I wonder if anyone has been posting here about the proposed Inlet Beach public bathroom facility that the TDC has decided to thrust on that area? I have been receiving numerous emails and have sent my opinions to various public officials in Walton County regarding the plan/s that are being, in my opinion, deviously forced on the owners of property at Inlet Beach. We know that the beach there is popular with locals and visitors, that the parking area invites visits to that beach, that a lifeguard station there attracts folks, that the beach there is just gorgeous, and that a bathroom is woefully needed since the area has been served by first one, then two porta-lets that detracted from the access. BUT, the planned facility is huge, includes a tall, peaked roof line, a breezeway for visitors to "hang-out", and will cost $250,000! Couple that with the information we have that the TDC will ask for a 12.5% increase in the bed tax and you have a perfect storm of bureaucratic ineptitude, quasi-governmental financial bungling, a lax attitude towards the natural area that fronts property along Park Place since the facility will intrude into that area and will also partially block the roadway, too, a total ignoring of owners of proerty who look for rentals to support their ownership since the facility will obstruct views of the Gulf, poor architectural planning, poor communication with residents and property owners (who foot the tax bill that supports such endeavors), and a vision of the area clouded by day-dreaming. The parking area already has attracted an increase in loitering by groups and individuals, trash has increased in the area, and invariably crime will increase whether that be petty crime (automobile break-ins, underage drinking, unsavory behavior, etc.), or more violent crimes. Those of us who own at Inlet Beach would welcome any assistance from others on this Board in reducing the size of the facility, the intrusion of the facility into the natural area and the inherent reduction in property values and usage by renters.
Thanks,
Bill Butler
owner of a condo at Inlet Beach and a single-family home at Inlet Beach, also
Replies
51
SoWal Expert
pgurney,
To clarify, I call the water view "distant" if you cannot see the beach. Just a term I use. The properties to the north of this park do not have a view of the sand from the second, nor third floors. The closest water they can see by looking south is still pretty far off shore, hence my term "distant Gulf views." This doesn't mean that the property is far away from the Gulf, just that the views are of the Gulf are distant, rather than close.
Regarding people peeing and pooping, if there were no restrooms (currently there are two portojohns), where do you think people would poop and pee without facilities? (I never mentioned tourists. I was referring to beachgoers.) They aren't going to do it in front of others, but under the darkness of the night, or behind the open door of a truck, in the Gulf, or on the beach, people will do what people have to do.
To clarify, I call the water view "distant" if you cannot see the beach. Just a term I use. The properties to the north of this park do not have a view of the sand from the second, nor third floors. The closest water they can see by looking south is still pretty far off shore, hence my term "distant Gulf views." This doesn't mean that the property is far away from the Gulf, just that the views are of the Gulf are distant, rather than close.
Regarding people peeing and pooping, if there were no restrooms (currently there are two portojohns), where do you think people would poop and pee without facilities? (I never mentioned tourists. I was referring to beachgoers.) They aren't going to do it in front of others, but under the darkness of the night, or behind the open door of a truck, in the Gulf, or on the beach, people will do what people have to do.
Beach Fanatic
I certainly learned of some interesting things going on in public restrooms in sowal at the meeting.
If they get the restrooms built we should do the next soiree in inlet beach.
If they get the restrooms built we should do the next soiree in inlet beach.
SoWal Expert
I wasn't speaking of visitors either. I imagine most locals have peed on/at the beach many a time. For #2 you definitely should make a trip to a restroom facility, but #1 works quite well in sand/water. 
Beach Fanatic
I wasn't speaking of visitors either. I imagine most locals have peed on/at the beach many a time. For #2 you definitely should make a trip to a restroom facility, but #1 works quite well in sand/water.
I was sitting next to Shallowsnole and she would not quit talking so maybe I mis heard. But I thought someone was claiming that the homeless were using the bathrooms for housing in sowal, as well as quite a bit of sexual activity going on. I know that use to be one of the main problems in Inlet Beach was nude cavorting. I guess that does not happen near as much.
