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
Beach Fanatic
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."
You're right about private homes being confusing. This falls under the whole private vs public beach debacle. Home owners and renters feel they should be able to leave what they want out at night but the county makes the rules. This is part of the problem. If people see stuff left out, unaware it's private property, then they understandably feel they can leave theirs out as well. Be it at a public access or another's property. Guests don't understand the invisible property lines. They see the water, tents left out overnight and figure, "me too!"
I believe we're on the same side on this issue. I'm just pointing out the reality of the situation not excusing it.
Most of the beach goers who leave stuff out aren't locals and that is key.
And you know, Turtle Watch has lots and lots of informational pamphlets that I'm sure they'd love for you to hand out to the tourists each and every Sunday morning as they hit the beaches. How much was the grant they were just awarded? $60,000 was it? Wonder where that is going?
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Beach Fanatic
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.
Well, I haven't seen any in the past 2 years here. Like you said, not that it matters, but those are my personal observations. And for what it's worth, I'm talking about a few hundred yards of beach at the most.
Maybe the TDC needs a mascot to help kick things off.
SoWal Expert
Well, I haven't seen any in the past 2 years here. Like you said, not that it matters, but those are my personal observations. And for what it's worth, I'm talking about a few hundred yards of beach at the most.
Maybe the TDC needs a mascot to help kick things off.
The return of the Ninjas!!
Meow
Some of this sounds like..."do as I say, not as I do." Just because some people do it, doesn't make it right.
I applaud this latest campaign, but will not hold my breath it can be enforced.
I applaud this latest campaign, but will not hold my breath it can be enforced.
SoWal Expert
I am optimistically thinking that it at least shows they are aware of the problem and taking steps to correct it.
Doubt they can get 100% enforcement because of tourist turnover, but every bit helps!
Doubt they can get 100% enforcement because of tourist turnover, but every bit helps!
SoWal Expert
Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!
Beach Fanatic
If someone passes out on the beach...will they be tagged too? Dar...I mean a friend of mine wanted me to ask.
Meow
Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!
The question is...will they read it? I was standing right next to the flag and flag warning sign at WC one morning and a couple struck up a conversation with me. I pointed out the flag and the sign, which if it had been a snake it would have bitten them, and they say..."Oh, we wondered what that was about"
I am sorry to admit I am getting quite cynical in my advanced age. 
SoWal Expert
No, they just wake you up, tell you there's no sleeping on the beach, and check you don't have your liquor in glass! 
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
If someone passes out on the beach...will they be tagged too? Dar...I mean a friend of mine wanted me to ask.
:boxing:
SoWal Expert
The question is...will they read it? I was standing right next to the flag and flag warning sign at WC one morning and a couple struck up a conversation with me. I pointed out the flag and the sign, which if it had been a snake it would have bitten them, and they say..."Oh, we wondered what that was about"
Based on my observations of tourists and the flag signs, (posted at every public access, on refrigerator magnets in their condos, on TV commercials, printed in every issue of the SUN, and even on the back of a free t-shirt a local realtor was handing out), I don't think a sign would have the impact that a tag from the sheriff and the subsequent disappearance of their stuff would have!
I seriously believe some of them would be oblivious to armageddon unless it interfered with their view of the sunset!
Question - what happens if they just remove the tag and leave the stuff? Can they then not remove it because it hasn't been out long enough/they weren't warned?
Edited
beats on hood
Except for the fact, Mommiebunnie, that even though I think Summer's Edge is a great place to rent, it is not beachfront. It's what we'd call "beach close." Did you not know that?MommieBunnie
You'll have a grayt time! No worries.
Based on my observations of tourists and the flag signs, (posted at every public access, on refrigerator magnets in their condos, on TV commercials, printed in every issue of the SUN, and even on the back of a free t-shirt a local realtor was handing out), I don't think a sign would have the impact that a tag from the sheriff and the subsequent disappearance of their stuff would have!Exactly. I have signs posted all over my home, and renters ignore them. The one that irks me the most is when I arrive just after renters have left and find that both the pool and the hot tub have been left on at 103 degrees 24/7, even though I have a sign that says, "Please turn off the pool heat when not in use." How un-green is that? So we no longer provide heat for our pool and "hot" tub to renters. It's locked up and disabled.
Edited
SoWal Expert
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.
Seems like so many people hit one of the three Publix grocery stores on their first day of arrival, if not the day after. I wonder Publix would be willing to help promote beach awareness? I wonder if the TDC has even approached Publix regarding the matter.
