Is anyone patrolling the beach??????

**tsutcli** · 04-08-2012, 08:27 AM

Just wondering if anyone is patrolling the beach currently. Every time I have called with a complaint in the past I have been told the beach is patrolled 24/7. If that is so, why all the under age drinking, bottles and many, many loose and unsupervised dogs on the beach? It's a free for all on our beach and many times it is just easier and safer to stay home and I live here! I walk with a friend and all the dogs seem to run and jump on her and it is a real nuisance. Not to mention all the barking we shouldn't have to put up with either. There is a leash law in Walton County and a Beach Ordinance!!! Anyone out there watching??? If not, there should be!

**Dawn** · 04-08-2012, 10:04 AM

Lots of beach, few deputies. No one in SoWal wants to offend tourists and in general it is OK with most of us I think ad long as no lines are crossed. I hvae heard of at least one case last week where a deputy was walking the beach telling young drinkers to pour out their drinks. A warning is fine with me as long as they aren't breaking notjing.

**Dawn** · 04-08-2012, 10:05 AM

Oops sorry about the spelling one too many easter momisas.

**tsutcli** · 04-08-2012, 10:35 AM

Oh really now. Could that deputy guarantee that those young drinkers would not get in a car and drive shortly after his encounter with them? Then the deputy would also be accountable, right?

**miznotebook** · 04-08-2012, 11:16 AM

They did charge nine people with underage drinking and one for glass on the beach last Thursday and Friday, according to court records. The charges for this weekend won't show up in the records until next week.

**shellak** · 04-08-2012, 11:44 AM

i'm amazed at the lackadaisical attitude around here. "As long as we don't offend the tourists". So we have to tiptoe around them and just accept the excessive drinking, garbage, loose dogs (they aren't permitted to have dogs period on the beach as you must have a permit....yeah, right). all we ask is that laws and regulations be enforced. otherwise, why bother passing them? My family and I were tourists for years, and we never caused issues for others. we were responsible - never even thought to leave things on the beach when we left or bring a family pet and let it run and defecate all over.

**Dawn** · 04-08-2012, 02:21 PM

Y'all sound like fussypoops. Ever been young? Ever been on vacation? Regardless, as long as no one is getting hurt some bad behavior comes with the territory. If you own a restaurant you don't throw everyone out that is too loud or too rude. You grin and bear it, to a degree. If you want to live in a tourist area and get the dough and advertise for more and more people to come here you have to expect it to get worse and worse. In case you don't know, this place is paradise as long as you don't have more than a few thousand visitors at once. Most of the year now there are too many people. If you want oit quiet you need to move to a non-tourist area.

Personally I believe the last 12 months have proven we need to stop advertising immediately.

**tsutcli** · 04-08-2012, 03:23 PM

Fussypoops? Is that even a word? Since it is Easter Sunday after all, let my quote scripture to you and if you need a translation let me know. Please read Proverbs 26:4 and that will tell you all you need to know on this subject from me. If you don't understand it, let me know that too and I will explain it to you.

**SoWal 30A** · 04-08-2012, 05:43 PM

Look, the deputies know exactly where they need to be. I don't care about underage drinkers…I care about the person whose life needs protecting. Deputies strategize their time and staging location to both deter crimes and and maximize their response times to predictable areas of concern. What do you expect them to do, babysit teenagers and NOT be available in life threatening situations…seriously? Look, better for those teenagers to drink in public than to do so in a secluded location where their safety is truly jeopardized by lack of witnesses to call for help. Try standing up for yourself, policing yourself and those around you, and stop expecting deputies handle every single controversy in your life. I cant believe it sounded like you were talking trash on deputies…! Who are you!?!

**Paula** · 04-08-2012, 06:39 PM

Couldn't help myself and I'm going to get myself into this one because underage drinking can lead to underage drinking and driving so I do care about underage drinkers (or any drinking and driving - there are taxis in SoWal to help us avoid that). My daughters lost an eight year old friend due to a drunk driver and her sister is permanently disabled, so I'm not against drunk driving in theory only. So, it's not a trivial issue at all for law enforcement, though I do agree they are very busy. As for the dogs, I'm fine with them on the beach if the people have a license for their pets and follow the rules about leashes and picki up their dogs' poop so that everyone can enjoy the beach. SoWal has plenty of great tourists/guests who are happy to be good citizens so I'm perfectly fine if those who want to drink on the beach and let their dogs run wild/poop on the beach want to go somewhere else to vacation. We live in a community and that means everyone can't do whatever they want whenever and wherever they want. That's a great lesson for teenagers to learn. And even if we didn't have enough tourists, drunk people on the beach and drunk drivers aren't worth any amount of cash to me. SoWal is a beautiful, good-willed community - a little paradise on earth - so let's keep it that way. As far as who I am - I'm just a Mom who loves SoWal (and who enjoys a nice glass of wine or a mimosa).

