What is the one thing you would like to see...

[CiaoBella]

We all love So Wal but what in your opinion is lacking? A food delivery service, horseback riding, etc. What do you really wish would locate in the area?

[Tootsie]

what a good question. why do you ask? I'm going to think about this for a while and will get back.

you mention horseback riding - I would love to have a convenient place for the kid to take lessons!

[30A Skunkape]

A liquor store like Chan's

[CiaoBella]

I ask because our family comes to So Wal at least every other week. We sometimes stay overnight and when we do we ponder what the area lacks despite the growth surge of recent years. Also, I have a friend in So Wal who followed her dream of opening a business. She has done so well. I would love to do something similar. We always want to ride horses on the beach but nothing is close by.

[CiaoBella]

what a good question. why do you ask? I'm going to think about this for a while and will get back.

you mention horseback riding - I would love to have a convenient place for the kid to take lessons!
I ask because our family comes to So Wal at least every other week. We sometimes stay overnight and when we do we ponder what the area lacks despite the growth surge of recent years. Also, I have a friend in So Wal who followed her dream of opening a business. She has done so well. I would love to do something similar. We always want to ride horses on the beach but nothing is close by.

[RiverOtter]

Cheap eats for dinner
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maybe I should be more specific. On 30A you can get "cheap eats" during lunch but go to the same restaurant for dinner and it's $30+/ plate. I guess they gotta make it where they can.

[goodwitch58]

a place to get your oil changed, wind shield wipers installed, other similar services for vehicles. Something like the SuperLube's in Tallahassee.

[Beach Runner]

I'd like a marina on the bay near the 331 bridge. The lack of boating opportunities here is surprising to me, considering all of the water surrounding the area. In comparison, when we were looking at property in the Perdido Key area, many people would go to dinner via boat. That seemed pretty cool to me, although in general we didn't like the area (too many beachfront condos instead of homes, a beachfront four-lane highway, too many tacky chain restaurants).

[Here4Good]

I'd like a marina on the bay near the 331 bridge. The lack of boating opportunities here is surprising to me, considering all of the water surrounding the area. In comparison, when we were looking at property in the Perdido Key area, many people would go to dinner via boat. That seemed pretty cool to me, although in general we didn't like the area (too many beachfront condos instead of homes, a beachfront four-lane highway, too many tacky chain restaurants).

Alas, the bay is really too shallow there to support a marina - it would take major dredging to make that happen!

[Here4Good]

I wish we had more waterfront dining/bars - we love B&A, it seems like there should be more places to order a beer and look out at the water!

I also second the oil change vote.

[Smiling JOe]

I believe there is an ordinance against riding horse on the beach in WalCo.

What is SoWal missing? We may not have all of those stores where you can buy things like a oil job for your car, but I like it very well just the way it is. If I could choose just one business to add, I would pick up Hunt's Oyster Bar in Panama City and move it to SoWal.

[Bobby J]

A skate and wave park!!!!

[30AStyleArtist]

[QUOTE=Here4Good;189637]I wish we had more waterfront dining/bars - we love B&A, it seems like there should be more places to order a beer and look out at the water!

I second this!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

[Lady D]

I believe there is an ordinance against riding horse on the beach in WalCo.

What is SoWal missing? We may not have all of those stores where you can buy things like a oil job for your car, but I like it very well just the way it is. If I could choose just one business to add, I would pick up Hunt's Oyster Bar in Panama City and move it to SoWal.

WalCo has a lot of ordinances apparently. I am sure if that is the case it is because of the fact the horses would poop on the beach. And who wants to clean up horse droppings. Eew! But on the other hand, I have seen shows on the tube where people were riding horses on the beach, looks pretty inviting to me.

[olive]

I definitely second the car care idea. I end up getting stuff like that done when I go to visit my family in GA because it is more convenient.

Oh, and a drive thru car wash!

[CastlesOfSand]

We all love So Wal but what in your opinion is lacking? A food delivery service, horseback riding, etc. What do you really wish would locate in the area?


A house with my name on it, so I could stay a whole month like Miss Kittay! :biggrin:

I like the horseback riding idea! Waterfront dining too!!!!

[tistheseason]

[QUOTE=Here4Good;189637]I wish we had more waterfront dining/bars - we love B&A, it seems like there should be more places to order a beer and look out at the water!
QUOTE]

I agree!! It's always surprised me. In an area where most people are not on the water (as opposed to beach towns where everyone is in a high-rise condo on the water -- and thus can just sit on their balcony and look out) I am so surprised that there aren't more waterfront dining/drinking options!

