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Beach ComberAuthor
#21
Beach Fanatic
A stop work order has been issued for a retaining wall being installed at the Edgewater Beach Condominiums. Walton County Code Enforcement issued a stop work order Tuesday concerning dark material placed in the white sands protection zone behind a seawall at Edgewater. The County says they are still investigating the issue and will have more information at a later date.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Walton Commissioners, Suzanne Harris spoke about several issues, including the seawall construction. She said a DEP representative, who is a friend, came to see her. She said he told her a county commissioner called and he checked and laughingly said she has not even taken office and she represents the DeFuniak Springs area. She said he said he was there to tell her that Cecilia Jones was trying to stop work on the seawall, but he let her know she was not a commissioner.
In Walton County all commissioners represent all areas, not just the district they live in. Walton commissioners are by law over the whole county. Cecilia Jones was elected and is the commissioner elect. She has been given county contact information in preparation for taking office. A Code Enforcement Complaint can be made by anyone, an elected official, resident or other citizen.
A copy of a Code Enforcement Complaint submitted to the County by Scott Brannon lists illegal construction of wall, filling of wetlands coastal dune lake and violation of white sand. The complaint lists Edgewater Beach Owners Association, Suzanne Harris Agent. The document asks for a stop work order.
The complaint says Edgewater Condominium, Suzanne Harris agent, has constructed a massive wall/structure in violation of multiple provisions of Walton County Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. It says the project does not have Walton County Building permits or FDEP Permits. It says the project is currently under enforcement proceedings by the FDEP after filling jurisdictional wetlands. It says tons of fill dirt has been placed to elevate where white sand only is permitted. It says no stormwater permit has been received. It claims a large portion of a coastal dune lake has been filled. And it says this is a major project that should have had hearings for the public.
A copy of the stop work order issued by Walton County says all the material must be removed. It references the white sand ordinance. It is dated September 9th.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Walton Commissioners, Suzanne Harris spoke about several issues, including the seawall construction. She said a DEP representative, who is a friend, came to see her. She said he told her a county commissioner called and he checked and laughingly said she has not even taken office and she represents the DeFuniak Springs area. She said he said he was there to tell her that Cecilia Jones was trying to stop work on the seawall, but he let her know she was not a commissioner.
In Walton County all commissioners represent all areas, not just the district they live in. Walton commissioners are by law over the whole county. Cecilia Jones was elected and is the commissioner elect. She has been given county contact information in preparation for taking office. A Code Enforcement Complaint can be made by anyone, an elected official, resident or other citizen.
A copy of a Code Enforcement Complaint submitted to the County by Scott Brannon lists illegal construction of wall, filling of wetlands coastal dune lake and violation of white sand. The complaint lists Edgewater Beach Owners Association, Suzanne Harris Agent. The document asks for a stop work order.
The complaint says Edgewater Condominium, Suzanne Harris agent, has constructed a massive wall/structure in violation of multiple provisions of Walton County Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. It says the project does not have Walton County Building permits or FDEP Permits. It says the project is currently under enforcement proceedings by the FDEP after filling jurisdictional wetlands. It says tons of fill dirt has been placed to elevate where white sand only is permitted. It says no stormwater permit has been received. It claims a large portion of a coastal dune lake has been filled. And it says this is a major project that should have had hearings for the public.
A copy of the stop work order issued by Walton County says all the material must be removed. It references the white sand ordinance. It is dated September 9th.
Beach Lover
Interesting, would like to hear the other side of this. If major changes where being accomplished, I think Suzanne Harris is smart enough to follow legal protocol. I guess time will tell.
SoWal Insider
Is Scott Brannon Code Enforcement? Interesting Indeed. 
Edited
Beach Fanatic
These stupid political games are costing us money. 
Beach Fanatic
A stop work order has been issued for a retaining wall being installed at the Edgewater Beach Condominiums. Walton County Code Enforcement issued a stop work order Tuesday concerning dark material placed in the white sands protection zone behind a seawall at Edgewater. The County says they are still investigating the issue and will have more information at a later date. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Walton Commissioners, Suzanne Harris spoke about several issues, including the seawall construction. She said a DEP representative, who is a friend, came to see her. She said he told her a county commissioner called and he checked and laughingly said she has not even taken office and she represents the DeFuniak Springs area. She said he said he was there to tell her that Cecilia Jones was trying to stop work on the seawall, but he let her know she was not a commissioner. In Walton County all commissioners represent all areas, not just the district they live in. Walton commissioners are by law over the whole county. Cecilia Jones was elected and is the commissioner elect. She has been given county contact information in preparation for taking office. A Code Enforcement Complaint can be made by anyone, an elected official, resident or other citizen. A copy of a Code Enforcement Complaint submitted to the County by Scott Brannon lists illegal construction of wall, filling of wetlands coastal dune lake and violation of white sand. The complaint lists Edgewater Beach Owners Association, Suzanne Harris Agent. The document asks for a stop work order. The complaint says Edgewater Condominium, Suzanne Harris agent, has constructed a massive wall/structure in violation of multiple provisions of Walton County Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. It says the project does not have Walton County Building permits or FDEP Permits. It says the project is currently under enforcement proceedings by the FDEP after filling jurisdictional wetlands. It says tons of fill dirt has been placed to elevate where white sand only is permitted. It says no stormwater permit has been received. It claims a large portion of a coastal dune lake has been filled. And it says this is a major project that should have had hearings for the public. A copy of the stop work order issued by Walton County says all the material must be removed. It references the white sand ordinance. It is dated September 9th.
