I know many don't see the Beach Breeze/Defuniak Herald so I thought I would post this article from July 12th that I found interesting. It looks like we will have more fireworks in addition to handcuffs on the beach. By the way, note that this will affect private individuals and vendors so let the funn begin..
Items left on beach to be removed
By DOTTY NIST
"Remove it or lose it," is now the rule in the evening on Walton County beaches.
To alleviate what has been identified as "a severe problem," Walton County has initiated a coordinated approach to have beaches clear of clutter in the evenings. The clutter of chairs, awnings, umbrellas, and other items on the beach has long been a complaint of South Walton Turtle Watch volunteers.
Federally-protected native sea turtles come onto the beach during their spring and fall nesting season, and their reproduction can be hampered by obstacles left on the beach in the evening. Human beachgoers can also run into or trip over these obstacles as they walk on the beach at night.
On June 28, Pat Blackshear, county planning and development services director, announced a cooperative effort between the county, the tourism council, and the sheriff's office to address the problem.
Blackshear explained that items left on the beach would be tagged and then removed after 24 hours if not taken off the beach by their owners. The policy applies both to private individuals and beach vendors, who are being notified by mail.
Walton County Sheriff's Office and Walton County Code Enforcement personnel will share patrol and tagging duties. South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) personnel will pick up tagged items once the 24-hour period has elapsed, and owners will forfeit items that are picked up.
TDC Executive Director Kriss Titus commented that, while Walton County's beaches have been honored by the Clean Beaches Council, she believes that the TDC has not been getting the message out about the importance of an uncluttered beach.
She said the TDC plans a "remove it or lose it" marketing campaign and will post information on its web page urging visitors to comply.
Replies
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SoWal Expert
IT REALLY IS SIMPLE! Add this to the bottom of the existing "Don't do this and this and this" signs:
Don't leave items on the beach overnight - possible confiscation.
/quote]
If something is going to be added, let's keep it in the positive, since people often don't read the negative. ie- "Remove all your items from the beach, when you leave the beach each day."
I agree that the if the TDC is inviting people to the beach, they should share a little responsibility in getting the word out. Not so much because tourists pay money, but because it helps keep the beaches beautiful and helps Sea Turtle nesting.
SoWal Expert
I believe Gulf Trace is private - just a guess. Assuming it is, you have the right to pull your stuff off the beach up to the dune line and leave it there overnight and store it behind the private walkover.
So those here telling you that you have to remove it completely off the sand, are simply, wrong - as much as I hate to say it. ;-)
Actually, I believe the ordinance makes no exception as to the ownership of the property. The TDC may be giving an allowance to the areas privately owned, but that would not make it legal. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
Actually, I believe the ordinance makes no exception as to the ownership of the property. The TDC may be giving an allowance to the areas privately owned, but that would not make it legal. ;-)SJ, BeachSiO2 admitted I was stickler for details. Haven't you learned anything yet?
From the link I posted earlier for your benefit:
"Does the ordinance apply to private beaches
Yes, if personal items are left in the middle of the beach they will be
removed. The ordinance as written applies to all areas falling within
the definition of “beach,” regardless of whether such areas are
located on public or private property. Articles that are stored
adjacent to or underneath personal walkovers will not be removed
unless there is TDC maintained trash receptacle at that location. If
private properties have public trash receptacles then personal items
may be left at the toe of the dune at least 10 feet away from the
trash receptacle. Any item left within 10 feet of a public trash[/LEFT]
receptacle will be removed."
Is TDC contradicting the county's "official ordinance" with the above statement?
Edited
SoWal Expert
What is so awful (and idealistic) about expecting people to pick up after themselves?
I have no sympathy for those who leave the beaches littered with their stuff and then whine when they are asked to pick it up. Why are the beaches considered some "special" place where you can leave items indefinitely? You can't do that anywhere else w/o theft, fines, etc.
I have no sympathy for those who leave the beaches littered with their stuff and then whine when they are asked to pick it up. Why are the beaches considered some "special" place where you can leave items indefinitely? You can't do that anywhere else w/o theft, fines, etc.
Beach Fanatic
What is so awful (and idealistic) about expecting people to pick up after themselves?Except private property, maybe?
I have no sympathy for those who leave the beaches littered with their stuff and then whine when they are asked to pick it up. Why are the beaches considered some "special" place where you can leave items indefinitely? You can't do that anywhere else w/o theft, fines, etc.
SoWal Expert
Private property isn't even a guarantee that items won't disappear or that you won't be fined for litter!
Beach FanaticAuthor
Once more, it IS the responsibilty of TDC to make the general public aware of these rules.
We (rental property owners) collect tax on short term rentals and pay TDC because we are required to. The TDC spends this money on advertising campaigns...inviting the public from all over to the Beaches of South Walton.
