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
658
SoWal Expert
A tax or fee is not the way to limit the ever increasing numbers of people. Lobbying your county commissioners to stop approving dense projects - some more than the highest allowed density anywhere in the county - is!Very well said.
A fee or tag on Joe Renter is spitting on a forest fire compared to things like the recently approved beach club megacomplex replacing the seagrove villas.
On the subject of items left on the beach overnight, here is a photo of the tracks of a LoggerHead Turtle which came onto the beach to lay her eggs, and apparently ran into the chair and umbrella:
(photo from SW Turtle Watch)
From Turtle Watch's website: "This loggerhead female had to go between chairs and hit an umbrella just to nest way to low and also in the Lake outfall, so this nest was moved. It
had 85 eggs and the poor sea turtle was confused by the chairs and then the glow from the west. She traveled over 300 feet westward going almost to the water twice and then going back up and finally to the water. Poor turtle. To many things on our beaches as you know and also to much bad lights."
SoWal Expert
Items are not allowed on the beach at night - no exceptions.
Every home visible from the water is supposed to go through the DEP to get its light fixtures and lamp wattage approved.
WHY CAN'T WE ENFORCE ANY OF THIS?
I would think the $$ from fines would offset any additional staffing costs.
Every home visible from the water is supposed to go through the DEP to get its light fixtures and lamp wattage approved.
WHY CAN'T WE ENFORCE ANY OF THIS?
I would think the $$ from fines would offset any additional staffing costs.
Beach Fanatic
May i add, those chairs and umbrella are NOT rentals. I can tell from the PVC pole and table attached to the umbrella. No company I know uses these and no self-respecting chair dude would use a PVC pipe to dig a hole in the sand. 
Edited
Beach Lover
Hey, if you find a couch or lamp, I need that! My daughter just moved into her own apartment. Anything will be greatly appreciated!
SoWal Expert
TNJed, a good friend of mine owns a chair rental business in SoWal, so I now how frustrating it is for you guys in the biz. These turtle tracks could have just as likely led to a mini-walmart-camp or a set of rentals. My good friend in the biz says that he sets up no more than three sets of chairs at any one location, but looking at this photo, it appears that there need not be a wall of chairs to interfere with the turtles. One set of chairs is all it takes. These massive creatures don't have good mobility on dry land. They cannot easily back up when they run into a chair, or get hung up on a casting net, left on the beach by some kids and, or parents. I would also guess the sea turtles' vision would be slightly off when on dry land since they spend their life in the water, except when they come ashore to lay eggs. Think about your own vision when opening your eyes in salt water at night.
needs to get out more
A tax or fee is not the way to limit the ever increasing numbers of people. Lobbying your county commissioners to stop approving dense projects - some more than the highest allowed density anywhere in the county - is!
Ha Ha Ha:funn: scooterbug, you're so right, but look who we're dealing with here. they may talk a good game, but their track record speaks volumes, sadly.
Beach Comber
So what's up? Is it going to be a junk heap up at the beach at Summer's Edge and we will we be sorry that this is where we have chosen to stay this coming week? I was pretty disheartened to read all this! i know SOWal covers a lot of sand so maybe this isn't where the problem is but you can see how a first time renter might be a little concerned. We usually rent in Seaside - last year we were at Watersound but had heard so many things about the houses at SUmmer's edge and wanted to be right on the beach so we chose a place there. We had hoped to come find a beach chair rental co and have them put up 6 chairs and 3 umbrellas daily...then we had hoped to use them, go up to the house and cool off or have lunch, nap, snack etc and discover that the umbrellas are still there at least a decent portion of the day. Will one of us need to stand guard all day over the cooler or any other possession we might leave there or drag them back to the house everytime we go in??? Please tell me I am worrying needlessly....Thanks..
needs to get out more
you're worrying needlessly. your rental stuff will not be interfered with.
