Canopy on the beach

wonder if tents are banned from any fla beaches yet? I have seen the effects of storms during the day or night and how they become mangled masses of litter in the water and dunes, etc.

Toots, I heard or read on or in the news a couple of weeks ago about a place banning tents from the beach. I cannot recall if it was a local resort or community, and I don't recall where it was. I am almost thinking I read it in the Seaside Times. I'll have to find a copy and see.

Without our angst, this place would look like PCB and Destin by next week. Since some people are starting to get the message, I think our "angst" is working. I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable.

Spend an early morning here pulling tents, chairs, and umbrellas out of the lake, pick up an entire large garbage bag of trash every time you go to the beach or try to take a walk on the beach at night without tripping over all this crap, and get back to us about your angst.

jdarg, The reason we don't look like PCB and Destin is simply because we are not them. The best thing that ever happened to Walton County was the 4 story building limitation.

But large "upland developments" with supposed "private" beach access threaten this limitation in regards to increasing the resulting beach usage density. And we, at Blue Mountain Beach, see this negative effect already.

I fully agree with your statement, "I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable."

Just please keep in mind that the end doesn't necessarily justify the means that are exhibited by some here.

jdarg, The reason we don't look like PCB and Destin is simply because we are not them. The best thing that ever happened to Walton County was the 4 story building limitation.

But large "upland developments" with supposed "private" beach access threaten this limitation in regards to increasing the resulting beach usage density. And we, at Blue Mountain Beach, see this negative effect already.

I fully agree with your statement, "I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable."

Just please keep in mind that the end doesn't necessarily justify the means that are exhibited by some here.

Desperate times are calling for desperate measures, I guess!

And these are desperate times in terms of items left on the beach overnight, and should be a concern no matter which side of the beach property rights fence you are sitting on. ;-)

I have been following this thread for a while and feel I must comment to the people saying a canopy does not provide the best sun protection. Have you not seen the latest information about sunscreens? As a medical professional, a doctor of climatology, an environmental scientist, and beach goer using a canopy, I can unequivically state that a solid canopy is the best protection against the sun.

I have been following this thread for a while and feel I must comment to the people saying a canopy does not provide the best sun protection. Have you not seen the latest information about sunscreens? As a medical professional, a doctor of climatology, an environmental scientist, and beach goer using a canopy, I can unequivically state that a solid canopy is the best protection against the sun.

and when did you get your Doctor's License in Dermatology? You can get sunburned sitting under a canopy at the beach. Sunlight reflects off of the water and the white sand. The best protection against the sun is avoidance and shelter. Canvas material may block some sun, but not all UV rays. Umbrellas don't do it either. Shelter, clothing and sunblock used in combination work fairly well, but anyone alone, will not fully protect you while on the beach.

Again, the point is mute because you don't get sunburned from the moonlight. The gov't didn't ban use of tents in the day time. Also, the tents I see are usually unoccupied for most of the day, and tent users are using them primarily for marking territory and storing crap and coolers.

This thing might go up behind the Hilton House;-)

jdarg, The reason we don't look like PCB and Destin is simply because we are not them. The best thing that ever happened to Walton County was the 4 story building limitation.

But large "upland developments" with supposed "private" beach access threaten this limitation in regards to increasing the resulting beach usage density. And we, at Blue Mountain Beach, see this negative effect already.
I fully agree with your statement, "I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable."

I agree wth you on all of this.

Just please keep in mind that the end doesn't necessarily justify the means that are exhibited by some here.

What means? This is where you lose me. I just read through the entire thread and can't imagine what "means" you are talking about. Showing passion about why visitors and locals alike should follow the law as written offends your sensibility? This is not seawalls, beach ownership, or even trucks on the beach we are talking about. The law is clear and the policy should be enforced. The fact that it appears to now be enforced is a welcome development for the vast majority. Visitors, owners or locals who whine about it are going to be rebutted.

