Canopy on the beach

[acetexan]

We're making our annual visit to Seagrove Beach in July. We usually put up our canopy on the first day and leave it up all week. Is that not allowed? I have read some threads about trucks picking up tents left on the beach overnight. Someone probably has seen our Canopy..it's a big Texas flag.

[Miss Kitty]

No, it is not allowed, although some people haven't gotten the message or choose to ignore it! Just like we say here, Don't Mess with Texas, please Don't Mess with Turtles by leaving ANYTHING on the beach overnight!

Have a great trip!

[ASH]

You should pick up the tent at night if just for the turtles which are nesting on Sowal beaches as we type. Three nests found in the past four days.

The TDC has been known to pick a random beach and clear off everything left overnight. It is posted at every public crossover that it is illegal to leave things out overnight.
It is a great thing to try to remember to also bury the holes the little ones dig as people can and do fall into them. 20 people died last year as a direct result of holes on beaches. Turtles also will fall into them and cannot readily crawl out.
Have a great time while you're here and I'll keep my eye out for your tent to stop and say hi.

[tistheseason]

We're making our annual visit to Seagrove Beach in July. We usually put up our canopy on the first day and leave it up all week. Is that not allowed? I have read some threads about trucks picking up tents left on the beach overnight. Someone probably has seen our Canopy..it's a big Texas flag.

Now you can't leave it out -- everyone will know it was you! Thanks for asking!

[Beach Runner]

Here are the rules regarding leaving items on the beach:

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/administr...ace%200308.pdf

[Miss Critter]

We're making our annual visit to Seagrove Beach in July. We usually put up our canopy on the first day and leave it up all week. Is that not allowed? I have read some threads about trucks picking up tents left on the beach overnight. Someone probably has seen our Canopy..it's a big Texas flag.

It was thoughtful of you to ask. Many just assume it's okay, and it does seem like it wouldn't be a big deal, unless you know about turtle nesting season. Thanks much for helping us help them. They are part of what makes our little corner of paradise so special.

Hope you have a grayt trip!

[Jim Tucker]

There are many people here who think it's a big deal aside from the turtle issue. Tents lined up on the beach can ruin the beauty of the beach and block the view. I'm sure you wouldn't want someone to come to Texas and set up tents on your lawn. To people who live here, and many who visit, it's the same thing, or worse.

[Smiling JOe]

Is Texas trying to claim Florida as their own territory? lol.

[DD]

Is Texas trying to claim Florida as their own territory? lol.

Yes, we're all moving there and in the process, we're bringing Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with us.

[InletBchOwnr]

There are some incredible holes in front of huge tented pavilions that have been up several days as of this morning and more seem to be coming. These people need to be educated...wish there was some printed materials I could hand out as I walk about the beach explaining the rules and reasons. Every time I try and give "advice" it becomes a confrontaqtion as if the rules are my personal mean thoughts. Several people have taken an almost physical revulsion to my approach and advice. Anything printed out there that is official and available?

[30A Skunkape]

Methinks acetexan is messing with us

[scooterbug44]

There were a few new posters yesterday that seemed to be messing w/ folks on tents on the beach, real estate etc.

[peapod1980]

Yes, we're all moving there and in the process, we're bringing Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with us.

Just make sure y'all bring your own water.

[ASH]

There are some incredible holes in front of huge tented pavilions that have been up several days as of this morning and more seem to be coming. These people need to be educated...wish there was some printed materials I could hand out as I walk about the beach explaining the rules and reasons. Every time I try and give "advice" it becomes a confrontaqtion as if the rules are my personal mean thoughts. Several people have taken an almost physical revulsion to my approach and advice. Anything printed out there that is official and available?

Go back up to the #5 post and open the link. It is a nice color sheet easily printed off that has the sheriff office emblem on it and a FL statute number that should cease any confrontational conversation. It even has a number to call if you don't like what it says. It takes the burden off of you as it is from the County.
I'm doing this as well. I have yet to have a confrontation.

[Smiling JOe]

..These people need to be educated...wish there was some printed materials I could hand out as I walk about the beach explaining the rules and reasons. ...

