Visiting dogs to be allowed on SoWal Beaches?

yeah, I know where you got the information from, but It doesn't actually say that it was approved, and when I talked with the county today and read the ordinance it doesn't say anything about visiting dogs.

yeah, I know where you got the information from, but It doesn't actually say that it was approved, and when I talked with the county today and read the ordinance it doesn't say anything about visiting dogs.

I appreciate you following up. Please post what you find out.

It does say "soon" so I suppose it is not quite final.

“Visiting dogs,” properly permitted, will soon be welcome on “The Beaches of South Walton,” and minor revisions to county code provisions regulating dogs on the beach have been approved.

Oh crap!

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We found a couple of Pampers once. Must have been one pampered pooch?

dos without permits and leashes

All I can say now is that the sheriff should start enforcing the rules for dogs on the beach they just drive by once in a while and say nothing
I think they need to patrol the beach a little more especially in the evening when I see all kinds of dogs on the beach and most of them are without a leash they come at my dogs which are on a leash and permitted!!! If my dog hurts there's well sorry guess you need to put yours on a leash I have 2 Chows that are very loveable they are out on the beach everyday but I can't help when a dog not leashed comes running agressively towards them they need to defend themselves.
I wish the SHERIFF would do the job we pay them for !!!

Visiting dogs

Kurt, thanks for your interest in my article that mentioned beach permits for "visiting dogs." From the discussion and action at the Sept. 8 county commission meeting, I had the impression that the commissioners had decided to move forward with these permits, with details to be worked out later, and others I spoke with at the meeting also thought so. The commissioners did have a written proposal before them at that meeting to amend an ordinance in order to provide for issuance of visiting dogs permits. However, this week I checked with the county commission chair and the tax collector's office, and the official word is, as Just Curous had said, the visiting dogs permit proposal was not part of what the commissioners approved at that public hearing. I would respectfully disagree with the proposal being characterized as just an idea, but it appears that it is not being pursued, at least for now. I'm working on an update for next week's Beach Breeze, and I'll do my best to keep readers abreast of this topic, which seems to be of great interest to south Walton residents and visitors. Your thread title was a little "forward looking," as the St. Joe folks say (and I guess my article could be termed so also), so I'm requesting either a new thread or a revision to the thread title if my post is merged with the former thread.

Front page of the this week's Beach Breeze- "Visiting Dog" permit issue on hold-- Dotty Nist's followup article.

I truly hope our beaches are not reopened to all dogs. The current property owner or permanent resident language was reached as a compromise between folks who stated they moved here just so they could take their dogs on the beach (oh, please...) and banning dogs altogether. I have NEVER seen angrier people than I did at that meeting over a decade ago.

What I can't figure out is why none of the other local counties allow dogs on their beaches, nobody questions that, and it's not a problem. Let Walton County try to maintain respectable, sanitary beaches and we get skewered.

If you are going to allow dogs on the beach, the County better be prepared to supervise their owners. I am a local who walks the beach almost daily year round and just about every dog I encounter on the beach (and I see LOTS of them) is running unsupervised off the leash. It's an accident waiting to happen and have had some close calls myself. Not to mention they are never prepared for clean up either. Of course there are exceptions but that is not what I observe.

Front page of the this week's Beach Breeze- "Visiting Dog" permit issue on hold-- Dotty Nist's followup article.

The Defuniak Herald ? “VISITING DOG” PERMIT ISSUE ON HOLD

?We probably will take it up again at some point, but I don?t know when,? Walton County Commission Chair Sara Comander said of the possibility of issuing temporary permits to allow tourists to bring their dogs on the beach in Walton County.

Currently only Walton County property owners and year-round residents are eligible for permits to bring their dogs on the beach during specified hours. According to county regulations, the dogs must be on a leash and owners must clean up after them. Unpermitted dogs are not officially allowed on the beach, aside from those owned by beachfront homeowners on their lots. State parks do not allow dogs on the beach on their property.

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) held a public hearing on Sept. 8 to consider changes to the county ordinance dealing with permits to take dogs on the beach. Commissioners viewed a copy of the ordinance with proposed revisions resulting from a request from the Walton County Tax Collector?s Office, which issues the dog beach permits.

