Canopy on the beach

Baiting

I agree that this is probably just someone baiting us at this point, but it sure felt good to get it out of my system!

Let me just share this one last one, in the "you might as well laugh about it" category: A few yards west of Capt. Canopy, we saw another family who took in their umbrella and chairs every night, but left out... drum roll.... a blow up baby pool! Filled with lovely ocean water, which incidentally came from the ocean not 30 feet away! Of course they didn't even have a baby -- just a 4- or 5-year-old who spent most of her time playing in -- go figure -- the ocean! Some nights they would gather up their beach toys and pile them in the pool.

(Is anyone familiar with the term "igmo?" Definition -- a hybrid of the words "ignorant" and "moron"; variation can also be used as an adverb to describe a ridiculously stupid action, as in "Bringing a baby pool to the beach is so igmonic.")

Then again, ya'll are locals. I'm sure you've seen much worse.

Thanks

When you hear a complaint.....just say excitedly, "OMG, was that YOUR tent/hole that kid hit last night and broke his leg? Where you from? Where you staying? Do you have vaca insurance? You got a lawyer? I think the county's lookin' for you."

This is EXACTLY what I'm gonna do next time...

I was just informed this morning that I lost my tan!!!!! One day I'll get to the beach and lay in the sun and there better not be a canopy blocking my rays!!!

I'm crabby

I just re-read my own post and realized I sounded even crabbier than I actually am!

Like everyone else, my beef really isn't with what people bring -- to each his own -- but to what they leave. Just please drain, deflate and deposit OFF the beach whatever you bring to it. And maybe ask yourself if you really need a large inflatable pool and/or 3 giant canopies for 6 adults...

Oh, mercy, I'm just saying what everyone else has said a million times. Someobody stop me...

Ok Ok you have got me. I have seen the light. I will not leave my canopy up overnight any longer. However I am puzzled that most feel my canopy is a real danager to turtles and people walking on the beach at night, but do not seem to have any problem with the turcks that run up and down the beach. They casue much more damage to the beach than I and I have notice many people who are trying to enjoy the beach being nearly run over. Obviously if they run over a turtle nest it will be destroyed. I guess the reason for no outrage regarding the trucks on the beach is that most of them are owned by locals. The same locals who do not want to follow the law about private beach ownership.

But I will be a good tourist and from this point forward, will never leave the canopy up overnight. I have seen the error of my ways. Maybe now you can lead the cursade against the vehicles on the beach. Just don't ban canopies on the beach at all.

Non-emergency vehicles have to be permitted and are only allowed on a small section of the beach and only at certain times.

People who do not follow the beach driving rules are subject to consequences and criticism just like people who didn't learn the kindegarten lesson that they should pick up after themselves and follow rules.

Grayton Beach is the only beach that allows permitted "local" vehicles (Inlet Beach too, but it's too small) The other vehicles you may see would be county maintenance and emergency vehicles. There are 27 miles of beach and about 1/4 mile is allowed for vehicles. So you do have a choice...............

Ok Ok you have got me. I have seen the light. I will not leave my canopy up overnight any longer. However I am puzzled that most feel my canopy is a real danager to turtles and people walking on the beach at night, but do not seem to have any problem with the turcks that run up and down the beach. They casue much more damage to the beach than I and I have notice many people who are trying to enjoy the beach being nearly run over. Obviously if they run over a turtle nest it will be destroyed. I guess the reason for no outrage regarding the trucks on the beach is that most of them are owned by locals. The same locals who do not want to follow the law about private beach ownership.

But I will be a good tourist and from this point forward, will never leave the canopy up overnight. I have seen the error of my ways. Maybe now you can lead the cursade against the vehicles on the beach. Just don't ban canopies on the beach at all.

The vehicles outside of Grayton and Inlet beach are either TDC clean up vehicles or emergency vehicles. As to destroying turtle nests that just goofy, have you ever seen the markings that go up around a turtle nest? As to locals and tourists (you only have to own property to have a beach permit) driving on the beach I can guarantee you that they are most likely not going to hit a turtle nest on Grayton beach. Turtles will not nest in areas that are especially noisey and Grayton can fall into the category. I don't believe a turtle nest has been found near Grayton in some time.

As to the vehicles destroying the beach, they are not out bogging or doing donuts, they are patrolling the beach at a very reasonable speed. Yes they leave some tire tracks, but if you can't navigate them you are probably ill equipped for the beach anyway. The tracks left are usually gone with the wind/tides within 24 hours.

We do appreciate that you have decided to remove your canopy.