**SoWal 30A** · 04-08-2012, 07:08 PM

Nicely done. I like your post Paula; however, making the direct correlation between teenage drinking and DUI, is an accelerated assumption. There's no diff between teenagers and adults when it comes to that and the post author only appeared to have an issue with the teens. Furthermore, connecting drinking on the beach to DUI's is like connecting Spring Break to drinking and DUI's and that's not accurate. There's always the 10% and the deputies havent obtained funding for the crystal ball needed to identify those 10%. With that in mind, let's not pretend anyone outside the profession knows how their job should be done anymore than a deputy knows yours. Good day to you all! =)

**bluecat** · 04-08-2012, 07:43 PM

Ok, not every tourist wants to go on vacation and have to put up with loud ,drunk foul mouth teenagers. If I wanted that ,I would go to PCB.I think something should be done to let unsupervised kids know real fast that 30A is not party city.Last week was the worst spring break I have experienced in South Walton. I love it there, don't want to go elsewhere, but parents turning their kids loose can only lead to trouble.

**JMT** · 04-08-2012, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by bluecat

Ok, not every tourist wants to go on vacation and have to put up with loud ,drunk foul mouth teenagers. If I wanted that ,I would go to PCB.I think something should be done to let unsupervised kids know real fast that 30A is not party city.Last week was the worst spring break I have experienced in South Walton. I love it there, don't want to go elsewhere, but parents turning their kids loose can only lead to trouble.

Manifest Destiny... These are big boy problems, and they come with the territory.. Apparently we want our roads backed up with as many tourists as could possibly fit without some sort of oxygen depletion, so I guess my advice to anyone that doesn't like drunk, unsupervised kids running around is to go somewhere else. I believe the area has a serious identity crisis, and there is only so much policing you can do when your infrastructure is "cozy beach town" and the reality is quickly becoming "Miracle Strip West". I shudder to think what the "New-Urbanists" think seeing their Shangri-La turned into Larry Clark's "Kids". But hey, there is no such thing as too much money..

**Paula** · 04-08-2012, 10:40 PM

I definitely agree that drinking and driving is a problem at any age, not just for teens. Agreed that we don't have to tell professionals how to do their jobs, especially when they are providing an important public service and are doing the best they can with limited resources. My point is that I agree that teens drinking on the beach to the point of getting drunk is certainly not a good idea for anyone involved and that SoWallers who are concerned about this have a reasonable, not trivial, concern.

**Dawn** · 04-09-2012, 07:37 AM

All good posts - thank you. I see both sides and it is not a simple solution. JMT is dead on.

**Paula** · 04-09-2012, 10:11 AM

In my view, JMT is not dead on because there's certainly no reason for people who don't want drunk unsupervised kids to go somewhere else. I personally haven't seen a lot of drunk unsupervised kids along 30A beaches, though I'm sure there are some (along with drunk unsupervised adults). But I've seen those people everywhere - and it's rare in most places including 30A. Mostly, what I've seen are the great people who live here and appreciative guests who find this area to be beautiful and overall well-preserved. 98% of the people who have rented my cottages have left them in great shape - some even better than they found them. Otherwise, I wouldn't be renting them out - and I'd go somewhere else. But SoWal has captured my heart for all the good reasons - and the exceptions haven't yet turned into the norm nor do I expect them to over time. Too many people care about this area. Will it ever be perfect? Nah, but if it was we'd have nothing to talk about because we'd just be swooning over the sunsets, enjoying good meals with our friends and talking only about the food, enjoying walks and bike rides to look at the the different architecture in the many different communities, reading good books on the porch, and enjoying pretty drives along 30A. There are ways of talking about change and preservation without falling into black and white thinking. These are indeed big boy and big girl problems to think about, and I hope we think about them carefully with appreciation and hope as well as a critical eye.

**SouthernBelle** · 04-09-2012, 10:17 AM

JMT hit it about as well as anyone can! Fact is the TDC needs to put the brakes on themselves until the county can actually figure out how to deal with all the tourists the TDC is trying so hard to lure in. I don't blame law enforcement for not being everywhere. I blame the county for not financing enough for law enforcement to keep a handle on all the new breed of tourists to our area. There is only so much each person can do and on a regular day I see way more people breaking the laws than enforcing them. The good guys are just severely outnumbered this year. I've never seen as many glass bottles, unleashed dogs, and funnels on the beach as this year.

