Here is my warning again to all of you who may not know about it. Leave your crap on the beach overnight, and it may be gone when you come back the next day. If I don't take it, the storms may. This morning while kayaking in the Gulf, I collected floating bottles, a play tug boat,a boogy board and two beach chairs, and can you believe the owners were screaming at me that the chairs belonged to them, though they wouldn't come in the water to get them because they didn't like the seaweed? It didn't make for too exciting of a kayak experience this morning. I made them promise to take their crap off the beach everyday in exchange for the chairs. There were tents in the water this morning, crumbled tent frames and tops on the beach, etc. It really sucks that some people do not have the courtesy to remove their crap daily.
Warning: You can take it off the beach, or I will. I am tired of it. Now get a move on before I decide to open a can of whoop-@ss on you rude, inconsiderate people.
Replies
225
Beach Lover
I just read this entire thread and would normally just read and heed.....
but I just wanted to let you all know that we have been renting vacation homes in your area for years and have NEVER had any type of info left in the rental as to what should or should not be left on the beach. To be honest I really didn't know what was right or wrong untill I read it on this board a few years ago. If there was to be a letter hanging on the fridge or something that said please do not leave your tent, chairs,floaties.....on the beach at night we would have done so for sure. Our group always cleaned up our stuff and then put it under the boardwalk so we didn't have to carry it back up to the house( thought that was ok) We do respect the fact that we are in someone's home and that the beaches need to be protected, we simply just didn't know that it was such a big no-no. I am NOT trying to be a smart ass, I was just sitting here thinking why this type if info isn't given to the renters in some homes........Of course now I know better ;-) this board does a wonderful service to all who vacation and live in Sowal
Ditto Seagrovelover...thanks for the great post. :clap_1:
We have also been "tourist/renters" in Seagrove for more than 15 years...and have never had clear instructions from the owners or rental companies on what is acceptable for leaving chairs, etc. on the beach. (Since Dennis the new signs at the public accesses do clearly state that leaving things on the beach overnight is unlawful and a hazard to turtles...but we just noticed those this year)...We also would do as you did, clean up our area and pile the chairs/umbrellas under the beach stairs overnight. We only did this because we observed the beach chair rental companies stacking their chairs and umbrellas under or near the beachwalks and using wired locks to secure them to the posts! They only used the big white boxes when there was a threat of a storm!
We have also observed some really blatant abuses by owners in this regard...just last year we stayed in a beachside home near One Seagrove Place...not only did an owner of a beachfront home leave a canopy/tent up on the beach over a long weekend...every morning my husband and I would spend time before our walk picking up trash (including glass beer bottles and cig butts) left strewn all around from their nightly parties so our 18 month-old grandson could play on the beach safely!
I have appreciated all of the useful info I've gotten from this board over the years...but I must say, at times being referred to as a "trashy-tourist" makes me stay away and hesitate to post regularly. I do always end up checking back, because for the most part, those of us that don't live where we'd LOVE to live, live somewhat vicariously through SOWAL!
Admin
I have appreciated all of the useful info I've gotten from this board over the years...but I must say, at times being referred to as a "trashy-tourist" makes me stay away and hesitate to post regularly. I do always end up checking back, because for the most part, those of us that don't live where we'd LOVE to live, live somewhat vicariously through SOWAL!
I'm sorry you feel that way. You might be too sensitive. Because you sound like a great person and you should know it if you are. But if some posters make you feel uncomfortable, well shame on them. :nono1:
SoWal ExpertAuthor
I'm sorry you feel that way. You might be too sensitive. Because you sound like a great person and you should know it if you are. But if some posters make you feel uncomfortable, well shame on them. :nono1:
cracker
Not poop. It is dirt. However, the phrase, "scare the crap out of something," does often fit when handle animals. They will poop and pee on you if they are trying to escape or frightened, fearing for their life. I have learned to hold them very gently and lovingly when picking them up.
Ohhhhhhhh, J's gonna get it! He said pee instead of tee tee!:shock: Miss Kitty's gonna get you!
Meow
Ohhhhhhhh, J's gonna get it! He said pee instead of tee tee!:shock: Miss Kitty's gonna get you!
:funn: ...I actually prefer tinkle!!! Good catch BC!!!
cracker
:funn: ...I actually prefer tinkle!!! Good catch BC!!!
