Items on the beach overnight

[TNJed]

Shouldn't these locals be setting a good example to visitors? Goodness sakes, they most likely would be inclined to say,"Why not just leave our stuff overnight the locals do it? See over there in front of Summer's Edge? Must not hurt anything? Let's go. It'll be fine."

You're right about private homes being confusing. This falls under the whole private vs public beach debacle. Home owners and renters feel they should be able to leave what they want out at night but the county makes the rules. This is part of the problem. If people see stuff left out, unaware it's private property, then they understandably feel they can leave theirs out as well. Be it at a public access or another's property. Guests don't understand the invisible property lines. They see the water, tents left out overnight and figure, "me too!"

I believe we're on the same side on this issue. I'm just pointing out the reality of the situation not excusing it.

Most of the beach goers who leave stuff out aren't locals and that is key.

And you know, Turtle Watch has lots and lots of informational pamphlets that I'm sure they'd love for you to hand out to the tourists each and every Sunday morning as they hit the beaches. How much was the grant they were just awarded? $60,000 was it? Wonder where that is going?

[TNJed]

If you check with the turtle watch people, you will be told there have been quite a few nests in that very area you are speaking of. Dunes or dunes has nothing to do with it - the turtle does not know what is there when she comes up on the beach, they have poor eyesight on land. Unless disturbed, she will generally come as far up the beach as she can, whether she finds a dune or not, and lay eggs there.

Well, I haven't seen any in the past 2 years here. Like you said, not that it matters, but those are my personal observations. And for what it's worth, I'm talking about a few hundred yards of beach at the most.

Maybe the TDC needs a mascot to help kick things off.

[Jdarg]

Well, I haven't seen any in the past 2 years here. Like you said, not that it matters, but those are my personal observations. And for what it's worth, I'm talking about a few hundred yards of beach at the most.

Maybe the TDC needs a mascot to help kick things off.

The return of the Ninjas!!

[Miss Kitty]

Some of this sounds like..."do as I say, not as I do." Just because some people do it, doesn't make it right.

I applaud this latest campaign, but will not hold my breath it can be enforced.

[scooterbug44]

I am optimistically thinking that it at least shows they are aware of the problem and taking steps to correct it.

Doubt they can get 100% enforcement because of tourist turnover, but every bit helps!

[Jdarg]

Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!

[TripleB]

If someone passes out on the beach...will they be tagged too? Dar...I mean a friend of mine wanted me to ask.

[Miss Kitty]

Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!

The question is...will they read it? I was standing right next to the flag and flag warning sign at WC one morning and a couple struck up a conversation with me. I pointed out the flag and the sign, which if it had been a snake it would have bitten them, and they say..."Oh, we wondered what that was about" I am sorry to admit I am getting quite cynical in my advanced age.

[scooterbug44]

No, they just wake you up, tell you there's no sleeping on the beach, and check you don't have your liquor in glass!

[kathydwells]

If someone passes out on the beach...will they be tagged too? Dar...I mean a friend of mine wanted me to ask.

[scooterbug44]

The question is...will they read it? I was standing right next to the flag and flag warning sign at WC one morning and a couple struck up a conversation with me. I pointed out the flag and the sign, which if it had been a snake it would have bitten them, and they say..."Oh, we wondered what that was about" I am sorry to admit I am getting quite cynical in my advanced age.

Based on my observations of tourists and the flag signs, (posted at every public access, on refrigerator magnets in their condos, on TV commercials, printed in every issue of the SUN, and even on the back of a free t-shirt a local realtor was handing out), I don't think a sign would have the impact that a tag from the sheriff and the subsequent disappearance of their stuff would have!

I seriously believe some of them would be oblivious to armageddon unless it interfered with their view of the sunset!

Question - what happens if they just remove the tag and leave the stuff? Can they then not remove it because it hasn't been out long enough/they weren't warned?

[Beach Runner]

MommieBunnie You'll have a grayt time! No worries.

Except for the fact, Mommiebunnie, that even though I think Summer's Edge is a great place to rent, it is not beachfront. It's what we'd call "beach close." Did you not know that?