Our 2 surrounding counties have life guards and beaches patrolled regularly and they still have chaos. Kids and people in general (for all the immature grownups are just as bad as kids) are really good at figuring out where to go to get away with stuff. SoWal is a very easy target. They know it, word will be spread, expect it to only get worse.

**Zebraspots** · 04-09-2012, 10:25 AM

I am getting really tired of hearing that we can't enforce laws because it might offend tourists. We have these laws for a reason and offending people who view illegal activities as necessary for a good vacation is not a bad thing IMO!

This last week was hell and many activities I witnessed were not just spring break hijinks but potentially deadly and dangerous.

Every time I saw a cop they were actively doing something or racing off to another call, they just needed more of them.

Dogs on the beach is a nuisance, kids riding bikes down the middle of 30a after dark and drunk kids cruising 30a and 98 hanging out of speeding vehicles are real problems.

**Dawn** · 04-09-2012, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Zebraspots

I am getting really tired of hearing that we can't enforce laws because it might offend tourists. We have these laws for a reason and offending people who view illegal activities as necessary for a good vacation is not a bad thing IMO!

This last week was hell and many activities I witnessed were not just spring break hijinks but potentially deadly and dangerous.

Every time I saw a cop they were actively doing something or racing off to another call, they just needed more of them.

Dogs on the beach is a nuisance, kids riding bikes down the middle of 30a after dark and drunk kids cruising 30a and 98 hanging out of speeding vehicles are real problems.

I don't necessarily disagree with you but I think the basic problem is too many people, not too few cops.

No offense just curious what your occupation is, what is the main reason you live in SoWal, and when are you going to Austalia as your signature states?

**hippiechick** · 04-09-2012, 11:50 AM

I sense alot of hostility in these posts. Lets put blame, if that is what we are doing here, squarely on the shoulders of the people responsible for the Mayhem we endure during Tourist Season, that being the TDC. Build it and they will come. Well it worked, and now we are paying for all the problems associated with large groups of ordinary people on vacation, having a blast and over indulging in lack of manners, lack of respect, lack of good sense, in an area designed and for fewer people with inadequate infrastructure to handle it all. I personally as a local living on 30A, am sick of tired of dodging kids and families on their bikes darting across roads, am tired of listening to foul mouth kids on the beach and the beer cans they leave behind. So should I go somewhere else to live? Probably, but I love it here. So what do you do, you put up and shut up because there is nothing you can do.

**Beach Geauxer** · 04-09-2012, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Just wondering if anyone is patrolling the beach currently. Every time I have called with a complaint in the past I have been told the beach is patrolled 24/7. If that is so, why all the under age drinking, bottles and many, many loose and unsupervised dogs on the beach? It's a free for all on our beach and many times it is just easier and safer to stay home and I live here! I walk with a friend and all the dogs seem to run and jump on her and it is a real nuisance. Not to mention all the barking we shouldn't have to put up with either. There is a leash law in Walton County and a Beach Ordinance!!! Anyone out there watching??? If not, there should be!

Back home, this would be called "white people problems"...

**Dawn** · 04-09-2012, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Geauxer

Back home, this would be called "white people problems"...

lol

**southdawg** · 04-10-2012, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Just wondering if anyone is patrolling the beach currently. Every time I have called with a complaint in the past I have been told the beach is patrolled 24/7. If that is so, why all the under age drinking, bottles and many, many loose and unsupervised dogs on the beach? It's a free for all on our beach and many times it is just easier and safer to stay home and I live here! I walk with a friend and all the dogs seem to run and jump on her and it is a real nuisance. Not to mention all the barking we shouldn't have to put up with either. There is a leash law in Walton County and a Beach Ordinance!!! Anyone out there watching??? If not, there should be!

If your posts on this board are any indication you must complain to the sheriff's department too much. The person working the phones probably recognizes your number and gives you a canned response to get you off the line.

I have spent many years on these beaches and not once have I ever felt unsafe. Now on a kayak in the ocean with a shark circling below, yes I felt unsafe, but that's a different story!

**12071972** · 04-10-2012, 12:49 PM

I think all the alcohol on these beaches need to be banned. No one needs it and it just causes problems. My family of 7 had a wonderful time without any drinking going on. If you want to get drunk, stay inside. Problem solved.

