Turtle - wrenching instead of monkey - wrenching ?

I guess I missed something along the way. I thought if it was left on the beach overnight it was considered abandoned? So once she claimed it she could do with it, as she wanted? I certainly do not condone breaking the law, but did not the ones who left this stuff behind break a law? Just curious.

Thanks Mango...we do this and much more, including but not limited to the flag system. To do this it takes alot of our time not just some of it. Education of our area is a team effort for all of us but I will be darn if I have failed this women who took the law into her own hands and broke it. I have let no one down, especially her.

The woman, who is a Turtle Watch volunteer, denies causing the damage.


I'd be curious to read or see more.


G

__________________

Whoa, Lynnie. She is being accused of vandalizing trash on the beach. We don't know that she actually did anything other than look for turtle tracks.

__________________

"vandalizing trash"...that kinda' says it all for me.

__________________
The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Speaking of vandalizing crap left on the beach overnight, I wonder if she would have been arrested if she smashed empty drink cans and empty plastic bottles, and wadded up Mylar potato chip bags. Anyone care to take a guess. I see all of this crap in the same category when people leave it on the beach overnight for their entire week or two. If the accused had put all of that crap in a bag and placed it in a trashcan, would she be arrested? It is trash, but I guess the owner of the trash is of the mindset that one man's trash is another man's treasure, even if left unattended overnight on the beach.

__________________

Is it too naive of me to suggest that prior to someone being handed the keys to a rental unit they should be read the bylaws - you know, have them highlighted and DISCUSSED - or have to watch a 5 minute video. Is that asking too much or being unrealistic? We get a little speech when we rent a car or go to a museum or a national park.

I know that there are those who litter and don't give a fig about it, but then there are those who really don't understand the implications of floats being left out or tents. There are things I have learned about even lately that I hadn't thought through. Example - throwing an apple core out on a lonely road - I always thought biodegradable so it's ok - until it was pointed out, on this forum, that a varmint could come to close to the road to eat it and get squashed.

Again, I am anxious to hear "the rest of the story."

G

__________________

For whatever this may be worth. When the remove-it-lose-it bit first started, I contacted the TDC to find out what was being done with the removed items. My idea was to get them to donate them to Goodwill, Caring & Sharing, etc., or even have a county beach-stuff store, using proceeds to help fund the cleanup -- rather than landfilling the stuff. They told me none of those could be done, because in order to fit all the stuff in the trucks when the staff were removing them, they had to pop floats, slash tent and otherwise make most of the items unusable, to cram them into the trucks.

So if Brady did indeed slash tent canopies and deflate floats, she was simply following the lead of our beach cleanup crews.

I am not a lawyer, and I've never played one on TV, but I'm hoping some legal minded person can explain how is it legal for TDC/Sheriff staff to smash, slash and trash abandoned beach stuff but not for a citizen to do the same? Wouldn't it be sort of like a citizen's arrest (anybody here old enough to remember the Andy Griffith show?), only she was arresting stuff rather than people?

__________________
Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

Citizen's arrest, Citizen's arrest! I guess the flip side is that line from the TV show, "COPS," or was it Judge Whopner's court show on TV? -- "Don't take the law into your own hands."

Another flip side of that is that if you wait for the po-po to show up and run off the burglar, you may die, waiting.

Good stuff, Susan Horn.

Gidget, you are not being too naive. I had the same thought a couple of years ago when everyone was drowning in the rip currents. I suggested the TDC create a short video to email (or mail a DVD) out to all of the rental companies to forward to their guests. The video could be branded with TDC stuff, and there could be a fun/educational one for kids to watch, too, not only getting them more excited about their upcoming trip, but helping educate them in the process, and potentially saving their lives. Adding beach etiquitte would be easy enough. The TDC somewhat liked the idea, but to my knowledge, they have done nothing with the idea.

__________________

Interesting point Susan...so she is REALLY a volunteer for the TDC also....maybe they can step in a help out with legal answers ????

__________________
WARNING: Things posted by this user may offend some people. All things posted above are the opinions of poster and not necessarily the opinions of this site..or anyone else for that matter. They might not even make sense or be suitable for children. Come to think of it, they might be unsuitable for adults or human consumption. Have a nice day.

