FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Warmer weather means more people are heading to the beaches.
In Franklin County, the sheriff and the locals are warning visitors to leave only their footprints- not their garbage- behind.
"I've picked up some stuff here and there," said Chris Campbell. Campbell and his girlfriend live in Tallahassee, but they've been making day trips to St. George Island for years. He says the beach is usually pretty clean, but not everyone takes care of it like they do.
"I don't know if it's like the alcohol or something, but it's mostly beer what I pick up," said Campbell.
After a surprisingly busy weekend, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith says a lot of trash was left behind on the beaches at St. George Island and Alligator Point.
"If you come to our beaches, don't litter," said Sheriff Smith. "You wouldn't litter in your front yard, you wouldn't urinate in your front yard. Don't do it here."
On St. George Island, beachgoers are allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, but no glass. Dogs are also allowed on the beach. However, Sheriff Smith says his department has no tolerance for those who break the law.
"Littering, underage drinking, speeding, drunk driving; if we catch you doing it, you're going to be arrested," said Sheriff Smith.
Sheriff Smith says they plan to have extra patrols on the beaches this spring and summer. He says they've also been dealing with complaints about people parking illegally on Alligator Point.
"You can't park in someone's driveway without permission. They can have your car towed," said Sheriff Smith. "If you're parking down one of the side streets, it's against the law."
Sheriff Smith added, "We're going to be towing vehicles this weekend. If you go to the beach and you're parked in a place you're not supposed to be, you're gonna get towed and those tow bills are not cheap. We want everybody to come here, enjoy the beach, but just take care of it."
Sheriff Smith also wants to remind people that you can not have an ATV on the beach but you can bring your golf cart.