Beach Fanatic
I certainly learned of some interesting things going on in public restrooms in sowal at the meeting.You didn't really "learn" anything. All you heard was what a presenter "thought" was going on in SoWal restrooms. I agree about where the soiree should be held if they get built. I'll have a parking space for sure.
If they get the restrooms built we should do the next soiree in inlet beach.
Beach Fanatic
You didn't really "learn" anything. All you heard was what a presenter "thought" was going on in SoWal restrooms. I agree about where the soiree should be held if they get built. I'll have a parking space for sure.
EEEWWWW!!!! What in the world is going on to give someone that impression? You guys need to dress up or something.
SoWal Expert
I thought the restrooms were locked at night - to make it difficult to use them as housing or illicit rendezvous spots. 
Sounds like they are stretching to find more reasons for NIMBY! :roll:
Sounds like they are stretching to find more reasons for NIMBY! :roll:
Beach Fanatic
I thought the restrooms were locked at night - to make it difficult to use them as housing or illicit rendezvous spots.
Sounds like they are stretching to find more reasons for NIMBY! :roll:
No they are not locked at night.
Beach Fanatic
The way I understood it was... The lady who wrote the letter that was being read felt that the design and specifically the breezeway would attract homeless, drug using, pervert, loiterers. Sara Commander asked Mr. Mase (sp?) of the TDC if he was aware of these sorts of problems at other similiar public facilities. He was not aware of any such problems. As far as I know, Senator Craig does not live in Walton County.
SoWal Expert
No they are not locked at night.
Then why have I had to pee in the bushes next to a locked Sowal public restroom before?
Beach Fanatic
If you build it they will come.I think that is the real concern of those opposed.
Beach Fanatic
But I thought someone was claiming that the homeless were using the bathrooms for housing in sowal, as well as quite a bit of sexual activity going on. I know that use to be one of the main problems in Inlet Beach was nude cavorting. I guess that does not happen near as much.Scooterbug is correct, they are locked at night. I have been at the Blue Mtn access many late afternoons when the TDC comes around to lock them. So, no homeless sleepovers. As to sexual activity - :roll: I seriously doubt there is much of that. If you spend any time at any of the accesses that have restrooms, you will see they are quite busy, being used for their intended purpose. And even if there is the occasional misuse, this is no reason to not build them. Public toilets are civilized, FTLOG.
I can't believe someone made this argument against them.
Oh, and it was not Inlet Beach that was once a nude beach. It was Camp Creek, what is now WaterSound, due to the large dunes, many of which are gone since all the hurricanes, and it's formerly relatively remote location.
SoWal Expert
For many years, they were locked at night. Apparently, sometime about a month ago, the policy was thankfully changed. If the beach is open, so should be the restrooms for the beach users.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks, SJ. I did not know. So Scootie and I won't need to use the bushes, that's good. I'll be sure to boot out any homeless I find. :roll:
SoWal Expert
Just remember to bring your own soap.
Beach Fanatic
Scooterbug is correct, they are locked at night. I have been at the Blue Mtn access many late afternoons when the TDC comes around to lock them. So, no homeless sleepovers. As to sexual activity - :roll: I seriously doubt there is much of that. If you spend any time at any of the accesses that have restrooms, you will see they are quite busy, being used for their intended purpose. And even if there is the occasional misuse, this is no reason to not build them. Public toilets are civilized, FTLOG.
I can't believe someone made this argument against them.
Oh, and it was not Inlet Beach that was once a nude beach. It was Camp Creek, what is now WaterSound, due to the large dunes, many of which are gone since all the hurricanes, and it's formerly relatively remote location.
The nekkid beach was at what is now Rosemary Beach, and the subdivision just west. At least that is where all the cars would be parked. But due to the level of activity, no doubt it spread (no pun intended) all the way to Camp Creek.
The only activity I've ever been aware of at a public facility restroom (besides the family bathroom at Destin Commons) was years ago, at the restrooms by the picnic tables on the 331 causeway. Remember the elderly gents who used to sit in their cars, reading their newspapers?
