The Walton County Commission has approved allowing properly permitted dogs from out of town to enjoy the beach.

The Defuniak Herald » OFFICIALS TAKE UP BEACH DRIVING AND DOG PERMITS

Oh crap!

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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

Whew, I haven't encountered a treasure on the beach in some time.

Dog owners (and apparently horse owners, remember smoothing the beach kurt?) covering dog pooh with a sprinkle of sand does not make it vanish from the face of the earth, it simply makes it easier for the unknowing beach goer to step in. I realize it's gross to pick up, but guess what's worse than touching your dogs poop through a bag or glove? Stepping in someone else's dog's crap.

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Hate to sound so bitter...but many of our vistors to our beaches don't pick up their trash so really hate to think about their dog's poop. Nothing worse than to be sitting on the beach playing in the sand with your grand child and coming across a bunch of "stuff" lying a few inches under the sand.

...won't be long now--I'll be déjà vu all over again.

What's coming down the pipe <pun intended> will make us look back longingly to the the days of the "overnight tent bazaars" and the "Big Blue Signs."

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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

Actually, I don't think this will mean anything in reality as I am continuously astounded and disgusted by all the tourists who bring their dogs to the beach regardless of permits or laws anyhow. I personally have never seen it enforced. Sorry about the bitterness, but this is one of my pet peeves....(pet peeve...get it? doh! lol)

IMHO this is a bad idea. Prior to this policy change, there was already a problem because so many owners and residents don't leash their pets on the beach.

Many visitors don't seem to give a crap (double entendre intended) about our beautiful beaches in SoWal, as evidenced by the litter that many of them leave on the beaches when they check out. So my guess is they'll be less likely to clean up their pets' poop than residents/owners because so many of them just don't seem to care about the trash and damage that they leave behind. Sorry to offend those who do care, but I just know that every time we are at our beach home, I have to clean up a crap-ton of junk left on the beach by renters.

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Maybe have a 'Pet Friendly' time and place on the beach, I know my dogs love the beach as much as anyone, and we allows pick-up after them ( and other dogs too, so the lazy dogs owners don't wreck it for the rest of us). I promise you if you if get a group of responsible dogs owners together and allow our dogs to have fun on the beach....we will leave the beach cleaner than ever.

PS I would rather give a donation to Wild Life Rescue, or Turtle Nest protection to get my dogs permits.

How many of you brought your concerns to the Commissioners?

This is what was listed on the Agenda for September 8th county commission meeting:

" Consider an Ordinance amending 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"

Now, how did the consideration go from what appeared to be more stringent current rules to allowing visitor's dogs on the beach? On the video of the Commissioner's 9/08 meeting, reference was made to the hard work of staffer, Gerry Demears, to put together a proposal. Thus far, I have yet to find that information posted anywhere or a heads up BEFORE the meeting that this was going to be part of the ordinance being considered. I think we were blindsided by the commission on this one. This was a privilege for the residents of Walton County. Now all the surrounding county residents can come to Walton County and walk their dogs on our beach, let them chase our toddlers while off leash, poop on our beach and run up and down our dunes while going back to their home county and enjoy "NO DOGS ALLOWED" beaches. Our commissioners let the residents of Walton County down on this one. Possibly from pressure from the TDC to appease more tourists? More likely we will be appeasing Destin and P.C. residents who do not want dog friendly beaches. BTW, I am a responsible dog owner & lover of dogs, but this tirade is a result of experience with a large % of arrogant, irresponsible dog owners who do not think the rules apply to them. Somehow I suspect that % just increased.

If non compliant dog owners are already allowing their dogs on the beach without permits, what makes the BCC think they will now go buy a permit? If that rule is broken, I can jsut imagine how much poo poo will be left behind. However, there is also the fact that probably most of the rentals along 30A are no pet rentals. How many tourists actually bring their pets and stay on 30A? Will the tourist's dog permit cost more than the $30.00 I spend? I should hope so.