Based on my observations of tourists and the flag signs, (posted at every public access, on refrigerator magnets in their condos, on TV commercials, printed in every issue of the SUN, and even on the back of a free t-shirt a local realtor was handing out), I don't think a sign would have the impact that a tag from the sheriff and the subsequent disappearance of their stuff would have!

Exactly. I have signs posted all over my home, and renters ignore them. The one that irks me the most is when I arrive just after renters have left and find that both the pool and the hot tub have been left on at 103 degrees 24/7, even though I have a sign that says, "Please turn off the pool heat when not in use." How un-green is that? So we no longer provide heat for our pool and "hot" tub to renters. It's locked up and disabled.

[Smiling JOe]

You have to remember, educating our visitors should be a weekly if not daily exercise. The changeover is constant and there is no quick fix. The TDC needs to step up, get in the trenches so to speak and do a lot of hard work now which will pay dividends in the future.

Seems like so many people hit one of the three Publix grocery stores on their first day of arrival, if not the day after. I wonder Publix would be willing to help promote beach awareness? I wonder if the TDC has even approached Publix regarding the matter.

[Smiling JOe]

Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!

Like the big signs with big letters posted at the driving entrances to Grayton Beach, which state that no vehicles without permits on the beaches? Somewhere I have a photo of a Cadillac stuck in the sand, with the sign in the foreground. People don't read signs until they cannot figure it out on their own -- much like instruction books.

[BlueFox181]

Man, I can't wait to come down again. I have been needing new beach chairs...

[Beach Runner]

Would it be too expensive to post big bold signs at each access and at the garbage cans too? Something a little better and more visible than the few tiny signs at Grayton that say don't walk on the dunes.....if people could actually see the signs, oh the possibilities!

You know how heavy-duty my stair rails are, right. Well, once we arrived and someone had broken one of them. My guess is that the kids were using them as an amusement park ride, sliding down from the third floor to the first. I put big signs on the stair rails saying, "Please do not climb on stair rails to avoid injury and loss of damage deposit." When we arrived last week, someone had removed the signs! I replaced the signs before we left on Sunday. Not that anyone will read them.

I have also done something which I guess is kind of creepy. We provide a computer and wireless Internet for our guests. I have it set up so that when they turn on the computer, it goes to a website that I've created with welcome messages for our guests, as well as informational content. I can change the content and have programmed the website so that the content is refreshed periodically.

Still signs, etc., probably won't do any good, but every little bit helps, maybe?

[30A Skunkape]

What are the rules on the lights and light pollution? I now live right next to the community that claims being green is a priority, but they have a big huge bright light on all night that makes it impossible to see half the stars I'd like to enjoy. Aren't the lights supposed to be directed downward?

[TNJed]

Seems like so many people hit one of the three Publix grocery stores on their first day of arrival, if not the day after. I wonder Publix would be willing to help promote beach awareness? I wonder if the TDC has even approached Publix regarding the matter.

That's a really good idea. Especially in the areas of Publix where they sell beach gear.

I would think this would be an opportunity for Turtle Watch, their volunteers and their pamphlets to cut loose. EVERY Saturday afternoon. Table of info, balloons, turtle costume, the works. Be a good use of some of that grant money.

[UofL]

Most people go through a realtor to get their keys. Perhaps the realtors should hand a booklet to the guests telling them about the turtles and beach belongings and ask people to sign that they received the booklet. They can also be informed then that their belongings could be removed at night and explain why.


BUT...what amazes me as an outsider is that you who are locals don't seem to see anything wrong with vehicles on the beach. I would rather be on the beach with tents and umbrellas - which can be seen through - than big SUVs or trucks.
I realize you think the beaches belong to you or, a better spin, that you are caretakers of them, but cars....that has almost kept me away from Grayton.

Locals vs. visiters. Visitors can stay on the beach all day - for nearly a week. We will go up to the condo for lunch and breakdown before dinner. Most locals probably have to work and can't be on the beach that long. And since you are close by, and can have glimpses of it all the time, you probably don't stay there for long stretches at a time.

