Items on the beach overnight

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.

Well that basically answers my question. Thanks.

Were 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.

As I put in an earlier post only kayaks that were ATTACHED to or left at County accesses were removed. That is why I was so strongly supportive of the effort to remove them.

As I put in an earlier post only kayaks that were ATTACHED to or left at County accesses were removed. That is why I was so strongly supportive of the effort to remove them.

Thanks.

So where is the tagging and removal underway? Down here by Eastern Lake at the Ramsgate and Eastern Lake accesses, I didn't see either tags or removal this morning, and we still have a world-record amount of stuff on the beach.

How do beach chairs from the rental services fit into this? They are typically dropped off, left for several days, then removed at the end of the rental period. Will they be tagged, too?

I hate to say this, but the significant increase over last year in the amount of "private" stuff left overnight at Ramsgate/Eastern lake has seemed to coincide with a significant increase in the number of rental chairs placed in the area.

I agree with BMBV that the county or TDC should post warnings about tagging and removal. But I seriously doubt anyone would read them. There are already signs regarding the flags, litter, etc. at all of the public walkovers. I've never seen anyone stop and read the sign before going down the steps.

As I put in an earlier post only kayaks that were ATTACHED to or left at County accesses were removed. That is why I was so strongly supportive of the effort to remove them.

The one that's been chained to the Eastern Lake walkover for the last six months plus was gone today. From the look of the sand where it had been resting comfortably, maybe gone for 3 or 4 days, tops. Hope the owners got the word before it got hauled away.

Interesting you should bring that up.

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!

Since the pee comes from drinking the beer, there should be no extra weight, nor any reduced weight.

So where is the tagging and removal underway? Down here by Eastern Lake at the Ramsgate and Eastern Lake accesses, I didn't see either tags or removal this morning, and we still have a world-record amount of stuff on the beach.

How do beach chairs from the rental services fit into this? They are typically dropped off, left for several days, then removed at the end of the rental period. Will they be tagged, too?

I hate to say this, but the significant increase over last year in the amount of "private" stuff left overnight at Ramsgate/Eastern lake has seemed to coincide with a significant increase in the number of rental chairs placed in the area.

I agree with BMBV that the county or TDC should post warnings about tagging and removal. But I seriously doubt anyone would read them. There are already signs regarding the flags, litter, etc. at all of the public walkovers. I've never seen anyone stop and read the sign before going down the steps.

It is my understanding that the tagging is done in the afternoon and then the removal is done after that. They started on Monday with the tagging and removing on Wednesday. The beach was initially broken into 7 segments since there was so much stuff. On Wednesday and Thursday the Miramar area was removed, today is Dune Allen so, if Eastern Lake wasn't tagged yesterday for Saturday removal, then it would probably be tagged today for Sunday removal. Based on the FAQ that BMBV posted earlier, the rental chairs are also part of the program:

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf

The one that's been chained to the Eastern Lake walkover for the last six months plus was gone today. From the look of the sand where it had been resting comfortably, maybe gone for 3 or 4 days, tops. Hope the owners got the word before it got hauled away.

I hope they don't try and put it back . They would probably call the TDC and get it back from them. It seems like whenever something happens on the beach people call them first and so it should be fine.

I guess the crap at Grayton has lucky owners, because the renters will likely remove their crap tonight, as they pack the cars.

I guess the crap at Grayton has lucky owners, because the renters will likely remove their crap tonight, as they pack the cars.

You're right, I am never that lucky . At least there will be other passes, and if it's taken home then it's off the beach. Something tells me that after they make the first pass or two, they will start mixing up the order of collection so that no one can "plan" for the removal date. Plus, they would be able to do longer stretches of the beach due to the lack of items. I will be interested to see how many truck loads are removed this first week.

You're right, I am never that lucky . At least there will be other passes, and if it's taken home then it's off the beach. Something tells me that after they make the first pass or two, they will start mixing up the order of collection so that no one can "plan" for the removal date. Plus, they would be able to do longer stretches of the beach due to the lack of items. I will be interested to see how many truck loads are removed this first week.

Yes, if they take it home, the mission is accomplished. Sounds good, anyway, but is the truth really concealed? If beachgoers can leave there stuff on the beach for the entire week, only to have the Sheriff's Office make the sweep after they leave, the mission falls short of being successful.

At least they are making an effort to start enforcing existing laws, so I give them a little .


Notice this sign at Grayton Beach? Judging by the crap left on the beach, and the holes left on the beach, I would venture a guess that not many people ever read the signs. There are only about 8-10 signs at the entrance, so I'm not surprised that people don't read them. We cannot post signs for every law regarding the beach. What's next, posting the laws regarding the amount of buttocks' coverage and breasts coverage?