SHELLY,

If she was arrested for stealing people's property (because she was removing it from the beach) then I would agree 100% with you and I would feel comfortable saying we needmore people like her. I'd join that posse. But from what I have read about this, she didn't remove anything- she damaged it.

We need vigilantes who get fed up with the local government and respond by removing property left overnight to clean our beaches. This lady got fed up all right but she didn't serve her cause by cleaning up- she just messed up stuff and got herself into trouble...

__________________

This thread begs the question: Is it legal to move items left on the beach to another location on the beach? That doesn't sound like stealing by definition, nor does it sound like vandalism. If this be the case, it should be legal to move said items to a location on the beach, in close proximity to the TDC trashcans.

__________________

True. Will be an interesting day in court if it goes that far. Doesn't she also work for the Walton Sun? I saw the article in the Daily News but one of the few times I did not see a name associated with an arrest.

__________________

It still goes back to what is public and what is private. Until that gets resolved we are going to go in circles on this issue. Private property is private property. You can not abandon stuff you leave in your yard just cause your yard touches the Gulf or is made of white sand.

__________________

And while I am thinking about it, I am going to mail you a LED flashlight next time I am at wally world and can get one. So when you get a package from me, that is what it is. I do not want you to have to stumble around in the dark on the beach any longer.

__________________

My 2 cents:

She totally "Over Reacted."

She could have made "one" call (sub station/TDC) and this issue could have been resolved.

Apparently she needed a "chill pill" that day.....................

I feel sorry for her

__________________
Respect the Beach.

Thanks, but using flashlights on the beach only addresses the symptom of the problem, not the problem itself, which is unfilled holes and crap left on the beach overnight. Finding cures for symptoms rather than problems, is why we have so many pharmaceutical medications, each complete with many side effects, which require more meds to treat the side effects caused by the other medicines. If we treated the actual problem, we wouldn't have a gluttony of symptoms to treat. No different with the beach crap and holes. If we can educate people to remove their crap overnight, and fill in holes they dig, leaving the beach as pristine as they found it, or better, there are no problems, nor symptoms, and everyone wins.

BTW, there is plenty of publicly deeded beach in Walton County, with plenty of crap left abandoned on it, overnight, throughout the entire summer.

__________________

That would be fantastic - rip currents, beach etiquette, and some of the questions asked CONSTANTLY of you locals. I think that is a great idea and perhaps now is an opportune time to reintroduce the idea to the TDC. You know, kids are the EASIEST to "train" regarding what's "right". They LONG to be involved and do the right thing by nature and sea turtles, etc.... I witness that when they remind us about "green" living ideas they have learned.

Thanks for responding.

G

__________________

Was it Gober or Gomer that did the citizens arrest. I think it was Gomer. That was pretty funny.

Sad news for turtle nesting as loggerhead unable to find place to lay her eggs

__________________
The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

I don't think it is her. I thought that at first.

__________________
"You are your choices"
www.lifeonshore.com
http://bobbyjblog.com

Susan, I also contacted TDC and got pretty much the same story. I was even told that I could not come and get some of the "stuff" and donate it to a good cause....

__________________

"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

Could we be deputized? Load the stuff up every night/early morning & donate to Goodwill?

Yep, you're right. Sorry for my assumption there (with the proposed video and such). Hoping for the best outcome for our beaches, turtles and this woman who again, it seems her intentions were in the right place......of the alleged crime.

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

This thread makes me want to move to Costa Rico. I am sure many of you would be OK with that. They just simply have a way things flow down there. If you break the rules, the locals let you know. You will not repeat the mistake twice.
Maybe Mary has been to Costa and is showing the Tourist how things get done if you don't listen. I also bet those folks won't leave their stuff on the beach anymore.
Respect the beach and follow the rules or go home!

__________________
"You are your choices"
www.lifeonshore.com
http://bobbyjblog.com

All of this, "allegedly." My heart goes out to her as well.

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

There is a Citizens Arrest Law, right?

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

As far as I am concerned, anyone who volunteers their time to preserve and protect our environment is a King or Queen in my book. That includes trash pick up.

For all we know, the garbage could have been on the beach for days. Maybe it was called in, but no efforts were made to remove it. Maybe she didn't destroy anything and is a lackey. No one knows the truth except her. I'd be interested in seeing if the "victims" are fined for leaving their crap on the beach. Beachcrest is a gulffront condo. I can not understand why this even had to be an issue. How hard is it to bring your stuff upstairs. They also have onsite beach service. Talk about the height of laziness. if she did "snap", I can certainly understand why.

