Okay, I want to start by saying that I've apparently parked illegally twice in the past 6 weeks or so. I honestly thought the house I parked in front of was empty for the weekend both times. I was wrong and i apologized to the owner both times especially after today's little nastygram left on my windshield.
My question concerns the little road that runs west off of the south end of S. Gulf Drive. The owner informed me that her property line runs all the way back to a picket fence behind her home. Yet the road seems to be county maintained and looks more like an easement. I had a similar situation crop up behind my childhood home when the city asked or a 10ft easement on our block to facilitate garbage collection.
She informed me I could park close against the fence or down the way some. I was actually using the public beach access located next to the owner's home. Why would there be a beach access with no parking and how much say so do the homeowner's have in where people park in that area?
Again, I was completely wrong for parking where I did but there are few alternatives in that area ad about as many "No Parking" signs as sand spurs.
Replies
12
SoWal Insider
Okay, I want to start by saying that I've apparently parked illegally twice in the past 6 weeks or so. I honestly thought the house I parked in front of was empty for the weekend both times. I was wrong and i apologized to the owner both times especially after today's little nastygram left on my windshield.
My question concerns the little road that runs west off of the south end of S. Gulf Drive. The owner informed me that her property line runs all the way back to a picket fence behind her home. Yet the road seems to be county maintained and looks more like an easement. I had a similar situation crop up behind my childhood home when the city asked or a 10ft easement on our block to facilitate garbage collection.
She informed me I could park close against the fence or down the way some. I was actually using the public beach access located next to the owner's home. Why would there be a beach access with no parking and how much say so do the homeowner's have in where people park in that area?
Again, I was completely wrong for parking where I did but there are few alternatives in that area ad about as many "No Parking" signs as sand spurs.
The only real parking near that access is on the south side of Eastern Lake Road. You simply have to walk another 20 or 30 yards, but it's simpler than trying to crowd the homeowners.
Beach Fanatic
Why would there be a beach access with no parking
Poor planning.
Beach Fanatic
no planning
SoWal Insider
no planning
In this particular situation, I think not having too much parking isn't a bad thing. (See Garfield Street midsummer)
Beach Fanatic
If you're going to the Eastern Lake beach access, most people park on the grassy shoulder on the south side of Eastern Lake Road - the main road, not the spur that runs back to the west. In other words, just north of the Pelican Watch house. This isn't really designated parking, but it seems to work out OK.
If you're going to the Ramsgate access, there really isn't any convenient public parking for it.
If you're going to the Ramsgate access, there really isn't any convenient public parking for it.
Beach Fanatic
Why would there be a beach access with no parkingYou have the answers as to why.
I can share with you that most of the public beach accesses in Walton County do not have parking. There are "Regional Access" which have paved parking and restrooms, and there are a few public accesses which have two or three parking places, but for the most part, the county seemingly has no plan to address parking or shuttle services to get people who reside off the beach to the beach. Sure, they have added some parking here and there, and are currently working on some parking north of 30A in Seagrove. However, in the high season, you will see cars parked street side close to many of the accesses. Lack of money to purchase property is likely a concern, and at one time, the county talked about leasing some property for parking. If it is a problem now, just wait until the existing lots in South Walton are built out. The problem will only multiply as we go forward in time.
Beach Fanatic
just as the roads will become more and more clogged, as long as we spend money to bring more visitors, without doing anything to upgrade the infrastructure or offer alternative transportation.
Beach Fanatic
Poor Planning
SoWal Insider
It seems this is a problem everywhere. Hindsight regarding infrastructure in growing communities. First parking issues, then utilities, then more parking issues, etc.......
Beach FanaticAuthor
It was the same when I was a communications supervisor at the OCSO. The city of Destin would hold the seafood festival in a location with no parking. The tow trucks would literally be lined up 8 deep. We would take tow reports from the companies all day and calls from the irate vehicle owners too. It was ridiculous.
Beach Lover
You have the answers as to why.
I can share with you that most of the public beach accesses in Walton County do not have parking. There are "Regional Access" which have paved parking and restrooms, and there are a few public accesses which have two or three parking places, but for the most part, the county seemingly has no plan to address parking or shuttle services to get people who reside off the beach to the beach. Sure, they have added some parking here and there, and are currently working on some parking north of 30A in Seagrove. However, in the high season, you will see cars parked street side close to many of the accesses. Lack of money to purchase property is likely a concern, and at one time, the county talked about leasing some property for parking. If it is a problem now, just wait until the existing lots in South Walton are built out. The problem will only multiply as we go forward in time.
When you purposefully (or not) limit public parking, you purposefully (or not) limit public access to public (and private) beach. Private beach owners pay more in taxes than a gadzillion beach permits that might be sold. They carry more political clout and in this day of requiring law enforcement to patrol and secure private beaches from public use...
...any other questions? :shock:
Beach Lover
Poor PlanningHardly.
Planned with purpose.
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