Those people would probably throw your pamphlets on the beach as litter.

[ASH]

At least when they watch all their crap heading down the beach in the back of a TDC truck, they won't be able to say they didn't know.
You are so right though.....you can't fix stupid.

[DD]

Just make sure y'all bring your own water.

Hail, I don't know about those other states, but we don't have any water here either.

[Fryday_1]

We have been coming to Grayton for over ten years. Last year was the first time we were told that our canopy would have to come down every night. (We did not comply) This seems a little extereme. We spend a great deal of money to come to the beach. We do not leave our trash, chairs or beach toys, but taking the canopy down everynight is a real problem. I understand the locals are wanting to "protect their beach" but they should understand that without tourist, alot of people would be out of a job in So Wal, so I think a compromise regarding the canopies is in order. I would suggest that enforcement regarding trash, chairs and toys be enforced but allow the canopies to stay up.

[scooterbug44]

Why do you feel it is extreme that you need to remove your belongings from the beach overnight? Where else in the US can you leave items on public property for days on end?

It's not locals trying to protect their beach, it's people in general trying to keep the beach clean and safe so the tourists can enjoy it.

Not only do the canopies create obstacles for nesting sea turtles, they frequently blow away or if just the frame is left up, they are hard to see when walking at night and can cause injury.

[Fryday_1]

You write as though I am a novice to the beach. We take the necessary pre-cautions to make sure what you mentioned does not happen. In fact, every year for 10 years we have been using the same canopy. The locals often go down at night and use it on the beach. It is far enough back from the wet line as to not be in anyone's way but it is not in the path of the trucks and beach cleaner. As for making the beach clean, I stated we do not leave our trash or chairs. I know that I am not alone in feeling this way and we just are not going to take being told by these enviromentalist how to live our lives anymore. Enough is enough.

[Jdarg]

You write as though I am a novice to the beach. We take the necessary pre-cautions to make sure what you mentioned does not happen. In fact, every year for 10 years we have been using the same canopy. The locals often go down at night and use it on the beach. It is far enough back from the wet line as to not be in anyone's way but it is not in the path of the trucks and beach cleaner. As for making the beach clean, I stated we do not leave our trash or chairs. I know that I am not alone in feeling this way and we just are not going to take being told by these enviromentalist how to live our lives anymore. Enough is enough.

Lat Saturday morning, we had to drag a canopy out of the lake that had blown down during the night. Then we had to drag a mangled canopy over to the garbage can, before somebody got tangled up in the twisted metal or it blew into the Gulf. Thanks so much for perpetuating the "pig" mentality.

[JB]

You write as though I am a novice to the beach. We take the necessary pre-cautions to make sure what you mentioned does not happen. In fact, every year for 10 years we have been using the same canopy. The locals often go down at night and use it on the beach. It is far enough back from the wet line as to not be in anyone's way but it is not in the path of the trucks and beach cleaner. As for making the beach clean, I stated we do not leave our trash or chairs. I know that I am not alone in feeling this way and we just are not going to take being told by these enviromentalist how to live our lives anymore. Enough is enough.

Why would anyone want to sit under a canopy at night?

While I can understand it's a pain to take it down every day, it's the law. And while you obviously think you should be an exception, it just doesn't work that way. My advice is either comply, or find another county in Florida for your vacation.

Sorry to be harsh, but there just isn't any gray area here. The law doesn't except certain items (or certain people).

[Jdarg]

Why would anyone want to sit under a canopy at night?

While I can understand it's a pain to take it down every day, it's the law. And while you obviously think you should be an exception, it just doesn't work that way. My advice is either comply, or find another county in Florida for your vacation.

Sorry to be harsh, but there just isn't any gray area here. The law doesn't except certain items.

Oh but JB, some people seem to think that if they spend enough money, they can do whatever they want.