__________________

Ya know something Bobby J...I think we're entering a new phase that will eventually lead to the ruin of this area's beaches. Over the last few years I've watched our area quickly becoming a place where nature and people are finding it more and more difficult to co-exist. See what happens to these beaches when folks who care simply give up (or leave) and let the junque and trash accumulate.

I've been thinking of visiting Costa Rico--heard lots about it--if I end up there, maybe I'll let you buy me a beer.

__________________
But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

Costa Rica is AWESOME with no militia and a small policia that are not aggressive. That's probably why citizens take things into their own hands. It is a pristine and beautiful country. I love it there!

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

And I have absolutely no problem with picking that stuff up and disposing of it in a yard sale or something.

I got to find a flashlight with a red lense now that I think about it.

__________________

I just don't understand why all the pro-law and order folks are so upset about the failure of the proper authorities to enforce the law so that this woman who gets up at dawn to walk the beach in an attempt to protect these rapidly disappearing creatures isn't driven to take the law into her own hands. Yes, destroying abandoned and potentially dangerous items is the responsibility of the county. This is a classic example of a decent person getting caught in the gap between what our community agrees should be rules, and the failure to enforce those rules.

Now that we all know the name of the woman who allegedly snapped, I'd love to know the names of the people who left the crap on the beach that prevented the turtle from nesting. I'd like to know who is behind the effort to prevent the TDC and county authorities from removing the gypsy encampments from the beach at night during turtle nesting season.

Would someone please go set up a fund for this woman to hire a fantastic attorney? I'll volunteer to be a fundraiser! I feel a handpainted sign inspiration coming on...

I don't support destruction of private property, but I am a huge advocate of removing trash from the beach. If being pissed off by the tons of crap left on the beach causes one to snap, you can consider me a snapper.

I usually draw with the recipient of my work in mind, but I this drawing I made a while back, had no recipient at the time. I suppose I was reserving it for a moment like this.

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

__________________

The lady this thread is about is Mary. This was her first year as a walker and her last. She was asked to leave this group as soon as the news about this broke and she understood why. She had no intention of hurting the turtle watch group.

To those reponding on this thread about stuff being able to be left out, I invite you, I implore you to join me for a week of turtle walk. I 'll be able to show you items left on the beach for more than a week that is obviously abandoned. And it's not just broken shovels and empty beer cans. It's a perfectly good swimming pool over near Stinky's that has set there in front of a condo for two weeks now. It was two umbrellas at the outfall of Stallworth Lake for nearly two weeks. This list goes on forever. I know it's abandoned, but I cannot legally pick them up for fear of someone crying foul.

Often I pick up chairs, clothing, shovels, pails and water bottles washing in the surf and toss them further up the beach in hopes of someone claiming them that day. For all we know, it entered the surf 1/2 mile down and will never be claimed.

I've been picking up obvious trash like empty cans, broken toys and spent fireworks. In a 2 mile stretch of beach, I will typically need to empty a plastic grocery bag 3-4 times. It would seem that I'll need to stop this service as now we have some folks claiming that stuff probably should be afforded the same status as a brand new tent set up last night.

I'm taking a position right here. I'm done picking up anything on the beaches until this issue is resolved. If the folks using the beaches want to be slobs, then eventually they're going to reap the rewards for their actions by not being able to find a clean beach to trash in a while. I only hope the turtles survive what humans are doing to this planet.

__________________
Anthony

This is a very sad commentary. You are obviously an asset to your community. Those of us who appreciate clean beaches when we vacation also appreciate your work. Like most other things in life, some people do more than their share, while some do as little as possible.

Ash, I think if you go back and read every comment, you will see No One is in favor of leaving trash on the beach. I have not seen a single comment to that effect.

Those of us that support not breaking the law to make a point; do not have to be against keeping the beaches clean or protecting the turtles. We can support the law and support clean beaches and the local law enforcement.

I do find it rather upsetting that it appears, and please anyone correct me if I am wrong, that there is am implication that if you are pro law enforcement you are anti-clean beaches and anti-turtle and that is definitely not the case in my personal situation and I seriously doubt it is the case for anyone else. We always help clean the beach area when visiting and personally I see absolutely no reason to take all that crap to the beach anyway.

