Reader sounds off on handicap parking, beach issues

I feel that I must respond to Christopher Pall's July 4 submission entitled "Handicap parking not needed at Blue Mountain access," in order to correct several inaccuracies.

First, for someone who claims to have been a witness, he was nowhere in sight when this incident occurred. However, I was there before and up until the deputy arrived.

Contrary to his selective recollection, the offending vehicle, an unlicensed golf cart was parked within the confines of the handicapped parking space. The sheriff's deputy certainly did not have to agonize over whether or not this was a close call for it was a clear violation.

For someone who claims to be an advocate for the disabled, he should know that the Americans with Disabilities Act, following the guidelines set out for its implementation in the Code of Federal Regulations requires all public parking areas to provide handicap spaces, not just the ones Pall finds convenient or not to be a waste.

His short-sighted logic that equal facilities are nearby was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court some 50 years ago when people said the same thing about public schools. What kind of an advocate for the disabled says that?

Finally, Pall thinks civilian auxiliary ticketing is a bad idea and asks, “Whatever happened to good neighbors?” Indeed. People who park in handicap spaces because they find it convenient are neither neighborly nor good. An advocate for the disabled should know this.

Martha A. Heller

Blue Mountain Beach

Too many ‘brellas

There’s nobody in South Walton County who better understands the importance of tourists who flock to our beaches, especially in the summer, than me. I often greet these folks, thank them for choosing The Beaches of South Walton and wish them a wonderful vacation.

I truly enjoy meeting our visitors (well, most of ‘em). Part of their stay often includes renting an umbrella and chair set-up from one of the local beach service companies. Here’s the sticky part …

Why is it that Walton County allows the beach services to place their umbrella-and-chair set-ups such that virtually all linear footage in front of walkovers has been claimed – often before the sun has crested the Eastern horizon?

Twice this past weekend, I took chairs and an umbrella to the beach before 7:15 a.m. and a 500-foot stretch of beach closest to the Gulfview Heights walkover was taken by two different beach services. It’s said the early bird gets the worm, but c’mon, that doesn’t mean the early bird is automatically entitled to every worm (in this case, the worm represents a spot on the sands).

I suggest the beach service companies consider staggering their set-ups such that one set-up is close to the waterline, the next is set 10-15 feet back from the water line, the next back towards the water line, and so forth.

Or, establish a minimum distance between set-ups that leaves a reasonable amount of space for an individual who hasn’t rented a set-up. This would at least give those who don’t rise before dawn a realistic chance to enjoy a view of the Gulf.

I know our visitors are often spending thousands of dollars for a week at the beach but, I assure you, they’re not spending any more than I do on local property taxes. Locals and vacation home owners should have a reasonable opportunity to enjoy the beach as well as our guests and, quite simply, the beach service companies are being highly insensitive to this fact.

On another note ...

If anyone happens to find a gold, 12mm men’s wedding band with an anchor motif and the date 9-9-94 etched inside the band, I’d appreciate a call (404) 405-8534. I lost it in the surf last weekend. And yes, there’s a reward.

Pete Foley

Santa Rosa Beach