[BeachArkie]

You write as though I am a novice to the beach. We take the necessary pre-cautions to make sure what you mentioned does not happen. In fact, every year for 10 years we have been using the same canopy. The locals often go down at night and use it on the beach. It is far enough back from the wet line as to not be in anyone's way but it is not in the path of the trucks and beach cleaner. As for making the beach clean, I stated we do not leave our trash or chairs. I know that I am not alone in feeling this way and we just are not going to take being told by these enviromentalist how to live our lives anymore. Enough is enough.

Your canopy IS trash!

If it's such a pain to take down, save yourself some hassle and don't put it up at all!

[Fryday_1]

I don't know why they sit under my canopy at night either, but they do and usually have their cars pulled right up to it. All I want to do is have a nice vacation. Yes I pay a lot but So Wal is worth it. It just funny to me that until just last year, no one cared that a canopy was left up over night. They were not considered "trash" then.

I waited until now to post but wanted everyone who is coming to So Wal to know, I was there last week. I left my canopy up overnight for seven days. No problems. Nothing was ever said to me and it was not disturbed or taken down. I had a great week. And I will be back next year.

[ASH]

To threaten a community with your money is just plain unfair. You may think you have great numbers, but you would be incorrect. I approach people nearly every day about leaving stuff on beaches and find most simply do not know what they are supposed to do and are happy to comply. They are just glad to be here.
I say, take your money elsewhere, thank you very much. The view of a sunset will be better, we won't be picking that canopy out of any lakes. The turtles can breathe ever so slightly easier. It appears win, win.

Who gave you the right to paint all people who simply want a clean beach or that want a beach free for turtles to be able to nest as they have been for thousands of years environmentalists.
The label that is obvious is "LAZY" and you are the one showing it to the world.

[Fryday_1]

Clearly some of you value turtles over tourist. Well I have never seen a turtle give anyone a job, but, then I have not seen everything. I just do not understand why leaving canopies up overnight has been okay for years, but now all of a sudden it is not.

As for the enviormentalist comment, I did not think it was a slur or something that would be considered an insult by people who claim to want to keep the beaches pristine and in their natural condition. It certainly is not lazy, but I in no way meant to offend.

As I stated, I have already been down for my week, sorry to say. I loved every minute of it. I do not plan to let this stop me from coming and I will be back next year.

[JustaLocal]

Fryday -
I'm really glad you enjoyed your visit. I think we've had pretty great weather this year. I met many family's enjoying the 4th of July weekend! It was great. I just love our Summer visitors.

Please keep an eye on SoWal.com before you come next year. I can tell you are unhappy with this rule. If the county gets all of it's 'ducks in a row' with the ordinance soon (as we hope and expect), you may find your canopy removed next year when you leave it overnight.

I think this will make you even more unhappy. Maybe in the meantime you can find easy to remove umbrellas to serve your beach needs. Our goal is not to run people off, but to make it nicer for everyone and the turtles too.

[ASH]

Perhaps the canopies many years ago were a much smaller number of canopies and therefore didn't get as much attention as the greater number that are there today.
Walk out to the wet sand line at 6AM and look to either the East or West and you may begin to understand what has changed from years ago and what a growing number of people are wanting to see protected.
The changes you are feeling pains from are the same growth pains affecting many areas of the Panhandle.

[kurt]

Clearly some of you value turtles over tourist.

Most people here like both.

I just do not understand why leaving canopies up overnight has been okay for years, but now all of a sudden it is not.

It has never been okay, only convenient, but the situation has changed. The number of people visiting here has increased dramatically over recent years and so has the amount of stuff on the beach. I'm sure you've noticed this.

As for the enviormentalist comment, I did not think it was a slur or something that would be considered an insult by people who claim to want to keep the beaches pristine and in their natural condition.

I saw your comment about "left-wing environmentalists controlling everything". You should be thankful that people who live here and visit here love the beaches and our environment with strong passion. Otherwise it would already be ruined. I hope that you can understand that the folks who are trying to eliminate stuff left on the beaches have your best interests at heart, as well as the interests of our beaches, waters, and wildlife.

If nothing is done then one day you will come to set up your tent and you won't have a clear spot to do it.