Law enforcement have a very hard job especially in a small town and I grew up in one, to balance being popular among their fellow residents and enforcing the laws they are sworn to uphold.

There are better ways of making a point than getting arrested. She probably had the best of intentions but went about it the wrong way. I get very upset when in the area about reckless drivers both local and non, but I am not going to slash someone's tires to make a point.

One of our own local entrepreneurs and terrific community members, Arix Zalace, has developed flashlight lens covers that filter out precisely the right wavelengths of light to keep from bothering turtles and other wildlife, while helping humans see where they're going. You can buy these covers at Raw & Juicy in the airstream at Seaside! If you're hot and thirsty when you go by there, I recommend the watermelon water, or a young coconut (enough for a meal in hot summer for me).

__________________
Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

It's not just trash that's the problem on the beach and I'd venture to say the trash is less visible in the whole.
If you truly want to have clean beaches that folks can take a morning stroll on, and children can play in the surf, then you must include the beach chairs left because it broke or the owners just saw no value in toting it back to their home state. It'll be the tents left when folks leave because they maybe really believe someone else will claim it and it will service another family.

If we must bring turtles into the mix, they can quite readily crawl around or over most plastic pails, broken shovels and beach towels. The do have four wheel drive. What they don't have is reverse and when they encounter a huge hole or tent stakes, they're stuck until they get help.

Besides the turtles, there are the many who like to be on the beach at night who shouldn't have to worry about stumbling into a hole or tripping over wire holding up a tent. It just takes away from the experience.

Besides the folks wanting access to the beach, there is also the need for access for emergency vehicles. Some beach areas are so narrow the TDC can't run their trucks once people are on the beach. Now imagine an emergency requiring access to that same stretch of beach only to find tents chairs and large holes to contend with to get to a victim. This doesn't matter whether it's day or night, but at night, they may not even see that huge hole until it creates additional victims.

Minnie, you PM'd me about how many on this thread may be turtle walkers. I'm a walker and absolutely proud to be counted among them. It gives something back to an area I consider myself very blessed to be a part of. I'm not aware of any others posting being walkers. Anyone else care to stand up and

__________________
Anthony

Please don't talk about moving to Costa Rica guys!! I am about to venture forth, leave all I have here, to move to your paradise. I want us to find solutions, I want to help. Tell me what I need to do to help educate others and do my part.

What does a citizen do? Do I take a garbage bag to the beach on every early morning walk and make it a litter patrol? What am I allowed to pick up legally?

I've been to Costa Rica - the grass is always greener on the other side. While I LOVED it - I love SoWal MORE!

G

__________________

UGH...

So SJ seemed to net this out for us very nicely in an earlier post. Let me follow his lead-

Is there any reason why I/we cannot (after sunset) move items left on the beach next to the nearest beach access trash receptacle?

__________________

Somebody meet me right now for a beer in Costa Rica.

__________________

Ash, I am proud you are a man of action and just not words. Many times it's easy to support a cause in theory and not action. Next time I am in town I would love to join you on a walk. I will contact you.

A very easy way to support the turtles is to purchase a license plate in their support.

And as you said, it seems the tents and holes are the really serious problems, I would totally support the banning of tents on the beach. A beach umbrella is plenty of shade.

There is no need for the beach to look like a football tailgate experience.

Your actions on public property would probably not bring Barney or Goober or Gomer to your home. The issue is what is public and what is private.

The issue with the current ordinance is it gives the owner no opportunity to retrieve their possessions when removed.

If we were all your size, this might not be an issue. I have personally seen a renter in the face of a TDC guy because the TDC guy was tossing beach chairs in the back of his truck. I got closer because I wanted to see how this played out. The renter was telling the TDC that he had just put out all this stuff. The TDC guy calmly went back to his truck and produced a color photo taken the night before and he was showing the renter how the tent was exactly where it was last night and that umbrella hasn't moved either.

It was starting to get tense and I didn't want to be in the middle of that and so I walked off to finish my walk. It wasn't too many days after that the lawyer thing happened that hamstringed the TDC from what doing their part in a mixed up world.

__________________
Anthony

Probably eligible for Obama Bucks - don't worry the government is here to help !

Finally someone who might know. You guys get $80K a year in tax money to run that program. Do turtle walkers get paid? What do you do with the money?