I'll jump in one more time. There was a turtle nest outlined with marker tape at Grayton while we were there, which is the point I made in my last post-couldn't understand why folks didn't get their stuiff hauled away for leaving canopy frames, chairs and umbrellas up overnight right by the area. We are also old-timer, sans canopy beach goers-including when over here in our home territory of St. Augustine. We also have a red-headed child, but using common sense about sunscreens, cover-ups, time of day, and a small portable beach umbrella has stood us well through two children. I also saw the canopy thing as a marking of territory, which was more than obvious by the looks when my family plunked itself down, (w/o any overhead covering), between two canopy dwellers at Grayton during our stay. We don't have the same problems here in St. Aug. due to the higher tides, and probably having beaches where folks can still drive and park, with limitations near dune/turtle nesting areas. Currently this is being reviewed again for ecological reasons. P.S. We never drive onto the beach here, but use the pubic walk-overs.

I am amazed at these post. First I am told that my canopy will prohibit or danger turtle nesting, yet according to the following post, their has not been a turtle nest found in Grayton in sometime. SO which is it.

As for the vehicles, the ones I am talking about are not TDC and most do not travel at a resonable speed, especially the ones out on the beach at night. Like I said, since they are locals, then I guess most don't have a problem. "Hit a tourist, good he want come back". Have any of you seen the depth of the tracks some of these trucks leave. You could easliy step in one of these at night and break a leg. How come no ban on non-emergency vehicles?

I agree Tootsie, I don't "get" the canopy thing. When we're too hot or have enough sun we go in. The last time I was in Sowal the people in the neighboring house had one. They were out there every morning putting it up and every evening taking it down. Their property rented for over $7000 a week. (I know because we priced it before we got our rental) Yet they didn't seem to think their financial contribution to the area meant they could do whatever they wanted.

Get a clue people. I spend alot of money at Disney too. But they probably won't let me set up a tent for my convenience, and leave it there for a week so I have a shady spot by my favorite ride.

very excellent point there cheering!

I know a few visiting tent people and I love them much. They are mostly very responsible about caring for the beach. I don't want to say anything negative about their choice to bring a tent to the beach. I just want to ask why do you need one? The number of tents on some days is truly huge these days.. I really think it became the popular thing to do and so now many visitors feel they must erect a tent. I just don't see how a tent/canopy is even a tad bit practical or useful for a windy/sandy beach environment.

I just never really thought about it before, but after seeing this thread it hit me that it just does not make sense to me to even have one at all. umbrellas, chairs and coolers - yes. absolutely. tents on the beach? a good one must be fairly expensive, someone has to haul it from the store and then to the beach, it must be a biotch to put up and take down. yes, it comes in handy for a little respite from the sun, but is that it? doesn't make sense to me.

cheering is right - when you've had enough sun, go inside your house or condo, or a restaurant for a lunch break. take a nap. return at sunset for a wonderful view unobstructed by big tents.

but I want to repeat that most tent people I know are very responsible about caring for the beach.

If I happened to be a visitor with a BA tent, I think I would eventually decide to pitch the entire tent idea and live without it. absolutely not necessary. its a big pain in the butt anyway. not to mention, its really trendy to be "green" now, isn't it?

Skin Cancer

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

I am amazed at these post. First I am told that my canopy will prohibit or danger turtle nesting, yet according to the following post, their has not been a turtle nest found in Grayton in sometime. SO which is it.

There are currently 7 nests at Grayton Beach. They are all on State property. The area in Grayton Beach that is driven on (between State property) doesn't have much dune to speak of and has lots of foot and vehicle traffic. It is an area that isn't very turtle friendly because it is low-lying, and because of all the foot and vehicle traffic, lots of homes with bright lights, and the lake and lake outlet. Turtles like to nest at the base of dunes, which is a good choice because they get some protection there.

As for the vehicles, the ones I am talking about are not TDC and most do not travel at a resonable speed, especially the ones out on the beach at night. Like I said, since they are locals, then I guess most don't have a problem. "Hit a tourist, good he want come back". Have any of you seen the depth of the tracks some of these trucks leave. You could easliy step in one of these at night and break a leg. How come no ban on non-emergency vehicles?

As I say, Grayton isn't turtle-friendly and vehicles are part of the problem. In other areas of SoWal, vehicles are also a problem because of the deep ruts sometimes left, but construction vehicles are allowed on the beach when it's turtle season. Most people who drive on the beach as part of their job look out for turtle crawls and nests, and know not to drive near the dunes where turtles nest. Many nests and crawls are reported each nesting season by county employees driving the beach as part of their job.

There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about vehicles on the beach. You might want to do a search if you are interested, or start a new thread. It's always interesting discussion.