Oh that's right it was TINKLE!!!!
Beach Fanatic
As a tourist who loves the beach as much as you locals, i find it ironical that you make no mention or opposition to the locals driving their trucks onto grayton beach. I agree with you that the beach should be preserved. I propose that all vehicles be banned from the beach and I will be happy to lug my stuff off the beach every day. As an old local in a ski area, I too have enjoyed the bashing of tourons as we used to call them. Hurts a little to be on the other side now. Someday maybe i can afford to buy down on the beach.
Beach Fanatic
RancidThere has been discussion of driving on the beach before. If you do a search you should find it - it got quite lively.
Beach Lover
During our beach walks (with our hands full of big bags of crap we've picked up) we've decided that everyone should have to stop at the north side of the bridge for a 5 minute video about littering, beach warning flags, fishing permits. walking on dunes (and anything else a new visitor to SoWal needs to know).
If you're a resident or SoWal property owner or are driving a commercial vehicle, you don't have to stop.
It'll never happen...but it's sure been fun to think about the video script!
If you're a resident or SoWal property owner or are driving a commercial vehicle, you don't have to stop.
It'll never happen...but it's sure been fun to think about the video script!
SoWal ExpertAuthor
As a tourist who loves the beach as much as you locals, i find it ironical that you make no mention or opposition to the locals driving their trucks onto grayton beach. I agree with you that the beach should be preserved. I propose that all vehicles be banned from the beach and I will be happy to lug my stuff off the beach every day. As an old local in a ski area, I too have enjoyed the bashing of tourons as we used to call them. Hurts a little to be on the other side now. Someday maybe i can afford to buy down on the beach.
Been through this before. Currently, I would rather see Walton County enforcing existing rules, before encouraging them to make new ones which will not be enforced.
Beach Comber
Where do people drive on the beach? I have never seen anyone driving in Seagrove or Seacrest area?
SoWal ExpertAuthor
Where do people drive on the beach? I have never seen anyone driving in Seagrove or Seacrest area?Another reason why I choose to focus on tents, chairs, toys, etc left on the beach overnight, sometimes for weeks. This happens on most of the entire length of beach in Walton County. Currently, with permits, vehicles are legal on the beach in only two locations.
Beach Fanatic
Yesterday afternoon I finally took some time to go to the beach at Grayton. Not so many people down there but couldn't find a place to park the beverly hillbilly beach buggy because of all the "crap on the beach". I will not complain because I am thankful I can drive my crap to the beach every day.
Beach Fanatic
Where do people drive on the beach? I have never seen anyone driving in Seagrove or Seacrest area?
Grayton Beach - Inlet Beach
Here is the info about Vehicle Permits
http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/default.aspx?id=32
SoWal ExpertAuthor
For you people who think I am in the wrong, how long should the one particular pile of boards and canvas, which has been piled on the beach for the last week, be left on the beach before I take it to the garbage? To me, I don't see the difference between it and other trash, and the County doesn't pick up litter on the beach, so, how long do I leave it there, is the question which I ask you?
BTW, there are still broken and abandoned chairs and tent frames on the beach today. How long should they remain there before a citizen decides to get proactive???
BTW, there are still broken and abandoned chairs and tent frames on the beach today. How long should they remain there before a citizen decides to get proactive???
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
For you people who think I am in the wrong, how long should the one particular pile of boards and canvas, which has been piled on the beach for the last week, be left on the beach before I take it to the garbage? To me, I don't see the difference between it and other trash, and the County doesn't pick up litter on the beach, so, how long do I leave it there, is the question which I ask you?
BTW, there are still broken and abandoned chairs and tent frames on the beach today. How long should they remain there before a citizen decides to get proactive???
I say get the SH** of the beach SJ. If it has been left ther overnight, IMHO it is free for the taking. Don't freaking ask permission..just dispose of it!!!!!!
SoWal Insider
ditto......
I say get the SH** of the beach SJ. If it has been left ther overnight, IMHO it is free for the taking. Don't freaking ask permission..just dispose of it!!!!!!
SoWal ExpertAuthor
Darlene and IBD, I appreciate your voice, but I truely want to hear from those silent people who object to what my opinion on tents, chairs, sunscreen, towels, blankets, toys, etc being left on the beach overnight, sometimes for a week or more. At what point should it be considered abandoned? Anyone?
