Where to find stuff you left on the beach?

**Geo** · 04-03-2009, 12:30 AM

I have a friend who left personal property at the beach. Maybe some lucky beachgoer "found" it. But if the TDC or whoever cleans the beach pciked it up is there a holding area/lost and found where my friend can look?

Thx, G

**SHELLY** · 04-03-2009, 01:07 AM

...what kind of stuff was it? It wasn't one of those overnight Bangladesh Bazaar Tent set-ups..was it?

.

**kurt** · 04-03-2009, 07:36 AM

Items left on the beach after sunset aren't classified as lost & found, but rather as abandoned. As you know, but I'll repeat for those who might not know it, the county has a "remove it or lose it" policy, with emphasis on "lose it".

I would tell your friend to check with the TDC though. They may have a holing pen for some items. If items of real value (more value than umbrellas, tents and chairs) they may keep for awhile or turn over to the Sheriff's office, but I'm not sure.

**Smiling JOe** · 04-03-2009, 07:39 AM

My guess is that they may have held those items last year, but this year, I bet items can be found at Coyote Landfield or the County Dump.

**Geo** · 04-03-2009, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Items left on the beach after sunset aren't classified as lost & found, but rather as abandoned. As you know, but I'll repeat for those who might not know it, the county has a "remove it or lose it" policy, with emphasis on "lose it".

I would tell your friend to check with the TDC though. They may have a holing pen for some items. If items of real value (more value than umbrellas, tents and chairs) they may keep for awhile or turn over to the Sheriff's office, but I'm not sure.

Sure, I'm clear on the policy and in the spirit of full disclosure- the friend is me.

I left my bike at Ed Walline (at the bottom of the beach access on sand) and went for walk down the beach. I unexpectedly ended up running into my own family and a few friends at Spooky Lane. We drank a beer and came up with some impromptu dinner plans. In my haste to get us all off the beach and to dinner I completely forgot about my bike.

So...

My presumption is that it is gone forever. No worries. But I owe it to myself to go check (if there is a place for doing so). I seem to remember people posting after Remove it or Lose it was implemented saying that they were able to retrieve kayaks and such. Where was that? Contact info?

Thanks!

**ShallowsNole** · 04-03-2009, 08:16 AM

TDC 267-1216
County Landfill 892-8180
Citizen Services 892-8530

Good luck!

**Geo** · 04-03-2009, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by ShallowsNole

TDC 267-1216
County Landfill 892-8180
Citizen Services 892-8530

Good luck!

thx kindly!

**Smiling JOe** · 04-03-2009, 08:24 AM

Yes, good luck. If it was at the bottom of the stairs of the walkover, it was likely next to a TDC trash can, and for several years, they have been removing anything next to the TDC trash cans, as they think it is trash.

It is possible that someone else took liberty of your bike before the TDC ever got close to it.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-03-2009, 08:25 AM

I have a friend...

**kurt** · 04-03-2009, 08:50 AM

Unless it was a POS you are likely SOL. I fit was not a POS, you might contact WCSO.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-03-2009, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

unless it was a pos you are likely sol. I fit was not a pos, you might contact wcso.

lol!

**kathydwells** · 04-03-2009, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Unless it was a POS you are likely SOL. I fit was not a POS, you might contact WCSO.

Not laughing at you Geo. This is just so funny. I hope you find your "friends" bike.

**rheffron** · 04-03-2009, 10:41 AM

The TDC ought to resell some of that stuff or give it to Goodwill. I could use a chair or two!

**SHELLY** · 04-03-2009, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by rheffron

The TDC ought to resell some of that stuff or give it to Goodwill. I could use a chair or two!

I think, to save some time and effort, the TDC should declare all items left on the beach after sunset as "booty" and free to any and all treasure hunters--it will cut down on the amount of junk they need to pick up and dispose of. I'm sure some enterprising folks would set up some sort of "holding" area where the stuff would be resold on a first-come basis.

.

**wrobert** · 04-03-2009, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Items left on the beach after sunset aren't classified as lost & found, but rather as abandoned. As you know, but I'll repeat for those who might not know it, the county has a "remove it or lose it" policy, with emphasis on "lose it".

I would tell your friend to check with the TDC though. They may have a holing pen for some items. If items of real value (more value than umbrellas, tents and chairs) they may keep for awhile or turn over to the Sheriff's office, but I'm not sure.

Or you can go to code enforcement and get a tag to go on your item and they will leave it on the beach. That is for the turtles that can read.

