Headed To The Creek? Santa Rosa Deputies Enforcing New Rules

August 4, 2011

Fun seekers headed to Coldwater Creek need to be aware of new rules and regulations, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a Sheriff’s Office news release:

Timber company Resource Management Services has closed the area on the northeast side of Coldwater Creek on Munson Highway to all traffic. Due to liability concerns, RMS has decided to post it as “No Trespassing” and has asked the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to enforce this. The area has now been posted for several weeks and strict enforcement is set to begin.

The land on each side of Steel Bridge Road, excluding a portion of privately-owned land next to the water on the northeast side, was recently acquired by the Florida Division of Forestry. This area is also frequented by swimmers and is used as a launching point for canoes and inner tubes. Recently, the land was posted as an “Alcohol-free” zone by the state, which means no alcohol is allowed on the shoreline of the creek. Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office plans to begin strict enforcement, and violators may face a $50 fine.

Pictured above: Coldwater Creek. Photo courtesy the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

22 Responses to “Headed To The Creek? Santa Rosa Deputies Enforcing New Rules”

  1. 429SCJ on August 6th, 2011 3:29 pm

    If people are not in possession of alcohol or drugs, they most likely have nothing to worry about.

  2. David Huie Green on August 6th, 2011 1:59 pm

    REGARDING:
    “Steel bridge road is obviously no longer ok, however I am also confused as to how Bob’s can use that location…”

    If we look at the article above, we read: “The land on each side of Steel Bridge Road, excluding a portion of privately-owned land next to the water on the northeast side, was recently acquired by the Florida Division of Forestry. This area IS also frequented by swimmers and IS used as a launching point for canoes and inner tubes. Recently, the land was posted as an “Alcohol-free” zone by the state, which means NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED on the shoreline of the creek.”

    Assuming it means neither more nor less than it says, it is still a popular swim location, still used as a launching point for canoes and inner tubes.

    The only thing forbidden is alcohol. Except for those who think they have to have a beer to swim, this is a good thing. It should mean fewer foul mouthed drunks and fewer broken bottles cutting feet and children.

    David for good things

  3. Roby on August 6th, 2011 1:25 am

    @David,

    I understand what you have researched for us all here, thank you. I am still confused, however weather the munson bridge area is on or off limits for parking your car to get out of the river.

    Steel bridge road is obviously no longer ok, however I am also confused as to how Bob’s can use that location…

  4. Roby on August 6th, 2011 1:21 am

    So I called the sheriff’s department asking to clarify if the munson bridge pick up point was under the Resource Management Services’ land and Sgt Thompson read me this exact article then hung up on me. Whats the deal?

    My friends and I had planned to come out this weekend but if we are unable to legally do so we dont want to go. I mean I wouldnt want people running across my front yard to litter in my back yard. I understand the intent of the rule, but I just want to know how I can enjoy my river still…

  5. 429SCJ on August 5th, 2011 4:24 pm

    Thanks for posting the Floridageomatics link David. I hope that some of the toothless morons in these local hunting clubs will read it. The only thing they seem to understand is the business end of a government model.

  6. David Huie Green on August 5th, 2011 3:05 pm

    REGARDING:
    “I don’t think you can legally own the sandbar or water….”

    You can’t, as explained below. Public ownership extends to the ordinary reach of high water. This means, however, that people above the high water mark CAN own that land and stop people from crossing it if they wish.

    I suspect part of what’s going on here is that the owners don’t want to be liable for the actions of the drunks, druggies, vandals and idiots crossing their property.

    AND:
    “So does that “no trespassing” apply to Bob’s too?”

    If people enter the water where they have legal access, they have no problem being there or going up and down the creeks or picnicking on the sandbars, since all that is public land.

    http://www.floridageomatics.com/publications/legal/submerged1.htm

    “The boundary between publicly owned navigable waters and privately owned uplands is the “ordinary high water” boundary line. Century-old Florida Supreme Court decisions established that public ownership extends to the ordinary reach of high water and includes marshes and aquatic forests on the low, flat vegetated shores of Florida’s lakes and rivers. “

    To view Florida’s constitution, you might want to go to:
    http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/const/const10.htm
    which includes:
    Article X, SECTION 11. “Sovereignty lands.–The title to lands under navigable waters, within the boundaries of the state, which have not been alienated, including beaches below mean high water lines, is held by the state, by virtue of its sovereignty, in trust for all the people. Sale of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when in the public interest. Private use of portions of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when not contrary to the public interest. “

    David for fear reduction

  7. David Huie Green on August 5th, 2011 2:42 pm

    REGARDING:
    “Revolution the only solution”

    Somebody wants to stop you from trespassing on their land and you want to respond with a revolution?