Yes, if they take it home, the mission is accomplished.

I took a similar photo of the turtle advisory sign at Lakewood and Beachfront Tr. this morning, but mine had rows of chairs and whatnot on the beach in the background. I tried to find the 2003-07g ordinance on the county site and couldn't. Code enforcement is mailing it to me. So I posted the SWCC letter (http://www.wholeo.net/Trips/Travel/Florida/srb/removeItOrLoseIt.html) and the Zone schedule (http://www.wholeo.net/Trips/Travel/Florida/srb/removeItOrLoseItZones.html). According to it, that area will be tagged on Saturday and items removed on Monday.

I talked to people going down to the beach, and none of them had heard of the code enforcement or the tags or ordinance. I wish I could make a "citizen arrest". Does the Sheriff or TDC have a citizen tag that I can tie to junk on the beach to educate people? If not, what is to prevent me creating some? If they leave the stuff there, they get tagged by me so at least they have some warning if they do it during the week and never get officially tagged. And I could report repeated offenders possibly.

I think I'll write the commissioners. Is there any evidence that they read sowal?

I heard that recently a turtle laid her eggs under a tent. Evidence of struggle with beach gear all around. If she can be that persistent, I'm inspired to be the same.

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

Are they the Hilton's who also own the ship house?
That's nice that they give to charity. So are many others but i don't see them naming entire beaches after themselves, right in the middle of already existing beaches. They seem to be following suit with the neighborhood called 'Seacrest Beach'. It's just confusing for out of town visitors. It's like naming a subdivision 'Atlanta' in Atlanta or 'Panty Maw City Beach' in Panty Maw City Beach. It's a subdivision name not a town! Correct? Is there any public access from there east thru Rosemary Beach Sorry, I'm getting off topic. Just wondering why is there litter all over the beach there. Don't they have public trash receptacles there? That is a beautiful stretch of beach because of the lack of obstacles, tents, etc. Hopefully, the nice charitable folks you know won't ever start denying others use of their beach like some home owners are evidently trying to do, and hopefully someone will pick up the July 4th junk soon off the beach. Tribal Law Rules. I'll be down again soon and will walk down with a bag and check it out. It's funn to pick up trash off the beach.!!!

Think minimal when taking objects on to the pristine beaches. We always told our kids to not carry more with them than they can carry back themselves cuz I got my own stuff to carry. Then I usually have minimal in my hand when I'm sayin' it. Sorry, I'm not haulin' gazillion toys. They should be entertainin' themselves with nature in Nature's playground. It works grayt. ;-) Babies don't need all that plastic junk either. It amazes me all the people that act as if they are the only one to ever have a baby on the beach. Get a grip. Water sunscreen, umbrella, blanket, bag, the basics. Ask yourself, 'Do I need to set up tent city for just 30 minutes a day of usage or am I just marking my territory basically? Will it affect others? Could it hurt others at night? In a few years you'll be upset when your child gets hurt tripping over someone's stuff or big hole when walkin' at sunset. The stuff is not only U-G-L-Y its hazardous whether you want to call it a private beach or not. Do you not care if others are hurt by your private sheeeet? Beaches are for everyone and the responsibility of us all to keep clean and pick up if you see litter. Its Gods beach not ours, but it is ours to take care of and enjoy while we are here on this planet. It's also grayt exercise to carry stuff off the beach, especially more than you carry on, litter, etc. The pristine beaches are what Sowal is all about in the first place right?

The pristine beaches are what Sowal is all about in the first place right?

Right!!! Someone told me that it costs $8 to go to the New Jersey shore. And machines rake the beach each night. I fear that is where we are headed unless people wake up and start being responsible.

So where is the tagging and removal underway? Down here by Eastern Lake at the Ramsgate and Eastern Lake accesses, I didn't see either tags or removal this morning, and we still have a world-record amount of stuff on the beach.

How do beach chairs from the rental services fit into this? They are typically dropped off, left for several days, then removed at the end of the rental period. Will they be tagged, too?

I hate to say this, but the significant increase over last year in the amount of "private" stuff left overnight at Ramsgate/Eastern lake has seemed to coincide with a significant increase in the number of rental chairs placed in the area.

I agree with BMBV that the county or TDC should post warnings about tagging and removal. But I seriously doubt anyone would read them. There are already signs regarding the flags, litter, etc. at all of the public walkovers. I've never seen anyone stop and read the sign before going down the steps.

Tree Frog, you have hit it on the head! It has been nagging me what has caused the increase over the years of leaving stuff on the beach. What you said is true- as more and more beach rental chairs and umbrellas appear, people "assume" it is OK for them to leave their stuff out as well. Until last year, we had always stayed where the beach rental stuff was pulled in at night. Last year, we rented in Blue Mtn Beach, and it sat out on the beach all week.

