NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A FORMAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO AFFIRM THE EXISTENCE OF RECREATIONAL CUSTOMARY USES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners proposes to adopt a formal Notice of Intent to affirm the existence of recreational customary uses on beachfront property in Walton County, Florida.
You are hereby notified that a Public Hearing on the Notice of Intent will be held on September 8, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m., or as soon as possible to that time, at the South Walton High School located at 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Replies
21
Beach Fanatic
Dont forget to download/print the affidavit and show up with your pictures and the map marked with all the places you and your family have used the beach. I have never went to just one public access so I will have to mark several places.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet.
SoWal Guide
#31
Attend the meeting, submit photos and customary use affidavits! We can do this!
Go here to get affidavit and instructions on how you can help.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet
Go here to get affidavit and instructions on how you can help.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet
SoWal Guide
#41
Attend the meeting, submit photos and customary use affidavits! We can do this!
Go here to get affidavit and instructions on how you can help.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet
Go here to get affidavit and instructions on how you can help.
https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/30767/Support-Customary-Use-Packet
Beach Fanatic
How can this call to action go nationwide? Think of the thousands of people over the years that have taken photos on the beaches of SoWal?
Beach photographers, can you submit en masse?
I know I have plenty of photos in front of the former Seagrove Villas, which are where the mega mansions now seem to be.
Beach photographers, can you submit en masse?
I know I have plenty of photos in front of the former Seagrove Villas, which are where the mega mansions now seem to be.
SoWal Guide
Good overview of Customary Use ,where we are now and what Walton County is pursuing in the upcoming Sept 8 meeting at South Walton High School at 9am.
Wuwf.org Aug 17
Walton County to Hold Public Hearing on Customary Use
Walton County to Hold Public Hearing on Customary Use
Customary Use is a big issue in the state of Florida.
It’s the belief that beaches have been public property as long as humans have used them, which is why counties across Florida have passed customary use ordinances allowing access to both public access points and in front of beachfront homes.
Beachgoers walk past a sign recently in Walton County warning people not to trespass.
CREDIT NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS
In April 2018, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 631. The bill, which received bipartisan support, authorizes a person with “superior right to possession or real property” and “prohibits local government from enacting or enforcing ordinance or rule based on customary use.”
The Walton County Board of Commissioners is moving forward to restore public beach access along the South Walton beaches under new provisions of the House bill.
On September 8 at 9 a.m., commissioners will hold a public hearing at the South Walton High School auditorium to “affirm the existence of recreational customary uses on beachfront property in Walton County.”
Public Information Officer for Walton County Louis Svehla said the hearing is the first step toward a customary use ordinance.
"Based on the legislation passed this year by the state of Florida, House Bill 631, it requires that we hold a public meeting regarding our intent to move forward with the customary use ordinance," he said.
A draft of the ordinance will be presented at the hearing, Svehla said.
"That would be the ordinance that would be presented along with all of the other information to a judge who would ultimately then decide whether customary use could exist in the forum that we’re trying to have."
In 2016, Walton County Commissioners passed a customary use ordinance giving the public the right to enjoy privately-owned beaches without fear of prosecution.
"We had issues with property owners putting up fences and signs and chaining off and roping off their private property which was an environmental issue as well," Svehla said. "And that really led the board to look at our beaches, how they’ve been used customarily; what they felt was right for this area."
A sign on a South Walton Beach alerts people of private property lines.
CREDIT DANIEL UHLFELDER
On July 1 of this year, HB 631 went into effect voiding the 2017 customary use ordinance and causing issues for both residents and visitors.
"We’ve had several property owners say they do not want us crossing their property in order to pick up trash that we would normally pick up on private property throughout our beach," Svehla said. "That has caused us to have to stop picking up trash in certain areas. We’ve got about 70 percent of our private property now that we’re unable to collect trash from because we are unable to traverse certain areas of the beach."
Another issue is, of course, the confusion of which beaches are public or private.
"Certainly visitors coming in, even residents, who have been going to places they’ve been used to going to and being told by homeowners that they’re going to have to move — that it’s private property," Svehla said.
Svehla said the proposed customary use ordinance will be similar to the one passed in 2017.
"We don’t anticipate it to be much different," he added. "Really, this is the process we have to go through based on the legislation. So the board will look at a draft ... and if they would like to make any changes or see something different in an ordinance."
And again, the Florida Legislature could pass another bill.
"The State legislature could certainly pass something different," Svehla said.