SoWal Expert
Mommiebunnie, I doubt you will have any problem leaving your chairs and umbrellas on the beach during the daytime. Please be aware that storms blow in quickly around here, so if you leave the beach for lunch, or a long stroll, secure your items so the floats, umbrellas, toys, etc aren't blowing into around, and make sure that your chairs won't be swept out to sea.
Skunky
So what's up? Is it going to be a junk heap up at the beach at Summer's Edge and we will we be sorry that this is where we have chosen to stay this coming week? I was pretty disheartened to read all this! i know SOWal covers a lot of sand so maybe this isn't where the problem is but you can see how a first time renter might be a little concerned. We usually rent in Seaside - last year we were at Watersound but had heard so many things about the houses at SUmmer's edge and wanted to be right on the beach so we chose a place there. We had hoped to come find a beach chair rental co and have them put up 6 chairs and 3 umbrellas daily...then we had hoped to use them, go up to the house and cool off or have lunch, nap, snack etc and discover that the umbrellas are still there at least a decent portion of the day. Will one of us need to stand guard all day over the cooler or any other possession we might leave there or drag them back to the house everytime we go in??? Please tell me I am worrying needlessly....Thanks..
You are worrying needlessly. Nobody cares about your stuff being on the beach during the day, as long as it is occupied more than vacant, and it does not resemble the camp of the Israelites during the Exodus. I think people care about daytime sprawl and abandoned junk at night, and that is it. Have fun in SOWAL!
Beach Fanatic
You are right scooterbug. Politicians are ultimately the place where bad decisions are made. It is all about votes and $ to them. While our system is not perfect, it appears to be the best thing going on this globe.
What frustrates all of us is the very difficult time we have with doing the "right thing" for all concerned. What is the "right thing" and who are the "all concerned"?
If I had a good answer, I would probably state it.
What frustrates all of us is the very difficult time we have with doing the "right thing" for all concerned. What is the "right thing" and who are the "all concerned"?
If I had a good answer, I would probably state it.
Beach Fanatic
Every home visible from the water is supposed to go through the DEP to get its light fixtures and lamp wattage approved.This only applies to new construction and substantial rebuilds. As to the rest, there is no lighting ordinance in Walton County. An ordinance has come before the commissioners several times but failed to pass.
Beach Fanatic
MommieBunnie 
You'll have a grayt time! No worries. Keep up the good work, Skunky
....big winds and waves do happen at night ;-)Beach Fanatic
So what's up? Is it going to be a junk heap up at the beach at Summer's Edge and we will we be sorry that this is where we have chosen to stay this coming week? I was pretty disheartened to read all this! i know SOWal covers a lot of sand so maybe this isn't where the problem is but you can see how a first time renter might be a little concerned. We usually rent in Seaside - last year we were at Watersound but had heard so many things about the houses at SUmmer's edge and wanted to be right on the beach so we chose a place there. We had hoped to come find a beach chair rental co and have them put up 6 chairs and 3 umbrellas daily...then we had hoped to use them, go up to the house and cool off or have lunch, nap, snack etc and discover that the umbrellas are still there at least a decent portion of the day. Will one of us need to stand guard all day over the cooler or any other possession we might leave there or drag them back to the house everytime we go in??? Please tell me I am worrying needlessly....Thanks..
No worries about Summer's Edge. I live and work on that beach and I can say it's a good trouble free area. As it stands right now, items are still left overnight here. And ordinance enforcement or not, leaving your items unoccupied during the day is not a problem.
I'll be more than happy to help you with your 3x6 set up when you arrive!
850-200-3595
The Beach Chair Company
Beach Fanatic
TNJed, a good friend of mine owns a chair rental business in SoWal, so I now how frustrating it is for you guys in the biz. These turtle tracks could have just as likely led to a mini-walmart-camp or a set of rentals. My good friend in the biz says that he sets up no more than three sets of chairs at any one location, but looking at this photo, it appears that there need not be a wall of chairs to interfere with the turtles. One set of chairs is all it takes. These massive creatures don't have good mobility on dry land. They cannot easily back up when they run into a chair, or get hung up on a casting net, left on the beach by some kids and, or parents. I would also guess the sea turtles' vision would be slightly off when on dry land since they spend their life in the water, except when they come ashore to lay eggs. Think about your own vision when opening your eyes in salt water at night.