I venture to guess that if LEOs would visit the beach and ticket these rule breakers (along with the non permitted cars), the coffers would be overflowing with funds. I just went and reupped Molly's beach permit and saw that the fine for pets w/o permits was $100.00! Poopoo violations were $50.00!

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

Since I walk the beach almost daily I think I know what I am talking about here. Almost ALL the dogs I encounter are not on the leash and are allowed to roam the beach unsupervised and they are down there at a time when they are not allowed to be. So much for our rules and I have complained for years!!! I was even chased a week ago by a dog that was much too far away from it's owner and fortunately I had a small travel umbrella with me to protect myself. The big mistake was that I didn't have my cell phone with me to call 911. I don't mind telling you I was frightened because the dog was snapping and showing his teeth at me. And yes, the owner of the dog was a week end visitor and KNEW his dog wasn't allowed on the beach.
No, this new ruling won't make much of a difference because our visitors do what they want to do here with no regard for others. I agree, why do we think our visitors will abide by the rules and buy permits, leash their pets and pick up? I think most of the locals here already know the answers to these questions.

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BEACH LOCAL

Did you already step in some?

I walk my dogs on the beach everyday. We walk to the whale's tail and
socialize. I'm tired of the people who bring their dogs without permits.
I get permits every year. They also let their dogs run without leashes.
I think the sheriff needs to patrol down there every day after 4 pm.
I tell the people that they need a permit for the dog They just laugh.
Now I pay for the privilage to walk my dogs on the beach They don't usually pick up after their dogs either.

If my memory serves me correctly, this ordinance came before the BCC in August, and someone came up and asked the BCC to look at letting visitors have the privilege of letting their dogs on the beach, so it was out there. We just need to pay attention. I don't like it either. I don't want to see any dogs on the beach, but I understand the desire, and think that it should be limited to a specific area.

...same could be said for nude sunbathing--which, in my opinion, would be preferable to dogs running loose and pooping on the beach.

Now the pressure will be on for folks renting out their vacation properties to allow dogs. I just don't get a good feeling of where this thing is heading.

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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

Article IV Privileges and Immunities

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My four year old niece got bit by a dog on the beach here, this was a local dog that was on a leash but got away from the owner. I have had several encounters with big dogs never on a leash and very scary looking. Once I had one try to eat my sandwich while we were having lunch. What about the beach mouse? The dogs are constantly running in the dunes. This seems like a backwards move by the county and I didn't know it was on the agenda at this meeting.

A friend of ours got chased into the surf by a dog running loose on the beach. I've had big, barking ones run up to me on the streets and the beach while the owners did nothing. I like dogs (and I know that most owners are responsible people), but opening up the beaches to them really makes no sense.

I have been harassed by two large pit bulls that were following their jogging owner unleashed on the beach. Its ridiculous! You shouldn't have to worry about that kind of thing when your relaxing on the beach!

Try talking to the Commissioners; they might reconsider their vote. It's worth a shot.

The original dog ordinance was highly contentious - like it or not it was a sign of progress and growth. More people, more dogs, more problems. In effect, it was a "problem dog" law. It gave the WCSO a way to deal with mean dogs.

More dogs = More problems = More tourists?

Great. I can't let my daughter ride her bike in my neighborhood because nobody leashes their dam* dogs. It looks like now I have to put up with even more dogs running loose on the beach. Nothing like sitting in your beach chair, and out of nowhere BAM there is a wet sandy dog rubbing up against you and shaking all over your stuff, and the dog's owner is completely oblivious or thinks Fido is so cute.

I'm reading on here that people don't like that people break the rules, and let their dogs run on the beach. That seems to be confused with thinking that the only people who do this are tourists. I see plenty of dogs on the beach, and most belong to locals. The majority are not on a leash, or at least not held by the human with the dog. Yesterday, a sweet, wet, old local dog walked over to my clean dry towel with his leash held in his mouth (not held by the owner), and covered my towel in wet sand. No big deal really, because the dog was just trying to say hi to me. However, I would have more respect for other people if that were my dog. I like dogs more than I need a clean towel, but I'm not your average Joe, and somebody is likely to freak out on the dog owner.

