The beaches of Walton County are our crown jewel. Their protection and enhancement is vital to both our citizens, many of whom located here because of their love for the natural beauty, and for our economy which is fueled by those same beaches. We can no longer proceed without a clear plan of action to protect our beaches. That plan should include:
1. Fight for customary use of all our beaches. This has been the de facto rule for our beaches for decades on end and is the underlying premise of our economy. Customary use is not restricting private property rights but is enforcing the status quo.
2. Proactively enforce our beach ordinances. We need to hire sufficient employees to enforce all the rules along all 26 miles of our beaches. Our visitors and property owners deserve protection from those who wish to do harm to our crown jewel.
3. Vigorously upkeep our beaches. Hire sufficient employees to keep the beaches clean and repair any problems that may arise that would provide a safety hazard or negatively impact nature.
4. Purchase every foot of beachfront that can be acquired at a reasonable price and use these properties to enhance our beaches with necessary restrooms, walkovers and parking. Acquire property north of 30-A and old 98 for additional parking.
5. Enforce the land development code and the comp plan as regards to buffers and setbacks so that safety and beauty are enhanced.
6. Fix our roadways so that traffic movement is more efficient and safe and install proper storm water removal infrastructure.
These items would enhance the beauty of our area, increase property values and provide a more pleasant beach experience for both our visitors and citizens. Everything proposed here can be funded by the TDC bed tax except #6. Funds could be diverted from advertising to pay for these items with no increase in taxes. #5 has no inherent cost except political will.
1. Fight for customary use of all our beaches. This has been the de facto rule for our beaches for decades on end and is the underlying premise of our economy. Customary use is not restricting private property rights but is enforcing the status quo.
2. Proactively enforce our beach ordinances. We need to hire sufficient employees to enforce all the rules along all 26 miles of our beaches. Our visitors and property owners deserve protection from those who wish to do harm to our crown jewel.
3. Vigorously upkeep our beaches. Hire sufficient employees to keep the beaches clean and repair any problems that may arise that would provide a safety hazard or negatively impact nature.
4. Purchase every foot of beachfront that can be acquired at a reasonable price and use these properties to enhance our beaches with necessary restrooms, walkovers and parking. Acquire property north of 30-A and old 98 for additional parking.
5. Enforce the land development code and the comp plan as regards to buffers and setbacks so that safety and beauty are enhanced.
6. Fix our roadways so that traffic movement is more efficient and safe and install proper storm water removal infrastructure.
These items would enhance the beauty of our area, increase property values and provide a more pleasant beach experience for both our visitors and citizens. Everything proposed here can be funded by the TDC bed tax except #6. Funds could be diverted from advertising to pay for these items with no increase in taxes. #5 has no inherent cost except political will.
