhat offensive.

Sorry if it appeared that way; I can see your point. I guess I was just stating that since she was not a private property owner that she "didn't have a dog in that fight". I didn't mean anything more.

Just because we all can't own or live there does not mean we do not care..................I know it's a limitation of email and non-spoken communication to truly understand the of tone of the messages being presented, so if I have misunderstood you I apologize.

I hope I didn't give you the impression that I feel tourists in general "don't care". I fully believe that 99+% of the tourists that visit SoWal are great people!!

Regardless, trespassing is trespassing. It is a dangerous thing to pick and choose which laws we abide by and where.

As for the public vs. private debate that is going on in sowal, I guess it was bound to happen like everywhere else. It just seems a little sad and greedy to take ownership of a natural resource, so no I really can't see that side. But as stated above, my opinion has no bearing since I don't reside at the beach.

Ever heard of mineral rights? Isn't your home sitting on land that you own and would not that be considered a natural resource? Just making a point.

So as SHELLY stated earlier....SUCKS OUT LOUD! I am done whining about it as of today! We will make it work. Whatever the outcome!

There are plenty of places to stay in SoWal that have dedicated beaches assoicated with them. Where there is not, there are plenty of public beaches as well.


Keep in mind that one's opinion of private vs. public beaches normally goes along the line between who owns and does not own gulf-front property. I don't expect it any other way. That's why we have laws.

I can appreciate what your saying, SJ and I don't want to waste my time being angry with anyone over the situation. It's my fault anyway for not checking the board first. Obviously, it's a new "problem" facing SoWal. I just feel a little duped just because I haven't heard back from anyone in the mgmt. co. since I asked them questions regarding the issue. When I made the rental inquiry, they were very quick in their responses.

Part of me just wants to keep with the plans we have and see how it shakes out. Maybe we'll set up on the beach and have no problems since everyone is saying there are no signs posted. If there are problems we'll go to the 83 public access. IDK...I'm getting a headache worrying about it. It doesn't help that I might be the most indecisive person on the planet!

I can appreciate what your saying, SJ and I don't want to waste my time being angry with anyone over the situation. It's my fault anyway for not checking the board first. Obviously, it's a new "problem" facing SoWal. I just feel a little duped just because I haven't heard back from anyone in the mgmt. co. since I asked them questions regarding the issue. When I made the rental inquiry, they were very quick in their responses.

Part of me just wants to keep with the plans we have and see how it shakes out. Maybe we'll set up on the beach and have no problems since everyone is saying there are no signs posted. If there are problems we'll go to the 83 public access. IDK...I'm getting a headache worrying about it. It doesn't help that I might be the most indecisive person on the planet!

If you do have to go to the 83 public access, the word is that the restrooms will be open and have lifeguards this summer.

Like anything else in life....buyer beware. Some companies are more ethical than others - surprise!! I think you could trust the company if they state that you have beach rights "on the dry sandy portion of the beach". Remember that the term "beach access" by itself does not mean much of anything these days.


Sorry if it appeared that way; I can see your point. I guess I was just stating that since she was not a private property owner that she "didn't have a dog in that fight". I didn't mean anything more.




I hope I didn't give you the impression that I feel tourists in general "don't care". I fully believe that 99+% of the tourists that visit SoWal are great people!!

Regardless, trespassing is trespassing. It is a dangerous thing to pick and choose which laws we abide by and where.



Ever heard of mineral rights? Isn't your home sitting on land that you own and would not that be considered a natural resource? Just making a point.

There are plenty of places to stay in SoWal that have dedicated beaches assoicated with them. Where there is not, there are plenty of public beaches as well.


Keep in mind that one's opinion of private vs. public beaches normally goes along the line between who owns and does not own gulf-front property. I don't expect it any other way. That's why we have laws.

Really, your condo is part of the overcrowding "problem". I am unclear why you fight so hard against other condos being built.

Really, your condo is part of the overcrowding "problem". I am unclear why you fight so hard against other condos being built.

Who said I was against condos being built? And what the heck does that have to do with my post you quoted?

I can appreciate what your saying, SJ and I don't want to waste my time being angry with anyone over the situation. It's my fault anyway for not checking the board first. Obviously, it's a new "problem" facing SoWal. I just feel a little duped just because I haven't heard back from anyone in the mgmt. co. since I asked them questions regarding the issue. When I made the rental inquiry, they were very quick in their responses.