Svehla said the county is planning on a large crowd for the public hearing, which is why he advises anyone interested in going to arrive as early as possible. The public will be given the chance to speak at the hearing.
Wuwf.org Aug 17
Walton County to Hold Public Hearing on Customary Use
Walton County to Hold Public Hearing on Customary Use
Customary Use is a big issue in the state of Florida.
It’s the belief that beaches have been public property as long as humans have used them, which is why counties across Florida have passed customary use ordinances allowing access to both public access points and in front of beachfront homes.
Beachgoers walk past a sign recently in Walton County warning people not to trespass.
CREDIT NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS
In April 2018, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 631. The bill, which received bipartisan support, authorizes a person with “superior right to possession or real property” and “prohibits local government from enacting or enforcing ordinance or rule based on customary use.”
The Walton County Board of Commissioners is moving forward to restore public beach access along the South Walton beaches under new provisions of the House bill.
On September 8 at 9 a.m., commissioners will hold a public hearing at the South Walton High School auditorium to “affirm the existence of recreational customary uses on beachfront property in Walton County.”
Public Information Officer for Walton County Louis Svehla said the hearing is the first step toward a customary use ordinance.
"Based on the legislation passed this year by the state of Florida, House Bill 631, it requires that we hold a public meeting regarding our intent to move forward with the customary use ordinance," he said.
A draft of the ordinance will be presented at the hearing, Svehla said.
"That would be the ordinance that would be presented along with all of the other information to a judge who would ultimately then decide whether customary use could exist in the forum that we’re trying to have."
In 2016, Walton County Commissioners passed a customary use ordinance giving the public the right to enjoy privately-owned beaches without fear of prosecution.
"We had issues with property owners putting up fences and signs and chaining off and roping off their private property which was an environmental issue as well," Svehla said. "And that really led the board to look at our beaches, how they’ve been used customarily; what they felt was right for this area."
A sign on a South Walton Beach alerts people of private property lines.
CREDIT DANIEL UHLFELDER
On July 1 of this year, HB 631 went into effect voiding the 2017 customary use ordinance and causing issues for both residents and visitors.
"We’ve had several property owners say they do not want us crossing their property in order to pick up trash that we would normally pick up on private property throughout our beach," Svehla said. "That has caused us to have to stop picking up trash in certain areas. We’ve got about 70 percent of our private property now that we’re unable to collect trash from because we are unable to traverse certain areas of the beach."
Another issue is, of course, the confusion of which beaches are public or private.
"Certainly visitors coming in, even residents, who have been going to places they’ve been used to going to and being told by homeowners that they’re going to have to move — that it’s private property," Svehla said.
Svehla said the proposed customary use ordinance will be similar to the one passed in 2017.
"We don’t anticipate it to be much different," he added. "Really, this is the process we have to go through based on the legislation. So the board will look at a draft ... and if they would like to make any changes or see something different in an ordinance."
And again, the Florida Legislature could pass another bill.
"The State legislature could certainly pass something different," Svehla said.
Svehla said the county is planning on a large crowd for the public hearing, which is why he advises anyone interested in going to arrive as early as possible. The public will be given the chance to speak at the hearing.
Admin
Walton County to Stream Customary Use Hearing on YouTube
In order to provide the public with access to the September 8th Customary Use Hearing, Walton County will stream the meeting on YouTube.
While this is being done as a public service, the County cannot guarantee the full quality of the stream due to using a third part provider, as well as any unknown issues that may arise with internet service at the location.
The meeting will be able to be viewed at the following: Walton County
The stream will begin at 9:00am CST and will be stopped during any breaks as well as for lunch. When the meeting resumes following breaks, a new stream will begin.
The Walton County Customary Use Hearing will be held at South Walton High School, located at 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. The meeting will begin at 9:00am.
In order to provide the public with access to the September 8th Customary Use Hearing, Walton County will stream the meeting on YouTube.
While this is being done as a public service, the County cannot guarantee the full quality of the stream due to using a third part provider, as well as any unknown issues that may arise with internet service at the location.
The meeting will be able to be viewed at the following: Walton County
The stream will begin at 9:00am CST and will be stopped during any breaks as well as for lunch. When the meeting resumes following breaks, a new stream will begin.
The Walton County Customary Use Hearing will be held at South Walton High School, located at 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. The meeting will begin at 9:00am.