Especially on the beach, but in all public areas, people should clean up the poop of their pets. There is little excuse for not doing so. However, forcing someone to buy a permit, will not make any pet owner more responsible. Doing so will not make them clean the poo, nor leash their dogs. Also, I think it is about stupid that we have allowed the government to con us into believing that we need a permit to walk our dog ANYWHERE. If all dog owners were following the basic rules of courtesy and picking up their dog's poo and keeping them on leash so that they don't disturb other beach goers, we wouldn't be concerned about whether or not they had a permit. It is not the permit with which we should be concerned -- It is the behavior of the dog owner that should concern us.

Regarding the BCC blindsiding us, I think you are right. There was even a County representative who posted on SoWal.com to announce that the dog permit and beach vehicle permit were solely about how one would show proof of ownership before obtaining a permit. At the BCC meeting, it was thrown in that at the urging of one person, dog permits should not be excluded to local residents only. The twist is that for the item on the agenda just prior to this one, it was stated by Grant B. that we needed to REDUCE the number of beach permits for vehicles. Limiting nor expanding of permits, dogs or vehicles, was never on the agenda to be discussed for public opinion.

Just remember, that if the dog owners who bring their dogs to the beach, follow the existing rules, all of the "dog problems" noted in the many posts above, wouldn't be an issue. Permits or no permits, behavior won't change. People are people.

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So I did some research, and the BCC approved the changes to the ordinance at the Sept. 8th meeting, but allowing visiting dogs to be eligible to receive permits was not part of them. It was an idea that was brought up, but was not included in the vote. I'm not sure the source of the news article, but according to what I found out today we all got worried about something that never happenned.

The Defuniak Herald » OFFICIALS TAKE UP BEACH DRIVING AND DOG PERMITS

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.

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

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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 !!!

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.

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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.

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BEACH LOCAL

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

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!

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The enemy is ignorance.

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?

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Nature does nothing uselessly. Aristotle

"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?

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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.

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

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.

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

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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

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!

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BEACH LOCAL

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.

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The enemy is ignorance.

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). Forproperty 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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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? :)

It is a metal tag.

We bring our Corgi's, two neutered brothers) with us now and then, walk them on the beach after 6 or so in the summer and 4 in cooler months on a leash altho honestly now and then we let'em run....they act like kids in snow for about ten minutes, then it's sit down and watch or beg for petting. We clean up after ours and others dogs poop, garbage, etc. as we do in Memphis where we live. It is just the right thing to do but most, that's right, most dog owners on vacation don't give a damn about any laws, acts of humaness, kindness, thoughtfulness, etc. They are just here for the RIGHT NOW RIGHT HERE! And get away from my face! We've had our share of confrontations and spitefulness. I guess we are not in compliance with the permit laws, but we will take care of that when next we bring them. But I am pooped with the entire mess of crap. Hell, just patrol and fine the miscreants. Get on with it. They'll either comply or stay away and in either case the beaches, people and County is better off without those kinds of people, and dogs.

Geez I was just explaining that it is more than a piece of paper.

Take care of it how? If you are not a resident you can't get one (or 2 in our case).

Isn't it amazing how unique South Walton is - apparently we are the only place in the world where you are supposed to clean up after your pet and have areas where dogs are not allowed, or are supposed to be leashed or have a permit.

That must be why this is such a difficult concept right?

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The enemy is ignorance.

I don't know of anywhere else where you have to be a resident to get a permit to take a critter somewhere. I'm not complaining mind you, my pups are happy just being with us.

Most beaches in the US do not allow dogs for sanitary reasons.

Those that do often require you to have your dog on a leash (some even have a max leash length), restrict the hours and locations where the dogs may be, and some require proof of vaccinations or a permit.

Anyone traveling with their dog can easily check the rules here:

Dog friendly beaches, pet friendly beaches United States, dog beaches U.S.A., dog beach USA

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The enemy is ignorance.

We own a place there so we qualify and have been just dreafully slow to comply but we will this year coming. And if you're looking, I have a condo there for sale, too. Just a sly plug....ok, not so sly.