SoWal Expert
Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!
Like the big signs with big letters posted at the driving entrances to Grayton Beach, which state that no vehicles without permits on the beaches? Somewhere I have a photo of a Cadillac stuck in the sand, with the sign in the foreground. People don't read signs until they cannot figure it out on their own -- much like instruction books.
Beach Fanatic
Man, I can't wait to come down again. I have been needing new beach chairs...
beats on hood
Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!You know how heavy-duty my stair rails are, right. Well, once we arrived and someone had broken one of them. My guess is that the kids were using them as an amusement park ride, sliding down from the third floor to the first. I put big signs on the stair rails saying, "Please do not climb on stair rails to avoid injury and loss of damage deposit." When we arrived last week, someone had removed the signs!
I replaced the signs before we left on Sunday. Not that anyone will read them.I have also done something which I guess is kind of creepy. We provide a computer and wireless Internet for our guests. I have it set up so that when they turn on the computer, it goes to a website that I've created with welcome messages for our guests, as well as informational content. I can change the content and have programmed the website so that the content is refreshed periodically.
Still signs, etc., probably won't do any good, but every little bit helps, maybe?
Edited
Skunky
What are the rules on the lights and light pollution? I now live right next to the community that claims being green is a priority, but they have a big huge bright light on all night that makes it impossible to see half the stars I'd like to enjoy. Aren't the lights supposed to be directed downward?
Beach Fanatic
Seems like so many people hit one of the three Publix grocery stores on their first day of arrival, if not the day after. I wonder Publix would be willing to help promote beach awareness? I wonder if the TDC has even approached Publix regarding the matter.
That's a really good idea.
Especially in the areas of Publix where they sell beach gear. I would think this would be an opportunity for Turtle Watch, their volunteers and their pamphlets to cut loose. EVERY Saturday afternoon. Table of info, balloons, turtle costume, the works. Be a good use of some of that grant money.
Beach Fanatic
Most people go through a realtor to get their keys. Perhaps the realtors should hand a booklet to the guests telling them about the turtles and beach belongings and ask people to sign that they received the booklet. They can also be informed then that their belongings could be removed at night and explain why.
BUT...what amazes me as an outsider is that you who are locals don't seem to see anything wrong with vehicles on the beach. I would rather be on the beach with tents and umbrellas - which can be seen through - than big SUVs or trucks.
I realize you think the beaches belong to you or, a better spin, that you are caretakers of them, but cars....that has almost kept me away from Grayton.
Locals vs. visiters. Visitors can stay on the beach all day - for nearly a week. We will go up to the condo for lunch and breakdown before dinner. Most locals probably have to work and can't be on the beach that long. And since you are close by, and can have glimpses of it all the time, you probably don't stay there for long stretches at a time.
We understand about the turtles and leaving things overnight. We haven't been to Grayton in 2 years so I don't know how bad it has become.
Wait til you go somewhere like Myrtle Beach which has about 2 feet of space between each beach goer.
BUT...what amazes me as an outsider is that you who are locals don't seem to see anything wrong with vehicles on the beach. I would rather be on the beach with tents and umbrellas - which can be seen through - than big SUVs or trucks.
I realize you think the beaches belong to you or, a better spin, that you are caretakers of them, but cars....that has almost kept me away from Grayton.
Locals vs. visiters. Visitors can stay on the beach all day - for nearly a week. We will go up to the condo for lunch and breakdown before dinner. Most locals probably have to work and can't be on the beach that long. And since you are close by, and can have glimpses of it all the time, you probably don't stay there for long stretches at a time.
We understand about the turtles and leaving things overnight. We haven't been to Grayton in 2 years so I don't know how bad it has become.
Wait til you go somewhere like Myrtle Beach which has about 2 feet of space between each beach goer.
SoWal Expert
UofL, autos on the beach are getting to be many in the season, and yes, they can be an eyesore, and an ear sore as many like to show others how loud their stereos can play. However, they are not left on the beach for a week at a time. In fact, they are not even left overnight. One other point is that the ones with legal permits, are actually legally allowed to do so. We have so many problems with unenforced existing laws, that I choose to focus on the existing laws. It is as simple as that.
