Shelly,
I am not taking anyone's side on this issue. But I am putting forth the arguments that I hear against customary beach use to try to get a better understanding of the issue. What little bit of time I have spent at the beach lately has been taking pictures of signs telling me to stay off the beach. Which, to be honest, I do find a bit insulting. Especially when I see the TDC patrolling and cleaning something with public dollars that I am not suppose to be able to use.
While you are taking pictures and looking into it...take a look at the situation at Stallworth Lake public access. The sign clearly says the access was built, and is maintained, with public money; the 2 acre parcel to the West of the public access was purchased by Walton County through a grant from the Trust for Public Land...but now, the Stallworth Preserve has a "Private Beach" sign there. I am going to ask the Co. Commissioners for an explanation; just haven't gotten around to it yet. I just saw the sign last week. While you are looking into things perhaps this is a good one to explore. It has been my understanding that when public funds are used to either build or purchase property, one of the conditions is that the public must have access to it through a management plan executed by the County....so what's up with Stallworth?