And to wrobert - sorry that I wouldn't shut up, but sitting with you at a public meeting where sex in bathrooms is the topic of discussion was priceless. You are lucky that I managed to stay composed.
Beach Fanatic
In the late 90s, I remember the area just east of Deer Lake SP tending to end up as the gay beach, and a friend who worked for the WCSO at the time said he'd have beach patrol on an ATV through the area and have to remind a lot of guys to keep their trunks on if they were in a place where he could see them from the shoreline.
Beach Fanatic
The nekkid beach was at what is now Rosemary Beach, and the subdivision just west. At least that is where all the cars would be parked. But due to the level of activity, no doubt it spread (no pun intended) all the way to Camp Creek.
The only activity I've ever been aware of at a public facility restroom (besides the family bathroom at Destin Commons) was years ago, at the restrooms by the picnic tables on the 331 causeway. Remember the elderly gents who used to sit in their cars, reading their newspapers?
And to wrobert - sorry that I wouldn't shut up, but sitting with you at a public meeting where sex in bathrooms is the topic of discussion was priceless. You are lucky that I managed to stay composed.
It was a challenge and I realize that this is a serious subject for some but that particular argument truly was priceless! That meeting lasted so long that we all needed a good laugh.
Beach Fanatic
If the area in question is a public beach access then I support the idea of a restrooms. At one time I think they had portable toilets out there, its time to move forward.
Beach Fanatic
If the area in question is a public beach access then I support the idea of a restrooms. At one time I think they had portable toilets out there, its time to move forward.
That is where I was getting lost. I thought the lady was saying that people were having sex in the portalets and homeless people were sleeping in them.
SWGB
I wondered how long the argument that it would attract unsatisfied married men looking for gay sex to come up.
needs to get out more
loitering in breezeways is gateway activity to breaking into ground floor residences, and eventually, bank robbery. many a former homeless person now live quite well from the spoils and have opened McDonalds franchises. just say no to upgrading public bathrooms at public beach accesses.
Beach Fanatic
loitering in breezeways is gateway activity to breaking into ground floor residences, and eventually, bank robbery. many a former homeless person now live quite well from the spoils and have opened McDonalds franchises. just say no to upgrading public bathrooms at public beach accesses.Your sarcasm is duly noted and appreciated.
Beach LoverAuthor
Well
Now I've read and reread and mulled over the above responses, both serious and sarcastic, and down right funny. I hope the Monday meeting gathered interest in the facility, information on various positions, and moved ahead. As I stated or intended to state originally, the facility was needed. The traffic demanded it. It was the design that seemed to be out of kilter with the surroundings. I am neither a snob nor an idiot. I understand your pain when it comes to having the urge and no where to satisfy it....ahem, other than the gulf. My ground floor unit view, as I noted, is not affected other than now I will watch bathroom users come and go, and perhaps the odors associated with restrooms will waft northward now and then. OK, fine. I will get along, but I sincerely hope my investment at Inlet Dunes will not suffer in either rental attractiveness or in resale value. So, let's move along to other topics, shall we?
Now I've read and reread and mulled over the above responses, both serious and sarcastic, and down right funny. I hope the Monday meeting gathered interest in the facility, information on various positions, and moved ahead. As I stated or intended to state originally, the facility was needed. The traffic demanded it. It was the design that seemed to be out of kilter with the surroundings. I am neither a snob nor an idiot. I understand your pain when it comes to having the urge and no where to satisfy it....ahem, other than the gulf. My ground floor unit view, as I noted, is not affected other than now I will watch bathroom users come and go, and perhaps the odors associated with restrooms will waft northward now and then. OK, fine. I will get along, but I sincerely hope my investment at Inlet Dunes will not suffer in either rental attractiveness or in resale value. So, let's move along to other topics, shall we?
Beach Fanatic
it probably will have no bearing on your value at all...but if it did, it would probably be a positive one. A beach access with a restroom facility tends to be more valuable than a beach access without one, so your surroundings will have been improved and some of that improvement will accrue to your property.
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