Oh I hear ya, just making an observation because that set up does look like professional rental gear and TW gives us a hard time when we're actually outnumbered in terms of general stuff left out.
I think clearing items will be a good thing for everyone IF done right. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
Does Summer's Edge not care about the turtles 
Are they just too lazy to carry it in? Or are they just more 'special' than everyone else? :scratch: :scratch: :scratch:
Are they just too lazy to carry it in? Or are they just more 'special' than everyone else? :scratch: :scratch: :scratch:
SoWal Expert
Can't just single out Summer's Edge, there are FAR too many violators who know the rules!
Simple rule - get your stuff off the beach at sunset!
I am constantly amazed at how people can't comprehend or follow basic rules!
All of my guests (friends & family, not renters) know there's no glass on the beach and managed to understand the flag system. Not littering or leaving stuff on the beach was an unnecessary thing to tell them as they actually care about the environment. There are friends of mine who know the flag system because I showed them a jpeg of the sign to demonstrate its simplicity and they have never even been to Florida!
Simple rule - get your stuff off the beach at sunset!
I am constantly amazed at how people can't comprehend or follow basic rules!
All of my guests (friends & family, not renters) know there's no glass on the beach and managed to understand the flag system. Not littering or leaving stuff on the beach was an unnecessary thing to tell them as they actually care about the environment. There are friends of mine who know the flag system because I showed them a jpeg of the sign to demonstrate its simplicity and they have never even been to Florida!
Beach Fanatic
Well, what are the names of the other 'special' communities that openly admit leaving their stuff out at night?
Maybe if they got called out by name they would suddenly remember about the endangered sea turtles. Funny in a :sick: kinda way what motivates folks.
Maybe if they got called out by name they would suddenly remember about the endangered sea turtles. Funny in a :sick: kinda way what motivates folks.
SoWal Expert
I don't know, but could try a little shaming to get folks to comply!
Beach Fanatic
This has absolutely nothing to do with Summer's Edge or any other single beach community in itself. It has to do with not properly educating the visitors, who change every Saturday as a whole, and not enforcing the current ordinances.
We're talking about mass awareness or lack thereof. Too simplistic to just write it off as feeling special or lazy. As with other infrastructure issues suffering due to quick growth, beach education and enforcement is at the top of the list. As I said before, until the county properly enforces the rules of the beach by keeping them cleared, we, the county licensed vendors, cannot properly service the tourists who choose to use our service and remain in compliance everywhere.
On a side note, there really aren't dunes at the Summer's Edge beach. Boardwalks, fences and buildings themselves front 99% of the "vegetation line", so I can't see where a turtle would lay eggs here even if the beach was cleared. And for that matter, I can't recall, if ever, turtle tracks or nest have been spotted in this area west of Eastern Lake.
You have to remember, educating our visitors should be a weekly if not daily exercise. The changeover is constant and there is no quick fix. The TDC needs to step up, get in the trenches so to speak and do a lot of hard work now which will pay dividends in the future.
We're talking about mass awareness or lack thereof. Too simplistic to just write it off as feeling special or lazy. As with other infrastructure issues suffering due to quick growth, beach education and enforcement is at the top of the list. As I said before, until the county properly enforces the rules of the beach by keeping them cleared, we, the county licensed vendors, cannot properly service the tourists who choose to use our service and remain in compliance everywhere.
On a side note, there really aren't dunes at the Summer's Edge beach. Boardwalks, fences and buildings themselves front 99% of the "vegetation line", so I can't see where a turtle would lay eggs here even if the beach was cleared. And for that matter, I can't recall, if ever, turtle tracks or nest have been spotted in this area west of Eastern Lake.