We understand about the turtles and leaving things overnight. We haven't been to Grayton in 2 years so I don't know how bad it has become.
Wait til you go somewhere like Myrtle Beach which has about 2 feet of space between each beach goer.

[Smiling JOe]

UofL, autos on the beach are getting to be many in the season, and yes, they can be an eyesore, and an ear sore as many like to show others how loud their stereos can play. However, they are not left on the beach for a week at a time. In fact, they are not even left overnight. One other point is that the ones with legal permits, are actually legally allowed to do so. We have so many problems with unenforced existing laws, that I choose to focus on the existing laws. It is as simple as that.

When autos on the beach discussion comes up, on major issue that the County will have to face is the lack of public parking in Grayton Beach. There is a little strip on both sides of Hotz Ave, in front of the Red Bar and along the side of the Red Bar, as well as along the street running into the eastern entrance of the beach, but I believe that is it, and people going to and working at the RedBar fill those quickly. Parking will be a major concern and challenge at many locations, but at Grayton, it, and fishing charter Captains, will be two HUGE obstacles to work through. There is this other rumor that in the lease agreement from the State to the County (Grayton Beach is actually State owned land), it states that as long as the County has the lease, vehicles will be permitted on the beach, within the particular boundaries of the leased properties.

Almost forgot to mention that I've never seen an abandoned vehicle on the beach. Even the ones that get stuck, have owners who seek help in removing them from the beach, unlike the tent owners who allow their tents to be abandoned and buried in the sand. I've never seen an auto blow away into the Gulf or into the Lake, to never be recovered, but I have seen that with umbrellas and I've seen chairs getting washed out into the Gulf. In fact I have pulled several out of the Gulf.

[Scooter]

How bout all homeowners who rent their property post a huge sign on their refrigerators that "ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACH OVERNIGHT WILL BE REMOVED AND CONFISCATED." Gee that seems easy!

[MommieBunnie]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words about my beach concerns. I just turn out to be the trip planner so I was just feeling a little insecure about my decision. YOu are restored my confidence that we have made an excellent choice! In general we really like to keep it simple and we DO care very much about the sea turtles and don't want to be thoughtless tourists! For you who do own rentals in the area(thanks!) I wonder if it is worthwhile to create an informational sheet addressing the concerns and then ask the realtors to include a little info about the sea turtles and what problems are created for them by leaving tents, chairs and junk out overnight. I think most of the people are just not thinking - or clueless and most of those folks don't read message boards! Just a thought. Thanks to all of you who do care for the area and the things which make it very special to those of us who are fortunate enough to come there to visit and bring our dear children and grandchildren to enjoy the sea and sand and hospitality which we have always felt there.

[John R]

from this morning. took a walk down at Grayton Beach and then headed to the 83 access.

still there, seems like there's more stuff...


at 83. saw a turtle sign there, didn't see one a Grayton. (the following images have been color enhanced since it was still a little dark, and a therefore a little blurry)

pretty busy with stuff to the west.

i don't think this stuff was put out for today before i got there


good news, the capo's lot is now public parking

[Jdarg]

I would love to go park my car practically on top of that mess at Grayton. I bet when they pack up that crap tonight, they leave lots of trash in the area. I better take lots of garbage bags- looks like a big pickup day at the beach.

I am curious. I notice people leave HUGE coolers at the beach. Does the beer and ice fairy come in the middle of the night and refill, or is there some sort of beer and ice delivery that we don't know about?

[Miss Kitty]

...John R, is that a warning tag on those chairs? I saw crappo like this every morning on the BMB webcam and I finally decided to quit looking for my health's sake. Like I guessed, there are signs, but they are not read.

[Mango]

FTLOG, they have a plastic storage bin on the beach and a tent within a tent?

Jdarg, I've been wondering about the cooler fairies myself.

[Miss Kitty]

FTLOG, they have a plastic storage bin on the beach and a tent within a tent?

Jdarg, I've been wondering about the cooler fairies myself.

...and a sign to identify their tent away from tent in case they get lost.