The changes requested by the tax collector?s office were minor ones aimed a clarifying eligibility for ?dog on the beach? permits. Also viewed at the public hearing was language previously requested by the BCC that, if approved, would allow ?visiting dogs? on the beach by means of a temporary permit issued to tourists.

The public hearing concluded with a simple motion for approval and a vote of all ayes. It was not specified whether the ?visiting dog? proposal was included with the revisions providing clarification of eligibility.

However, contacted on Oct. 1, County Commission Chair Sara Comander explained that the approval had only extended to the clarification of permit eligibility requirements for property owners and full-time residents.

Kara Stallings of the Walton County Tax Collector?s Office also stated that no other changes to the ?dog on the beach? permit program had been approved.


Comander said officials are mulling over what route to take to remedy the problem of visitors bringing unpermitted dogs onto the beach. She commented that, as an alternative to issuing temporary dog on the beach permits for tourists, another possibility would be increasing signage and providing for better enforcement of the prohibition on bringing unpermitted dogs on the beach.

If you are going to allow dogs on the beach, the County better be prepared to supervise their owners. I am a local who walks the beach almost daily year round and just about every dog I encounter on the beach (and I see LOTS of them) is running unsupervised off the leash. It's an accident waiting to happen and have had some close calls myself. Not to mention they are never prepared for clean up either. Of course there are exceptions but that is not what I observe.

I agree it's certainly rare to see a dog ON a leash at the beach. But since I love dogs and let the scooterhounds off their leashes in places I am not supposed to so they can have more funn it doesn't really bother me.

It's the poo I have an issue with - nothing ruins a nice sunset view like a dog walking up, squatting and taking a giant dump! And it's certainly not pleasant when it's floating in the waves when I am trying to have a nice walk along the shore!

The last time this came before the BCC they approved an ordinance, and it did not include allowing visiting dogs on the beach.

I understand the frustration when people do not pick up after their dogs and the danger if there are unruly dogs off of leashes at beaches that are not specifically dog beaches. However, I really wish we had one beach where dogs could be off-leash under owners supervision - a specific beach for dogs. There are places in the US that have have "dog beaches". Does anyone know if these types of off leash dog beaches are working or if there are problems with them?

"Visiting dogs."
I've been meaning to comment about this.

Rental Company: Hello.

Dog: I am a standard poodle and need a one-bedroom accommodation for the weekend starting October 23.

Rental Company: Do you want beach access?

Dog: Of course. That's where I like to poop.

Rental Company: Even if you don't poop there, you need a license to get on the beach.

Dog: Do what? Shall I call my lawyer regarding dog discrimination?

Well, guess I'll jump in. We take our dogs everywhere with us. When we were last at Seagrove it was not legal to take them to the beach so we didn't. We went to the Outer Banks and they had to be on a leash so they were. We go to St George and they can go so we take them. We always clean up after them. Lot's of people are idiots, residents and non-residents alike. We're coming back for Thanksgiving and we'll follow whatever rules there are.

yeah, I know where you got the information from, but It doesn't actually say that it was approved, and when I talked with the county today and read the ordinance it doesn't say anything about visiting dogs.

From the Official Minutes of the Aug 11, 2009 BCC meeting:

Mr. Demers requested permission to advertise for a Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the Walton County Code of Ordinances Section 5-34 to provide clarification of proof of residency to obtain permits to allow dogs on the beach.



Motion by Commissioner Pridgen, second by Commissioner C. Jones, to approve advertising a Public Hearing for September 8, 2009 regarding an Ordinance to allow dogs on the beach.



Chairman Comander suggested a temporary "Pooch Pass" be issued weekly for tourists. Instead of visitors breaking the law this could be a way to raise revenue for the County.



Ayes 5, Nays 0. Comander Aye, Brannon Aye, L. Jones Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.

The somewhat confusing part of these official minutes is that Chairman Comander's suggestion comes prior to the vote (and it would be less confusing if it came after the vote), as though her suggestion is part of the motion, which was approved. Looking more closely, her suggestion wasn't in the form of a motion, nor was it part of the motion on the floor.