Then when the public arrives, you assume that the TDC shouldn't be responsible for educating the public? Just allow the sheriff to arrest those who "thought" they were on public beach. Take away their kayaks because they "thought" they were safe back off of the beach.
So yes, I do believe it is TDC's responsibility to educate the public.
IT REALLY IS SIMPLE! Add this to the bottom of the existing "Don't do this and this and this" signs:
Don't leave items on the beach overnight - possible confiscation.
This is the core of my position on the past few posts
Am I asking too much?
Actually, I have learned that signs are being produced and Code Enforcement has outlined what the verbiage should be since they are the enforcer. To me, I agree that education is a huge point which is why you are seeing things being produced. On the other hand, I have NO TOLERANCE for someone leaving a personal belonging out of their control anywhere and saying I can't believe it's no longer there when they get back. By the way, I didn't get your address for me to take my belongings...;-)
Beach FanaticAuthor
Actually, I believe the ordinance makes no exception as to the ownership of the property. The TDC may be giving an allowance to the areas privately owned, but that would not make it legal. ;-)
THE TDC DOES NOT MAKE ANY DECISIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TAGS ITEMS THAT THEY WANT REMOVED AND THE TDC REMOVES ALL TAGGED ITEMS. Just putting it out there big just in case there may be someone who thinks this is a TDC program
Beach FanaticAuthor
SJ, BeachSiO2 admitted I was stickler for details. Haven't you learned anything yet?
From the link I posted earlier for your benefit:
"Does the ordinance apply to private beaches
Yes, if personal items are left in the middle of the beach they will be
removed. The ordinance as written applies to all areas falling within
the definition of ?beach,? regardless of whether such areas are
located on public or private property. Articles that are stored
adjacent to or underneath personal walkovers will not be removed
unless there is TDC maintained trash receptacle at that location. If
private properties have public trash receptacles then personal items
may be left at the toe of the dune at least 10 feet away from the
trash receptacle. Any item left within 10 feet of a public trash[/left]
receptacle will be removed."
Is TDC contradicting the county's "official ordinance" with the above statement?
I seriously doubt it and would just about guarantee that this is what they were told would be tagged by the Sheriff, or what they were told the enforcement agencies expected them to do.
Meow
NoHall...stop while you are behind! That sounded like another episode of "How the Tent Turns"! 
Do not leave anything on the beach, period. We schlepped stuff up and down the stairs for years and years. 
That sounded like another episode of "How the Tent Turns"! Do not leave anything on the beach, period. We schlepped stuff up and down the stairs for years and years. 
hmmmm......can't remember
Your post is realtistic and appreciated. Many of us are "guilty" of the same and some of us are changing our attitudes.
Regarding the new momma.....you could have educated her about the beach issue AND taught her about streamlining her accessories to the beach.
They make beach chairs with a backpack, portable umbrella (to keep those evil rays off the bambino and tada.....she would have been one mobile momma......!
One more thing: I've been reading this since its inception as a tourist. (One who can't afford "beachfront!"
)These threads can do two things:
1) They can educate people like me about the problems and change our attitudes. When I read this, I see that what is convenient for me as a tourist is a thorn in your side as a resident. I can learn to be more considerate.
2) They can set up an us-vs.-them situation. Screaming and cussing doesn't change anyone for the better. No one appreciates being attacked.
Beach FanaticAuthor
From the TDC
All kayaks are being kept by the TDC and returned to the owner after they have proven ownership, 267-1216. If the kayak is removed a second time, they have to be collected from Code Enforcement and there will likely be a fine involved. All other items are being disposed of.
There you go BMBV, they aren't stealing kayaks, and people are getting one pass for kayaks that were taken in this first run. I don't know what will happen with new ones. Of all that were removed, all but 3 have been claimed so far.
All kayaks are being kept by the TDC and returned to the owner after they have proven ownership, 267-1216. If the kayak is removed a second time, they have to be collected from Code Enforcement and there will likely be a fine involved. All other items are being disposed of.
There you go BMBV, they aren't stealing kayaks, and people are getting one pass for kayaks that were taken in this first run. I don't know what will happen with new ones. Of all that were removed, all but 3 have been claimed so far.
Beach Comber
I just want to get this straight.
The
"private beach owners" will be held to the same ordinance??? So the "owner" of the beach near bmb that had a tent frame on "his" beach and asked people to vacate "his private property" will be schlepping that frame up to his house everynight or it will be taken???
What about the people who leave kayaks at the launch at western lake/banfill road?
I just want to make sure the rules of the sandbox apply to all.
Keep it clean
The
"private beach owners" will be held to the same ordinance??? So the "owner" of the beach near bmb that had a tent frame on "his" beach and asked people to vacate "his private property" will be schlepping that frame up to his house everynight or it will be taken???What about the people who leave kayaks at the launch at western lake/banfill road?
I just want to make sure the rules of the sandbox apply to all.