[SHELLY]

The Wheelhouse Restaurant.

[ShallowsNole]

We had horseback riding at the Brand'N'Iron Corral until several years ago, when development on 98 and Don Bishop Rd (where the trail rides used to go) and, I'm sure, property taxes drove Lanna north to DeFuniak...:(

I haven't ridden since I was 17, and I wouldn't inflict my current size on some poor horse, but I wish our kids had that opportunity.

And, no horses on the beach. However, I believe that's still allowed in Gulf County. :roll:

[goodwitch58]

Note to Beachy Klean CarWash guys: maybe you could add some other vehicle maintenance features.....

[SoWalSteve]

I would like to see a bar with topless ladies waiting tables.

[Johnrudy]

I would like to see a bar with topless ladies waiting tables.
You'll have to frequent The Tanga on the causeway by Tampa. :shock:

[drunkkenartist]

Not 10 minutes east up the hwy 98 off the east end of 30A, in Panama City Beach, on the left hand (north) side of the road, right before you get to Hwy 77, is a Jiffy Lube or Speedy Oil Change or something like that.

As far as affordable dining goes, what is the story behind the Wheelhouse? Why is it still closed? Meanwhile if folks would come down on some of these ridiculous rent prices more Mom & Pop type restaurants and other affordable shops could open, or reopen.

I can dream can't I?

K

[Beach Runner]

Alas, the bay is really too shallow there to support a marina - it would take major dredging to make that happen!
Ah, I see. I did not know that. But it's not even deep enough for small sailboats and Sea-Doos?

[InletBchDweller]

I also vote for a car care place for any car care.
A good reliable dry cleaners
a produce stand that sells local produce

[ckhagen]

I would like to see a fitness center with *childcare*!
There's positively no way I can go to the gym right now because I have two kids. Gold's in Destin does childcare, but it's just not convenient for me to drive all the way out there for 30 minutes in the gym.

I agree with the "cheap eats" too. Counter service type stuff would be great... especially family friendly.

I guess I'm just a little jaded about the lack of family/child oriented stuff here. :(

[Paula]

Cheap eats and heated pool for late fall/winter/early spring swimming closer than PCB pool.

[Indigo Jill]

A Whole Foods.

[aquaticbiology]

the fort walton yatch club (steep fees) is still the best anchorage anywhere near 30A for anything larger than a canoe - the dock at destin harbor and the private marina at the end of the strip is just insane and way too far away to be practical - the intracoastal is great at boondocks and there is a huge industrial boat launch near there, but you are quite right, there is no real place like a marina except up the bay (that i have found) - pcb/pcity is loaded with them, and tons of waterfront boat accessable resturants, its not fair - and there's nothing like being pulled over on leaving the resturant and being checked for dui by the marine patrol

[BeachSteelers]

Where are the Parks? Everywhere I've lived playgrounds, ballfields, hoop/tennis courts were a priority for most communities. Maybe I just need to go North of the Bay for that? Sorry not very PC of me.

[BeachSteelers]

And a farmers Market.

[Panhandler]

I'd like to see some mass transit (I'm thinking monorail)...but I'd settle for an annual women's beach volleyball tournament:D ...

[Smiling JOe]

I'd like to see some mass transit (I'm thinking monorail)...but I'd settle for an annual women's beach volleyball tournament:D ... I sure hope we don't get one of those unless it stays between the Outlet Mall and Lake Powell, but even then, people would want to link into it. Now the women's beach volleyball would be perfect.

[ShallowsNole]

Where are the Parks? Everywhere I've lived playgrounds, ballfields, hoop/tennis courts were a priority for most communities. Maybe I just need to go North of the Bay for that? Sorry not very PC of me.

Don't worry about being PC.

There are ballfields at Helen McCall park, and the older kids play ball at SWHS. Tennis is available at Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. There used to be a basketball hoop at Cessna Park. There is a public pool (at least I think so) and a small playground at Freeport City Hall. While not in SoWal, the Children's Park in Niceville is da bomb. We used to go and make a day of it.

Every organized youth activity in SoWal has the facilities to play in SoWal. And, with the exception of the playground, our facilities are for the most part nicer than those in DFS.

What we do need, as alluded to in another thread, is childcare. Not just childcare while one works out (would be nice), but childcare for working parents.

[ckhagen]

A Whole Foods would be a dream come true! I cannot tell you how many times I've written asking/begging for them to put one up here, at least in Destin.

