Visiting dogs to be allowed on SoWal Beaches?

[Smiling JOe]

yeah, I know where you got the information from, but It doesn't actually say that it was approved, and when I talked with the county today and read the ordinance it doesn't say anything about visiting dogs.

From the Official Minutes of the Aug 11, 2009 BCC meeting:

Mr. Demers requested permission to advertise for a Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the Walton County Code of Ordinances Section 5-34 to provide clarification of proof of residency to obtain permits to allow dogs on the beach.



Motion by Commissioner Pridgen, second by Commissioner C. Jones, to approve advertising a Public Hearing for September 8, 2009 regarding an Ordinance to allow dogs on the beach.



Chairman Comander suggested a temporary "Pooch Pass" be issued weekly for tourists. Instead of visitors breaking the law this could be a way to raise revenue for the County.



Ayes 5, Nays 0. Comander Aye, Brannon Aye, L. Jones Aye, Pridgen Aye, C. Jones Aye.

The somewhat confusing part of these official minutes is that Chairman Comander's suggestion comes prior to the vote (and it would be less confusing if it came after the vote), as though her suggestion is part of the motion, which was approved. Looking more closely, her suggestion wasn't in the form of a motion, nor was it part of the motion on the floor.

 

[SHELLY]

Chairman Comander suggested a temporary "Pooch Pass" be issued weekly for tourists. Instead of visitors breaking the law this could be a way to raise revenue for the County.

....Correction....a temporary "Poop Pass."

.

 

[tsutcli]

Why do our commissioners think our visitors will buy a permit for only one week? Folks bring their dogs to the beach now without a permit so things won't change but it will make the dog problem we already have even worse.

What would really raise revenue is if the sheriff's dept. would do their job while patrolling our beach and issue tickets for unleashed dogs, dogs without permits and dogs on the beach at the wrong time. Now THAT would raise a considerable amount of revenue and make the beach a much safer place for those who have already been chased by unsupervised dogs. Not to mention the clean up which no one seems to do anymore!

 

[scooterbug44]

Why do our commissioners think our visitors will buy a permit for only one week? Folks bring their dogs to the beach now without a permit so things won't change but it will make the dog problem we already have even worse.

What would really raise revenue is if the sheriff's dept. would do their job while patrolling our beach and issue tickets for unleashed dogs, dogs without permits and dogs on the beach at the wrong time. Now THAT would raise a considerable amount of revenue and make the beach a much safer place for those who have already been chased by unsupervised dogs. Not to mention the clean up which no one seems to do anymore!

Seriously!

I really wonder about the thought process in which they think visitors are too dumb to find their way along 30-A w/o giant blue signs, figure out the flag system, pick up after themselves .......................... but will know to go to a government office to buy a one week pass for their dog.

 

[Just Curious]

ORDINANCE
2009-14

An Ordinance amending Walton County Ordinance 2008-24 and section 5-34 of the Walton County Code to provide clarification of proof of residency to obtain permits to allow dogs on the beach; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.


WHEREAS, the Walton County Tax Collector issues permits to allow dogs on the beach;

WHEREAS, the Walton County Tax Collector desires clearguidance of who is eligible to obtain such permits;

WHEREAS, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners finds that it is in the interest of the public health, safety, and the general welfare of the public to require owners to maintain direct control of dogs in the County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the following:

Section 1. Authority, purpose and intent.
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Section 125.01 Florida Statutes.
Section 2. Section 5-34 of the Walton County Code is amended to read:
Section 5-34. Dogs on the beach.
(a) All dogs shall be prohibited from public beaches of Walton County except as provided below:

(1) Dogs assisting those who are sight and hearing impaired or service animals; or

(2) Dogs owned by Walton county real property owners or permanent residents who have obtained a permit and who maintain the animal on a leash. Proof of real property ownership or Walton County residency is required (such as deed, driver?s license, tax receipt, utility bill, lease agreement. or voter?s registration showing address). For property titled in the name of a business, a person must show proof that they own a controlling interest in the property to be considered eligible for a permit (copy of State or other document showing percentage of ownership or list of officers). The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. of the following day during non­Daylight Savings Time. Any Walton County real property owner or permanent




resident desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $30.00 fee. All permits issued shall be for a period of one year and will expire on August 1 of each year with a grace period until August 15 of each year. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.

(3) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick up of their dogs? waste.

(4) The Walton County Tax Collector will issue the permits upon receipt of a completed application. The Walton County Tax Collector shall retain $5.00(five dollars) as a processing fee.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to apply to a property owner of the sandy area next to the mean high tide which would interfere with said owner?s right to have their own animal on said property.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to repeal Ordinances 2005-10 and 2006-08.

Section 3. Severability

In the event that any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 4. Effective Date

This Ordinance shall become effective when filed with the Secretary of State.

Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Walton County, Florida, at a duly advertised public hearing, this 8th day of September, 2009.