Beach Comber
I've been silent, but I totally agree with you...I was there 2 weeks ago and was disgusted by the amount of "crap" on the beach in the morning. The beach should look brand new every morning, no crap from the day before sitting out. I couldn't believe it...I haven't been down during the high season for awhile. I would like to see it all carted off after sundown. I carry my stuff back to the house with me every time, chairs, towels, etc. I expect others to do the same.
Beach Fanatic
I truely want to hear from those silent people who object to what my opinion on tents, chairs, sunscreen, towels, blankets, toys, etc being left on the beach overnight, sometimes for a week or more. At what point should it be considered abandoned? Anyone?
I've been quiet about this because I can honestly say I have never seen this. Do you see this more at Grayton Beach than you do at Seagrove or Dune Allen? I don't take anything but chairs and umbrellas to the beach, which I take back at night. But honestly, and this is just me, I would never feel right by taking someone else's property, especially when it is left overnight. I have always tried to teach my son (1) if it doesn't have your name on it; (2) if you didn't buy it; (3) if someone didn't give it to you then it's not yours, so keep your hands off. That being said, you are there daily and I would think that if you have seen abandoned tents and such, that after a weeks time, then they could be hauled off. BUT, I don't live there, so I don't see this daily. I'm sure it's one of those things that could really get under your skin after a while. Hope I didn't make you mad. This is just my opinion.
SoWal ExpertAuthor
I've been quiet about this because I can honestly say I have never seen this. Do you see this more at Grayton Beach than you do at Seagrove or Dune Allen? I don't take anything but chairs and umbrellas to the beach, which I take back at night. But honestly, and this is just me, I would never feel right by taking someone else's property, especially when it is left overnight. I have always tried to teach my son (1) if it doesn't have your name on it; (2) if you didn't buy it; (3) if someone didn't give it to you then it's not yours, so keep your hands off. That being said, you are there daily and I would think that if you have seen abandoned tents and such, that after a weeks time, then they could be hauled off. BUT, I don't live there, so I don't see this daily. I'm sure it's one of those things that could really get under your skin after a while. Hope I didn't make you mad. This is just my opinion.
I think you sound like you are teaching your kids good values, and I appreciate your input.
picky
At what point is "stuff" abandoned? Well, this is the way I'm going to approach it from now on. If I go for a sunset walk along the beach--or even a moonlit walk--and I see something that ought not be there, I'm going to draw a circle in the sand around it. If that circle's still there 24 hours later, unbroken, it's mine to keep (if I like it) or mine to deposit by the trash bin. I figure if someone is so uncaring of their property that they leave it there for the turtles and people to trip over, well, fair's fair in my books. It might be missing the next time they check.
Beach Fanatic
... tents, chairs, sunscreen, towels, blankets, toys, etc being left on the beach overnight, sometimes for a week or more. At what point should it be considered abandoned? Anyone?I feel compelled to jump in here...first I agree with your proactive approach to dealing with beach junk...and that what it is..junk..not only to the people who put it there and refuse to remove it but to all of us who have to deal with walking around semi buried chairs, frames, shoes, beer bottles cigarette butts, pop cans, clothes, fast food containers, condoms, partially inflated toys, etc ad nausem.
Object to your approach? when you are doing all of us a favor? naw!
What I cannot understand is what part of ones brain has to cease for one to deface so willingly such a beautiful part of God's creation?
SoWal Insider
At what point is "stuff" abandoned? Well, this is the way I'm going to approach it from now on. If I go for a sunset walk along the beach--or even a moonlit walk--and I see something that ought not be there, I'm going to draw a circle in the sand around it. If that circle's still there 24 hours later, unbroken, it's mine to keep (if I like it) or mine to deposit by the trash bin. I figure if someone is so uncaring of their property that they leave it there for the turtles and people to trip over, well, fair's fair in my books. It might be missing the next time they check.
I like the circle in the sand idea. :clap_1: Maybe we could get little flags to stick in the circle that says pending disposal!
SoWal ExpertAuthor
So someone please tell me when this becomes garbage. For the last few days, I have been giving some of you the benefit of the doubt, but now I am just trying to prove my point. The upside-down tent, pictured above, has been in this same position for the last three days. Who is supposed to clean it up? The owners? -- yeah, right.
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