**TooFarTampa** · 04-03-2009, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Geo

Sure, I'm clear on the policy and in the spirit of full disclosure- the friend is me.

Originally Posted by kurt

Unless it was a POS you are likely SOL. I fit was not a POS, you might contact WCSO.

Good luck Geo.

**GoodWitch58** · 04-03-2009, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by SHELLY

I think, to save some time and effort, the TDC should declare all items left on the beach after sunset as "booty" and free to any and all treasure hunters--it will cut down on the amount of junk they need to pick up and dispose of. I'm sure some enterprising folks would set up some sort of "holding" area where the stuff would be resold on a first-come basis.

.

I agree, Shelly. We have tried with absolutely no success to get them to do this. Last year, the college where I work badly needed a tent for an outside activity--and of course we have no money--so, I called the TDC to see if I could come and get one of the ones they had taken down off the beach that day.

Absolutely not!

We need some creative thinking about this, because it is just costing taxpayers: in the litter on the beach; the cost of personpower and gasoline to pick it up; and the cost of filling up the landfill...but, so far, no luck.

**JUL** · 04-03-2009, 03:25 PM

Report it stolen. You should see my new bike!

**JUL** · 04-03-2009, 03:26 PM

I will meet you at Starbucks and take you for a ride
next time i am in town.lol

**BeachSiO2** · 04-03-2009, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

I agree, Shelly. We have tried with absolutely no success to get them to do this. Last year, the college where I work badly needed a tent for an outside activity--and of course we have no money--so, I called the TDC to see if I could come and get one of the ones they had taken down off the beach that day.

Absolutely not!

We need some creative thinking about this, because it is just costing taxpayers: in the litter on the beach; the cost of personpower and gasoline to pick it up; and the cost of filling up the landfill...but, so far, no luck.

I think you misread Shelly's post. Her/his point is that you go down on the beach and get it, not that you ask the TDC to hold something for you. So, you know the laws, you know it will be removed prior to 8-9am as trash if it's there, so maybe you should go claim your booty? Do you think people who take abandoned stuff from Central Park ask the National Park Service if it's ok? Once the TDC gets to it, they will likely have to mangle it to get it in the truck along with the rest of the trash they pick up, or they would have to expend more personpower, gasoline, etc. to send additional vehicles for salvaging. Trust me, there are may in sowal that would not look kindly on sending out extra trucks in the summer for salvaging materials. They believe one pass each morning is enough for other environmental reasons

So my advice is GW- go claim your booty!!

**SHELLY** · 04-03-2009, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

So my advice is GW- go claim your booty!!

I agree!

Somehow I can't see the police taking seriously a "stolen property" report from someone who left stuff out on the beach overnight...if they do, the SWPD has too much manpower and should do a little downsizing.

The PD just needs to hand these folks a 25-page missing property report to fill out and then just file it in the shredder.

IMO...We've had it up to here <making chopping motion over my head> with you people leaving your garbage strewn all over the beach at night..."Move it, or lose it!"

.

**DuneLaker** · 04-03-2009, 10:37 PM

There are some blue and yellow beach chairs that have been left to the east of the Eastern Lake outfall for over a week. Tried to call the company for a friendly heads up, but no answer. Will make more calls tomorrow. Thought for sure they would be gone and removed from the beach by now.

**LuciferSam** · 04-04-2009, 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by Geo

Sure, I'm clear on the policy and in the spirit of full disclosure- the friend is me.

I left my bike at Ed Walline (at the bottom of the beach access on sand) and went for walk down the beach. I unexpectedly ended up running into my own family and a few friends at Spooky Lane. We drank a beer and came up with some impromptu dinner plans. In my haste to get us all off the beach and to dinner I completely forgot about my bike.

So...

My presumption is that it is gone forever. No worries. But I owe it to myself to go check (if there is a place for doing so). I seem to remember people posting after Remove it or Lose it was implemented saying that they were able to retrieve kayaks and such. Where was that? Contact info?

Thanks!

From now on lock your bike to a wooden post on the boardwalk or something. If they're going to take it, make them work for it!

**Smiling JOe** · 04-04-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

From now on lock your bike to a wooden post on the boardwalk or something. If they're going to take it, make them work for it!

One snip with a bolt cutter isn't anyone's idea of "work."

Originally Posted by wrobert

Or you can go to code enforcement and get a tag to go on your item and they will leave it on the beach. That is for the turtles that can read.