You should always credit the source when copying a intellectual piece word for word. This post is a cut and paste from WZEP radio.
Skunky
Scott Brannon does not really care about the infill color as much as he was miffed that the work crew was not blaring Tupac at the job site.
Beach Fanatic
I guess my question is, is the job in violation or not? Alan fought tooth and nail for something that the legal system finally determined was in violation, or at least I think it did, doesn't Mrs Harris have that same opportunity?
Beach Fanatic
4.07.01. Purpose and Intent.
White it is recognized that within the Restricted Area, naturally occurring soil may not be of
the white beach sand type, the purpose of this section is to maintain, preserve and protect
the natural function and color of the fine to medium grained white sands of Walton County
beaches. It is the intent of this section to prohibit the importation, use, and relocation of red
clay and other prohibited materials that tend to discolor, darken or stain the natural white
sands of Walton County beaches, and to prevent the transportation of prohibited soils
whether by wind or water by requiring containment and removal of red clay and other
discoloring, darkening or staining materials. The Walton County Board of County
Commissioners acknowledges that the white sands of Walton County beaches promote
tourism and enhance the quality of life of the residents of Walton County. The permanent
discoloration, darkening or staining of the white sands on the beaches of Walton County
would harm the public welfare making the enactment of this section necessary. The Board of
County Commissioners hereby declares that red clay and all other prohibited materials that
are capable of staining the natural white sands of Walton County beaches constitute a
nuisance and irreversible harm to the people of the County. (Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 6-28-05)
4.07.02. White Sand Protection Zone.
These restrictions shall apply to the area located south of Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98)
eastward from Okaloosa County line to its intersection with US 98 thence along US 98 to
County Road 30A, thence south of County Road 30A eastward to the juncture of U.S.
Highway 98 and the Bay County line. The restricted area shall also include any lakes and
adjoining land surrounding said lake, when said lake abuts County Road 30A. In the
restricted area, there shall be no use of construction material that is subject to wind or water
transport, and that permanently discolors the white beach sands. Such construction materials
include, but are not limited to, red or yellow clay or sand. (Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 6-28-05)
White it is recognized that within the Restricted Area, naturally occurring soil may not be of
the white beach sand type, the purpose of this section is to maintain, preserve and protect
the natural function and color of the fine to medium grained white sands of Walton County
beaches. It is the intent of this section to prohibit the importation, use, and relocation of red
clay and other prohibited materials that tend to discolor, darken or stain the natural white
sands of Walton County beaches, and to prevent the transportation of prohibited soils
whether by wind or water by requiring containment and removal of red clay and other
discoloring, darkening or staining materials. The Walton County Board of County
Commissioners acknowledges that the white sands of Walton County beaches promote
tourism and enhance the quality of life of the residents of Walton County. The permanent
discoloration, darkening or staining of the white sands on the beaches of Walton County
would harm the public welfare making the enactment of this section necessary. The Board of
County Commissioners hereby declares that red clay and all other prohibited materials that
are capable of staining the natural white sands of Walton County beaches constitute a
nuisance and irreversible harm to the people of the County. (Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 6-28-05)
4.07.02. White Sand Protection Zone.
These restrictions shall apply to the area located south of Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98)
eastward from Okaloosa County line to its intersection with US 98 thence along US 98 to
County Road 30A, thence south of County Road 30A eastward to the juncture of U.S.
Highway 98 and the Bay County line. The restricted area shall also include any lakes and
adjoining land surrounding said lake, when said lake abuts County Road 30A. In the
restricted area, there shall be no use of construction material that is subject to wind or water
transport, and that permanently discolors the white beach sands. Such construction materials
include, but are not limited to, red or yellow clay or sand. (Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 6-28-05)
Beach Fanatic
OK a few points of issue:
1). Those of you that cry about nameless posts should be all over Mr. Chairman...
2). Is this a joke? I hope so. Coastal Dune Lake? Where is the outflow? Source of complaint= questionable at best. Sounds personal issues, but fought on tax payers $$$. Spend your own money pal.