When autos on the beach discussion comes up, on major issue that the County will have to face is the lack of public parking in Grayton Beach. There is a little strip on both sides of Hotz Ave, in front of the Red Bar and along the side of the Red Bar, as well as along the street running into the eastern entrance of the beach, but I believe that is it, and people going to and working at the RedBar fill those quickly. Parking will be a major concern and challenge at many locations, but at Grayton, it, and fishing charter Captains, will be two HUGE obstacles to work through. There is this other rumor that in the lease agreement from the State to the County (Grayton Beach is actually State owned land), it states that as long as the County has the lease, vehicles will be permitted on the beach, within the particular boundaries of the leased properties.
Almost forgot to mention that I've never seen an abandoned vehicle on the beach. Even the ones that get stuck, have owners who seek help in removing them from the beach, unlike the tent owners who allow their tents to be abandoned and buried in the sand. I've never seen an auto blow away into the Gulf or into the Lake, to never be recovered, but I have seen that with umbrellas and I've seen chairs getting washed out into the Gulf. In fact I have pulled several out of the Gulf.
When autos on the beach discussion comes up, on major issue that the County will have to face is the lack of public parking in Grayton Beach. There is a little strip on both sides of Hotz Ave, in front of the Red Bar and along the side of the Red Bar, as well as along the street running into the eastern entrance of the beach, but I believe that is it, and people going to and working at the RedBar fill those quickly. Parking will be a major concern and challenge at many locations, but at Grayton, it, and fishing charter Captains, will be two HUGE obstacles to work through. There is this other rumor that in the lease agreement from the State to the County (Grayton Beach is actually State owned land), it states that as long as the County has the lease, vehicles will be permitted on the beach, within the particular boundaries of the leased properties.
Almost forgot to mention that I've never seen an abandoned vehicle on the beach. Even the ones that get stuck, have owners who seek help in removing them from the beach, unlike the tent owners who allow their tents to be abandoned and buried in the sand. I've never seen an auto blow away into the Gulf or into the Lake, to never be recovered, but I have seen that with umbrellas and I've seen chairs getting washed out into the Gulf. In fact I have pulled several out of the Gulf.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
How bout all homeowners who rent their property post a huge sign on their refrigerators that "ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACH OVERNIGHT WILL BE REMOVED AND CONFISCATED." Gee that seems easy!
Beach Comber
Thanks to all of you for your kind words about my beach concerns. I just turn out to be the trip planner so I was just feeling a little insecure about my decision. YOu are restored my confidence that we have made an excellent choice! In general we really like to keep it simple and we DO care very much about the sea turtles and don't want to be thoughtless tourists! For you who do own rentals in the area(thanks!) I wonder if it is worthwhile to create an informational sheet addressing the concerns and then ask the realtors to include a little info about the sea turtles and what problems are created for them by leaving tents, chairs and junk out overnight. I think most of the people are just not thinking - or clueless and most of those folks don't read message boards! Just a thought. Thanks to all of you who do care for the area and the things which make it very special to those of us who are fortunate enough to come there to visit and bring our dear children and grandchildren to enjoy the sea and sand and hospitality which we have always felt there.
needs to get out more
from this morning. took a walk down at Grayton Beach and then headed to the 83 access.
still there, seems like there's more stuff...
at 83. saw a turtle sign there, didn't see one a Grayton. (the following images have been color enhanced since it was still a little dark, and a therefore a little blurry)
pretty busy with stuff to the west.
i don't think this stuff was put out for today before i got there
good news, the capo's lot is now public parking
still there, seems like there's more stuff...
at 83. saw a turtle sign there, didn't see one a Grayton. (the following images have been color enhanced since it was still a little dark, and a therefore a little blurry)
pretty busy with stuff to the west.
i don't think this stuff was put out for today before i got there
good news, the capo's lot is now public parking
SoWal Expert
I would love to go park my car practically on top of that mess at Grayton. I bet when they pack up that crap tonight, they leave lots of trash in the area. I better take lots of garbage bags- looks like a big pickup day at the beach.
I am curious. I notice people leave HUGE coolers at the beach. Does the beer and ice fairy come in the middle of the night and refill, or is there some sort of beer and ice delivery that we don't know about?
I am curious. I notice people leave HUGE coolers at the beach. Does the beer and ice fairy come in the middle of the night and refill, or is there some sort of beer and ice delivery that we don't know about?
Edited
Meow
:angry: ...John R, is that a warning tag on those chairs? I saw crappo like this every morning on the BMB webcam and I finally decided to quit looking for my health's sake. Like I guessed, there are signs, but they are not read.
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