[Johnrudy]

...John R, is that a warning tag on those chairs? I saw crappo like this every morning on the BMB webcam and I finally decided to quit looking for my health's sake. Like I guessed, there are signs, but they are not read.

I look at the BMB cam every morning too and am amazed at the crap still on the beach from the night before!

[Smiling JOe]

I would love to go park my car practically on top of that mess at Grayton. I bet when they pack up that crap tonight, they leave lots of trash in the area. I better take lots of garbage bags- looks like a big pickup day at the beach.

I am curious. I notice people leave HUGE coolers at the beach. Does the beer and ice fairy come in the middle of the night and refill, or is there some sort of beer and ice delivery that we don't know about?

they probably use those "Slow-Melt" Popsicles which are made of "ice structuring proteins. "

[John R]

the tag on the chairs is a rental identifier. vinyl with the pertinent data written with grease pencil.

[30A Skunkape]

I need one of those icechests on wheels. Wonder whats in the tackle box?

[30A Skunkape]

the tag on the chairs is a rental identifier. vinyl with the pertinent data written with grease pencil.

Do you think we might need to bring our friend George Hayduke to Grayton?

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

There are a lot of visitors out there who do not know about this "rule". I went to TDC's website to see if I could find something out on this, similar to what a visitor to our area would do.

I visited http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/safety_info.asp
and figured it should detailed there along with clean beach tips, rip tides, Seemore the crabby crab, turtle tips, etc.

But NOPE. Nothing. Here's their current list within that web page where one would EXPECT to find something on this matter. It even has a link to our favorite subject below.

Public vs. Private Beach - Frequently Asked Questions

Beach Updates

Click here for Beach Access map (pdf)

Beach Safety
Clean Beach Tips (pdf)
Rip Current Awareness (pdf)
Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Shark encounter (pdf)
8 Tips For Family Beach Safety (pdf)
Sea Turtle Tips (pdf)
Red Tide Information (pdf)
Click here for Seemore the Safety crab
Click here for Seemore Safety Crab's Flag Warning System and Rip Current Tips

Weekly Beach Updates - 1-866-4my-beach

Have I missed a post where somebody's already asked this question? If I were an unsuspecting visitor, and someone confiscated my $250 setup (tent, umbrellas, chairs), I might be a bit upset with all the money I was pouring into Walton County including the bed tax.

Heck while we're at it...never mind...later.

[Smiling JOe]

Let's not jump the TDC too much. They even show restrooms at the 83 Access in BMB. Maybe Redfish Village is allowing the public ... nevermind.

[BeachSiO2]

Let's not jump the TDC too much. They even show restrooms at the 83 Access in BMB. Maybe Redfish Village is allowing the public ... nevermind.

I have heard that those will be under construction this October, along with the parking lot...

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

Let's not jump the TDC too much. They even show restrooms at the 83 Access in BMB. Maybe Redfish Village is allowing the public ... nevermind.

Well ain't that a bunch of crap!!!

But cereally folks, shouldn't that little factoid be there, warning tourists about confiscation before they actually start constipating?

[TNJed]

They will be warned. With a tag on the items to be removed 24 hours prior to their removal. Or so I hear. We'll see...

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

They will be warned. With a tag on the items to be removed 24 hours prior to their removal. Or so I hear. We'll see...

Thanks.
So if a tourist decides to take a day off from the beach, i.e. too much sun the day before, or bad weather, and fails to notice the tag because they didn't get to the beach that day, then bye-bye possessons - I guess.

TNJed, I like your level headedness. What is the name of your company?

[Miss Kitty]

Thanks.
So if a tourist decides to take a day off from the beach, i.e. too much sun the day before, or bad weather, and fails to notice the tag because they didn't get to the beach that day, then bye-bye possessons - I guess.

TNJed, I like your level headedness. What is the name of your company?

My take on this is that if people don't have enough sense to remove their crap from the beach at the end of the day, so be it. Just like if they don't have enough sense to stay out of the water when red flags are flying.

[kingfishn]

Is it October yet?

[InletBchDweller]

Is it October yet?