__________________

Harry Harper is a fantastic criminal attorney in Bay County with experience in Walton County. I worked with him years ago and the man knows his stuff. I am sure when you guys get up a defense fund he would be glad to assist. Everyone deserves just as much justice as they can afford. What a country.

__________________

So wait. Size does mattter? I knew I was being lied to!

__________________

Good luck getting them discuss that. Why? Because in their minds it is not an issue. They have already decided that the beach is pretty and touches the gulf so it belongs to everyone, those that pay taxes on it and those that do not. What amazes me is when people who profess this sort of thing have no trouble selling off their supposed public beach for millions and laugh about it.

__________________

What about an Adopt a Beach program like the Adopt a Highway program?
It could be formal or informal. If public beach- no problem. If private the person/group volunteering to cover the private stretch could approach each property owner to get his/her blessing?

Too naive???

EDIT: If I adopted Spooky Lane (for instance) then my approach would be to stop by every tent during the day and introduce myself to its dwellers. I would inform them that we have a remove it or lose it ordinance in effect, that I have volunteered to keep this stretch of the beach pristine for all its visitors and that later that night I would be removing anything left on the beach (per the posted ordinance).

EDIT II:
I'm considering just declaring myself a steward of my nearest beach access. Whether i do introductions during the day or not, I think I'll just start stacking everything at the beach access nightly...

Bail me out, guys!!!

__________________

Why does this stuff always happen in BMB or Seagrove ?

What I do not understand is if Walton County BCC can pay someone $35/hour to monitor the multiuse path for obstructions and sprinklers spraying the wrong way, why we can not get people to at least keep the PUBLIC portion of the beaches clean.

__________________

If you walk enough days a week, you become eligible for some of your gas money is what I understand. I personally am walking 4 days a week and believe I may be eligible. I do not get paid for any of my time. It is a volunteer group and I would guess the funds are used for the website, educational materials, light bulbs and shirts. All walkers are given turtle volunteer t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats to wear while walking to identify them. I have several shirts for the many days as well as a sweatshirt because we will still be walking in October. We don't stop walking until 72 days past the last known nest to ensure it has hatched.
The group offers light bulbs to people living on the beach if they can't afford to swap out the ones on their homes. I can't imagine this expense could be picked up for a whole condo, but the group is trying to give what they can. I carry small flashlights, lense covers for flashlights and educational materials like brochures, color books and crayons to hand out to people we encounter on the beach. Most people are very interested and have no idea there are sea turtles nesting here. Education will be a never ending adventure.

__________________
Anthony

You need to review the definition of compensation according to the IRS. If you are getting ANYTHING for doing the job, you are being compensated for your time. Hats, shirts, and all that other stuff cost money and have value.

__________________

You bring up a very valid point. Proof of ownership would be a sticky issue as people likely don't write their name on their tent. What would prevent people from learning that when they get here, they need to run over to the TDC and pick out whatever they might need on the beach for the next week and state that it was theirs.
Should there be a timeframe on how long stuff would need to be held before it was deemed abandoned? Could become quite a holding area.

__________________
Anthony

I LOVE that idea!!! But like the Adopt a Highway (I've been fighting litter here for years) it would be SO NICE if people would not trash in the first place (is that too naive?)

What about someone who approached people with tents and toys and floats and said, "Ma'am, I am part of the B.E.A.C.H. (Beach Environmental Awareness Club Helper ) and I just want to ask you to be sure to such and such - pick up all of your things when you leave and then put the monkey on the sea turtle's back. And also THANK those you see leaving with everything in tact.

Is it all tourists? I don't think so - because I've seen some of the yards in the neighborhood I am going to be living in! A lot of them are long term renters so it seems - but zero pride.

IF YOU LOVE FLORIDA YOU WON'T LITTER! That should be the state motto.

G

__________________

I support the Turtle Watch work, but I am not a walker...however, I know of at least two others on the board who are...and, probably others that I don't know.

I find this entire situation very sad. I wish we had better enforcement of the ordinances; I wish people were more respectful of nature; I wish that circumstances had not converged to result in this arrest...and I wish we had more information about what really happened.

Most of all, I wish that everyone would appreciate what a treasure our beach is and just how fragile the entire system is...how people can abandon their stuff on the beach with no thought for others is beyond me. Even if it's so-called private beach, it seems awareness of safety and appearance, would be enough to bring in the chairs and tents and toys...it is a sad commentary on the human condition IMO.