Keep it clean
Beach FanaticAuthor
I just want to get this straight.
The
What about the people who leave kayaks at the launch at western lake/banfill road?
I just want to make sure the rules of the sandbox apply to all.
Keep it clean
I don't think the boat launch is covered by the ordinance so I doubt things will be removed from there. The removal is for the beach only.
Beach Fanatic
We went to Alys for the sunset, and even there where there are few people it was scattered with tons of stuff. Maybe it has been there awhile as there were lots of plastic nosecones from July 4th rockets. Lots of cellophane type stuff for whatever reason, too. I guess junk drifts down from Rosemary and Seacrest
Don't they have trash receptacles on that area of the beach
If so why aren't they being used Also isn't Alys Beach just a fancy subdivision in Seacrest Beach How can you buy property and make your own beach
It's not like a new town and if so, they built it right in the middle of another one I believe there are regular social gatherings there. Haven't you got the invites from the RE Co.? That may be where the 'junk' is comin' from. ;-) BTW,the bike path used to be way 'er in that stretch before it got asphalted over there in Alys 
Beach Lover
*sigh*
Can we still pee in the Gulf?
Can we still pee in the Gulf?
Meow
*sigh*
Can we still pee in the Gulf?
Yep, but pick up the poo poo!
Beach Lover
just fyi, i know the family behind Alys Beach has owned that property for many decades... they're big supporters (financial and otherwise) of many local charities
SoWal Expert
THE TDC DOES NOT MAKE ANY DECISIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TAGS ITEMS THAT THEY WANT REMOVED AND THE TDC REMOVES ALL TAGGED ITEMS. Just putting it out there big just in case there may be someone who thinks this is a TDC programOh yeah, I forgot about the tagging process. :funn:
As an FYI to BMBV, I notice the sign at the entrance to Grayton Beach reminds people to fill in all holes dug on the beach as well as remove all items from the beach, so that blows that theory that the public isn't warned.
SoWal Expert
From the TDCProving ownership might be a challenge for most.
All kayaks are being kept by the TDC and returned to the owner after they have proven ownership, 267-1216. If the kayak is removed a second time, they have to be collected from Code Enforcement and there will likely be a fine involved. All other items are being disposed of.
There you go BMBV, they aren't stealing kayaks, and people are getting one pass for kayaks that were taken in this first run. I don't know what will happen with new ones. Of all that were removed, all but 3 have been claimed so far.
bean
*sigh*
Can we still pee in the Gulf?
:funn:Beach Fanatic
*sigh*Interesting you should bring that up.
Can we still pee in the Gulf?
Rumor has it that where there is public access, the STATE government is going to install computerized weight scales at the entrances.
* Each person is weighed and receives a computer printed tag with date, time and one's weight.
* All food/drink items are also weighed.
* Upon departure from the beach, the beach goer is then reweighed along with all food and drink.
* If a negative difference exceeds .5% of one's body weight, a citation is issued to the beachgoer for unlawful pollution of state waters. This amount may be adjusted for dehydration due to ambient temperature and relative humidity.
Private property owners are exempt from this new requirement due to riparian rights.
Florida DEP is forming a new department called TPE which stands for Triple "P" Enforcement (piss, poop, pay).
Folks, this is a serious issue!
Beach Fanatic
I wonder how much crap is getting washed out into the Gulf right now.On my last morning kayak on the gulf, I fished out at least 8 pieces of garbage. From plastic wrapping to a floating ball point pen!
The save-the-turtles effort is in sharp contrast to all the junk on the beach.
Beach Fanatic
I just got back from the beach at Dune Allen. Two men in a TDC truck were removing tents and beach paraphernalia. 
I didn't see any tagging going on, but noticed they left tents and things to the west of the beach access that were landward of the end of a private walkover.
Also, they left a kayak that was at the seaward toe of a dune on private property.
Even before they arrived, the beach was much, much more empty than it has been all season. It really improves the view and helps the turtles as well.
I didn't see any tagging going on, but noticed they left tents and things to the west of the beach access that were landward of the end of a private walkover.
Also, they left a kayak that was at the seaward toe of a dune on private property.
Even before they arrived, the beach was much, much more empty than it has been all season. It really improves the view and helps the turtles as well.
Beach Fanatic
From the TDCWere the kayaks that were confiscated located on public beach or private beach? I understand you may not know the answer to this off-hand, but you probably understand why I am asking.
All kayaks are being kept by the TDC and returned to the owner after they have proven ownership, 267-1216. If the kayak is removed a second time, they have to be collected from Code Enforcement and there will likely be a fine involved. All other items are being disposed of.
There you go BMBV, they aren't stealing kayaks, and people are getting one pass for kayaks that were taken in this first run. I don't know what will happen with new ones. Of all that were removed, all but 3 have been claimed so far.
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