They don't issue permits for bicycles and beach tents, chairs, etc. I thought you were up to date on these issues.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-04-2009, 10:01 AM

Geo...did you say you left your bike on the beach?

Sorry, dude...that's a first for me. Are there no bike racks at the public accesses? If you get your bike back (and I hope you do!) invest in a lock and park smart!

**ItzKatzTime** · 04-04-2009, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Geo

Sure, I'm clear on the policy and in the spirit of full disclosure- the friend is me.

I left my bike at Ed Walline (at the bottom of the beach access on sand)

Sorry to hear about your bike Geo. Sounds like a perfectly good explanation to me.

I think lectures to SoWal members are a

I hope ShallowsNole's post helped you. Good Luck!

**BeachSiO2** · 04-04-2009, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

Geo...did you say you left your bike on the beach?

Sorry, dude...that's a first for me. Are there no bike racks at the public accesses? If you get your bike back (and I hope you do!) invest in a lock and park smart!

There are bike racks at Ed Walline.

**LuciferSam** · 04-04-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

One snip with a bolt cutter isn't anyone's idea of "work."

The voice of experience???

(on the cutting end that is??)

**LuciferSam** · 04-04-2009, 01:29 PM

This calls for a bicycle song.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62yWU4ryrgI"]YouTube - Tomorrow - My White Bicycle (1967)[/ame]

**Lynnie** · 04-04-2009, 03:59 PM

I'd like to see all y'all in a debate
ItzKatzTime can moderate.

Somehow this one got very funny, too!!!

It was nice when we could set up our stuff for the weekend. Some people (probably tourists, as all of us care too much) abused this and left stuff behind that had broken or didn't want any longer.

I spied a bike for five days just before Hurricane Dennis.....obviously left by a tourist. And, I said to myself, "If that bike is here tomorrow, it's a sign from the Universe that it's mine and I am taking it." The next morning, which was 24 hours before the storm, I ran into TDC making off with it! Dangitall!

Also prior to the new law: one year, we had a party and I took the Christmas Tree (with its ornaments dangling from it) to the beach. We left it overnight cause, well we were at diminished capacity. The next morning, I get calls from neighbors on the beach that TDC was trying to take my tree. They were told to please leave it and the owner would retrieve it.

We thought about leaving it all season and people could decorate with it beach treasures, but someone would have taken it......now, we have the new law!

Can't leave anything behind.......and, I knew when I bought my cottage that the relaxed atmosphere we have for not having to tie up bikes, etc.......would soon depart us.

If TDC or someone with the County (official) didn't get your bike, a Spring Breaker did.......

**Sheila** · 04-04-2009, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by ItzKatzTime

Sorry to hear about your bike Geo. Sounds like a perfectly good explanation to me.

I think lectures to SoWal members are a

I hope ShallowsNole's post helped you. Good Luck!

Usually when I see a

, it reads like a lecture to me.

**ItzKatzTime** · 04-04-2009, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by gotothebeachmom

Usually when I see a

, it reads like a lecture to me.

You got me gotothebeachmom!!!!

I just got hit by, "What goes around comes around".

**TreeFrog** · 04-05-2009, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

There are some blue and yellow beach chairs that have been left to the east of the Eastern Lake outfall for over a week. Tried to call the company for a friendly heads up, but no answer. Will make more calls tomorrow. Thought for sure they would be gone and removed from the beach by now.

SoWal's own TNJed rents beach chairs in the Eastern Lake area, but those aren't his. He removes his every night.

**sunspotbaby** · 04-05-2009, 08:10 AM

Is it possible that people leave it because they can't take it back? My husband brings home buckets, shovels, toys, & chairs from vacationers that can't take it all home with them. Maybe they think they're doing someone a favor by leaving it.

**kurt** · 04-05-2009, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by sunspotbaby

Is it possible that people leave it because they can't take it back? My husband brings home buckets, shovels, toys, & chairs from vacationers that can't take it all home with them. Maybe they think they're doing someone a favor by leaving it.

Very perceptive. This has been noted here a few times. The cheap prices for beach toys and items make them disposable - especially when the economy was roaring, people would leave chairs, umbrellas, even tents. Buying a big bag of plastic toys and never intending on keeping them is a huge problem here.

Some get recycled at rental properties for the next renter, or are used if left on the beach. But a lot of it ends up in the ecosystem.