Admin
Walton County Customary Use Meeting Location and Venue Information – Parking, Traffic, Security & Food Trucks
The Walton County Customary Use Hearing will be held at South Walton High School, located at 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. The meeting will begin at 9:00am. Doors to the venue will be open at 8:00am.
The following information is being presented in order to provide the public with information about the meeting location and venue.
Traffic – The following will be closed due to the Sandestin Triathlon.
· One eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 98 from Sandestin Blvd South to West County Highway 30A will be closed.
· County Highway 30A from U.S. Highway 98 to S. County Highway 83.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, there will be delays, however they will be allowing egress from 30A but not ingress during the closure period. Exit from 30A will be allowed, but return is prohibited until the road is reopened.
Parking – The parking for the meeting will be located behind the high school in the student parking lot. There will be volunteers on hand to assist the public with parking. Additionally, there will be a reserved lot in which the public will not be allowed to park.
Security – Walton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies will be on hand to scan those entering the building. Please plan accordingly and do not have any items on your person that would not be allowed in the BCC board rooms during any regular meeting.
Food and Drink – The only beverage that will be allowed in the auditorium will be bottled water. NO food or any other beverages will be allowed.
Food Service for Lunch - In order to assist the public during lunch hours, the County has invited 2 food truck vendors to be on site between the hours of 11am and 1pm that will be available to provide lunch to the public. These food trucks will be open for self-pay service. Additionally, the school cafeteria will be open to allow lunch to be eaten indoors.
Menus – Cash Sales Requested – Drinks will be an additional cost
Smokin’ Hot Wheels
· BBQ Pork Sandwich ------$10
o With homemade baked beans and fresh made cole slaw
· Smoked Chicken Quarter------$10
o With homemade baked beans and fresh made cole slaw
City Streets Food Truck
· (3) Thai Tacos------$8
o Korean style pulled pork, Asian slaw, Sriracha aioli & cilantro
· Grilled Chicken Sandwich------$7
o Marinated w/ garlic, lemon & thyme w/ mayo, Baby organic greens, red onion & tomato on toasted ciabatta
· ALL BEEF GRILLED HOT DOGS—
o Plain--------------------$3
o Chili /Cheese---------$4
o Carolina---------------$4
§ (Chili-cheese sauce- coleslaw-onions & mustard)
· The “ORIGINAL” Philly Cheese Steak----$9
o Black Angus Beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions & Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Please reference the attached map for location information.
Additionally, if there are large groups that are planning to attend the meeting, we recommend that those who can carpool take that opportunity.
A live stream of the meeting will be available on YouTube at: Walton County
The Walton County Customary Use Hearing will be held at South Walton High School, located at 645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. The meeting will begin at 9:00am. Doors to the venue will be open at 8:00am.
The following information is being presented in order to provide the public with information about the meeting location and venue.
Traffic – The following will be closed due to the Sandestin Triathlon.
· One eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 98 from Sandestin Blvd South to West County Highway 30A will be closed.
· County Highway 30A from U.S. Highway 98 to S. County Highway 83.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, there will be delays, however they will be allowing egress from 30A but not ingress during the closure period. Exit from 30A will be allowed, but return is prohibited until the road is reopened.
Parking – The parking for the meeting will be located behind the high school in the student parking lot. There will be volunteers on hand to assist the public with parking. Additionally, there will be a reserved lot in which the public will not be allowed to park.
Security – Walton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies will be on hand to scan those entering the building. Please plan accordingly and do not have any items on your person that would not be allowed in the BCC board rooms during any regular meeting.
Food and Drink – The only beverage that will be allowed in the auditorium will be bottled water. NO food or any other beverages will be allowed.
Food Service for Lunch - In order to assist the public during lunch hours, the County has invited 2 food truck vendors to be on site between the hours of 11am and 1pm that will be available to provide lunch to the public. These food trucks will be open for self-pay service. Additionally, the school cafeteria will be open to allow lunch to be eaten indoors.
Menus – Cash Sales Requested – Drinks will be an additional cost
Smokin’ Hot Wheels
· BBQ Pork Sandwich ------$10
o With homemade baked beans and fresh made cole slaw
· Smoked Chicken Quarter------$10
o With homemade baked beans and fresh made cole slaw
City Streets Food Truck
· (3) Thai Tacos------$8
o Korean style pulled pork, Asian slaw, Sriracha aioli & cilantro
· Grilled Chicken Sandwich------$7
o Marinated w/ garlic, lemon & thyme w/ mayo, Baby organic greens, red onion & tomato on toasted ciabatta
· ALL BEEF GRILLED HOT DOGS—
o Plain--------------------$3
o Chili /Cheese---------$4
o Carolina---------------$4
§ (Chili-cheese sauce- coleslaw-onions & mustard)
· The “ORIGINAL” Philly Cheese Steak----$9
o Black Angus Beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions & Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Please reference the attached map for location information.
