turtle watch volunteer arrested

[wrobert]

I support the Turtle Watch work, but I am not a walker...however, I know of at least two others on the board who are...and, probably others that I don't know.

We all support the work, they get tax dollars.

 

[Geo]

I have unintentionally left property on the beach overnight. Sometimes it was there in the morning. Sometimes it was not. And when it was gone it was my loss and I had no one to blame that I didn't have a chance to get it back but myself- because I was the idiot who left it at the beach overnight. Duh.

 

[ASH]

You need to review the definition of compensation according to the IRS. If you are getting ANYTHING for doing the job, you are being compensated for your time. Hats, shirts, and all that other stuff cost money and have value.

They are required attire for walking the beach and the turtle group is picking up the tab for the items. I sure hope the IRS isn't going to lock me up for accepting 4 shirts and a sweatshirt in exchange for volunteering to walk beaches. Do I really need to call H&R Block and report t-shirts?

 

[wrobert]

They are required attire for walking the beach and the turtle group is picking up the tab for the items. I sure hope the IRS isn't going to lock me up for accepting 4 shirts and a sweatshirt in exchange for volunteering to walk beaches. Do I really need to call H&R Block and report t-shirts?

I am sure you want to be law abiding and if you can wear the stuff as regular clothing then you should be reporting it or turning it back in when your service is through.

 

[ASH]

I am sure you want to be law abiding and if you can wear the stuff as regular clothing then you should be reporting it or turning it back in when your service is through.

These shirts are only worn when I am turtle walking.

 

[Lynnie]

Everytime I walk the beach, I pick up trash. From now on I will move items left overnight to the trash area and if TDC throws it in their trucks, so be it.

This is unfortunate, but maybe it can be used as education for tourist and some residents who choose to violate the County Ordinace.

I don't think this should become an us vs. them issue meaning those who advocate damaging personal property (under the turtle circumstances) vs. those who do not.

I personally wouldn't destroy personal property; it's just not my style. But, that doesn't mean I am not an advocate for proper use and care of our beaches as well as protection of a near extinct species.

That said, I am also not going to judge someone who did. This lady had the right intentions, but for whatever reason (maybe she just received some bad news), she 'allegdedly' reacted in a manner I would not. I stated from the beginning that there must be more to this story than we know.....then news of the video surfaced. Yes, she is innocent until proven guilty, but a video is pretty inciminating and there are many defenses she can claim. If that were a family member or a friend, I would certainly bail the person out of jail.....doesn't mean I condone the action of destroying personal property, however.

 

[kathydwells]

Finally someone who might know. You guys get $80K a year in tax money to run that program. Do turtle walkers get paid? What do you do with the money?

I am curious, you seem obsessed with how much money this group gets in tax $$. You have mentioned it several times in several posts. Why don't you just come right and say what is really on your mind instead of beating around the bush. For more information please contact Sharon Maxwell (850) 897-5228 or email: swturtlewh@cox.net.. I am sure she would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about this wonderful organization. You obviously have a an issue with this group, and it shows.

 

[kathydwells]

We all support the work, they get tax dollars.

And you hate it!!!!

 

[Susan Horn]

Was it Gober or Gomer that did the citizens arrest. I think it was Gomer. That was pretty funny.

It was Alabama's own Gomer. Glad to kow there are at least two here besides me who remember.

 

[wrobert]

These shirts are only worn when I am turtle walking.

Not how you wear them, but how they could be worn.