**Sheila** · 04-05-2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by sunspotbaby

Is it possible that people leave it because they can't take it back? My husband brings home buckets, shovels, toys, & chairs from vacationers that can't take it all home with them. Maybe they think they're doing someone a favor by leaving it.

Originally Posted by kurt

Very perceptive. This has been noted here a few times. The cheap prices for beach toys and items make them disposable - especially when the economy was roaring, people would leave chairs, umbrellas, even tents. Buying a big bag of plastic toys and never intending on keeping them is a huge problem here.

Some get recycled at rental properties for the next renter, or are used if left on the beach. But a lot of it ends up in the ecosystem.

Absolutely this is what happens. We leave reminders all over our properties for our guests to never leave anything on the beach.

We end up with quite a collection of "stuff" at the end of each season. We sort through, throw out the junk and keep the rest for our guests to use if they like. Camden always has something "new" to play with when he visits and our guests seem appreciative that they didn't have to buy toys, chairs, rafts, that they would rather not drag home.

**Smiling JOe** · 04-05-2009, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

The voice of experience???

(on the cutting end that is??)

No, actually on the other end, but not on the beach. Had a canoe, chained to a local tree. A builder later admitted to cutting the chain, but no one ever fessed up to taking the canoe.

**Smiling JOe** · 04-05-2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Very perceptive. This has been noted here a few times. The cheap prices for beach toys and items make them disposable - especially when the economy was roaring, people would leave chairs, umbrellas, even tents. Buying a big bag of plastic toys and never intending on keeping them is a huge problem here.

Some get recycled at rental properties for the next renter, or are used if left on the beach. But a lot of it ends up in the ecosystem.

I have often suggested that Take One / Leave One boxes be set up at stores around 30A, for just that purpose, re-using perfectly good cheap plastic toys, beach chairs and umbrellas. Stores selling the crap wouldn't stand to profit as much, but it would in theory, keep that kind of stuff off the beach. I haven't pushed it hard, and have yet to see or hear of anyone doing this. There could be boxes set up at every development if we were really thinking.

**Allifunn** · 04-05-2009, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I have often suggested that Take One / Leave One boxes be set up at stores around 30A, for just that purpose, re-using perfectly good cheap plastic toys, beach chairs and umbrellas. Stores selling the crap wouldn't stand to profit as much, but it would in theory, keep that kind of stuff off the beach. I haven't pushed it hard, and have yet to see or hear of anyone doing this. There could be boxes set up at every development if we were really thinking.

This would be so awesome! I'll be willing to help in any way I can!

**tistheseason** · 04-05-2009, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I have often suggested that Take One / Leave One boxes be set up at stores around 30A, for just that purpose, re-using perfectly good cheap plastic toys, beach chairs and umbrellas. Stores selling the crap wouldn't stand to profit as much, but it would in theory, keep that kind of stuff off the beach. I haven't pushed it hard, and have yet to see or hear of anyone doing this. There could be boxes set up at every development if we were really thinking.

I'm really surprised developments DONT do this! It seems like a win-win for them!

**scooterbug44** · 04-05-2009, 05:50 PM

Why is it so hard to pick up your stuff when you leave the beach?

I have literally lived in the wilderness for weeks at a time with less than many people take to the beach, so my sympathy level about how hard it is to assemble/dissassemble is quite low.

There is no camping on the beach overnight.

Any other questions will be answered at www.pickupyoursheetlazyarse.com

jd · 04-05-2009, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by SHELLY

I agree!

Somehow I can't see the police taking seriously a "stolen property" report from someone who left stuff out on the beach overnight...if they do, the SWPD has too much manpower and should do a little downsizing.

The PD just needs to hand these folks a 25-page missing property report to fill out and then just file it in the shredder.

IMO...We've had it up to here <making chopping motion over my head> with you people leaving your garbage strewn all over the beach at night..."Move it, or lose it!"

.

I'm staying in seagrove this week and I was sad to see that a bunch of stuff left out on the beach overnight was NOT removed. Nor were the holes that were made filled in so my husband and I took care of that.

The phrase "you people" is rude and offensive....please know that not all tourists abuse this beautiful beach! Many of us love and protect it as you do!

**SHELLY** · 04-05-2009, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by jd

The phrase "you people" is rude and offensive....please know that not all tourists abuse this beautiful beach! Many of us love and protect it as you do!

If your not one of the "you people" who leave junk and holes on the beach overnight, then it doesn't apply to you....some of the "you people" are actually locals too.

