PLEASE READ: Save our beaches!

[organicmama]

SJ, I think this is a great idea. I would also vote for total banning of those shovels they are selling to the kids.

Maybe some of the money used for trash collection could be used instead for a roving band of beach toy trucks--something similar to the Ice Cream truck. They could travel around handing out beach toys and collecting from again at the end of the day. I bet if smart people put their minds to it, a great solution could be found that might be funn as well as environmentally friendly and safe..

 

[Redd]

Well last April me and hubby were at ed walline after a brunch at Blooms
we went down with a wine glass each to toast the sunset and of course, head back with the glasses for a refill

A cop came along and told, yes told, we must leave the beach at once, no wait 5 mins til the sun goes down, off we go

So if that kind of enforcement is possible, and large enough fines are imposed at various times of the year, [and its made very public ]
by the law enforecment officers that do patrol the beaches, and, the trash cans are more available and emptied, and the TDC addresses it, and Rental Property owners/agencies inform educate, along with local TV and Beach TV running warnings about fines and of course to leave it as you find it
and how about if we the community educates people when on the beach at sunset when people are leaving
then we have a shot at curbing it.
If that isnt done, then get ready for trashed beaches all day every day
the problem doesnt lie with who sells a plastic bucket and shovel

 

[Matt J]

I was raised under the very simple saying that is located at every state park in Florida.

Take only pictures and leave only footprints.

I don't mind if people take seashells, but take your crap you brought. Fill in your holes. Personally I'm not opposed to telling someone I see on the beach that they need to fill in their whole, pick up their trash, etc. Tell the kids that are digging the hole that they hurt sea turtles and they will quickly fill it in before they leave.

As to telling folks about the remove it or lose it, the rental company I used to work for did it religiously. Better to tell a guest up front than deal with the whining of why the tent city disappeared.

Please don't flick cigarette butts on the beach, they don't always go right out. As a former smoker I understand you need your fix, but make sure it's out and put it in an empty can you take with you when you leave. It really hurts when those things burn the bottom of your foot. Not to mention I can't imagine a small child getting burned.

Has the TDC ever considered an adopt the beach program? Adopt a section of beach and keep it clean. Seems to work for roads. :idonno:

 

[Smiling JOe]

Well last April me and hubby were at ed walline after a brunch at Blooms
we went down with a wine glass each to toast the sunset and of course, head back with the glasses for a refill

A cop came along and told, yes told, we must leave the beach at once, no wait 5 mins til the sun goes down, off we go

So if that kind of enforcement is possible, and large enough fines are imposed at various times of the year, [and its made very public ]
by the law enforecment officers that do patrol the beaches, and, the trash cans are more available and emptied, and the TDC addresses it, and Rental Property owners/agencies inform educate, along with local TV and Beach TV running warnings about fines and of course to leave it as you find it
and how about if we the community educates people when on the beach at sunset when people are leaving
then we have a shot at curbing it.
If that isnt done, then get ready for trashed beaches all day every day
the problem doesnt lie with who sells a plastic bucket and shovel

If it was illegal to leave the beach for the day, without filling in the hole you dug, how would the Code Enforcement know who dug the hole and their address, for writing the citation? Also, if a three year old digs a hole, is Code Enforcement going to write the three year old the citation, if he happened to somehow manage to get the kid's name? It ain't rocket science. Think about these things.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Well last April me and hubby were at ed walline after a brunch at Blooms
we went down with a wine glass each to toast the sunset and of course, head back with the glasses for a refill

A cop came along and told, yes told, we must leave the beach at once, no wait 5 mins til the sun goes down, off we go

So if that kind of enforcement is possible, and large enough fines are imposed at various times of the year, [and its made very public ]
by the law enforecment officers that do patrol the beaches, and, the trash cans are more available and emptied, and the TDC addresses it, and Rental Property owners/agencies inform educate, along with local TV and Beach TV running warnings about fines and of course to leave it as you find it
and how about if we the community educates people when on the beach at sunset when people are leaving
then we have a shot at curbing it.
If that isnt done, then get ready for trashed beaches all day every day
the problem doesnt lie with who sells a plastic bucket and shovel

I am confused, again. Are you saying you were asked to leave the beach because the sun was going down or because you had glass on the beach?
I must applaud you for a brunch that lasts until sunset...!

 

[Mermaid]

We'll be in SoWal for a week only but I promise to contribute to the cause by bringing a bag for garbage collection while we take our beach walks. From the sounds of it, my waistline should become plenty slim in a week just from all the bending over & picking up I'll be doing. ;-)

 

[jodiFL]

Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
This should be the STATE motto....not just state PARKS....and should be printed on every walkover sign.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Tell the kids that are digging the hole that they hurt sea turtles and they will quickly fill it in before they leave.

This is a great approach, for when you have the opportunity to do so without seeming creepy. Bypass the parents and talk directly to the kids with a "did you know ...?" tone in your voice and they will listen, instead of stonewalling. I bet this will work pretty well with most little ones 5 and up.

 

[jodiFL]

This is a great approach, for when you have the opportunity to do so without seeming creepy. Bypass the parents and talk directly to the kids with a "did you know ...?" tone in your voice and they will listen, instead of stonewalling. I bet this will work pretty well with most little ones 5 and up.

I agree, and it would probably make enough of an impression that they would go on to educate the parents AND others.

 

[seacrestkristi]

That does sound like a grayt idea. You can talk to the kid while their parents are distracted digging the pool for them. Sorry, just a quick little visual I had. Love your siggy line jodiFL!