The fact that the only public playground in SoWal is owned by Sandestin bugs the life out of me. While I like the N'ville childrens park, I've found it very dangerous for the 3 and under crowd. The horseshoe footprint of the park makes it impossible to see around to the other side if you little one runs over to another structure. And many of the structures are open ended and very high off the ground. The Morgan Sports complex playground is much more toddler friendly IMO. But... I shouldn't have to drive to Okaloosa county to take my kids to the playground, nor should I have to go into Sandestin (besides, that playground is a nightmare with a 2 y/o).

Working parents childcare is definitely an issue as well. I know our church poured a lot of effort into possibly starting a daycare here, but I think it's been put on the back burner because of some seriously expensive upgrades that would have had to be done to the building. :(
There is also no Mother's Day Out program that I know of here. They have a few up in Niceville/Fort Walton, but by the time I drove out there to drop them off then drove home, I would have to turn around and come right back.

[joho]

Where are the Parks? Everywhere I've lived playgrounds, ballfields, hoop/tennis courts were a priority for most communities. Maybe I just need to go North of the Bay for that? Sorry not very PC of me.



We could have had a great boys and girls club offering all of the above and more but a hand full of residents nixed that idea.......that was the "shame" of the year 2006................

[goodwitch58]

Child care is certainly a need. There are young couples leaving the area because of this lack; and many others not locating here on a permanent basis for the same reason.

Apparently, the biggest drawback is the cost of the land/rent for a building, etc. Much the same problem as the lack of housing for those who would like to work here.....

There are some really good Employee Child Care Centers throughout the state and country; lots of research on this issue. Perhaps someone could look into those methods and modify for what we need here.

Of course, if there had been some effective growth management planning done by this county government things might look a lot different!

[Smiling JOe]

We could have had a great boys and girls club offering all of the above and more but a hand full of residents nixed that idea.......that was the "shame" of the year 2006................I thought that the only thing nixed was the location. :idontno: I know there was money tied to it if they built only on that location, but now they have moved the existing trailers to the property behind the SW Library Annex, and I understand that they still intend to build the Club on the County property.

[kurt]

I thought that the only thing nixed was the location. :idontno: I know there was money tied to it if they built only on that location, but now they have moved the existing trailers to the property behind the SW Library Annex, and I understand that they still intend to build the Club on the County property.

correct

[TooFarTampa]

A Whole Foods would be a dream come true! I cannot tell you how many times I've written asking/begging for them to put one up here, at least in Destin.



It's not Whole Foods, but Destin will be getting a Fresh Market soon at Destin Commons. That's a wonderful addition in its own right :clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

[Tootsie]

I thought that the only thing nixed was the location. :idontno: I know there was money tied to it if they built only on that location, but now they have moved the existing trailers to the property behind the SW Library Annex, and I understand that they still intend to build the Club on the County property.

true, but they had a fabulous plan for the 30A location, and some butthead lawyer and other residents in the neighborhood did a good job of stopping this wonderful community project. so much better than condos and crap...

[CiaoBella]

Thanks to everyone who replied. Wow, some really great ideas. The childcare thing is crazy. What do moms and dads do? I would love to provide childcare and am qualified to do so, the only thing that concerns me is cost. Acquiring a location seems impossible to me with costs as they are. If anyone has any ideas I am serious about providing a needed service sometime this year.

The Fresh Market is so wonderful. Until I found the Fresh Market I wondered where all the quality produce had gone. If you long for produce that is practically spotless and tastes like you remember as a child, you must frequent this store!

A few years ago we went to Cape San Blas and they have great horseback riding on the beach. Of course we would keep the beach clean. If the horses on the city streets can do it, so could we. Seems like Walton County does have too many ordinances, I personally think the one about no dogs on the beach unless you own property is ridiculous and insulting. Those of us who come down every other week spend quite a bit of money and take care of the area just as if we own property there. Too bad, we will continue to sneak our little angel on the beach because he loves it so.

And again, we truly love So Wal but no where is perfect, we always would like something else. We're only human. I am just looking for something to do that would in turn fill a need.

[InletBchDweller]

A Whole Foods.:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

And a farmers Market.:clap_1:

We could have had a great boys and girls club offering all of the above and more but a hand full of residents nixed that idea.......that was the "shame" of the year 2006................:bang: :bang:

true, but they had a fabulous plan for the 30A location, and some butthead lawyer and other residents in the neighborhood did a good job of stopping this wonderful community project. so much better than condos and crap...:twisted: :twisted: total BS!!!! I am sure those residents had children that had flown the coop and didn't care about the future walton residents....