[GRAHAM GINSBERG]

As far as I know the DEP has an issue with stuff left on the beach because of the sea turtles.

Here everything is cleared every night to the dune line so turtle have a place to lay eggs.

I'm not sure if its just in season though.

It could be a stupid idea to cover the beach with 10'x10' tarps and claim as 'your spot'

Kinda like a dog marking its tree

[GRAHAM GINSBERG]

SOWAL WET SAND BEACH TOWELS FOR SALE

ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE WET SAND RESTRICTIONS IN SOWAL

COME GET EM, GOING CHEAP, ALL SIZES & COLORS
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY ON THE WET SAND
http://www.tarpsplus.com/canvastarps.html

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

My take on this is that if people don't have enough sense to remove their crap from the beach at the end of the day, so be it. Just like if they don't have enough sense to stay out of the water when red flags are flying.

Don't you agree that TDC should have these requirements posted on their site? They post items that are alot more elementary such as avoiding shark attacks:
This is the best one....

"Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while there. And, of course, do not harass a shark if you see one."

Now me, I like harassing sharks. When I encounter a shark, I like to tell it the old shark / lawyer joke. I don't know why, but I always get a bad reaction from that one.

Then I take a t-bone steak and tease it, snatching it away every time it swims by. After about the 10th time, I show the shark that I'm really a nice person and let him think that he actually took it from me (boosts his self-ego as they are so sensitive). We become friends and frolic in the surf. Amazingly graphic artists back on shore become busy creating the GIFs modeled after our close friendship.

Have a great weekend!

[GRAHAM GINSBERG]

Just looking at that beach access picture, how the hell is that ADA compliant?

Steps, helloooo

They should be ramps. Oh, oh, should I have missed that?

Nah, too much fun

How would you file an ADA complaint? Not difficult at all if you're in a chair. Start by callin the reps at the Dept of Justice.

LONG BRANCH - A city resident has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of senior citizens and disabled residents of the city he says have been denied beach access.

"Municipalities, such as Long Branch, are since January 1995, legally and categorically required by the ADA law to make these facilities ADA compliant," Gelzer said.
http://atlanticville.gmnews.com/news/2007/0301/Front_Page/034.html

You go girl

U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

[kingfishn]

Isn't is amazing that the beach, sea turtles, sharks, beach mice, trees, (the) Mother of Nature survived a 'brazilian' years of natural "nature" before we $h*t in their backyard?

And NOW, we try to help?
(Insert Joni Mitchell song here)

[TNJed]

Thanks.
So if a tourist decides to take a day off from the beach, i.e. too much sun the day before, or bad weather, and fails to notice the tag because they didn't get to the beach that day, then bye-bye possessons - I guess.

TNJed, I like your level headedness. What is the name of your company?

I guess a level head is better than a pointy one?

The Beach Chair Company

Original huh? Easy to remember though.

[Poodleone]

WOW- what a difference a day makes. Looking at Blue Mnt beach this AM- much less junk left on the beach. Could be a fluke, change over Saturday, but I am hoping for good things. Plus, thanks to our condo owner- he took the time to email a warning and news story about the upcoming enforcement effort to his renters. Thanks, Albert!

[Jdarg]

I hope you are right Poodleone, but I think it is the changeover. I was on the beach yesterday afternoon at Grayton, and it looked like people were taking down their tent condos because they had to leave early this morning. There were plenty still up and "furnished" when I left, and I imagine there is a nice mess there this morning thanks to the storm that blew through last night!

I should get dressed really quick- have freinds coming in for the week, and I am sure I could find a few skim boards and beach toys buried in the lake, maybe even a few chairs and an umbrella. Actually, I might just go pick up trash around the outflow- it's like having friends come to visit and your house has trash all over the yard.

[John R]

I should get dressed really quick- have freinds coming in for the week, and I am sure I could find a few skim boards and beach toys buried in the lake, maybe even a few chairs and an umbrella. Actually, I might just go pick up trash around the outflow- it's like having friends come to visit and your house has trash all over the yard.

i'm in.