Wildlife lighting ordinance hearing Dec. 9

[Walton Outdoors]

Meeting at courthouse in DeFuniak Springs

First hearing of a new wildlife lighting ordinance (a.k.a. sea turtle lighting ordinance) to be heard at Dec. 9 county commission meeting. It is designed to protect endangered sea turtles and other wildlife affected by lights within Walton County's coastal communities.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
4:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
Walton County Courthouse, DeFuniak Springs
Click Walton Outdoors post to see agenda and ordinance draft

 

[Jdarg]

Thanks for the link!

 

[idlewind]

(1) The point source of light or any reflective surface of the light fixture shall not
be directly visible to an observer on the beach: and
(2) The light shall not directly or indirectly illuminate any portion of the beach or
dune system seaward of the crest of the primary dune.
Lights mandated by Federal regulations (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration) for
illuminating obstructions in navigable airspace and lights required by the U.S. Coast
Guard for boat navigation are exempt from the provisions of this section provided such
lights have been reviewed and approved in accordance with requirements of the Federal
Endangered Species Act. Also exempted are traffic signals and traditional holiday lights​

used outside the sea turtle nesting season.

Does this mean that SanDestin and others cannot use their huge lights to illuminate the beach for safety purposes? Who is liable when the first tourist gets assaulted in the dark?

 

[idlewind]

(7) Lighting of dune walkovers and elevated crossovers to the beach is​

prohibited.

Who will be liable when someone sues after falling on an unlit walkover?

 

[scooterbug44]

You can easily have sufficient exterior and safety lighting while following the turtle guidelines. All those guidelines prevent is massive light pollution.

Omnipresent floodlights don't guarantee tourists' safety, but they do kill turtles and keep the same tourists (and locals) from enjoying the night sky.

The last time I went to the beach w/ out of town guests, they had no problem walking down the walkway/stairs w/ the aid of a flashlight or cell phone, but severe injuries were barely avoided from those $%^#%*#* holes in the sand!

 

[idlewind]

You can easily have sufficient exterior and safety lighting while following the turtle guidelines. All those guidelines prevent is massive light pollution.

Omnipresent floodlights don't guarantee tourists' safety, but they do kill turtles and keep the same tourists (and locals) from enjoying the night sky.

The last time I went to the beach w/ out of town guests, they had no problem walking down the walkway/stairs w/ the aid of a flashlight or cell phone, but severe injuries were barely avoided from those $%^#%*#* holes in the sand!

However, the question remains; if this is passed, is the county liable if someone is injured on an unlit walkover?

 

[scooterbug44]

Is the county liable if they make someone build stairs to code or install an ADA compliant wheelchair ramp and someone falls down them?

 

[NotDeadYet]

Idlewind's questions have all been answered at the innumerable hearings on this issue over the last ten years, and more than once, each, no matter whether it is safety, cost, liability, whatever. It's reinventing the wheel, over and over again here in the panhandle. Other places, whether it is other counties in south and central Florida, other states, and even other countries, have all been down this well-traveled road.
For some reason that I cannot understand, people fail to hear the solutions when they are presented. It is as if their minds raise an objection, and then cling to it no matter what information they are given.

 

[Andy A]

Its very simple. Pass the damn thing! I live on the beach and our front owners can stand the minimal cost and it has been years in coming to fruitionl.

 

[incredible1]

The darker the better
It sure is pretty when it is
For anyone to be liable for any thing wouldnt it need to be shown for gross negligence to have taken place.
Its like going to a baseball game
You assume the risk of a foul ball maybe hitting you....... cos you are at a baseball game.... and they use baseballs .....
If its dark, be careful .........
Common sense versus courtrooms