3). When is the last time Walton Code Enforcement ever did anything, let alone go after a woman with open / pending legal cases against Walton County? Who runs that division? Must be a puppet.
4). The white sand issue is very funny. Are there not any other areas with less than white sand? Turtle watch folks would know...selective enforcement perhaps?
5). Alan O fought for YEARS! Still going... This seems to have been taken on in mere minutes...?
6). The "report" reads like a media release. Perhaps WCSO can get involved and interpret the Code for all of us. They seem to be very consistent with "interpretation". ;-)
Ultimately, the actual dollar amount I will pay (taxes) for this is less than cable, so the entertainment value is probably worth every penny...
1). Those of you that cry about nameless posts should be all over Mr. Chairman...
2). Is this a joke? I hope so. Coastal Dune Lake? Where is the outflow? Source of complaint= questionable at best. Sounds personal issues, but fought on tax payers $$$. Spend your own money pal.
3). When is the last time Walton Code Enforcement ever did anything, let alone go after a woman with open / pending legal cases against Walton County? Who runs that division? Must be a puppet.
4). The white sand issue is very funny. Are there not any other areas with less than white sand? Turtle watch folks would know...selective enforcement perhaps?
5). Alan O fought for YEARS! Still going... This seems to have been taken on in mere minutes...?
6). The "report" reads like a media release. Perhaps WCSO can get involved and interpret the Code for all of us. They seem to be very consistent with "interpretation". ;-)
Ultimately, the actual dollar amount I will pay (taxes) for this is less than cable, so the entertainment value is probably worth every penny...
SWGB
You can go and watch this unfold on the video of the meeting. She drags Meadows and Comander into as well.
As for the original poster, I think the screen name should give it away.
Was this actually permitted? If not then I hope it costs Edgewater thousands to fix.
I would strongly encourage everyone to watch the video, Ms. Harris pretty much lays out that she's never been a Walton County resident. I believe it's illegal to serve on the various committees she's served on without being a resident.
Finally, I'd venture to guess this is just the first shot across the bow.
As for the original poster, I think the screen name should give it away.
Was this actually permitted? If not then I hope it costs Edgewater thousands to fix.
I would strongly encourage everyone to watch the video, Ms. Harris pretty much lays out that she's never been a Walton County resident. I believe it's illegal to serve on the various committees she's served on without being a resident.
Finally, I'd venture to guess this is just the first shot across the bow.
Beach Fanatic
Ok, I get it now.
This is just like when four+ years ago C. JONES rep'd dist 5 but lived in DFS.
Same BS different player...
This is just like when four+ years ago C. JONES rep'd dist 5 but lived in DFS.
Same BS different player...
Beach Fanatic
It seems that every time Suzanne Harris opens her mouth, it costs me and every other taxpayer in Walton County money, usually for for some frivolous cause or selfish interest. The white sand beach ordinance should be enforced. The white sand of our beaches is one of the few things we have going for us. No one, not even Ms. Harris, should be exempt from adhering to the ordinance. Edgewater Beach Owners should be proud of their repreprentation. 
Edited
Beach Fanatic
This really should not be about personalities, but should be about enforcing the law. I don't know all the facts so any comment is preliminary, but the photos that are posted here look like the lake has been filled in so some extent. If that was properly permitted, then fine. If not, it should be corrected. The introduction of personalities and personal agendas in something like this does not help in doing what is right for the citizens of Walton County.
The beaches are a blessing God gave us and we have to be zealous in protecting them so that the next generation can enjoy all the benefits that we have enjoyed.
The beaches are a blessing God gave us and we have to be zealous in protecting them so that the next generation can enjoy all the benefits that we have enjoyed.
Beach Fanatic
Mrs. Harris / Seawall / New Info
Edgewater hired an engineer Ryan Cleveland to oversee design, and construction of the Edgewater Seawall. I understand there are many e mails and phone call records from the engineer to a county official.
I believe eve this is a witch hunt by Mr. Chairman who is no longer the Chairman or even a commissioner due to the stupid late night e mails and text he sent to her. We must all remember he testified in court " he did not know what doing county business meant and asked Matt Gaetz to tell him what it meant.
If she intended to do something illegal she would not have hired an engineer who does a lot of projects in Walton County to design, bid, and oversee this job. Please Mrs Harris print the pictures of Scott, Clay And Dawn that you have. We all want to see them.
Edgewater hired an engineer Ryan Cleveland to oversee design, and construction of the Edgewater Seawall. I understand there are many e mails and phone call records from the engineer to a county official.
I believe eve this is a witch hunt by Mr. Chairman who is no longer the Chairman or even a commissioner due to the stupid late night e mails and text he sent to her. We must all remember he testified in court " he did not know what doing county business meant and asked Matt Gaetz to tell him what it meant.