__________________

"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

$100.00

__________________
I know I don't get there often enough, but God knows I surely try, It's a magic kind of medicine that no doctor could prescribe!

Ash,

Thanks for your service and all the information you've shared about what turtle walkers do.

__________________
Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

We all support the work, they get tax dollars.

__________________

I have unintentionally left property on the beach overnight. Sometimes it was there in the morning. Sometimes it was not. And when it was gone it was my loss and I had no one to blame that I didn't have a chance to get it back but myself- because I was the idiot who left it at the beach overnight. Duh.

__________________

They are required attire for walking the beach and the turtle group is picking up the tab for the items. I sure hope the IRS isn't going to lock me up for accepting 4 shirts and a sweatshirt in exchange for volunteering to walk beaches. Do I really need to call H&R Block and report t-shirts?

__________________
Anthony

I am sure you want to be law abiding and if you can wear the stuff as regular clothing then you should be reporting it or turning it back in when your service is through.

__________________

These shirts are only worn when I am turtle walking.

__________________
Anthony

Everytime I walk the beach, I pick up trash. From now on I will move items left overnight to the trash area and if TDC throws it in their trucks, so be it.

This is unfortunate, but maybe it can be used as education for tourist and some residents who choose to violate the County Ordinace.

I don't think this should become an us vs. them issue meaning those who advocate damaging personal property (under the turtle circumstances) vs. those who do not.

I personally wouldn't destroy personal property; it's just not my style. But, that doesn't mean I am not an advocate for proper use and care of our beaches as well as protection of a near extinct species.

That said, I am also not going to judge someone who did. This lady had the right intentions, but for whatever reason (maybe she just received some bad news), she 'allegdedly' reacted in a manner I would not. I stated from the beginning that there must be more to this story than we know.....then news of the video surfaced. Yes, she is innocent until proven guilty, but a video is pretty inciminating and there are many defenses she can claim. If that were a family member or a friend, I would certainly bail the person out of jail.....doesn't mean I condone the action of destroying personal property, however.

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

I am curious, you seem obsessed with how much money this group gets in tax $$. You have mentioned it several times in several posts. Why don't you just come right and say what is really on your mind instead of beating around the bush. For more information please contact Sharon Maxwell (850) 897-5228 or email: swturtlewh@cox.net.. I am sure she would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about this wonderful organization. You obviously have a an issue with this group, and it shows.

__________________
I know I don't get there often enough, but God knows I surely try, It's a magic kind of medicine that no doctor could prescribe!

And you hate it!!!!

__________________
I know I don't get there often enough, but God knows I surely try, It's a magic kind of medicine that no doctor could prescribe!

It was Alabama's own Gomer. Glad to kow there are at least two here besides me who remember.

__________________
Susan Horn
www.artisan-builds.com

Not how you wear them, but how they could be worn.

__________________

Gidget you are an inspiration. Out of all the posts I find yours the most heart wrenching. Here is someone who is leaving all she loves and coming to this Paradise to make a new home. She is practically begging to help to make this work. And, she's asking how to do this the "legal way". YOU are my hero!!!


This is not "Whale Wars" with absolutely no one to stop the Japanese....this is the Emerald Coast of Florida, with Law Enforcement. Can we not give them a little credit??? They may not do all that everyone would like them to do, but we are fortunate to live where there is not a shootout in the neighborhood everynight.

Maybe we should put a confessional at each beach exit. Any volunteers?

__________________
You are Great.
You are Amazing.
MissCritter's Thread....We all need a little Validation.

I was sitting reading your replies, as a newbie here I was set on keeping this comment to myself. But for some reason as I kept staring at your last reply I noticed your avatar. Now I can fully understand your replies on this thread! Anyone wanting to put a 3rd Bush in office needs to be tied to the tent when the CRAZED SLASHER comes at night ! Sorry you just rubbed me the wrong way. Ash seems as others to be doing something they enjoy and at the same time they are helping save lives! (Turtles) But now knowing that you publicly support a family that would kill anything for money I understand your response!

[/ANGER OFF]

What makes you say that? I do not recall ever saying I hated the organization. They are doing a great job. But of course, they are being paid to a do a job and I expect nothing short of total excellence from all of my employees.