I have been following this thread for a while and feel I must comment to the people saying a canopy does not provide the best sun protection. Have you not seen the latest information about sunscreens? As a medical professional, a doctor of climatology, an environmental scientist, and beach goer using a canopy, I can unequivically state that a solid canopy is the best protection against the sun.

Thanks for the input. But just to be clear, while some people don't like looking at the canopies during the day, no one is saying people don't have the right to put them up. During the day.

Without our angst, this place would look like PCB and Destin by next week. Since some people are starting to get the message, I think our "angst" is working. I don' think our goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is unreasonable.

Spend an early morning here pulling tents, chairs, and umbrellas out of the lake, pick up an entire large garbage bag of trash every time you go to the beach or try to take a walk on the beach at night without tripping over all this crap, and get back to us about your angst.

Actually I stated earlier in this discussion that I was all for Remove it or Lose it. Never did I say I was not.

I have been coming to this area for 35 years, so I know what it means to care about the area. Being a property owner does not make one the only ones who care.

Your goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is not unreasonable at all and I totally support the effort.

My comment simply meant that sometimes the message is received better by not forcing it on someone but simply state it kindly and move on.

We are in total agreement about the situation, I guess just not in agreement about how to express it and my comment was more about the discussing of it and not about the policy itself.

Desperate times are calling for desperate measures, I guess!

And these are desperate times in terms of items left on the beach overnight, and should be a concern no matter which side of the beach property rights fence you are sitting on. ;-)

we do seem to get desperate every year about this time, don't we all? its just that every single July, we are shocked all over again at the hordes of people flocking into town - mostly to enjoy SoWal Beaches. the crowds do seem to get bigger each year (and even during the rest of the year). awareness of our environment also grows as we live here and learn how precious it is and how to protect it. our population is still pretty small, but so much bigger than just 10 years ago. we are populated with rather educated people from all over the southeast and beyond.. mostly folks who have decided that this is where they want to raise their families, build their careers, retire, etc. many of our friends live in other states, but they feel ownership of SoWal just as much as we do as they frequently visit and participate in the community.

It is not all about the beach around here, btw. the citizens in Sowal care very much about the community, each finds a way to actively make a difference depending upon their passions, and they will all play a part in shaping this community, including how to best protect our parks, beaches, bay and bayous, and all natural resources. and its a good thing.

Actually if you had read my comments earlier you would see I am all for Remove it or Lose it. Never did I say I was not.

I have been coming to this area for 35 years, so I know what it means to care about the area. Being a property owner does not make one the only ones who care.

Your goal of beautiful peaceful beaches is not unreasonable at all and I totally support the effort.

My comment simply meant that sometimes the message is received better by not forcing it on someone but simply state it kindly and move on.

We are in total agreement about the situation, I guess just not in agreement about how to express it.

And I never said anyone had to be a property owner to care about this issue. I have seen plenty of visitors who care as much as we do, out in the heat picking up junk, and I thank them for their "angst".

And I never said anyone had to be a property owner to care about this issue. I have seen plenty of visitors who care as much as we do, out in the heat picking up junk, and I thank them for their "angst".

You are correct, you didn't and I truly did not mean that to sound as you personally had.

And I am glad our efforts as a long time visitor are appreciated by those lucky enough to live here full time, I have contributed my share of helping to clean up after others.

Wait , wait ,wait a minute. This has been an interesting discussion. I happen to agree with those who espouse the "leave it like you found it" position. But this is a forum -- where ideas (even ones with which you may disagree) are discussed. No need to talk down to those who have a different opinion. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Shouldn't this be a place where we are allowed to express any point of view -- even an unpopular one.


You dont have to call people trolls just because they dont agree with you.

Can't we all disagree without being disagreeable?

I'm calling them trolls because they came on stated a point and when the responses were not favorable we suddenly had brand new members supporting them out of no where. I'm not saying that they are the same person, but it is very suspect and an old troll trick. Now we suddenly have a "doctor" who apparently doesn't mind malpractice stating that canopies are better than sunscreen. I'm all for a well thought out rebuttal and debate, but when you just start creating multiple screennames to show support for yourself it's in the troll realm at that point.