If you want to know a place where you can vacation and set up your tent that doesn't have vehicles or turtles, PM me and I'll give you some suggestions.

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

I must be really stupid. I didn't know I could get skin cancer after dark. I will make sure to seek shelter after the sun sets.

Nobody said it should be illegal to have them up during the day. Many don't like them, but you are still allowed to set up canopies, as long as they are removed when you leave the beach at the end of the day. If you are unable to set up your own canopy and are really concerned about skin cancer, take the appropriate personal measures, like protective clothing and sunscreen, don't go outside during peak sun hours, and make other arrangements for shelter, like an umbrella, or use a beach service. Your argument has to be the lamest one yet.

... Turtles will not nest in areas that are especially noisey and Grayton can fall into the category. I don't believe a turtle nest has been found near Grayton in some time.

In the wee hours of the morning when the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, they don't hear all of the noise which is there in the daytime. If I correctly recall, Grayton Beach had a nest last year, as did Grayton Beach State Park, and I know that Grayton Beach State Park has at least one nest so far this year.


Fryday, for the record, trucks are not left on the beach over night. Tire Tracks could case problems for hatch lings, 'tis true. I believe the permatents and large holes which are dug, continue to be more of a problem regarding SeaTurtles and emergency access. Do vehicles on the beach create issues? Yes, without question. However, that is a different subject. This ordinance was created to insure unobstructed access by TDC and Emergency vehicles, as well as helping improve the numbers of endangered species such as the Sea Turtles.

In Grayton, most people have willingly complied, and there noticeable efforts are much appreciated.

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

The skin health of the average vacationer is in no danger from a rule that requires them to remove items an hour AFTER dusk to an an hour BEFORE dawn.

I would LOVE to be on that jury, as IMO they have a moral obligation to not be such a moron!

Kathydwells wanted me to let y'all know that Tent Boy (aka TripleB), sets his alarm on vacation every morning at 6 am. He does this because he cares deeply about the turtles. You heard it here first- Triple B the left wing environmentalist.

He's gonna kill me! Lucky he won't see this until he is back in Alabama!!!!


He and the assistant tent boys sent them up, place the chairs, and get it ready for the day for Kathy and the other wonderful gals in their group.

At the end of the day (after Cabana Boy has made about 20 trips up and down the steps with frozen drinks), the Tent Men (for they are nowmen at the end of the day), take down the tents, and haul them and the chairs and the coolers back to safe haven in the condos. Then Kathy dutifully sets Triple B's alarm clock so he's ready to go for the next day.

And this is how we protect our beaches. Thanks Darlene, TripleB, and the rest of your group! We you!

I totally understand why people want tents at the beach. I agree that the main reason I'd use a tent is to protect my family and me from skin cancer. I think that those of us who are locals or who own property in SoWal take for granted that we can go to the beach virtually anytime we want. Speaking for myself, frequently we have days where we don't go down to the beach at all, even though it is a few feet away, because we have a nice view.

But before we owned, when we had a week at the beach, other than taking a lunch break, we'd try to be at the beach from 10 AM until time to get dressed for dinner so we could soak in as much of the sun/sand/Gulf as possible in that short week. Hubby can't take too much sun -- he gets burned easily, whereas I could stay out all day and not get burned (after the first burn during spring break). We've had some skin cancers to show for it. When at some point we don't own in SoWal, we'll definitely have a tent or a huge umbrella at the beach to avoid further sun damage. But we'll remove it when we go dress for dinner. Or hire someone to do it for us.

Smiling Joe:

I never stated the trucks were left on the beach overnight, althought I have seen many stay out there until the wee hours of the morning. I was just commenting on how they drive on the beach during the day time. I have seen many an time when a child, who could not be seen due to the height of the truck almost get run over. Unlike my canopy that seems to be a menance to the turtles, these vehicles are very much a danger to the humans on the beach.

But that gives me an idea. SInce the vehicles have to have a permit to drive on the beach, why not issue permits to those of us who want to put up a canopy and live it up for our week. Then the county would have another source of revenue to fund and promote the turtle nesting grounds. It would be a win-win for everyone and most likely alot of money since the canopy/tent thing has really grown in poplularity.

See, no need to be nasty towards me, I am just looking for possible solutions so the everyone is happy.

Smiling Joe:

I never stated the trucks were left on the beach overnight, althought I have seen many stay out there until the wee hours of the morning. I was just commenting on how they drive on the beach during the day time. I have seen many an time when a child, who could not be seen due to the height of the truck almost get run over. Unlike my canopy that seems to be a menance to the turtles, these vehicles are very much a danger to the humans on the beach.

