County Suspends Enforcement of Portion of New Beach Ordinance

[jodiFL]

When is someone going to just enforce the existing "LEAVE NO TRACE" ordinance? All of these pretty little "PRIVATE BEACH" signs are nothing but litter being left on our beaches overnight. They do NOT adhere to the Florida Statute that they all quote since they DO NOT have "industrial orange letters at least 2" high", therefore cant really be seen as meeting the requirement of "POSTING" private property in order to have someone charged with "TRESPASSING". I am guessing that those signs required by law, that they sell by the thousands at Walmart, dont fit in with the aesthetic these beachfront owners are going for.

 

[Dave Rauschkolb]

I thought Commissioner Chapman and Imfeld voted against the ordinance? As for Mr Larry Jones and Mr Davis, they work for the County, those 5 elected Commissioners can get rid of them if they so chose.

Sunshine law violation lawsuit please.

 

[Misty]

On July 11, I, and two others, met with Cindy Meadows, Larry Jones, Mark Davis, and a representative from the sheriff's office to discuss the new beach ordinance. We were told that we could just move our beach signs to the toe of the dune

I don't see a problem with what you were told and it fits with cust use.

 

[Misty]

When did the BCC vote to repeal or suspend the ordinance? And if they did not, who exactly made the decision to suspend and who died and left them king? This is the worst sort of leadership, can't we get some leadership that has some intestinal fortitude?

Million dollar questions!

 

[Mike Jones]

There was no need to pass an ordinance that you had no intention of enforcing even until a court order came down. Truly unbelievable. It could also be construed as a bait and switch of passing an ordinance to please one side and then refuse to enforce it to please the other.

From what I've seen over the years this is par for the course for Walton County Government. I doubt anyone expected the ordinance to go unchallenged. Unfortunately we have to go through the legal process, spend a bunch of money, and get a ruling.

So in a way they are doing the right thing. On the other hand there is an element of "let's give the voters what they want and then throw up our hands and let a judge decided no matter how it turns out or how much it costs at least we did something".

Bottom line?
Sorry beach front owners, gulf front in South Walton is not where you are going to have any privacy any more. It's just a fact and all the signs and chains in the world isn't going to change that. Accept reality and move on, enjoy the show, or just move.

 

[steel1man]

Complaints Filed and Citation Protocols Suspended (rescinded) Related to Section 22-55 of Walton County Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance

Walton County has recently been served with a lawsuit, and is anticipating another, challenging Ordinance 2016-16, which amended the Walton Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Walton County Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance. The two lawsuits specifically challenge Section 22-55 regarding the prohibition of obstructions on the beach.

After reviewing the suits, legal counsel for Walton County has rescinded its direction regarding non-enforcement. The County will enforce the Amended Ordinance and the County Attorney will agenda enforcement options for discussion with the Walton County Board of County Commissioners at their regular board meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 26th, at 9:00am in the Courthouse Boardroom located at 571 East Nelson Avenue in DeFuniak Springs.

 

[Dave Rauschkolb]

Crickets...

 

[John G]

While I do not support Customary Use as it's being discussed at this time, I do recognize that a rule was put in place in a formal meeting, that rule should be enforced, now.

The County could have the court house on fire and have to hold a meeting to determine if they call 911. Then, ultimately, someone would say, well we dont need to call 911, it's OK... Next someone would ultimately go outside, use their cell phone and call anyway.

During the time those decisions are made, the damage is already being done, some of it irreversible.

We have sad excuses for leaders, if the are even considered that.

 

[gailforce]

I don't see a problem with what you were told and it fits with cust use.

I was just thinking that to change the ordinance, by telling us we could put signs at the toe of the dune, wouldn't be done at an informal meeting, but in a more official capacity.

 

[Misty]

I was just thinking that to change the ordinance, by telling us we could put signs at the toe of the dune, wouldn't be done at an informal meeting, but in a more official capacity.

Had the County been served at that point? Weren't they served on July 18. 2016?