I am not blaming the beach chair dudes- I just think it follows a pattern of beach visitor thought that "if they can leave their stuff out, it must be OK". We plan to pull in our rental stuff each night (or ask the beach chair dudes what can be done) this year.

Walton County Code of Ordinances
ARTICLE IV. REGULATION OF RECREATIONAL BEACH AND WATER ACTIVITIES*

Sec. 22-54. Regulation of use and conduct on the beach and water bodies.

(g) Obstructions on the beach. It shall be unlawful for beach chairs, umbrellas, tents, and other such personal articles to be on the beach in such a manner that they interfere with beach maintenance, nesting turtles, or emergency vehicles.


**********

Here is another good one:

Sec. 9-103. Littering prohibited. It is a violation of this article for any person to throw, discard, place, drop or deposit litter in any manner or amount in or upon any public property, private property, highway, street, right-of-way of body of water in the county except in areas and containers provided therefor.

(1) In any case where litter is ejected or discarded from a motor vehicle, except at approved and permitted disposal sites, the operator of the motor vehicle shall be in violation of this article.

(2) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to deposit any item, items or materials except litter in any receptacle placed for public use as a depository for litter.

(3) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to deposit household litter or waste materials in any receptacle, dumpster or container without the appropriate tag and the permission of the owner or person in control thereof.

(4) It shall be a violation of this article for any person to deposit any items or materials in receptacle placed for public use at county parks except those items generated during the utilization of said park, and in no event shall litter generated in a residential or commercial establishment be deposited in said receptacles.

(Ord. No. 93-5, art. 2 ? 2, 3-9-93)

Tree Frog, you have hit it on the head! It has been nagging me what has caused the increase over the years of leaving stuff on the beach. What you said is true- as more and more beach rental chairs and umbrellas appear, people "assume" it is OK for them to leave their stuff out as well. Until last year, we had always stayed where the beach rental stuff was pulled in at night. Last year, we rented in Blue Mtn Beach, and it sat out on the beach all week.

I am not blaming the beach chaiar dudes- I just think it follows a pattern of beach visitor thoughtt hat "if they can leave their stuff out, it must be OK". We plan to pull in our rental stuff each night (or ask the beach chair dudes what can be done) this year.

I can see why you might associate the two, but I notice some evidence that would lead me to believe that this reasoning is not accurate. In Grayton Beach, Sam Wesley (Grayton Beach Service), removes all of his chairs around 5pm each and every day. There are no rental sets left on the beach overnight in Grayton, yet we see perma-tents remaining all week, with loads of plastic crap, as well as garbage.

Think minimal when taking objects on to the pristine beaches. We always told our kids to not carry more with them than they can carry back themselves cuz I got my own stuff to carry. Then I usually have minimal in my hand when I'm sayin' it. Sorry, I'm not haulin' gazillion toys. They should be entertainin' themselves with nature in Nature's playground. It works grayt. ;-) Babies don't need all that plastic junk either. It amazes me all the people that act as if they are the only one to ever have a baby on the beach. Get a grip. Water sunscreen, umbrella, blanket, bag, the basics. Ask yourself, 'Do I need to set up tent city for just 30 minutes a day of usage or am I just marking my territory basically? Will it affect others? Could it hurt others at night? In a few years you'll be upset when your child gets hurt tripping over someone's stuff or big hole when walkin' at sunset. The stuff is not only U-G-L-Y its hazardous whether you want to call it a private beach or not. Do you not care if others are hurt by your private sheeeet? Beaches are for everyone and the responsibility of us all to keep clean and pick up if you see litter. Its Gods beach not ours, but it is ours to take care of and enjoy while we are here on this planet. It's also grayt exercise to carry stuff off the beach, especially more than you carry on, litter, etc. The pristine beaches are what Sowal is all about in the first place right?

There's a big difference between what you NEED and what you THINK you need. Best way to make people cut back is to have them have to carry it all. Amazing what gets left behind when you have to personally carry it all!

I don't live beachfront, I have to walk (and schlep all my stuff) to the neighborhood access and up and down stairs too. As far as babies and their paraphenalia, my parents climbed mountains w/ my brother and I on their backs, so a couple blocks on flat land shouldn't be a major struggle unless you're overburdened.

I can't fathom this "leaving my stuff on the beach while I'm not there" concept. The beach I most often visit is Galveston, TX. Sure, we leave our chairs and such on the beach when we're in the water but if you leave it any longer than that, someone will steal it. Or, it gets washed out to sea. If you want to keep your items, you take them with you each time you leave. Why is it so different in SoWal? Is it only the lack of theft? This baffles me. Plus, the idea of someone else using my stuff without my knowledge totally creeps me out.

