Give the TDC your input on Beach Safety 1/15/09

[Kurt]

WHO: Beaches of South Walton TDC and Beach Safety Education Committee​

WHAT: January Committee Meeting and Community Workshop to outline 2009 Beach Safety Campaign for upcoming season​

WHEN: January 15, 2009; 3 p.m. ​

WHERE: Walton County TDC, Conference Room​

WHY: The community is invited to get involved in the county?s beach safety campaign by attending the Beach Education and Safety Committee Workshop, located at 25777 U.S. Hwy 331 South. As the SWFD, TDC and Sherriff?s Department gear up for the 2009 season, the group is seeking public input and new ideas and suggestions for approaches to educating beachgoers with the beach safety message. ​

The public workshop focuses on the mission of the committee: to provide a beach safety program that focuses on education, prevention and emergency response. The meeting will be divided into sections, focusing on different areas of the beach safety plan, in an effort to get attendees brainstorming on new ideas that can better enhance existing efforts. The Beach Education and Safety Committee will meet twice at year and additional meetings will be added, if needed.​

For more information, please contact the TDC at 850.267.1216.​

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracy Louthain, Walton County TDC 850-267-1216​

 

[AAbsolute]

K, Thread Typo

 

[DuneLaker]

Know Where You Are, South Walton NOT Destin

Thanks Kurt. If I get to go, I will suggest they emphasize in their education the more accurate location of where guests are. If an evacuation is ordered, it is important for guests in SoWal, South Walton (that's anywhere from Sandestin, Miramar Beach through 30A to Inlet Beach) to know the Walton County place name location. They need to know they are NOT IN DESTIN. For example, if they are at the Sandestin Hilton they are in Miramar Beach area, NOT DESTIN. Tornadoes are a real threat when hurricanes are nearby. More accurate place location could save lives. If sharks are in Destin, Okaloosa County, then those in South Walton, Walton County may not be on such high alert. These are just a few examples of why we need to move toward more accurate place name identification. with our resorts and rental units. I'd put this information on TV with a map. I would tell Channel 7 news and its camview from the Sandestin Resort to not then come up with a "Destin" weather report. Is Destin paying them for that? I doubt it.

 

[Matt J]

A friend of mine works for Channel 7 and the reason they have started the "Destin" coverage is that things are getting heated between them and the Pensacola affiliate. They are both trying to "claim" Destin as their territory.

Write a letter to the editor of the Panama City News Herald correctly Channel 7 and you'll see an immediate change. No news organization likes to be told they got it wrong in the forum of another news agency. ;-)

 

[DuneLaker]

That's a good suggestion. I can see how Destin in Okaloosa County might fit in with Pensacola's viewing. Panama City Channel 7 would be wise to focus more on South Walton, which includes Sandestin and Miramar Beach. I've watched the TV Pensacola market when I'm visiting that way. Pensacola TV news does cover Destin, Okaloosa some. Pensacola, rarely, if ever, covers Walton County, South Walton.

The importance for safety in proper location identification can't be discussed enough. Florida has 67 counties and their home rule status and organization is very strong. Official warnings are often issued county by county. If someone is in Sandestin or Miramar Beach, they need to know to pay close attention to warnings and advisories coming from Walton County. Sandestin and Miramar Beach are not part of the incorporated city of Destin or Okaloosa County and thus warnings from them may not apply. If Destin closes its beaches for whatever reason, it will not mean that any South Walton, Walton County beaches are closed. Likewise, if Walton County closes its beaches for safety reasons, SoWal Sandestin residents and visitors need to comply. Further, if Bay County to our east closes beaches or roads, we'd need to understand how this impacted us. This is how it has often gone in past emergencies and storms. Other updated information would certainly be helpful.

 

[scooterbug44]

Put up the flags year round, fine the hail out of litterers and red flag swimmers, and confiscate anything left overnight.

And bury anyone who tries to "privatize" the beach in one of those pucking holes people keep digging!

 

[Miss Kitty]

Put up the flags year round, fine the hail out of litterers and red flag swimmers, and confiscate anything left overnight.

And bury anyone who tries to "privatize" the beach in one of those pucking holes people keep digging!

What scootyb said. Oh, and turn the pucking lights out while your at it.