Always follow the money and what a sad tale this is. First, I do not understand why acceptable "white" sand is not available in Walton County, when we see huge snow-white sand beaches created in Hawaii and even in a number of developing nations that have resort development.
A County Commissioner with a contracting business engaged on South County beaches should not be voting at all on issues effecting those beaches. It is an obvious financial conflict of interest. City and County Attorneys do not usually advise elected officials about conflicts unless they are specifically asked by that individual for a ruling. Someone needs to bring this question up as a formal request, that is, for the County Legal Counsel to make a determination. This usually involves a determination from the State of Florida, as well. This is a request that can be made to the County Administrative Officer, but probably needs to be made in writing.
Also, asking other County Commissioners "if they have a problem with" one doing work while serving on the Commission is considered polling those elected officials outside a public forum. It is illegal, a violation of the State's Sunshine Act.
When I was growing up down there, I remember County Commissioners who actually rented construction equipment to the County or had large contracts with the County and they never missed a vote. In my summer job, I helped process their invoices. I had rather hoped things had improved with time. Who owns this pit where the brown dirt is coming from? Who is the contractor excavating and depositing the dirt? Any financial gain possible from such activities constitutes an obvious and blatant conflict of interest.
This is making me angry. I wrote my letters and cc'd to everybody on the list provided (thanks mucho). Now I am wishing that I had flown down there to attend the meeting tonight. What a sad state of affairs.
Walton County should have a requirement for a grading plan and erosion control plan when work is done on or in proximity to the dunes. This would cover the importing of sand/dirt and also cover putting in retention walls or sea walls. There is already a big debris problem when walkways wash out. I guess in future cleanups, we'll have chunks of concrete and iron rebar poles. On some South Walton beaches, the inclusion of sea walls will essentially remove the beach for any public use. The public will only get to pick up the bill when disaster strikes.