I can see why you might associate the two, but I notice some evidence that would lead me to believe that this reasoning is not accurate. In Grayton Beach, Sam Wesley (Grayton Beach Service), removes all of his chairs around 5pm each and every day. There are no rental sets left on the beach overnight in Grayton, yet we see perma-tents remaining all week, with loads of plastic crap, as well as garbage.

I'm glad for you Grayton folks that Sam is conscientious. We have 2 services working the Eastern Lake area now, and both of them leave their stuff out.

It is my understanding that the tagging is done in the afternoon and then the removal is done after that. They started on Monday with the tagging and removing on Wednesday. The beach was initially broken into 7 segments since there was so much stuff. On Wednesday and Thursday the Miramar area was removed, today is Dune Allen so, if Eastern Lake wasn't tagged yesterday for Saturday removal, then it would probably be tagged today for Sunday removal. Based on the FAQ that BMBV posted earlier, the rental chairs are also part of the program:

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/FAQRemoveItOrLoseIt.pdf

I'd like to be a fly on the wall when an angry beach chair service guy shows up at TDC or the Sheriff's substation wanting his chairs back. Assuming they really take them.

Wish I could monitor the tagging and removal at Eastern Lake this weekend, but I'm heading out of town for a week tomorrow AM. How about one of the other Eastern Lake SoWallers posting an update Sat or Sun?

I can see why you might associate the two, but I notice some evidence that would lead me to believe that this reasoning is not accurate. In Grayton Beach, Sam Wesley (Grayton Beach Service), removes all of his chairs around 5pm each and every day. There are no rental sets left on the beach overnight in Grayton, yet we see perma-tents remaining all week, with loads of plastic crap, as well as garbage.

I think seeing rental chairs left on the beach may have been one spark that it is ok to leave things over night. Kind of a "monkey see, monkey do" kind of thing. Can't you just see the scenario where someone sees rental chairs on the beach and thinks "well, I'll just leave the chairs and this one floaty". Then it is the chairs, a floaty and a tent. Then the chairs, a floaty, a tent and the sofa-sized cooler, Then.....

Reminds me of the scene in Steve Martin's movie The Jerk when he is leaving his wife and "And that's it and that's the only thing I need, is this. I don't need this or this. Just this ashtray. And this paddle game, the ashtray and the paddle game and that's all I need. And this remote control. The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control, and that's all I need. And these matches. The ashtray, and these matches, and the remote control and the paddle ball. And this lamp. The ashtray, this paddle game and the remote control and the lamp and that's all I need. And that's all I need too. I don't need one other thing, not one - I need this. The paddle game, and the chair, and the remote control, and the matches, for sure. And this. And that's all I need. The ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, this magazine and the chair."

I'm glad for you Grayton folks that Sam is conscientious. We have 2 services working the Eastern Lake area now, and both of them leave their stuff out.

I saw chairs this morning at Lakewood/Beachfront Tr (between Eastern Lake and Deer Lake) marked:
Butterfly Rentals 231-2826

Previously I've seen these:
Beach chair 4U rentals 231-4448 or 4446
267-2000 SWind Beach Service 231-2974

Maybe the previous ones are heeding the ordinance? Sorry my numbers might be wrong, the notes are rough. I had called on the beach and got recorders. They never called back. However, what do you think? Would a lot of complaints, tying up their phone lines, be educational and maybe persuasive for these squatters? After all, when they rent for more than a day, they simply are trying to make more money by doing less work.

I think seeing rental chairs left on the beach may have been one spark that it is ok to leave things over night. Kind of a "monkey see, monkey do" kind of thing. Can't you just see the scenario where someone sees rental chairs on the beach and thinks "well, I'll just leave the chairs and this one floaty". Then it is the chairs, a floaty and a tent. Then the chairs, a floaty, a tent and the sofa-sized cooler, Then.....

Sure, I can see it, but if that were the cause, we wouldn't see people do it at Grayton. I do think that seeing people in general, leaving their crap out on the beach for a week at a time, sparks ignite in people's minds. I do understand your thought, but I just point out that it isn't due to rentals in particular, but the rentals left out overnight surely add to the problems. ;-)

Sure, I can see it, but if that were the cause, we wouldn't see people do it at Grayton. I do think that seeing people in general, leaving their crap out on the beach for a week at a time, sparks ignite in people's minds. I do understand your thought, but I just point out that it isn't due to rentals in particular, but the rentals left out overnight surely add to the problems. ;-)

Ah, the complexity of problem analysis! All I can say is I was just on the phone with my sister (discussing the new Harry Potter book, among many things) and started jumping up and down saying "6 weeks to vacation! 6 weeks to vacation"!

Kind of sad actually but it's all I have to get me going to work this afternoon.....;-)