Chairman Comander suggested a temporary "Pooch Pass" be issued weekly for tourists. Instead of visitors breaking the law this could be a way to raise revenue for the County.

....Correction....a temporary "Poop Pass."

.

Why do our commissioners think our visitors will buy a permit for only one week? Folks bring their dogs to the beach now without a permit so things won't change but it will make the dog problem we already have even worse.

What would really raise revenue is if the sheriff's dept. would do their job while patrolling our beach and issue tickets for unleashed dogs, dogs without permits and dogs on the beach at the wrong time. Now THAT would raise a considerable amount of revenue and make the beach a much safer place for those who have already been chased by unsupervised dogs. Not to mention the clean up which no one seems to do anymore!

Why do our commissioners think our visitors will buy a permit for only one week? Folks bring their dogs to the beach now without a permit so things won't change but it will make the dog problem we already have even worse.

What would really raise revenue is if the sheriff's dept. would do their job while patrolling our beach and issue tickets for unleashed dogs, dogs without permits and dogs on the beach at the wrong time. Now THAT would raise a considerable amount of revenue and make the beach a much safer place for those who have already been chased by unsupervised dogs. Not to mention the clean up which no one seems to do anymore!

Seriously!

I really wonder about the thought process in which they think visitors are too dumb to find their way along 30-A w/o giant blue signs, figure out the flag system, pick up after themselves .......................... but will know to go to a government office to buy a one week pass for their dog.

ORDINANCE
2009-14

An Ordinance amending Walton County Ordinance 2008-24 and section 5-34 of the Walton County Code to provide clarification of proof of residency to obtain permits to allow dogs on the beach; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.


WHEREAS, the Walton County Tax Collector issues permits to allow dogs on the beach;

WHEREAS, the Walton County Tax Collector desires clearguidance of who is eligible to obtain such permits;

WHEREAS, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners finds that it is in the interest of the public health, safety, and the general welfare of the public to require owners to maintain direct control of dogs in the County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the following:

Section 1. Authority, purpose and intent.
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Section 125.01 Florida Statutes.
Section 2. Section 5-34 of the Walton County Code is amended to read:
Section 5-34. Dogs on the beach.
(a) All dogs shall be prohibited from public beaches of Walton County except as provided below:

(1) Dogs assisting those who are sight and hearing impaired or service animals; or

(2) Dogs owned by Walton county real property owners or permanent residents who have obtained a permit and who maintain the animal on a leash. Proof of real property ownership or Walton County residency is required (such as deed, driver?s license, tax receipt, utility bill, lease agreement. or voter?s registration showing address). For property titled in the name of a business, a person must show proof that they own a controlling interest in the property to be considered eligible for a permit (copy of State or other document showing percentage of ownership or list of officers). The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. of the following day during non­Daylight Savings Time. Any Walton County real property owner or permanent




resident desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $30.00 fee. All permits issued shall be for a period of one year and will expire on August 1 of each year with a grace period until August 15 of each year. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.

(3) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick up of their dogs? waste.

(4) The Walton County Tax Collector will issue the permits upon receipt of a completed application. The Walton County Tax Collector shall retain $5.00(five dollars) as a processing fee.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to apply to a property owner of the sandy area next to the mean high tide which would interfere with said owner?s right to have their own animal on said property.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to repeal Ordinances 2005-10 and 2006-08.

Section 3. Severability

In the event that any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 4. Effective Date

This Ordinance shall become effective when filed with the Secretary of State.

Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Walton County, Florida, at a duly advertised public hearing, this 8th day of September, 2009.





This is the ordinance that was adopted, and there is no mention of visiting dogs.

Visiting dogs proposal

Agreed on the posted "dog on the beach" ordinance as revised on Sept. 8, according to official sources. To help everyone understand the source of some previous information on this thread on this topic, the following is a proposal or "language" on visiting dogs that the commissioners had directed to be put together by staff and presented for their review on Sept. 8, at the same public hearing where the other "dog on the beach" ordinance revisions were considered. The proposal, while written up separately, was presented and discussed at the hearing by the commissioners and the public. According to the county commission chair, the proposal is not being pursued at the present time.