__________________

I have always been told the younger turtles make the best soup.

__________________

SHAZAM! - it is one of my favorite shows!!


G

__________________

With that mentality it wont be long before they are gone and the food value would be gone, Oh wait... The Bush Factor kicked in! They never worried about hunger here in this country, So there is some hope for you!

I am asking you to retract your statement.
I am not being paid to do this job, nor would I accept pay as I have indicated. It is a volunteer organization. I do this for a completely different reason that I surmise you do not understand. If I had to purchase the shirts to be able to represent this organization and walk the beaches for them, I wouldn't have hesitated.
Please contact Sharon as Kathydwells suggested. I speak of the things I know about this organization, but I am not a spokesperson for them.

__________________
Anthony

Thanks you for reading my post. Everyone was bickering back and forth so much I didn't know if it was even read.

I appreciate the thoughtful comments - I truly do.

I want everyone to COME TO A CONSENSUS!!! It can't be that hard. To think that there is animosity towards each other on a forum about turtles and litter - it just makes me very sad right now. In fact, I see a lot of this type of behavior on the forum regarding ideas and differences. Golly - anger and rudeness has no place in discussion.
Let's agree to state what the problem is and list solutions - what can we do to improve things and not run off to Costa Rica or blame this person or that organization. OR label people!! I'm afraid to even say what I truly think for fear of being bashed! (re: politics especially!)

Of course, there are many who calmly state their case, make their observations and get lost in the thread lol! I learn more from them and even want to listen to an opposite point of view if it is stated rationally. But when people start getting rude (like getting on someone's case because they had a typo and knocking points off of an IQ due to a MISTAKE) I want to just get off. But I can't cause I'm moving here and I want to be a part of something magical and positive! I have very high hopes!

So, what's the problem? And what are our first steps to a solution?

Gidget

__________________

Thanks Gidget. I think it's already been stated a couple times that the root problem may be that the beaches aren't always left in the same condition as they were found.

__________________
Anthony

__________________
You are Great.
You are Amazing.
MissCritter's Thread....We all need a little Validation.

Gidget, we too are moving to sowal, I am only a few miles from it as I type. The truth is a new community (Universe) was born when the Internet became available. Now we have real life and surreal life. This is another thread so I will stop here. The people of sowal are all good! They just seem to let their "Hair" down more on here. Besides if there was not this LOVE here this blog would die!

You are wonderful Gidget, and I know you will be quite the hit with the long-term renters with zero pride in the neighborhood. Everyone will look forward to your insight and guidance when you get to Blue Mountain Beach. I know many of those lazy people and they need another Louisiana ex-tourist to show them how it's done. Good luck.

Now you are learning. If you refuse to recognize it as a problem then it obviously does not exist.

__________________

Blue Mountain Beach

The land of Whack-a-doodles

Gidget,

Two things you will learn about me:

1. I have been looking for an excuse to move to Costa Rico for years. Its about the waves. About every other month I find an issue to scream about for me to move. My wife just rolls her eyes. She knows I am full of s***!

2. I have been looking for an excuse and a way to meet Shelly for years.

It may finally come true!

Another thing, Sowal is a great place to live. We all get heated at times because of our love of this place. By no means would it be an intent to steer you away. You seem like a great person and I feel you will be a local in no time. Come on down and get in the mix! Just remember to not leave your stuff on the beach or throw cigarette butts out your window and life will be wonderful for you!

__________________
"You are your choices"
www.lifeonshore.com
http://bobbyjblog.com

WRobert,

I just heard Mary was a conservative....

__________________
"You are your choices"
www.lifeonshore.com
http://bobbyjblog.com

Ouch! Low blow!

__________________
Anthony

Extremism exists on both ends of the pendelum.

__________________
Anthony

Updated NW Florida Daily News Article.


NWFDailyNews.com : Woman charged with mischief during turtle walk

Based on recent news reports from the newswire, this is low-level terrorism.

"That law dictates which items can be left on the beach overnight, but its enforcement was suspended last month to give county officials time to revise it."


This might have something to do with the alleged acts.

__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all

...don't sweat the small stuff--claiming a volunteer t-shirt as compensation is pure piffle.
.

__________________
But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

Gidg,

Fear not...you get used to it.

.