[peapod1980]

I've said this before, but in all my years of coming to the beach, it never occurred to me that it was OK for me to leave my stuff on the beach overnight. I never asked anyone, I didn't look up any laws, it just seemed obvious to me--the day's over, take your stuff in. Granted, there were times it was near sunset when I'd drag myself back down there after going in for the day, but I still did it. Sowal visitors with entitled attitudes like Fryday give me the itch to go after-dark beach shopping.

[Minnie]

In civilized society we do not get to pick and choose which laws we obey based on what is convenient for us and not what is good for everyone, turtles included.

To do so would be chaos.

[JB]

Clearly some of you value turtles over tourist. Well I have never seen a turtle give anyone a job, but, then I have not seen everything. I just do not understand why leaving canopies up overnight has been okay for years, but now all of a sudden it is not.

As for the enviormentalist comment, I did not think it was a slur or something that would be considered an insult by people who claim to want to keep the beaches pristine and in their natural condition. It certainly is not lazy, but I in no way meant to offend.

As I stated, I have already been down for my week, sorry to say. I loved every minute of it. I do not plan to let this stop me from coming and I will be back next year.

It's not just about turtles, Einstein. It's about SAFETY. Any one of 100 different things could happen to your tent overnight, and none of them are good. Suppose someone is walking on the beach on a dark, moonless night and breaks their foot on one of your stakes? Suppose a storm comes up and turns one of your poles into a javelin-like projectile?

Wake up.

[Landlocked]

The reason folks leave these canopies up for seven days is because they are generally a pain in the butt to deal with. After a day of blazing sun and fifteen beers, who wants to try to wrestle a contraption like that?

Take a couple umbrellas, leave that tent at home, and the problem is solved.

[DD]

The reason folks leave these canopies up for seven days is because they are generally a pain in the butt to deal with. After a day of blazing sun and fifteen beers, who wants to try to wrestle a contraption like that?

Take a couple umbrellas, leave that tent at home, and the problem is solved.

Only 15?

[Landlocked]

Only 15?

Only on Sunday

[DD]

Only on Sunday

[Landlocked]

Which photo gives you that "I need to be in Sowal right now" feeling?

This

or this


Dang I wish I was there.

[DD]

I'll take photo #2, thank you very much.
Wonder who's canopy that is....

[Beachbummett]

It's not just about turtles, Einstein. It's about SAFETY. Any one of 100 different things could happen to your tent overnight, and none of them are good. Suppose someone is walking on the beach on a dark, moonless night and breaks their foot on one of your stakes? Suppose a storm comes up and turns one of your poles into a javelin-like projectile?

Wake up.

LOL! JB honey...you do get worked up!

The reason folks leave these canopies up for seven days is because they are generally a pain in the butt to deal with. After a day of blazing sun and fifteen beers, who wants to try to wrestle a contraption like that?

Take a couple umbrellas, leave that tent at home, and the problem is solved.

Only 15?

amateur


It's very simple....just take your stuff off the beach at the end of the day. That's all.

[liquorqueen]

The authorities were told to allow the chairs and canopies during the 4th so I was told by a life guard. This morning in Grayton the beach authorities did come by and take all the canopies, etc. off the beach and said they will continue to do so. Many today were mad and said they saw the signs when I stated to them that the law was posted on the entryways to the beaches, but these same folks stated that they were "personally" never told that their items would be taken. (I believe they will know now.) I also believe that the rental agencies should let their renters aware of this policy if they do not. I know that the local Jr. Food Stores, Grayton General, Publix, etc. are racking up the cash with people buying replacement chairs, etc.

[tsutcli]

The authorities were told to allow the chairs and canopies during the 4th so I was told by a life guard. This morning in Grayton the beach authorities did come by and take all the canopies, etc. off the beach and said they will continue to do so. Many today were mad and said they saw the signs when I stated to them that the law was posted on the entryways to the beaches, but these same folks stated that they were "personally" never told that their items would be taken. (I believe they will know now.) I also believe that the rental agencies should let their renters aware of this policy if they do not. I know that the local Jr. Food Stores, Grayton General, Publix, etc. are racking up the cash with people buying replacement chairs, etc.

These people are beyond redemption.