**12071972** · 04-10-2012, 12:57 PM

I am looking to retire on 30A. I was disgusted with all the teenagers tramping around in their bikinis and not having the slightest concern for anyone in the area. I don't want to sound like an old bitty but it has been 5 yrs since I came to seaside...and what a change we saw! These kids need to go elsewhere. They shame the quaint community we all know and love! Good thing we stayed at watercolor 4 miles away!

**Andy A** · 04-10-2012, 03:00 PM

Way, way too much griping!!! I live on the beach in a townhome complex that has renters all during the tourist season. Yes, some are complete horses' behinds but that is true with any speciflic segment of society. My take here is, be thankful you can live here full time and enjoy those seasons here that are fairly devoid of guests. Also, don't be afraid to "call out" those who are leaving bottles on the beach, climbling on the dunes and dumping chairs in the swimming pool. It does you good to vent and lets them know the audacious behavior has been noted. My bet is you won't have to do it more than a very few times during tourist season. Most importantly, be thankful you have the means and wherewithall to be able to live here.

**bluecat** · 04-10-2012, 05:34 PM

Last week I took bags to the beach for trash. Coming upon PILES of trash, I would ask politely if if it belonged to people sitting really close to it.Well, of course it wasn't theirs.Now, why if the trash isn't yours would you park your rear end next to it.I am certainly not trying to back pat, I carried liquor bottles to the trash cans and not one soul got the hint to pick up what was beside them. I cannot understand the laziness of some people.

**justhavinfun** · 04-10-2012, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by bluecat

Last week I took bags to the beach for trash. Coming upon PILES of trash, I would ask politely if if it belonged to people sitting really close to it.Well, of course it wasn't theirs.Now, why if the trash isn't yours would you park your rear end next to it.I am certainly not trying to back pat, I carried liquor bottles to the trash cans and not one soul got the hint to pick up what was beside them. I cannot understand the laziness of some people.

I rented our place for 10 years and then moved to paradise 18 months ago with no regrets - Yes I agree there are tourists that are less than pleasant and have a crappy attitude but that comes with the turf. Bottom line is if you want total peace and quiet look at Mexico Beach or better yet the Pocono mountains!

**rdelong43065** · 04-10-2012, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by justhavinfun

I rented our place for 10 years and then moved to paradise 18 months ago with no regrets - Yes I agree there are tourists that are less than pleasant and have a crappy attitude but that comes with the turf. Bottom line is if you want total peace and quiet look at Mexico Beach or better yet the Pocono mountains!

The Poconos aren't what they used to be either now that the casino is up there.

**Geo** · 04-25-2012, 02:04 PM

One of the things I love about this area (and made me move here) is that it provides freedoms that similar areas in the US don't provide. I like being able to drive on Grayton Beach. I like being able to walk my dog on the beach. I like being able to walk across the street to the beach with my beverage in hand and being able to have a cooler at the beach with icy cold ones. I like being able to have a bonfire gathering.

I firmly believe that if ya'll keep calling the WCSO or complaining to the TDC and the County Commissioners that we are going to see laws passed that ruin it for everyone.

I don't want all those things I mentioned above to become criminalized like they are in California (for instance).

Why are you in jail, Geo? Oh- I was drinking a beer on the beach petting my dog.

Some of you really do sound like old fussypoops. Spring Break is only a few weeks a year. Choose your battles.

**Teresa** · 04-27-2012, 09:27 AM

I did hear a few hair raising stories about teens/young adults during spring break. But, it doesn't shock me, surprise me, anger me or anything of the sort. It comes with the territory - and always has. If anyone visited Grayton years ago, you would have noted the serious partying going on among adults of all ages (locals and regular visitors alike) - it definitely comes with the beach scene - things have hardly changed at all - except for the rules that have come with increased tourism (bonfire permits, dog permits, driving permits, etc). Spring break is always hectic for locals and we forget how it is until it rolls around each year.

I agree with Paula - most visitors are wonderful and I ignore the rest.

Mostly, I just stay in the woods and wait to come out in mid April.

SoWal is the place to be most of the time but maybe not all the time.

**justhavinfun** · 04-27-2012, 09:35 AM

Last week I had the opportunity to meet a few homeowners from Seaside and chat about the Atlanta Spring Break crowd and the conversation was eye opening for sure - Outside of known problems like underage drinking and there not being enough deputies patrolling the beach the main issue seems to be a new direction from the developers. I was advised by these locals that some people want Seaside to become the new Daytona Beach and thats scary! I'm with you Teresa with enjoying the beach until March 1 and then hibernate until mid April!