__________________
But hey...Top Ramen tastes a whole lot better when you eat it off of a Granite Countertop. (Mr & Mrs Too Much Homebuyer)

Florida State Flower

I have just joined this network, I am what you would say is a tourist. My 2 cents worth, you have the most wonderful place in the world. We used to go to Panama City, got tired of it, started going to Gulf Shores, condos took over beach, found Seagrove Beach 4 years ago and would never go anywhere else. We visit 2 times a year, spend our family thanksgiving on the beach. In all of my trips I have never felt like we were looked at as tourists, the people there are so nice. Some of the issues here may be that the people are not as informed about things as they should be. Me for one didnt realize the value of the efforts to protect the turtles until I did a little research. No matter where you go there are going to be people who dont care how they leave any place they go. We have a new Wal Mart, within days there were dirty diapers in the parking lot. My hats off to all of you for trying to preserve the place you call home, I am trying to figure out how I could become a part of it. As for the lady who was arrested, she has problems. Cleanup the landfills, go back to using cloth diapers.

I've posted in other threads on the hazards of leaving items on the beach, but I have to say that I'm disappointed in this lady's approach. Apparently the law needs to be fine tuned so that the proper authorities can manage beach items appropriately.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been one of those people who likes to go out on the beach at night and enjoy the moon, stars, and sound of the surf. As much as I love the beach during the day, there is something else about it at night. However, I thought I had read on other threads and notices and such that we (humans) are not even supposed to go on the beach at night, with or without flashlights, because it may interfere with sea turtles. I'm glad to hear a turtle watch walker acknowledge people going on the beach at night. I think if you are responsible and keep an eye out for turtles, it can be acceptable to go on the beach at night. I hope to be able to take my daughter (and other future child[ren]) out there with a (covered) flashlight like we did when we were kids. What is the official rule on people on the beach at night from May through October?

This was published in todays paper. It says the beach patrol or law enforcement had suspended enforcement of this law so they could rewrite it. Does anyone know why or what reason they have to rewrite it?

Woman charged with destroying items left on beach

She is suspected of removing items in efforts for Turtle Watch

By KIMBERLY WHITE
Northwest Florida Daily News 654-6905, ext. 244 kimw@nwfdailynews.com



SEAGROVE BEACH — A 57-year-old woman who was arrested Monday faces two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief after she allegedly destroyed tents and inflatable floats on a beach in South Walton County early Friday.
According to a press release from the Walton County Sheriff ’s Office, witnesses saw Seagrove Beach resident Mary Brady destroy the items on a stretch of beach behind the Beachcrest Condominiums on County Road 30A in Seagrove Beach.
“There were several witnesses that saw the incident,” said Mike Gurspan, the public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. “The investigators gathered all the information (from the witnesses) before the actual arrest was made.”
Brady, who is a reporter at the Walton Sun, recently began volunteering with South Walton Sea Turtle Watch. She confirmed that she was walking the beach as a Turtle Watch volunteer Friday morning.
She denied causing the damage, but declined further comment on the advice of her attorney.
She bonded out of the county jail and is awaiting a July 23 court date.
The incident generated some interest among south Walton County residents who are hotly debating the so-called Leave No Trace ordinance.
That law dictates which items can be left on the beach overnight, but its enforcement was suspended last month to give county officials time to revise it.
Meanwhile, Turtle Watch volunteers and other residents are concerned beach chairs, tents and other items left on the beach are interfering with the nesting habits of endangered and threatened sea turtles, which must make their way across the sand to lay their eggs.
Sharon Maxwell, director of South Walton Turtle Watch, said Brady had been volunteering with the group about three weeks.
“Of course, we don’t condone what she is supposed to have done,” Maxwell said, who added that until Brady’s case is resolved, “We asked that she not walk for us anymore.”

__________________
A Local in Disguise

Curious, Do they offer any training before they allow someone to walk? What are the Rules they go by? What are they suppose to do under the "Groups Banner?" Just thinking...

It is crazy to me that the turtles even need to be part of the conversation. I understand that items on the beach interfere with their nesting and that many need to be educated on this. But it shouldn't take this education to get folks to pick up after themselves...

Except for a campground, I know of no other place where I can leave tents and chairs overnight. What is it about the beach that confuses folks and makes them believe it would be okay to leave their stuff out???

__________________

Yes, what is it

__________________

"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell