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Beach Vendor Ordinance Meeting 10/18/17
- Thread starter steel1man
- Start date
Abby Prentiss
Beach Fanatic
WZEP reports...
Walton County Tourist Development Council held its annual beach vendor post season meeting. Brian Kellenberger, the Director of Beach Operations gave an update on how the season went, and heard the concerns of local beach vendors that he can gather and present to the Tourist Development Council, ACCORDING TO A REPORT FILED BY Panama City’s Channel 13.
At the meeting, many of the local business owner's concerns were in reference to the increases in special event permits and vendor fees that Walton County Commissioners made back in February. The vendor fee was from 500 dollars to 750 dollars. The cost for a special event permit came on a graduated scale. The previous cost was 50 dollars and it was considered a processing fee, according to the report.
Commissioners changed the special event permits to a minimum of 150 dollars, but the amount depends on the number of people anticipated to be at the event. Kellenberger said the increase in fees are due to an increase in volume on the beaches. The increase enforces local photographers and wedding planners to pay the same vendor fee as beach rental services if they want to use public beach access points.
Kellenberger will present the rest of his recommendations at the TDC's next meeting on October 4. After the Walton County TDC hears Kellenberger's presentation, they will recommend to Walton County Commissioners how they should respond the vendors' concerns.
Walton County Tourist Development Council held its annual beach vendor post season meeting. Brian Kellenberger, the Director of Beach Operations gave an update on how the season went, and heard the concerns of local beach vendors that he can gather and present to the Tourist Development Council, ACCORDING TO A REPORT FILED BY Panama City’s Channel 13.
At the meeting, many of the local business owner's concerns were in reference to the increases in special event permits and vendor fees that Walton County Commissioners made back in February. The vendor fee was from 500 dollars to 750 dollars. The cost for a special event permit came on a graduated scale. The previous cost was 50 dollars and it was considered a processing fee, according to the report.
Commissioners changed the special event permits to a minimum of 150 dollars, but the amount depends on the number of people anticipated to be at the event. Kellenberger said the increase in fees are due to an increase in volume on the beaches. The increase enforces local photographers and wedding planners to pay the same vendor fee as beach rental services if they want to use public beach access points.
Kellenberger will present the rest of his recommendations at the TDC's next meeting on October 4. After the Walton County TDC hears Kellenberger's presentation, they will recommend to Walton County Commissioners how they should respond the vendors' concerns.
John G
Beach Fanatic
WALTON COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS RESPOND TO HIGH FEES | WZEP AM 1460
"Respond to high fees"
Really, high fees?
Why should you be allowed to vend on PUBLIC Beaches without a fee?
Are those complaining willing to show their tax returns? Probably not. Lots of Ca$h transactions...
"Respond to high fees"
Really, high fees?
Why should you be allowed to vend on PUBLIC Beaches without a fee?
Are those complaining willing to show their tax returns? Probably not. Lots of Ca$h transactions...
James Bentwood
Beach Fanatic
So how do the resorts work? They either own the beach service and make all the profit or they sub it out to a an "independent" vendor and tak a huge cut? Either way they maintain the consistency and quality of the service. Now a lot of people don't want to go to a resort that is covered up with chairs and umbrellas, etc.
SHould the TDC own the beach service or sub it out?
I can't imagine the resorts allowing vendors to run roughshod all over their beaches and especially not making any profit.
SHould the TDC own the beach service or sub it out?
I can't imagine the resorts allowing vendors to run roughshod all over their beaches and especially not making any profit.
John G
Beach Fanatic
Good Q's.
As for the TDC owning anything, I say no, hell no. Their stats have been released as they pertain to Code Enforcement and they are even more dismal than last year.
There are some good beach service vendors out there. I think this is simply a matter of time where those that are professional will work with the community to do what is right and fair for their business and keep in good graces with locals. Others, those that cut corners and make a bad rep for all, will be culled out of the business.
Bottom line is, if you want to provide a service where you (the service provider) makes a profit, on a Public Beach, the public (taxpayer) should be compensated. I feel that a fee or license, whatever they want to call it, is very warranted.
One way to ensure the vendor is legit is to require a Certificate of Insurance (COI), naming the county on it from the vendors insurance provider.
steel1man
Beach Fanatic
Posted on: September 27, 2017
BCC Workshop: Beach Vending Ordinance
You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach FL.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss beach management and possible revisions to the municipal codes that regulates beach activities. The workshop will include a presentation of the 2017 Beach Code Enforcement Activity Report and a public comment period.
We encourage you to attend this meeting in order have a better understanding of the current beach vending ordinance and to provide input for possible revisions to the beach vending ordinance.
Please be governed accordingly.
BCC Workshop: Beach Vending Ordinance
You are hereby notified that the Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold a workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The meeting will be held at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Center Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach FL.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss beach management and possible revisions to the municipal codes that regulates beach activities. The workshop will include a presentation of the 2017 Beach Code Enforcement Activity Report and a public comment period.
We encourage you to attend this meeting in order have a better understanding of the current beach vending ordinance and to provide input for possible revisions to the beach vending ordinance.
Please be governed accordingly.
FactorFiction
Beach Fanatic
If people want to affect change in Walton County on any subject, they need to show up in droves to the public meetings and workshops. Social media sites are good for discussing topics and disseminating information, but they don't typically change anything. Whatever your viewpoint, if you feel strongly about any topic concerning beach management, show up for the October 18 workshop or at least send an email to the Commissioners.
Kaydence
Beach Fanatic
As long as Cecilia Jones is at the helm nothing will change except what she wants changed.
Bob Hudson made the point elsewhere that C. Jones DIRECTED staff to violate someones First Amendment Rights. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in! Be sure to VOTE HER OUT! It could be your First Amendment rights she violates next! Been there done that!