[2bohemians]

The reason folks leave these canopies up for seven days is because they are generally a pain in the butt to deal with. After a day of blazing sun and fifteen beers, who wants to try to wrestle a contraption like that?

Take a couple umbrellas, leave that tent at home, and the problem is solved.

We think the reason they leave these things up, is because they can! Just like Fryday said, they left there canopy up the whole week and nothing happened. People see other people doing it, they try it, it works, so they bring more stuff the next night. We just can't believe the amount of stuff left on our beach overnight --- never remember it being like this before --- and to top it all off, one of the beach chair companies left their setup at the water's edge all ready to go for the next day ... even had a chain & lock around it ..... this does not send a good message.

[2bohemians]

oh ... forgot to mention the amount of kayaks ... it's crazy that people would leave these out overnight and so close to the water ....

it feels like a big portion of the stuff on our beach is the same stuff we've been seeing for a while now .... think it mostly belongs to rental homes in the neighborhood .... and quite frankly, perhaps the guests just don't care if someone takes it or not .... they didn't pay for it .... this kind of mentality is hard for us to grasp but it does exist .... just don't understand why people don't get it ... they come here for a reason ... because it's so pristine and amazingly beautiful -- it would seem like they would have a vested interest in keeping it that way!

[seagrovegirl]

Most vacation rental companies put the "remove it or lose it" flyers in the guests welcome packet. In my office, it is also posted on the check-in desk. Plus...it is posted at all public accesses....it's kind of hard to not be informed. IMO....I think there are those that choose to ignore the ordinance and now have to blame someone when their stuff disappears off the beach.

[buster]

I haven't tried it but I think if I left my Eureka tent on the HWY 98 shoulder or other public space such as Helen McCall Park or Eden State Gardens it would be removed. I don't think I would be surprised, or have any right to be upset, even though my existence creates jobs and continually pumps cash into the local economy.

[Auggie Gal]

We just got back a few days ago from our annual stay in Grayton. We were dismayed to see so many canopies left up (the frames), and other debris overnight within spittin' distance of one turtle nest area. Since this was our first time being there during the
July 4th week (and our last-next year will be back either earlier or later), we assumed things were being overlooked due to the July 4th crowds. Whatever the reason, it is something that hopefully will be enforced more strongly in the future. The other thing that really amazed me, (besides the large amount of "June grass", aka algae bloom), was the absence of dolphins in the water. Our last day there we finally saw some swimming off-shore. During my childhood in the Panhandle they were a common sight. I'm glad to see the Surfrider Foundation folks were doing fundraisers and awareness campaigns in the area. Those of us who are coastal dwellers need to be better stewards of our environments. We hope to be back in the fall; love that Gulf.

[seagrovegirl]

The dolphin have been hanging out in Tucker Bayou recently....maybe they headed north too...to get away from the crowds.

[scooterbug44]

Would they have moved away from the fireworks?

[Smiling JOe]

Clearly some of you value turtles over tourist. Well I have never seen a turtle give anyone a job, but, then I have not seen everything. I just do not understand why leaving canopies up overnight has been okay for years, but now all of a sudden it is not.

As for the enviormentalist comment, I did not think it was a slur or something that would be considered an insult by people who claim to want to keep the beaches pristine and in their natural condition. It certainly is not lazy, but I in no way meant to offend.

As I stated, I have already been down for my week, sorry to say. I loved every minute of it. I do not plan to let this stop me from coming and I will be back next year.

Fryday, I value the natural beauty of the beach over tourists who leave their crap on the beach. I also value my safety while on the beach at night. I don't need to be looking out for canopy guide-wires with night-vision goggles.

If you were as respectful as the people who didn't disturb your canopy, the beach would be clear crap at end of the day. Other people have made the effort to remove their stuff daily, and I applaud them. It is a great improvement.

Ten years ago, when you first began coming to the beach, there were much fewer numbers of people on the beach, and beach crap wasn't so readily available, so the beaches didn't look like a flea market. Today, the beaches do look more like a flea market than the Blue Wave Beach, which SoWal is proud to say it has been designated.