This is the ordinance that was adopted, and there is no mention of visiting dogs.

 

[miznotebook]

Visiting dogs proposal

Agreed on the posted "dog on the beach" ordinance as revised on Sept. 8, according to official sources. To help everyone understand the source of some previous information on this thread on this topic, the following is a proposal or "language" on visiting dogs that the commissioners had directed to be put together by staff and presented for their review on Sept. 8, at the same public hearing where the other "dog on the beach" ordinance revisions were considered. The proposal, while written up separately, was presented and discussed at the hearing by the commissioners and the public. According to the county commission chair, the proposal is not being pursued at the present time.

"Proposed language for allowing visiting dogs on the beach:
(3) Visitors to Walton County that are owners of dogs, may obtain a "Temporary" permit to allow their dogs on the beach while maintained on a leash. Proof of eligibility must be provided such as a copy of the rental agreement or a notarized letter from the host they are visiting. The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between 3:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. of the following day during non-Daylight Savings Time. Visitors desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $50.00 fee. This fee will include the cost of a special tag that must be attached to the leash at all times the dog is on the beaches of Walton County. The permit will expire 14 days following the day it is issued and may be renewed for additional 14 day periods for an additional fee of $50 per 14 day period. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.
(4) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick-up of their dogs' waste. Failure on the owner's part to pick up the dogs' waste will result in revocation of the permit without a refund."

This information is found on the county web site, on the Sept. 8 meeting agenda, under (5) of the public hearings portion.

 

[raven316]

Arf

So was it or was it not adopted? We're not coming till Thanksgiving but my woofers want to know!

Ooops, nevermind! So, from what I read people don't follow the rules anyway huh?

 

[Lynnie]

Agreed on the posted "dog on the beach" ordinance as revised on Sept. 8, according to official sources. To help everyone understand the source of some previous information on this thread on this topic, the following is a proposal or "language" on visiting dogs that the commissioners had directed to be put together by staff and presented for their review on Sept. 8, at the same public hearing where the other "dog on the beach" ordinance revisions were considered. The proposal, while written up separately, was presented and discussed at the hearing by the commissioners and the public. According to the county commission chair, the proposal is not being pursued at the present time.

"Proposed language for allowing visiting dogs on the beach:
(3) Visitors to Walton County that are owners of dogs, may obtain a "Temporary" permit to allow their dogs on the beach while maintained on a leash. Proof of eligibility must be provided such as a copy of the rental agreement or a notarized letter from the host they are visiting. The permit will allow leashed dogs on the beach between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day during Daylight Savings Time and between 3:00 p.m. and 9 a.m. of the following day during non-Daylight Savings Time. Visitors desiring a permit shall be required to pay a $50.00 fee. This fee will include the cost of a special tag that must be attached to the leash at all times the dog is on the beaches of Walton County. The permit will expire 14 days following the day it is issued and may be renewed for additional 14 day periods for an additional fee of $50 per 14 day period. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented prior to obtaining a permit.
(4) Owners of dogs shall be responsible for pick-up of their dogs' waste. Failure on the owner's part to pick up the dogs' waste will result in revocation of the permit without a refund."

This information is found on the county web site, on the Sept. 8 meeting agenda, under (5) of the public hearings portion.

Hefty revenue generator. And, a lot of paperwork that I probably wouldn't complete for a quick jaunt. I would for an extended visit, however.

I remember when St. George Is. implemented their leash law. One reason that drew us there was that it was dog friendly. A lot of SC beaches no longer allow dogs on the beach, even if you are a resident and/or property owner.

I ran into a Katrina refugee who admitted to me that he just bends over and acts like he is scooping.

And, admittedly when the coast is clear, I do let Sweet Pea run. After she wears herself out (about 5 mins.), she pokes along and then sits at the edge of the water staring at the waves. Her poop gets scooped.

 

[miznotebook]

Not approved

Raven, if you were to listen to a tape or watch the video of the county commission meeting where this was discussed, I think you would believe it had been approved, as we did. But our ears can sometimes deceive us, and it turns out that it was not approved.
I'm sure you are right that the existing rules are disregarded at times, but there are actually penalties that people who break the rules may be subject to. It may not be likely that this would happen to you, but it's worth bearing in mind.
On the brighter side, are you familiar with Walton County's dog park, Bark Park? It's not on the beach, but it's in Santa Rosa Beach, and many people like to take their dogs there. Also, not far away, Panama City Beach has a dog park on the beach right across from Pier Park where dogs can be walked on a leash, with clean-up required, of course.

 

[raven316]

Thanks

miznotebook

Thanks for the update. We're cool either way. Last time we were there we took em to the beach and the police ran us. It's not the hill I'm going to die on. I do find the moaning about tourists interesting. I live in Athens, GA and people are always whining about the students but they are the life blood of the local economy. As Roseanne, Roseanna Danna said "It's always something"! We did find the dog park and we loved it but our dogs were indifferent!