I have been following this thread for a while and feel I must comment to the people saying a canopy does not provide the best sun protection. Have you not seen the latest information about sunscreens? As a medical professional, a doctor of climatology, an environmental scientist, and beach goer using a canopy, I can unequivically state that a solid canopy is the best protection against the sun.

By all means, use it. Just be sure you put it up in the morning and take it down at night. At least that is what we would like to see if you come to Blue Mountain Beach.

By all means, use it. Just be sure you put it up in the morning and take it down at night. At least that is what we would like to see if you come to Blue Mountain Beach.

I'd like to see Dr. Noisewater's credentials first. I'm thinking he is of the Phil, Suess, and Schoells variety.

I'm calling them trolls because they came on stated a point and when the responses were not favorable we suddenly had brand new members supporting them out of no where. I'm not saying that they are the same person, but it is very suspect and an old troll trick. Now we suddenly have a "doctor" who apparently doesn't mind malpractice stating that canopies are better than sunscreen. I'm all for a well thought out rebuttal and debate, but when you just start creating multiple screennames to show support for yourself it's in the troll realm at that point.

ditto what he said.

You are not fussy- you are wonderful. Please visit as often as you are able!

I am starting to think that the person that started this thread is keeping up his argument for sport. If, after all the great reasons given for removing all items on the beach at dark, he still thinks he has a right to leave his junk in the sand, then he beyond redemption, as another poster put it! Or now just baiting the majority who think his actions are wrong.

The person that started this thread has come back and said that they would rent a umbrello and 2 chairs.

Not me. I take only what I can carry in two hands/arms. Chair, SMALL unbrella, SMALL cooler, beach bag containing book, SUNSCREEN, cigs (yes, I pick up every stinkin' butt). If I need more liquor, that's why I bring kids...to fetch it for me.

i like the way you think

Thnaks mr acetexas for this usefull topci

I'd like to see Dr. Noisewater's credentials first. I'm thinking he is of the Phil, Suess, and Schoells variety.

Not Scholl's. He's definitely not gellin'.

Thnaks mr acetexas for this usefull topci

Oh snap!

Not Scholl's. He's definitely not gellin'.

But he could be a felon.......... I don't know.........it rhymed.

Okay, so this is how I roll.........


Well, actually, it's more like this..................


Well.......It's really more like this............


Pick up yer stuff

Dr. Noiswater is correct, however it is better to have more than one mode of protection. By the way, very interesting topic....I commend the locals for all of the regulations that have kept Grayton "small" or "smaller" than the monster tourist traps that are to the east and west. I, however, due to the long walk over to the water front, have prefered to leave my canopy up. Also, did you know that there were over 50,000 sea turtle nests in Florida two years ago. I don't know what species are near Grayton, but there seems to be a false sense of extinction.

Also, did you know that there were over 50,000 sea turtle nests in Florida two years ago. I don't know what species are near Grayton, but there seems to be a false sense of extinction.

But the drop of nests in this area can be confirmed by the organization that monitors this. (South Walton Turtle Watch) And there are several species in this area, some closer to extinction than others.

Jodi, these people don't want to know anything! Nice try to educate, though.

But the drop of nests in this area can be confirmed by the organization that monitors this. (South Walton Turtle Watch) And there are several species in this area, some closer to extinction than others.

But the drop of nests in this area can be confirmed by the organization that monitors this. (South Walton Turtle Watch) And there are several species in this area, some closer to extinction than others.

Also, many people don't know that their are species of turtles and subspecies. Why is this important? Because the subspecies are genetically different even though they are within the same species. Turtles nest on the beaches from whence they were born so the subspecies native to this area will ONLY NEST IN THIS AREA. In essence, it's not only about total number survival, it's also about subspecies extinction.