But that gives me an idea. SInce the vehicles have to have a permit to drive on the beach, why not issue permits to those of us who want to put up a canopy and live it up for our week. Then the county would have another source of revenue to fund and promote the turtle nesting grounds. It would be a win-win for everyone and most likely alot of money since the canopy/tent thing has really grown in poplularity.

See, no need to be nasty towards me, I am just looking for possible solutions so the everyone is happy.

The solution to your canopy has already been found. Remove it or lose it.

Smiling Joe:

I never stated the trucks were left on the beach overnight, althought I have seen many stay out there until the wee hours of the morning. I was just commenting on how they drive on the beach during the day time. I have seen many an time when a child, who could not be seen due to the height of the truck almost get run over. Unlike my canopy that seems to be a menance to the turtles, these vehicles are very much a danger to the humans on the beach.

But that gives me an idea. SInce the vehicles have to have a permit to drive on the beach, why not issue permits to those of us who want to put up a canopy and live it up for our week. Then the county would have another source of revenue to fund and promote the turtle nesting grounds. It would be a win-win for everyone and most likely alot of money since the canopy/tent thing has really grown in poplularity.

See, no need to be nasty towards me, I am just looking for possible solutions so the everyone is happy.

As I stated, you are comparing apples and oranges. Remove it or lose it refers only to items left on the beach overnight, with the idea that if the tent, chairs, toys, etc is set up in the day time, it would be attended, and the owner would have the duty to remove it from the path of any emergency vehicles. People are free to bring their tents to the beach, currently. If you don't want gov't to start making more rules, we citizens need to start policing ourselves, so that the need for gov't stepping in doesn't arise. Go to Isle of Palms, SC and you will see that they recently made a law about making sandcastles on the beach, because people were not filling in the holes which were being dug, before they departed the beach.

As for permitting items left on the beach, perhaps you should get up to speed on that, as the County has made the permits for crap on the beach, to be the only exceptions to remove it or lose it. Go apply for a permit, but I'll wager $5 that you won't get it, and would be in violation of the FL DEP if you decided to do it anyway. BTW, the County taking in money for issuing permits is not a win/win. The County's fees would be only to cover staff to process, verify and enforce the permits. It would not be a money maker and even if it was, that would still be a win/lose for the people who are attracted to this area for its scenic beauty and you would still potentially be endangering the continuation of the life of endangered animals such as sea turtles, and potentially endangering the safety of people who would like to walk on the beach without tripping over guidewires, tent frames, stepping on plastic crap, etc. It also would be a loss for the environment due to the crap which is blown into our fragile dunes and lakes, due to incoming storms. I also believe that in the end, seeing all of that crap on the beach makes South Walton feel more like Panama City Beach and Destin, and that will eventually run off the numerous people who were attracted to our beaches due to the natural scenic beauty. I don't poop in your back yard, how about not pooping in mine?

Scooterbug,

Say the rule causes someone to opt for no canopy rather then haul it up and down everyday. Are you saying that you would feel no remorse if that someone got skin cancer because of this rule? These are not morons that visit the beach. Most of the people that I talk to on vacation down here are upper middle class professionals.

I'm on a mission, researching the number of people who are actually sitting in the shade of their tents. pictures will be taken and numbers counted as I spot check. Anyone want to take a wager on my findings?

I would feel absolutely NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER if someone got skin cancer because they were too lazy to set up or take down a canopy.

Not only is a canopy not a 100% effective sun block, but there are a wide variety of other sun protection options - spray and lotion sunscreens, sunblocks, protective clothing, umbrellas, hats, avoiding the highest UV hours of the day etc.

My sympathy level and regard for someone's intelligence level is dependent on their level of laziness and tendency to blame others for their bad decisions. Book smart and life dumb frequently exist in the same brain.

Smiling Joe:

I don't think I was very clear. I was just making a comment about the trucks on the beach being somewhat disruptive. I was not trying to compare their actions to those tourist who leave their "crap" on the beach. The idea about a permint was my somewhat failed attempt at humor.

As for the government getting more invovled, amen brother, we have enough regulations and taxes as it is.

Despite what most you think, I understand your arguments regarding the canopies, but as at least one person pointed out, there really is a need for them on the beach when all you have is one week to enjoy So Wal beaches. My comments have been very much misinturpreted as those of someone who feels entitled just because I spend money in So Wal and that is simply not the case. I love it down there and would not do anything to harm the area. But one of the reasons that I really liked the SoWal area was the attitude of the place. That being you could do your own thing without harrassment, within reason. I can see that all good things must someday come to an end.

Well until next year, I bid you all farewell.