This morning the Walton County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance that will close all public beaches in Walton County for thirty days in an effort to slow or stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The ordinance is effective immediately and the county is asking that all private property owners voluntarily comply with the ordinance. The Walton County Tourist Development Council will immediately start advertising that the public beaches are closed.
In light of the County’s actions, the Seacrest Beach Homeowners’ Association Board of Directors held an emergency meeting at 10:30 AM central this morning. The Board in concert with the Board of Directors for the Sunset Beach Homeowners’ Association has agreed to follow the county’s lead and close down access to our private beach. As the beach will be closed, there is no need for Northside parcel owners to traverse the beach access easement. Consequently as of 5:00 PM this evening and continuing until further notice, the Sunset Beach Security team is authorized to deny access through the access easement to anyone not residing in the community of Sunset Beach. The Seacrest Beach Lagoon Pool will be closed and the gates will be locked immediately. Tram service will be suspended no later than five o’clock this afternoon. The Board of Directors has decided that our policies will mirror those of the County and should the County lift the restriction on public beaches sooner than thirty days, the Board will follow suit.
The Association Management has been in contact with representatives from homeowners’ associations all along 30A and the majority of them are in the process of following the county’s lead and implementing policies similar to what the Board of Directors has implemented for our neighborhood.
We are all navigating uncharted waters and are in this together so flexibility, compassion and empathy are integral to moving forward. We share your disappointment; however, we feel the health and safety of our property owners, guests and community at large is our first priority.