You have to remember, educating our visitors should be a weekly if not daily exercise. The changeover is constant and there is no quick fix. The TDC needs to step up, get in the trenches so to speak and do a lot of hard work now which will pay dividends in the future.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
WALTON COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) ANNOUNCES "REMOVE IT OR
LOSE IT" CAMPAIGN
WALTON COUNTY, Fla.-July 17, 2007 - The Beaches of South Walton Tourist
Development Council (TDC) is announcing the "Remove it or Lose it"
campaign to help the Sheriffs Department and Code Enforcement enforce
the Walton County Ordinance 2003-07g. The "Remove it or Lose it"
campaign will assist in educating the public on the ordinance to ensure
a smooth transition for beachgoers. Enforcement of the ordinance will
go into effect on July 23, 2007.
Walton County ordinance 2003-07G states: 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.
"Due to the sheer volume of beachgoers leaving personal items on
the beach, the county was forced to address this public safety and
environmental concern," explained Kriss Titus, executive director of the
TDC. "As the organization charged with marketing the destination and
maintaining the county's 26-miles of beaches, it was natural for the TDC
to spearhead the 'Remove It or Lose It' campaign and for our beach crews
to remove abandoned items."
The enforcement of the new ordinance will protect the public and
nesting sea turtles. Personal articles left on the beach overnight
during sea turtle nesting season have resulted in significant numbers of
abandoned nesting attempts. In addition, personal belongings left on the
beach are hindering beach maintenance crews from adequately cleaning the
beach and interfering with emergency vehicle access. There have also
been reports of injuries to beachgoers who encounter these items while
walking the beach after dark.
The intent of the ordinance is not to remove personal belongings
under private boardwalks, but rather to ensure all items are removed
from the middle of the beach. The ordinance 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. Any
personal items left near county walkovers or adjacent to any of the 400
trash receptacles maintained by the Beaches of South Walton Tourist
Development Council (TDC) will be removed without being tagged.
The Walton County Sheriffs Department, TDC beach maintenance
staff, Code Enforcement, and the Walton County beach activities
coordinator will all aid in the implementation of "Remove it or Lose
it." The Walton County Sheriffs Department will tag items on the beach
giving owners and beach vendors 24 hours to remove the items from the
beach. The tag will have a date, time, and description of the item
observed on the beach. Items left near county walkovers and TDC
maintained beach receptacles will be removed without being tagged. The
TDC beach maintenance staff will remove all items that have remained
past the 24-hour notice. 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. However, articles that
are stored adjacent to or underneath personal walkovers will not be
removed. For more information, contact Code Enforcement at (850)
622-0000.
###
Tracy Louthain, APR
Director of Public Relations & Visitor Services
Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council
P.O. Box 1248
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 USA
Phone: 850-267-1216 ext. 122
LOSE IT" CAMPAIGN
WALTON COUNTY, Fla.-July 17, 2007 - The Beaches of South Walton Tourist
Development Council (TDC) is announcing the "Remove it or Lose it"
campaign to help the Sheriffs Department and Code Enforcement enforce
the Walton County Ordinance 2003-07g. The "Remove it or Lose it"
campaign will assist in educating the public on the ordinance to ensure
a smooth transition for beachgoers. Enforcement of the ordinance will
go into effect on July 23, 2007.
Walton County ordinance 2003-07G states: 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.
"Due to the sheer volume of beachgoers leaving personal items on
the beach, the county was forced to address this public safety and
environmental concern," explained Kriss Titus, executive director of the
TDC. "As the organization charged with marketing the destination and
maintaining the county's 26-miles of beaches, it was natural for the TDC
to spearhead the 'Remove It or Lose It' campaign and for our beach crews
to remove abandoned items."
The enforcement of the new ordinance will protect the public and
nesting sea turtles. Personal articles left on the beach overnight
during sea turtle nesting season have resulted in significant numbers of
abandoned nesting attempts. In addition, personal belongings left on the
beach are hindering beach maintenance crews from adequately cleaning the
beach and interfering with emergency vehicle access. There have also
been reports of injuries to beachgoers who encounter these items while
walking the beach after dark.
