turtle watch volunteer arrested

[scooterbug44]

Call 9-1-1 .....make a cop come and do nothing

I'm not talking about the ridonkulous CSI shows w/ apparently unlimited budgets and incredulous DNA and trace evidence tests, w/ fully rested multiple PhD's, I'm talking about not arresting someone for a vehicular crime w/ at least one uber-vocal eyewitness and a FULL license plate.

I can understand that you feel we are unfairly criticizing the WCSO on this one, but quite frankly that incident and its apparent lack of response and publicity make me feel unsafe. Hell, if there is something we are unaware of, an anonymous post, PM, or editorial would go a long way.

 

[GoodWitch58]

I agree. I completely respect and appreciate the work that the LEOs do. I want to feel safe and protected by them; at the very least that when something does happen, they respond in a prompt, courteous way and work tirelessly to solve the problem, whatever it is.

If there is some reason that this has taken so long, is there any reasonable explanation for why it's not known...at least to the victim?

In other places I've lived the LEOs went out of their way to have an active public information program so that the community was informed, and often members of the public were key in solving crimes--why is that different here?

I thought it would change when the new sheriff was elected--everyone had blamed the lack of transparency on the previous sheriff--but, it does not seem to be working out that way and it is puzzling.

It seems to me that having a supportive community and an active partnership to keep our area safe, would be a win-win for all sides.

 

[ShallowsNole]

I'm not talking about the ridonkulous CSI shows w/ apparently unlimited budgets and incredulous DNA and trace evidence tests, w/ fully rested multiple PhD's, I'm talking about not arresting someone for a vehicular crime w/ at least one uber-vocal eyewitness and a FULL license plate.

I can understand that you feel we are unfairly criticizing the WCSO on this one, but quite frankly that incident and its apparent lack of response and publicity make me feel unsafe. Hell, if there is something we are unaware of, an anonymous post, PM, or editorial would go a long way.

If you will check TJ's thread again, you will see that he posted that the full license plate number that everyone keeps harping about was NOT the correct truck. If there are more eyewitnesses that can perhaps help pinpoint the correct truck - maybe the damage evidence hasn't been fixed by now - I am sure the assistance would be appreciated.

 

[scooterbug44]

Thanks - that explains a lot! I think a lot of folks missed that detail.

 

[ShallowsNole]

Thanks - that explains a lot! I think a lot of folks missed that detail.

And I hope enough evidence can be found that will not only allow the perp to be located, but also that the SA will agree to prosecute.

I do know they are looking; not from anyone within, but due to the fact that our blue F-150 with a unpainted, recently repaired front left fender is drawing long, hard looks from LEOs who don't immediately recognize it as ours.

 

[Smiling JOe]

The original drawing pictured below, will go to the highest bidder, who can make the check payable to the turtle watcher herself, or her defense fund if she has one. Feel free to bid right here on this thread. I guess the "auction" will need a closing date and time, so let's make it for Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:00pm Central.

"Sea Turtle"
18"x24"
pencil, washed with water, on paper

$100.00

Am I missing other bids, or is kathydwells still holding the highest bid at $100. As a reminder, deadline to bid will be Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:00pm Central. We are going by the SoWal.com clock, so don't wait to bid.

 

[Walton Outdoors]

TDC issues statement regarding Leave No Trace

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ​

BEACH ORDINANCE No. 2003-07G ​

?LEAVE NO TRACE?
​

What is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities.

What is Beach Ordinance No. 2003-07G?
Over the last three years, Walton County has made progress in promoting and enforcing beach ordinance No. 2003-07G, which states personal items including beach chairs, umbrellas, tents and other personal items left on the beach and around public beach accesses overnight (from one hour after dusk to one hour after sunrise) will be removed, unless otherwise permitted.

Why did Walton County enact this ordinance?
The beach ordinance was enacted due to the need for emergency vehicles to navigate the beach more safely and to protect wildlife such as nesting sea turtles (May - November). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are mandating to coastal counties that obstacles on the beach at night should be prohibited. This is in effect at other Florida beaches and is being more strictly enforced because of the large decline of turtle nests being recorded.

What is the Walton County Tourist Development Council?s (TDC) role in the program?
The TDC has been tasked by the Board of County Commissioners for marketing and educating visitors and residents of the ordinance and Leave No Trace campaign. The TDC is implementing a beach ambassador program, providing direct contact with beachgoers. There will be a TDC staff beach ambassador on the beach to interact with beachgoers from 6:00 am ? 2 pm, from spring break through turtle nesting season to provide information on topics including Leave No Trace, beach rules and beach safety.

What is Code Enforcement?s role in the program?
Code Enforcement will enforce the ordinance. Code Enforcement officers will tag items left on the beach overnight, giving owners and beach vendors 24 hours to remove abandoned items. If items are not removed, Code Enforcement will remove the abandoned items and store them at the TDC Central Maintenance Facility for 48 hours before disposing of the items.

How does the owner of an abandoned item get it back?
Abandoned items may be retrieved between the hours of 9 a.m. ? 2 p.m., Monday ? Thursday and 9:00 a.m. ? Noon on Friday at the TDC Central Maintenance Facility located at 924 CR 83.Owners will be asked to provide a photo ID and sign an affidavit confirming that they are the owner of the property.

Can you get a permit for kayaks, larger items and permanent structures to be left at the toe of the dune? Yes. Code Enforcement issues permits Monday through Thursday for permissible items. Contact Code Enforcement at 850-622-0000 for an application. Code enforcement makes all determinations regarding permits.

When does this new procedure go into effect?
The new procedure was approved by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners on June 30. The County is currently focused on education and voluntary compliance. Once personnel is trained and tags are printed, Code Enforcement will begin full enforcement of the ordinance, including tagging and removal of abandoned items.

If you have additional questions, please call Code Enforcement at 850-622-0000.

 

[ASH]

This works for me. Thanks Lori!!!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Times up. Unless I missed something, kathydwells needs to pony up the cash to Mary (or her defense fund), and I will personally deliver the drawing to her on her upcoming visit.

 

[Lynnie]

Who is the artist? Very curious! I thought it was good!