Might be worth mentioning that Topsail State Preserve has free parking available and encourage the walkers to make sure they park legally if they drive in for the event.
Stand Your Sand Day June 4
- Thread starter Teresa
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As the organizer of the event, perhaps you could let people know that Topsail State Preserve has free parking and also encourage people who drive in for the walk to make sure they park legally.
Why must everything be "us vs them"? If you support a cause, join the cause. If you don't support, don't join the cause.
Seems some forget how fortunate we are in America to peacefully protest.
Some forget how blessed we all are to live in such a wonderful part of the state, country, and world.
I don't know Dave R. But I bet I could find 100 things to agree with him on, and 100 things to disagree with him on.
I will always choose to find common ground with my fellow man, and fellow SoWal brothers & sisters
Kindness is contagious. Come on folks... Let's get along.
Seems some forget how fortunate we are in America to peacefully protest.
Some forget how blessed we all are to live in such a wonderful part of the state, country, and world.
I don't know Dave R. But I bet I could find 100 things to agree with him on, and 100 things to disagree with him on.
I will always choose to find common ground with my fellow man, and fellow SoWal brothers & sisters
Kindness is contagious. Come on folks... Let's get along.
Sorry to say at the heart of most issues is us v them. North v south is an old one that is becoming a bigger problem.
The real heart of the matter is beach people vs non-beach people. Most who came here before about 2000 drifted here because they were beach lovers, cool people, artists, hippies. Since then a ton of people came here chasing money, many who have come are suburbanites yearning for a better life. Some find it but many don't have it in them to live a real beach life. So many people have moved here who don't even go to the beach. That's sick.
I don't go to the beach anymore because I have health issues that prevent me from doing so yes I'm sick!
I also don't go anymore because I don't like sand in places where it was never intended to be and because I have a fear of rip currents, things that will eat or sting me (allergies to most things that sting) and I just don't care for swimming (not very good at it anyway) where I can't see the bottom. I'm also phobic about being around large crowds of people.That doesn't mean I don't enjoy or think others shouldn't be able to enjoy all things beach without encumbrances, like ropes, chains, fencing and signs or that I don't believe marine inhabitants and beach habitat shouldn't be protected. My daughter grew up on our beaches as has my Granddaughter and I would like to see future generations continue to enjoy our beaches without those same encumbrances.
30 years ago and up until the last couple years ago this kinda crap wasn't an issue. What is sick is, that today it is!
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I believe this beach town is much more than a beach town. Many locals aren't frequent beach goers just like in other Coastal towns in Florida. This is a great place to live and the beach is definitely part of that. We have 40% of our town preserved as parks and forests adding to the natural environment here. We also have a community of people who are very active and supportive of local businesses and efforts. You don't have to be a beach lover to appreciate and love this place. Almost everyone I've heard from supports customary use because it's what we've always enjoyed about this place... Going back many years ago when we vacationed here and decided to make it home. I love that so many people love these beaches. They are worth fighting for.
I agree with everything you said with one clarification regarding your comment above:
Lawful and peaceful protests usually take place on public property unless the private property owner gives consent.
Aside of the obvious private vs. public beach positions, there is one simple FACT that is undeniably recorded as such within the Official Records of Walton County - much of the property that Dave R. and his crew intend to protest on is CURRENTLY private property. And apparently he/they have decided to "take" that property for their own personal use (at least for a day) without any legal due process.
I wouldn't have any problem at all with the protest taking place along 30A and the bike paths carrying signs for all to see. That IS public property and where peaceful protests customarily take place. And surely they will get plenty of exposure from all the 30A traffic.
It is disrespectful to pit neighbor against neighbor in this manner, even if the beachfront owners are in the minority (that's why we have laws and the Constitution).
I have a feeling the WCSO will be getting an increase number of calls thanks to these individuals - unless they decide to walk along the waters edge as most typical beach strollers do, simply out of courtesy. To purposefully ignore the no trespassing signs as encouraged by Dave R. and walk on the higher part of the private beach for the purpose to promote publicity and conflict is just plain wrong.
Dave R. admits this will be decided in the courts. So why not be nice and neighborly and just wait until then?
And until then, the laws regarding private property need to be respected and enforced. The right to peaceful enjoyment of one's private property is one of the most sacred rights protected by the Constitution. Until this is decided in court, we shouldn't allow this sacred right, one that we all enjoy in America, be made a mockery of.
Which laws might those be?
If you have the papers in hand that prove the law is being violated, I'm sure you won't have any problem providing them when the police show up! Its the neighborly thing to do.
You summarize this quite well. I never had an issue with wanting to oppose the private property and argue against it.
When the Dave R self described "flash mob" mentality came around, that's where the issue was raised.
No doubt there will be an increase in calls this Saturday but I doubt there will be any action taken by WCSO. They have a complete disregard for private property rights and want nothing to do with that sort of enforcement.
Perhaps they will be proactive and monitor the protest March activity for problems...
By the way, if all of the posts and barriers, etc., are against some County rules or ordinances, why doesn't the County simply remove them? Where's the protest there? TDC has a big parking lot for a good ole' peaceful " do your job" protest march.