The intent of the ordinance is not to remove personal belongings
under private boardwalks, but rather to ensure all items are removed
from the middle of the beach. The ordinance 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. Any
personal items left near county walkovers or adjacent to any of the 400
trash receptacles maintained by the Beaches of South Walton Tourist
Development Council (TDC) will be removed without being tagged.
The Walton County Sheriffs Department, TDC beach maintenance
staff, Code Enforcement, and the Walton County beach activities
coordinator will all aid in the implementation of "Remove it or Lose
it." The Walton County Sheriffs Department will tag items on the beach
giving owners and beach vendors 24 hours to remove the items from the
beach. The tag will have a date, time, and description of the item
observed on the beach. Items left near county walkovers and TDC
maintained beach receptacles will be removed without being tagged. The
TDC beach maintenance staff will remove all items that have remained
past the 24-hour notice. 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. However, articles that
are stored adjacent to or underneath personal walkovers will not be
removed. For more information, contact Code Enforcement at (850)
622-0000.
###
Tracy Louthain, APR
Director of Public Relations & Visitor Services
Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council
P.O. Box 1248
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 USA
Phone: 850-267-1216 ext. 122
Beach Fanatic
Junk left on the beach overnight is junk left on the beach overnight, isn't it? Whatever happened to TEACHING BY EXAMPLE?
Shouldn't these locals be setting a good example to visitors? Goodness sakes, they most likely would be inclined to say,"Why not just leave our stuff overnight the locals do it? See over there in front of Summer's Edge? Must not hurt anything? Let's go. It'll be fine." What about the turtles??? Did you see the stats listed in the Leatherhead Turtle thread yet? Check it out. They are endangered. 
Thanks NotDeadYet! Funny private property owners can still endanger nesting under their walkovers IF they so choose but this is exciting news none the less. Early morning walks on the beach should be much less unobstructed too!
Whatever happened to TEACHING BY EXAMPLE? Shouldn't these locals be setting a good example to visitors? Goodness sakes, they most likely would be inclined to say,"Why not just leave our stuff overnight the locals do it? See over there in front of Summer's Edge? Must not hurt anything? Let's go. It'll be fine." What about the turtles??? Did you see the stats listed in the Leatherhead Turtle thread yet?
Check it out. They are endangered. Thanks NotDeadYet! Funny private property owners can still endanger nesting under their walkovers IF they so choose but this is exciting news none the less. Early morning walks on the beach should be much less unobstructed too!
Edited
Beach Lover
We had this problem staying in Blue Mountain this year also. People staked out their "campsites" and left them out. Some got VERY mad when their stuff got moved the night of the 4th. I was appalled to see the situation in front of the Adagio just down the beach. It looked like a tent city - like "Hooverville" in NYC's Central Park during the depression.
I would NEVER rent there for that very reason. So, is the bottom line that we can move people's stuff every evening or what? I hate being rude, but rules are rules.
I would NEVER rent there for that very reason. So, is the bottom line that we can move people's stuff every evening or what? I hate being rude, but rules are rules.
Beach Fanatic
On a side note, there really aren't dunes at the Summer's Edge beach. Boardwalks, fences and buildings themselves front 99% of the "vegetation line", so I can't see where a turtle would lay eggs here even if the beach was cleared. And for that matter, I can't recall, if ever, turtle tracks or nest have been spotted in this area west of Eastern Lake.If you check with the turtle watch people, you will be told there have been quite a few nests in that very area you are speaking of. Dunes or dunes has nothing to do with it - the turtle does not know what is there when she comes up on the beach, they have poor eyesight on land. Unless disturbed, she will generally come as far up the beach as she can, whether she finds a dune or not, and lay eggs there.
SoWal Expert
WALTON COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) ANNOUNCES "REMOVE IT OR
LOSE IT" CAMPAIGN
Great! Hope it puts a big dent in the problem or solves it!
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