    Please think further and get back to us on that.

    David for measured responses

  8. Jon Doe on August 5th, 2011 12:06 pm

    Revolution the only solution. it has to start with local government. over throw the people in power that made this call and send the message the the rest of the politicians that they are not immune to repercussions to their actions. the government is no longer For the people By the people.

  9. The Law on August 5th, 2011 8:46 am

    If so many people were not animals in public we wouldn’t need rules, regulations, or the law. If people want to be first come, first serve and
    use property anyway they want, they should buy it.

    The one who own’s it wins.

  10. Michelle on August 4th, 2011 7:51 pm

    Good point winter, Do they even care they might put them out of business? Or are customers suppose to float, get out, walk around the area and get back in to continue their day?

  11. Michelle on August 4th, 2011 7:47 pm

    Joykills!! Thanks for ruining family fun and killing childhood memories. If you did it to stop drinking MISTAKE!! They will just somewhere else and ruin that too. Again the innocent are punished for obey the law. Thanks for nothing.

    Let me guess for a small fee, you will be willing to over look the problem. RIGHT?

  12. Marc on August 4th, 2011 7:45 pm

    One more thing to destroy any low cost fun for families. legislate monitor, and control. We give up more and more freedom everyday. when will it be enough ?

  13. huh on August 4th, 2011 7:13 pm

    I don’t think you can legally own the sandbar or water….

  14. friction on August 4th, 2011 6:30 pm

    America has too many rules…

  15. Bob hudson on August 4th, 2011 3:25 pm

    Just a question , can we still put in at the Munson bridge, Define northeast side, if ya’ll could, googled maps but am not sure. This would help if any one knows.I like cold water, and does this affect Watsons landing? Thanks for the help if ya’ll know any thing.

  16. winter on August 4th, 2011 11:50 am

    So does that “no trespassing” apply to Bob’s too?

  17. Somewhere In the River on August 4th, 2011 10:57 am

    Well as far as the drinking is concerned, keep ur drink in the creek! I agree with the no drinking is some areas, but they should have somewhere for the grown-ups to drink too! A family area is not hard to find around any of these areas, but where is there a “OK” spot for the ones who like to enjoy a drink on the the creek. As far as the Rednecks and the dopeheads, first of all do not go hand and hand, just a many beachy snobs do drugs as well. But I do believe that the Rednecks were in the creeks first, who do you think made most of the trails and roads you go to, to get to the river??? REDNECKS!!! My point is, if ur in the river drink if ur on the sandbar keep ur drink in the water. .Juast remember to clean up your mess!!

  18. David Huie Green on August 4th, 2011 8:50 am

    Cold water creek is so overated. ”

    No, it isn’t. It’s almost as good as Canoe Creek–other than the drunks, of course.

  19. JESS on August 4th, 2011 8:35 am

    WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD??!! U CANT GO TO ANY PUBLIC CREEK ANYMORE. U EITHER HAVE TO PAY OR DONT GO! BEER IS LEGAL, SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DRINK IT AND THE CREEK AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. ALL THE “POLICE” ARE TRYING TO RUIN EVERYTHING FOR US. BUT WE HAVE TO SAY NOTHING WHEN WE SEE OUR “FELLOW OFFICERS” OUT AT THE BEACH HAVIN A FEW LIQUOR DRINKS! PATHETIC COPS.

  20. tallyho on August 4th, 2011 7:08 am

    This is a good move to stop the beer, you will find the cans floating down the river. You have a new areato to take your family to in Molino that started off good but the dope heads and rednecks, with there foul langage have moved in. Smoking there dope and the vulger langage in front of the kids. This shows there IQ or lack of.

  21. 429SCJ on August 4th, 2011 6:46 am

    Cold water creek is so overated. Charlie instead of moaning and groaning let this be a challenge to your creativity. Alcohol is a bad drug anyway.

  22. charlie W. on August 4th, 2011 5:21 am

    What will be next, cameras. Big brother at work. Leave the people alone and let them enjoy themselves.