Additionally, if there are large groups that are planning to attend the meeting, we recommend that those who can carpool take that opportunity.
A live stream of the meeting will be available on YouTube at: Walton County
Admin
#91
SoWal Guide
TRASH
SoWal Guide
#111
Saturday Sept 8th is the Walton County Customary Use Public Hearing at South Walton High School at 9am. You can complete an affidavit and submit any photos at the meeting.
Beach Fanatic
out 60 days. Old Walton Trick. Delay extend delay
Beach Fanatic
I just read somewhere that is still happening. Just moved to 9:30.
Beach Fanatic
Not true. It IS happening now!
Beach Fanatic
Meeting IS going on right now!!!
Beach Fanatic
Decision moved to November 2 or 3rd.....response happing now.. live on FB WMBB
SoWal Insider
Public comments are being taken now. It is unclear whether this will be considered evidence at the final hearing. The lawyers will also speak at the final hearing.
Beach Fanatic
Chapman showing his a$$, caught on video...PRICELESS!
SoWal Guide
#191
The meeting was standing room only.
The Affidavit Blitz will continue all over town. Also if you live out of town please go to the Walton County website for everything you need to complete the Affidavit and mail it in!!!!
Walton County, FL - Home Page | Official Website
Today's affidavit haul!
The Affidavit Blitz will continue all over town. Also if you live out of town please go to the Walton County website for everything you need to complete the Affidavit and mail it in!!!!
Walton County, FL - Home Page | Official Website
Today's affidavit haul!
Edited
Admin
#2011
Community Organization
Below you will find a summary of outcomes from the BCC meeting held today at the South Walton High School auditorium.
Introductory Comments
Introductory Comments
- The auditorium was full with a minor number of empty seats and people standing around the edges of the room. Seating capacity of the auditorium is 750 people.
- County Attorney Sidney Noyes announced that 13 parcels did not receive notice of the hearing through certified mail. Most are condominium units. Noyes recommended they go forward today with just a “Special Meeting” and take public comments and that the Board take no formal action and that they reschedule the hearing for 60 days out, on November 3rd, for the Board to take action on Customary Use and notify all property owners again including the 13 parcels that were not notified for this meeting.
- Dana Matthews asked that they include in their motion that the attorneys representing beachfront property owners will have an opportunity to present at the November hearing once they’ve heard the county’s evidence.
- Daniel Uhfelder, representing Florida Beaches for All, stated that he feels the hearing should go on today and the people that were not noticed that may not be here today can watch the video and attend the next hearing.
- David Theriaque, the County's outside counsel on Customary Use, said he has concerns about a challenge down the line if they hold the hearing today.
- The Commissioners voted unanimously to take public comments today as a public meeting and reschedule the hearing in 60 days on or around November 3rd.
- This will extend the deadline for affidavits to be turned in.
- Colleen Castille, former Secretary of the DEP under Jeb Bush – DEP has been involved with protecting the public’s access to all of Florida’s beaches for many years. She lives in Gulf Trace and supports Customary Use (CU).
- Representative of Muscogee Nation tribe – The tribe has over 10,000 sheets of documentation in the Department of the Interior. The tribe supports access to all beaches by all citizens and visitors. She requested official notification be sent to the tribe so that they can speak at the next meeting in November.
- Mr. Montague – He is a local resident who is an attorney. He encouraged the Board to explore whether substantial compliance is adequate and to do everything they can to ensure that the recording of the results of today’s meeting are admissible at the hearing in November. He also spoke in favor of Customary Use and said property owners in his community who are selling their homes are losing prospective buyers because of this. This is having real economic impacts.
- Malcomb Patterson – his maternal grandparents were the original settlers of Grayton Beach. Spoke in favor of CU and told stories of him and his friends and family freely enjoying the beaches for years.
- 30 additional citizens spoke in favor of CU.
- 10 citizens spoke against CU.
- Multiple beach front property owners said that they don’t have issues with members of the public being on the beach in front of their property and haven’t had problems with that over the years, but there are many issues with commercial beach chair vendors setting up on their property, so they don’t support Customary Use.
SoWal Guide
Excellent information Thank you SWCC
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