Thanks for filling the holes and taking 'their' tents and junk off the beach--those are the rude and offensive people IMO.

.

jd · 04-06-2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by SHELLY

If your not one of the "you people" who leave junk and holes on the beach overnight, then it doesn't apply to you....some of the "you people" are actually locals too.

Thanks for filling the holes and taking 'their' tents and junk off the beach--those are the rude and offensive people IMO.

.

Point taken, Shelly! Sorry about the "rude and offensive" comment....guess I allowed the b------ in me slip out for a moment. I can usually keep her under control!

I don't think the powers are enforcing the "leave no trace" though because I saw obviously old stuff on the beach this morning in a couple of spots in Seagrove.

**Fryday_1** · 04-15-2009, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

There are some blue and yellow beach chairs that have been left to the east of the Eastern Lake outfall for over a week. Tried to call the company for a friendly heads up, but no answer. Will make more calls tomorrow. Thought for sure they would be gone and removed from the beach by now.

I am not surprised they are not gone. I have been hearing for two years now that if a canopy is left up it will be taken. I have really big one and left it up all last week, it was not touched. I am beginning to believe the "move it or lose" is just a scare tactic. Someone just stole that bike.

**kurt** · 04-15-2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Fryday_1

I am not surprised they are not gone. I have been hearing for two years now that if a canopy is left up it will be taken. I have really big one and left it up all last week, it was not touched. I am beginning to believe the "move it or lose" is just a scare tactic. Someone just stole that bike.

Last summer you came to this forum to voice your opinion against keeping our beaches safe and clean for people and turtles - http://www.sowal.com/bb/nature-envir...y-beach-3.html

It's OK for you to disagree with the majority, but continue it on the old thread or start a new one. No need to come on today and post on 5 different threads to stir up trouble, bragging about leaving up your canopy and breaking the law on our beaches. That is troll behavior and is not allowed.

If everyone who visited our beaches thought as you and did exactly what they wanted without care for other people or the environment, then our beaches would be unusable.

If you are proud of your actions and really want to test the law, call the Sheriff's office before your next visit, let them know where you are staying, and you will be sure to get your chance to test "remove it or lose it". Or at least have the courage to come on this forum the week before your visit instead of the week after.

If you can't follow the rules and wishes of the majority of people who live here, then it's probably best for you to find another beach community somewhere else that is eager to have you visit and leave up your canopy.

**SHELLY** · 04-15-2009, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Last summer you came to this forum to voice your opinion against keeping our beaches safe and clean for people and turtles - http://www.sowal.com/bb/nature-envir...y-beach-3.html

It's OK for you to disagree with the majority, but continue it on the old thread or start a new one. No need to come on today and post on 5 different threads to stir up trouble, bragging about leaving up your canopy and breaking the law on our beaches. That is troll behavior and is not allowed.

If everyone who visited our beaches thought as you and did exactly what they wanted without care for other people or the environment, then our beaches would be unusable.

If you are proud of your actions and really want to test the law, call the Sheriff's office before your next visit, let them know where you are staying, and you will be sure to get your chance to test "remove it or lose it". Or at least have the courage to come on this forum the week before your visit instead of the week after.

If you can't follow the rules and wishes of the majority of people who live here, then it's probably best for you to find another beach community somewhere else that is eager to have you visit and leave up your canopy.

Fry_Day claims to be an attorney...that pretty much explains it.

There's an old joke that goes: What's the difference between a lawyer and a vulture?.......removable wingtips.

I guess we can now add--one cleans up the mess left behind.

.
.

**Busta Hustle** · 04-16-2009, 08:08 AM

Now if we could just get the TDC to use the $$ from the sale of these items instead of raising the bed tax again!!!

**Andy A** · 04-19-2009, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by BeachSteelers

How can Beach Chair Rentals leave their Stuff on the beach but anyone else's is takin to the dump? My guess is those companies are related to a County Official!

No county official relation here. Our beach chair rentals move them under our walkover at the toe of the dune every evening. Adagio has a closed storage area, I believe. They are not left out in the open area of the beach for people to stumble over.

**wrobert** · 04-19-2009, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by BeachSteelers

How can Beach Chair Rentals leave their Stuff on the beach but anyone else's is takin to the dump? My guess is those companies are related to a County Official!

They tell me all you have to do is go to code enforcement and get a sticker to go on your stuff and you can leave it. The stickers let the turtles know to watch out for the stuff.