"Proposed language for allowing visiting dogs on the beach:
(3) Visitors to Walton County that are owners of dogs, may obtain a "Temporary" permit to allow their dogs on the beach while maintained on a leash. Proof of eligibility must be provided such as a copy of the rental agreement or a notarized letter from the host they are visiting. The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between 3:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. of the following day during non-Daylight Savings Time. Visitors desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $50.00 fee. This fee will include the cost of a special tag that must be attached to the leash at all times the dog is on the beaches of Walton County. The permit will expire 14 days following the day it is issued and may be renewed for additional 14 day periods for an additional fee of $50 per 14 day period. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.
(4) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick-up of their dogs' waste. Failure on the owner's part to pick up the dogs' waste will result in revocation of the permit without a refund."

This information is found on the county web site, on the Sept. 8 meeting agenda, under (5) of the public hearings portion.

Arf

So was it or was it not adopted? We're not coming till Thanksgiving but my woofers want to know!

Ooops, nevermind! So, from what I read people don't follow the rules anyway huh?

Agreed on the posted "dog on the beach" ordinance as revised on Sept. 8, according to official sources. To help everyone understand the source of some previous information on this thread on this topic, the following is a proposal or "language" on visiting dogs that the commissioners had directed to be put together by staff and presented for their review on Sept. 8, at the same public hearing where the other "dog on the beach" ordinance revisions were considered. The proposal, while written up separately, was presented and discussed at the hearing by the commissioners and the public. According to the county commission chair, the proposal is not being pursued at the present time.

"Proposed language for allowing visiting dogs on the beach:
(3) Visitors to Walton County that are owners of dogs, may obtain a "Temporary" permit to allow their dogs on the beach while maintained on a leash. Proof of eligibility must be provided such as a copy of the rental agreement or a notarized letter from the host they are visiting. The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between 3:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. of the following day during non-Daylight Savings Time. Visitors desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $50.00 fee. This fee will include the cost of a special tag that must be attached to the leash at all times the dog is on the beaches of Walton County. The permit will expire 14 days following the day it is issued and may be renewed for additional 14 day periods for an additional fee of $50 per 14 day period. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.
(4) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick-up of their dogs' waste. Failure on the owner's part to pick up the dogs' waste will result in revocation of the permit without a refund."

This information is found on the county web site, on the Sept. 8 meeting agenda, under (5) of the public hearings portion.

Hefty revenue generator. And, a lot of paperwork that I probably wouldn't complete for a quick jaunt. I would for an extended visit, however.

I remember when St. George Is. implemented their leash law. One reason that drew us there was that it was dog friendly. A lot of SC beaches no longer allow dogs on the beach, even if you are a resident and/or property owner.

I ran into a Katrina refugee who admitted to me that he just bends over and acts like he is scooping.

And, admittedly when the coast is clear, I do let Sweet Pea run. After she wears herself out (about 5 mins.), she pokes along and then sits at the edge of the water staring at the waves. Her poop gets scooped.

Not approved

Raven, if you were to listen to a tape or watch the video of the county commission meeting where this was discussed, I think you would believe it had been approved, as we did. But our ears can sometimes deceive us, and it turns out that it was not approved.
I'm sure you are right that the existing rules are disregarded at times, but there are actually penalties that people who break the rules may be subject to. It may not be likely that this would happen to you, but it's worth bearing in mind.
On the brighter side, are you familiar with Walton County's dog park, Bark Park? It's not on the beach, but it's in Santa Rosa Beach, and many people like to take their dogs there. Also, not far away, Panama City Beach has a dog park on the beach right across from Pier Park where dogs can be walked on a leash, with clean-up required, of course.

Thanks

miznotebook

Thanks for the update. We're cool either way. Last time we were there we took em to the beach and the police ran us. It's not the hill I'm going to die on. I do find the moaning about tourists interesting. I live in Athens, GA and people are always whining about the students but they are the life blood of the local economy. As Roseanne, Roseanna Danna said "It's always something"! We did find the dog park and we loved it but our dogs were indifferent!

I don't suppose anyone would care to post a hi-res pic of a SOWAL beach dog permit?