My first experience with public/private beach issue

At least I know where* to put my towel and chair this Summer!

*South of and between his signs.

 

OM, was it at the Ft Panic access, the one with the big parking lot?

 

Yes. We usually don't go there but the girls wanted to yesterday. We're usually off Bishop.

 

which direction were the priv property signs, east or west of that access?

 

The problem is that with all things the bad of a few affects everyone.

Organicmama was doing a good thing and being respectful of the beach and not bothering anyone, as stated, enhancing the beauty of the area with picking up litter and having children playing.

However just as you have her being respectful you have others that are not. They litter, they come to to the beach front property and throw up, urinate or worse and get into homeowners pools. I have seen this behavior in person at friends who have homes affected.

I am sure this behavior is not exhibited by anyone that will read this; but it happens and then innocents such as OM and her children suffer for it.

It is sad and have no idea what the answer is.

 

East of it.

We have always instinctively gone west when we have used that access. Yesterday, we were in front of it because absolutely no one was there AND it was chilly, so we never made it to the water.

 

Your are totally right. I agree wholeheartedly. It irritates me to no end seeing people trash the beach or private property. I also think, "Didn't their parents raise them better than that???"

My thought about the beaches & ownership is that I would assume, if I bought property on the beach, I would naturally be sharing it with those who come to the beach. Then, instead of privatizing it, I would seek to inform people about respecting the beauty of the beach, instead of littering, etc. Putting up a sign to say "Keep off" or "Private Property" on the beach wouldn't cross my mind. A driveway, pool or a yard is a totally different matter.

 

Totally agree, such a shame that others do not know proper behavior.

 

That is very interesting. I may have to take a look-see. Those lots to the immediate east do not appear to be platted to the Mean High Water Mark.

 

You are right on! That's part of the reason I'd never buy on the beach, as it irks me that people haven't evolved enough to know they need to clean up after themselves and behave in an at least halfway decent manner. I guess they think they can't have funn without making a mess!;-)

Which is what Mango was saying earlier. I went & looked at the signs today because I didn't want to accuse someone of something without knowing what I was talking about.

 

Would you like a copy of the plat to take with you next time?

 

Now that would be interesting. When the deputy arrives pull out your official plat and survey and ask him if the complaintant has theirs. I imagine that would result in nothing happening.

 

Might even get the supposed owner in trouble for marking property which isn't his, with private property/no trespassing signs.

 

Do you have it?

 

It is a crime to file a false complaint. Ask the deputy to take your sworn statement while he is there and the State Attorney can get the guy later.

 

I am so non-confrontational about stuff like that. I don't think I'd have the guts to even get into it with the guy. From what I can tell from watching him & then what the LG said today, he's looking to get into it with someone.

 

Plat Book 2, Page 44. The Public Access at Fort Panic is adjacent and to the west of Lot 7, Block 1, Dune Allen S/D, shown on plat. This plat shows that the lots 1-7 have definitive points stopping short of the MHWM.

This is a totally different issue than the public having rights to be on the beaches.

 

I wouldn't waste my time with the guy, but have that plat with you when/if the Sheriff's Deputy arrives. Your only conversation should be with that officer, not the man with the signs.

You might also print up my signature line from the Florida State Supreme Court.

 

Honestly, I rarely go over there. A personal battle of wills with him is a waste of my time. I just think it's sad that our beaches are coming to this. My point in posting the incident in the first place is not to even pick him out of the crowd, so to speak, but rather deal with the larger issue at hand of this happening all over the place right now in SoWal.

I just got off the phone with a good friend that lives on the other side of Panama City. She's 68 & lived in PC for at least 30-35 years, so she's seen a lot. I told her about the issues going on, but also the grayt things about why we live here. She said that she's seen a lot over the years in PC & PCB & it's gone to hail. Do we want that here with the growth expected to happen in the coming years?

Again, I am simply stating that we are at a turning point for our stretch of beach and community. We can either choose to monitor & maintain things a lot better than we have been doing in a sustainable manner or just let whatever the heck happen & then in 5-7 years, we won't recognize the place anymore.

 

OM, PM me the location. If it's there Sunday night I'll go get it. That's just me helping out the TDC on the remove it or lose it issue.