My first experience with public/private beach issue

My point exactly.

 

Last week two "Private Property" signs were erected on the beach bordering the TDC beach access most of us in Cassine use. These signs are on each side of the designated private area. They are located adjacent to the TDC beach access next to One Seagrove Place. First Sugar Cliffs managed to seize the much-used former public beach access and privatize it for their own use....most Cassine owners now use the access next to One Seagrove. Not surprisingly, now they're staking their claim to the beach.


In addition to the obvious frustration Cassine owners are experiencing, some of the other concerns are:


1. These six feet high signs are large, unsightly, and a blight to the scenic beach area.


2. The signs are located in the middle the beach which could interfere with turtle nesting and could pose a hazard to people walking the beach at night.


3. This beach location has customarily been used extensively by the public for many decades prior to the construction of dwellings at this site.

Cassine HOA is suggesting owners call at least one Commissioner.

This is so sad.

 

Which Dune Allen access is this at? Is it the one adjacent (East) to Old Florida Cottages? Trying to get my bearings.


.

 

It is the one with the big parking lot, last one on west end of 30A.

 

No, the last access to the west on 30A. (Not counting Topsail). It is the one, with a parking lot, between Topsail and Ed Wallin Park.

 

Well, Rita should know where it is now, anyway. Sorry SJ, I didn't mean to cross post.

 

Across 30-A from Allen Loop?

.

 

no, that one doesn't have parking for cars, according to the sign posted, in front of the gravel (golf cart parking lot). The big paved one has restrooms and is a little farther west, just before 30A begins to turn north.

 

I used to call it the Fort Panic access before TDC made their map:
http://www.protectwaltoncountybeaches.com/BSWAccessMap062007.pdf

There are three more public accesses going west before Topsail. None with parking, showers, restrooms, etc.

 

Ok. I just couldn't remember any with large parking lots.

If this keeps up the beach is going to look like a giant parking lot of Private Property signs. How very unfortunate . :angry:


.

 

justalocal, thanks for the map. That has for a long time been known as the Fort Panic Access, but I guess that name doesn't sit well for tourists. There are more accesses to the west as you note, but they are not on 30A. Ft Panic (Dune Allen) is the last one directly located on 30A

 

You're right.

 

:nono1: Shhh! Don't tell anyone about the other ones! They are quiet & very peaceful, without too many signs.

 

Don't worry, once people hear that there is no parking at them, they quickly drive elsewhere.

 

That's a good thing!A jogging stroller & bikes still have parking at them.

 

Psst, don't tell them about Dune Allen either!

 

I think most locals will not ever really have a problem finding a way to the beach. I'm most concerned about our visitors. I want to share the beauty and enjoyment of this area. I love to see people from other places discover our piece of paradise. Not just the beach and Gulf but the Bay, creeks, rivers, parks, and multiuse paths too. It warms my heart to know people come here on vacation and make memories that last a lifetime. I love to travel and find my favorite places are those where the locals are glad I'm there and anxious to share the best their locations have to offer.

 

I know. I end up telling everyone where I think the coolest locations are. I can't not tell them. It's why I love living here.

 

The BCC has solved the problem. From the new animal control ordinance,


(p) ?Public Beach? shall be defined as:

1) The land from the mean high tide line to the Gulf of Mexico;
2) The sandy area next to the mean high tide on which the public has had customary use.


Finally someone has stated the obvious.

 

lol. Funny how they worded #2. Now people apparently have to prove customary use, as people erect no trespassing signs on property which has been customarily used by the public.