If she intended to do something illegal she would not have hired an engineer who does a lot of projects in Walton County to design, bid, and oversee this job. Please Mrs Harris print the pictures of Scott, Clay And Dawn that you have. We all want to see them.
Banned
Edgewater hired an engineer Ryan Cleveland to oversee design, and construction of the Edgewater Seawall. I understand there are many e mails and phone call records from the engineer to a county official.
I believe eve this is a witch hunt by Mr. Chairman who is no longer the Chairman or even a commissioner due to the stupid late night e mails and text he sent to her. We must all remember he testified in court " he did not know what doing county business meant and asked Matt Gaetz to tell him what it meant.
If she intended to do something illegal she would not have hired an engineer who does a lot of projects in Walton County to design, bid, and oversee this job. Please Mrs Harris print the pictures of Scott, Clay And Dawn that you have. We all want to see them.
hard to argue with what sounds like a bottle of pain pills chased down by smirnoff.
Ms. Harris lived by the threats and intimidation sword and it seems she's hoisted upon it now.
if it makes you feel better they've been working there all day today and yesterday,
I know because I drive past it a few times every day
Beach Fanatic
What happened to the stop work order? Has it been vacated?
Beach Fanatic
Don't know if this is the case but I do know a lot of illegal contracting goes on during weekends and holidays when code enforcement is barbecuing at home.
SWGB
There's been work going on consistently since the stop work order notice was posted.
Beach Fanatic
The stop work order was only on the sand. There is NO stop work order on the construction of the seawall.
Beach Fanatic
Is that a natural pond or a retention pond? Certainly not a coastal dune lake. To try to claim it as one is ridiculous and has my BS meter on high.
Beach ComberAuthor
If Ms. Harris intended to do everything correctly then she would have followed the the procedures clearly outlined in the DEP Emergency Order, which , that she is currently In Violation of.. And will be required to enter into a consent agreement And if she did everything Correctly, she would have complied with all the Provisions of the Walton County Land Devlopment Code, including a Building Permit.
A building permit would have been difficult to obtain, due to the fact that the Emergency Order clearly states that No Expansion is allowed under any condition. Suzanne Harris / Edgewater has expanded her parking lot by back filling a coastal lake without permits or approval, regardless of which Private Engineer she hired to draw up the plans for this illegal Land Grab! The sand must come out and the wall should be removed as well
Let's be Clear- using a state of emergency to "hit the gas " and backfill a coastal lake, citing your underground parking lots failure, as the justification to build back 10x more than was lost in storm event, is both Wrong and Unacceptable for someone serving on the Planning Commission, she should RESIGN ! and go back home to Alabama. That is, after she repairs and restores the Environmental Damages she has caused Walton County.
A building permit would have been difficult to obtain, due to the fact that the Emergency Order clearly states that No Expansion is allowed under any condition. Suzanne Harris / Edgewater has expanded her parking lot by back filling a coastal lake without permits or approval, regardless of which Private Engineer she hired to draw up the plans for this illegal Land Grab! The sand must come out and the wall should be removed as well
Let's be Clear- using a state of emergency to "hit the gas " and backfill a coastal lake, citing your underground parking lots failure, as the justification to build back 10x more than was lost in storm event, is both Wrong and Unacceptable for someone serving on the Planning Commission, she should RESIGN ! and go back home to Alabama. That is, after she repairs and restores the Environmental Damages she has caused Walton County.
Beach Fanatic
Not defending Harris or anyone else, but it is not a coastal dune lake. Closest one is in Coffeen/ Four Mile Village. Even Walton County agrees with that. I am not claiming to know anything else about the situation. 
Beach ComberAuthor
Fair Enough... By definition , a Coastal Dune Lake , is a fresh water body in certain proximity that exchanges with with the salt water body ( Gulf ) thru an outfall exchange. There is no outfall exchange with the Gulf at this site, but historical aerials prior to the mid 1970's show such exchange did occur before Devlopment in that Aera negatively impacted / eliminated the lakes outfall function. You will find that the Aera Suzanne Harris has recently and illegally backfilled for her desired parking expansion project is part of a natural, non- man made , fresh water coastal Lake. NOT A Storm water
Pond! I'm looking forward to the BCC finally hold ing this self appointed truth in government queen who has litigated herself to political prominence thru the governance of Fear, Accountable.
And one more thing , where did they send that public records award?? Ms. Harris.... Walton county, Florida or Jefferson County, Alabama.
Pond! I'm looking forward to the BCC finally hold ing this self appointed truth in government queen who has litigated herself to political prominence thru the governance of Fear, Accountable.
And one more thing , where did they send that public records award?? Ms. Harris.... Walton county, Florida or Jefferson County, Alabama.
Beach Fanatic
You do not have facts. Just vindictive jealousy of Scott Brannon is my guess. Whatever is the case county can not stop the Seawall construction or they would have.
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