Friends and Neighbors, 

We did not prevail on the RV Park issue.  Please go to the County website and watch the last of the meeting where we were allowed to present our request. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA6UPD5g45w) My presentation is included here.

Be aware that not all of the statements made by the county staff were accurate.  In particular, the statement that if a property is residential it can’t be rented is inaccurate.  Also the statement that RV’s have the same building code requirements as houses is inaccurate.

Where are we and what can we do.  Please be aware that trashing the powers that be, our County Commissioners, really does not help.  They are the “power” and can help or hurt us on many issues and we are still under their domain.  If you watch the video, you will see what we are dealing with.   It is not always what it ought to be, but what is in terms of reality.  If you want to address the situation, please, keep with the facts and leave your anger out of it.

Give our CCA Board some time to work on some options for the RV and other issues without going wild on social media.  You can do anything you want, but watching the video will explain the reality of what we are dealing with.  There is more than one way to skin the cat for what we want in the long range.  If you want to productively help, call me.

The RV problem  is a County controlled issue.  There are no State or Federal resources that can override what we are dealing with.  It is local.  So let’s not beat our State or Federal elected officials up with what they have no control over.  Let’s focus on what we can do.

Immediately, here are two options.

1.  If you are committed and not in a HOA with restrictions against RVs or other structures, you can put that restriction on your own property for the future. This will require a deed change. You can contact adjacent landowners and get them to do the same.  That limits the amount of land available and may protect you specifically.
2. Some subdivisions in our area without an active HOA have restrictions against RVs or trailers.  You may be unaware of this or even that you are in a subdivision.  Check the covenants and restrictions on your land and subdivision.  If there are RVs or other structures not allowed, we recommend you contact an attorney on the civil action you can take to remedy the problem.  This is bigger than you think.

Thank everyone who came out.  You might think because of the results of the meeting that it was a waste of time, but I assure you the numbers of you there make a difference.  It gives leverage.  

Be kind, be patient, Be gentle. (Even if you don’t feel like it.)

Dr. Pat

Join us on Saturday, September 28th, to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a beach and bay cleanup! Free Park entry for participants. Help pick up trash and small debris over a two mile section of Gulf Beach; kayakers are also encouraged to join in to collect trash along Bay Beach. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and gloves.

For more information or to sign up, contact Ranger Dennis Whitley at 850.227.1327 or at Dennis.Whitley@floridadep.gov