Public vs Private Beach

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

JustaLocal, thanks for sharing your emails.

By "determination" I do understand that TDC has no authority in that arena. That is why I put the word in quotes and only in response to SJ's post. I was using the word in the context that TDC has the authority to inform the public when a beach is known to be private or public.

However as evidenced by their reply to you, it appears TDC will provide some sort of documentation where the beach is known to be public without controversy. That's really good news for everyone based on my observations.

Also I can fully appreciate your concern that people might be unnecessarily restricted from beaches that might be public.

Interesting note regarding one of TDC's comments, "While we do make generalizations and err on the side of caution, it is because we'd rather have our visitors in an area that we know is public than have our visitors be harassed, asked to move or, worse, arrested."

Until a few months ago, TDC was mistaken that Blue Mountain Beach to the east of 83 was public. So conversely I guess they could err the other way and so your concern is again a valid one.


"The county is addressing this issue and we hope to have a clear understanding of where the public is allowed by the 2008 tourist season."
We should follow up on this TDC statement to see if and when this information is put into a "tourist map".

It would appear that TDC agrees with my general premise.

 

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

Kurt, you started this thread with a post containing 2 links to the TDC's website regarding a map of public accesses. Just curious - how did it get deleted along with three other posts before me?

AND why did the title of thread change while at the same time showing me as the initiator?

I ask these questions because I only responded to your post about TDC about their beach access maps and that I feel TDC should document public beaches as well. I accused Bobby J of "rehashing the same ole crap" after he picks up on the age old private vs. public beach arguments. Yet by the above actions, it appears I'm somewhat "rehashing the same ole crap".

A side note - does TDC still have the infamous Frequently Asked Questions page on their website? I can't find it.

 

[Kurt]

Kurt, you started this thread with a post containing 2 links to the TDC's website regarding a map of public accesses. Just curious - how did it get deleted along with three other posts before me?

The thread was split, your post happened to be the first one. The original thread is in the general forum.

 

[Smiling JOe]

floridagirl, I hear that there is a unofficial group of people who are collecting information, testimony, and photos of the historical use of all of the beach in Walton County. I'm sure your photo above, and other photos showing the general public sunning on the beaches, recently being claimed as private, will be much appreciated. You might ask around and see if you can find someone in the group to accept some photos as evidence. You might start with Commissioner Brannon's office, though I'm not in ANY way suggesting that he is personally involved in the group, but he, or his staffer, may know someone to contact.

 

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

The thread was split, your post happened to be the first one. The original thread is in the general forum.

I see. I believe you would agree that it changes the context of first my post somewhat by not having your original post. [Edit: also the title was changed from Public Beach & Bay Accesses - list and map to Public vs Private Beach by you.] Enough said. Thanks.

 

[Beach Runner]

Sorry for the drive-by post (too busy to read them all). In a conversation yesterday, I was surprised that the public/private beach controversy in South Walton County is really affecting potential renters.

My doctor's fianc?e wants to get married at the beach. He planned to rent a beachfront home south of 30-A plus several homes adjacent to it for their guests. Our neighborhood is booked up. Someone told him about the public/private beach controversy, and it was suggested that they consider having the wedding at the beach at a state park. No way -- of course, they want the wedding to be in view of their accommodations. So he is going to fly everyone to the Caribbean.

The publicity about beach access is getting around. Not a good thing.

 

[wrobert]

My doctor's fianc?e wants to get married at the beach. He planned to rent a beachfront home south of 30-A plus several homes adjacent to it for their guests. Our neighborhood is booked up. Someone told him about the public/private beach controversy, and it was suggested that they consider having the wedding at the beach at a state park. No way -- of cours

I think the bigger issue is that you have to have a permit to get married on the beach.

 

[John R]

I think the bigger issue is that you have to have a permit to get married on the beach.

that would be a different permit than to get married somewhere else?

 

[Smiling JOe]

Yes, I think if you have a gathering of something like 50 or more people, you need a permit, but that is not difficult to obtain. Having a cop arrest the mother of the bride for trespassing at the wedding, is an entirely different mess, and isn't even in the same ocean with getting a beach permit for a large gathering, as WaltonGOP is trying to say.

 

[florida girl]

I think the bigger issue is that you have to have a permit to get married on the beach.

You've got to be kidding! I remember the peanut boil parties we used to have down at Grayton, although that's probably why they created an ordinance!