Commissioners want to add more cars on Grayton Beach

In August the number of Driving on the Beach Permits that were issued in 2010 was 726. There were 71 boat Launching Permits issued and 11 Charter Boat Permits.  In 2009 there were 1063 Driving on the Beach Permirs issued, 71 Boat Launching Permits and 11 Charter Boar Permits. With the new Ordinance, there was a drop of 337 permits. Great results for Grayton!!!!

The whole reason for the original Ordinance was to reduce the number of cars driving on the beach. Since the county's main beach for cars is our Grayton Beach, this reduced number was a good thing. Less cars more space to enjoy the beach! Our Beach can only accomodate so many cars, boats, and beach goers. We have limited sand and Gulf views.

Now the County Commissioners are looking to raise the number of permits, allowing a total of 900 permits to be issued. They are also adding the option that now lot owners, with no physical structure can now apply for a permit.

The lack of a permanent structure is one that bothers me, I feel that only those owners that have a structure on their property should be issued the permits over those without structures. Since home owners pay more taxes than just lot owners, I feel that they deserve the new permits more so than lot owners.

I also feel that if the County feels that adding 174 more permits is a good idea , then I think that they need to open more beach areas that can allow cars instead of just our small Grayton Beach area. I find it interesting that they have changed their views in less than a year. Originally they explained to those of us that followed the Driving on the Beach issue....That The COUNTY had to limit the number of cars on the beach.  That their goal was to slowly reduce the number of cars on the beach. The ordinance they passed ...did that, but now they want to add more cars.
My other concern is they are not addressing this part of the ordinance: The person applying for the permit must have had a permit as of the effective date of this ordinance (2010) and for the year preceding the date of application.(2009)  If the person didn't have a permit in 2010 or 2009, how will they apply for one in 2011? Am sure this is just and oversight on their part, but it does need to be addressed.
Let the Commissioners know your feelings on this....I plan to attend the meeting and will provide an update after the meeting.
Ann

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