I never got a response from any of the rental management companies nor any owners at the Sanctuary at Redfish regarding how I would get to the beach or beach access. I asked them a couple of times. I got my answers here on the message board. Now shouldn't the condo owner have been able to answer my question? I think some of the owners are investors who know very little about their condos.

Remember that the 83 Access is fairly narrow, especially if everyone from other communities are forced to be jammed onto it.


BeachSiO2, the restrooms are underway and the structure looks close to being complete, minus roof and plumbing. Do you know why the County is paying to station lifeguards at public access to what is being claimed "private beach?"

luvthebeach, If it were my condo, I'd know about it and the closet public accesses, etc. I can tell you that I know many owners who have never stepped foot into or onto their home, condo, townhome, or land. I know many others who have never even seen their property. It is not too surprising that they might not know the legal questions regarding their rights to the beach. If they know that the beach to where they are sending their renters is claimed to be privately owned by someone else, I could take a wild guess as to why they are not responding to the beach issue -- they would have no renters if they tried to educate the public. I wonder if you, as a renter, would have a claim against a rental company who promoted use of the beach in front of Blue Mtn Beach S/D, if you were ran off by the cops. That might be scary enough to make the rental companies stop promoting the use of beach. I know people on vacation don't want to deal with the hassle of discovering by surprise that they cannot sit on the beach, but we locals can challenge the publics' right to sit on the beach a little more easily. Those rental companies and VRBO owners may be of the same belief as me, that the beaches have always been used by the public, and the public has a right to sit quietly on the beach.

I can appreciate what your saying, SJ and I don't want to waste my time being angry with anyone over the situation. It's my fault anyway for not checking the board first. Obviously, it's a new "problem" facing SoWal. I just feel a little duped just because I haven't heard back from anyone in the mgmt. co. since I asked them questions regarding the issue. When I made the rental inquiry, they were very quick in their responses.

Part of me just wants to keep with the plans we have and see how it shakes out. Maybe we'll set up on the beach and have no problems since everyone is saying there are no signs posted. If there are problems we'll go to the 83 public access. IDK...I'm getting a headache worrying about it. It doesn't help that I might be the most indecisive person on the planet!

Please don't let a few overly territorial poo-heads and their negativity ruin your vacation!

Assume that you'll have an absolutely wonderful time, ask the rental company about it before you arrive so they can help direct you, and in the hopefully unlikely event that you do have an issue, we'll direct you to a more friendly area o' sand.

I never got a response from any of the rental management companies nor any owners at the Sanctuary at Redfish regarding how I would get to the beach or beach access. I asked them a couple of times. I got my answers here on the message board. Now shouldn't the condo owner have been able to answer my question? I think some of the owners are investors who know very little about their condos.

There are so many great places to stay here, are you stuck on this place for any particular reason? If you want to be sure just stay gulf front or in another area with less of a complex and you will be in good shape. Just my 2 cents.

I never got a response from any of the rental management companies nor any owners at the Sanctuary at Redfish regarding how I would get to the beach or beach access. I asked them a couple of times. I got my answers here on the message board. Now shouldn't the condo owner have been able to answer my question? I think some of the owners are investors who know very little about their condos.

What some owners don't know about there "investment" property could fill a warehouse.

Remember that the 83 Access is fairly narrow, especially if everyone from other communities are forced to be jammed onto it.


BeachSiO2, the restrooms are underway and the structure looks close to being complete, minus roof and plumbing. Do you know why the County is paying to station lifeguards at public access to what is being claimed "private beach?"

Actually when we stopped by last Sunday the roof was on and the only thing left is the fictures.

Remember that the 83 Access is fairly narrow, especially if everyone from other communities are forced to be jammed onto it.


BeachSiO2, the restrooms are underway and the structure looks close to being complete, minus roof and plumbing. Do you know why the County is paying to station lifeguards at public access to what is being claimed "private beach?"

My understanding of the lifeguard placement is that they will be at all County regional accesses with parking and restrooms.

There are so many great places to stay here, are you stuck on this place for any particular reason? If you want to be sure just stay gulf front or in another area with less of a complex and you will be in good shape. Just my 2 cents.

Not really stuck on it...just put deposit down before checking with the board ! Given that it appears to have only 42 units sold & about 20 or so of those are for sale at least the pool should be pretty quiet . My brother-in-law just called & we could cancel but would lose $100. I think it's worth that not to have the hassle. We'll see what the weekend brings. My husband has been out of town all week so I've got to get him up to speed. I found several houses that seem to offer similar privacy and natural surroundings @ Cypress Dunes (but similar problem with beach access, not private vs. public but have to take shuttle) and the one I like best is @ WaterSound West Beach (looooong walk to beach but at least I can get there anytime I'd like).

My understanding of the lifeguard placement is that they will be at all County regional accesses with parking and restrooms.

Restrooms are a good thing. We need more around our public beach accesses. I'm just curious as to why the County is building parking and restrooms and stationing lifeguards at places being claimed as private beaches. How is that not to be considered using public funds for private benefit? Again, I think it is wonderful, but seems like an illegal use of public funds, and it will only encourage more people to use the beaches, which are being claimed as private. Surely, this will end up a mess.

Restrooms are a good thing. We need more around our public beach accesses. I'm just curious as to why the County is building parking and restrooms and stationing lifeguards at places being claimed as private beaches. How is that not to be considered using public funds for private benefit? Again, I think it is wonderful, but seems like an illegal use of public funds, and it will only encourage more people to use the beaches, which are being claimed as private. Surely, this will end up a mess.

Every project done can be claimed as being done for private reasons. The issue is in regards to how many private reasons does it take to equal a public good? In this case the shoreline in front of the access is publically owned, and the property to the east of the access is open to at least the BMB subdivision per the 2007 agreement. Also, others park in the parking lot and walk/run on the beach, and BobbyJ and others surf in the Gulf. So is that enough private benefit to equal a public good. In this case. I think many people would say yes.

Restrooms are a good thing. We need more around our public beach accesses. I'm just curious as to why the County is building parking and restrooms and stationing lifeguards at places being claimed as private beaches. How is that not to be considered using public funds for private benefit? Again, I think it is wonderful, but seems like an illegal use of public funds, and it will only encourage more people to use the beaches, which are being claimed as private. Surely, this will end up a mess.

The lifeguards are funded by the TDC and employed through South Walton Fire District(SWFD). Funded by the Bed Tax. Not aware of any lifeguards on private property, but we definitely need more lifeguards and TDC/SWFD have been discussing the issue of public vs private beach and Chief Talbert has some good ideas. Public imput is very welcome so we can get more safety personnel on the beach as soon as possible.

Kimbug - check out High Pointe, there's a full thread about it on the Board. It's my personal favorite when I visit 30A. Great pool, easy path to the beach, nice little bar part of the development to watch the sunset and a casual stroll right next door to some of the Rosemary Beach amenities. Rental rates for Gulf Front units are reasonable too (maybe save you some $ compared to Watersound). I've rented through Garrett Realty in the past. http://www.garrettrealty.com/

Every project done can be claimed as being done for private reasons. The issue is in regards to how many private reasons does it take to equal a public good? In this case the shoreline in front of the access is publically owned, and the property to the east of the access is open to at least the BMB subdivision per the 2007 agreement. Also, others park in the parking lot and walk/run on the beach, and BobbyJ and others surf in the Gulf. So is that enough private benefit to equal a public good. In this case. I think many people would say yes.

very good points.

Every project done can be claimed as being done for private reasons. The issue is in regards to how many private reasons does it take to equal a public good? In this case the shoreline in front of the access is publically owned, and the property to the east of the access is open to at least the BMB subdivision per the 2007 agreement. Also, others park in the parking lot and walk/run on the beach, and BobbyJ and others surf in the Gulf. So is that enough private benefit to equal a public good. In this case. I think many people would say yes.

Question:
If I enter the water from a private beach and get in trouble, will the lifeguard rescue me from the public beach next door?

eeeeeee.....that's me wincing at the possible replies.

Question:
If I enter the water from a private beach and get in trouble, will the lifeguard rescue me from the public beach next door?

eeeeeee.....that's me wincing at the possible replies.

Yes.

Hasselhoff? Remember the times when your beach vacation was a way to reduce stress? Ahh the good old days.

Remember the times when your beach vacation was a way to reduce stress? Ahh the good old days.

Well stated!