[kurt]

Thanks to everyone who replied. Wow, some really great ideas. The childcare thing is crazy. What do moms and dads do? I would love to provide childcare and am qualified to do so, the only thing that concerns me is cost. Acquiring a location seems impossible to me with costs as they are. If anyone has any ideas I am serious about providing a needed service sometime this year.

The Fresh Market is so wonderful. Until I found the Fresh Market I wondered where all the quality produce had gone. If you long for produce that is practically spotless and tastes like you remember as a child, you must frequent this store!

A few years ago we went to Cape San Blas and they have great horseback riding on the beach. Of course we would keep the beach clean. If the horses on the city streets can do it, so could we. Seems like Walton County does have too many ordinances, I personally think the one about no dogs on the beach unless you own property is ridiculous and insulting. Those of us who come down every other week spend quite a bit of money and take care of the area just as if we own property there. Too bad, we will continue to sneak our little angel on the beach because he loves it so.

And again, we truly love So Wal but no where is perfect, we always would like something else. We're only human. I am just looking for something to do that would in turn fill a need.

Some people would say there aren't enough ordinances. I guess it's all about different people wanting different things. Many were upset when they restricted dogs but most beaches that attract more and more people don't allow them. Thankfully the enforcement is lenient and the law seems to be aimed at controlling problem animals and owners.

You might check out Freeport just north of the bay for more affordable property to base a child care facility. There are a few realtors on the forums here that can help you out.

[Tootsie]

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

:clap_1:

:bang: :bang:

:twisted: :twisted: total BS!!!! I am sure those residents had children that had flown the coop and didn't care about the future walton residents....


I know. I saw the plans for the gorgeous, handsomely funded, dream of a Boys and Girls club, and what a great facility for children, adults, families. maybe the neighbors had some good reasons for not wanting it in their back yard, but come on, it's for KIDS - near schools, etc. I just hope it gets built someday soon...

[kurt]

The new location will be near SoWal High, the future SoWal branch of Okaloosa-Walton Community College, the County Library, The Taylor Performing Arts Center, and there will probably be an elementary and middle school there someday.

Hopefully the new location at the SoWal Government and Education Center (GEC) will allow the involvement of teachers after hours, and some high school and college students as coaches, tutors, mentors, etc.

It may also be more convenient for some to commute to.

[drunkkenartist]

Well once again, speaking of PC, the answer to the "Parks" question is PC-B, Panama City Beach that is. Frank Brown Park is about a 20 minute drive from 30A, but well worth it. Ball diaomonds, soccer fields, rugby, basketball, tennis, swimming pool, security, its all there. Clean and extremely family friendly. Easy access and lots of parking. Unfortunately the grass has too high $$$$ on it here to use it on parks or playgrounds.

[joho]

The new location will be near SoWal High, the future SoWal branch of Okaloosa-Walton Community College, the County Library, The Taylor Performing Arts Center, and there will probably be an elementary and middle school there someday.

Hopefully the new location at the SoWal Government and Education Center (GEC) will allow the involvement of teachers after hours, and some high school and college students as coaches, tutors, mentors, etc.

It may also be more convenient for some to commute to.

Kurt,
I hope your right, but sometimes changes that are put on the back burner stay on the back burner..........................

[Smiling JOe]

Well once again, speaking of PC, the answer to the "Parks" question is PC-B, Panama City Beach that is. Frank Brown Park is about a 20 minute drive from 30A, but well worth it. Ball diaomonds, soccer fields, rugby, basketball, tennis, swimming pool, security, its all there. Clean and extremely family friendly. Easy access and lots of parking. Unfortunately the grass has too high $$$$ on it here to use it on parks or playgrounds.
I thought Frank Brown Park was restricted to league and tournament play, and that the public was not welcome to use the fields unless they signed up on a team and paid the fees. Do you know differently?

[skippertoo]

I would like to see more food service for beach users, either a few hot dog stands or a meals on wheels (cheap !). Only thing close is Pickles :puke:
down at Seaside.

[supermom26.2]

Produce stand ( I do miss the Produce Station in Ann Arbor), Whole Foods, a CVS somewhere on 98 between Blue Mountain and Rosemary Beach and a great Park complete with basketball hoops, merry go round, swings, a track around the perimeter (so you can run and watch your kids at the same time) and a Rocket slide! I am also pulling for the movie theater in Sandestin.

[Bobby J]

Skate and wave park!

[Tom@BV]

Let me see, we need more Attorney's & Real Estate Sales People.:floor:

Oh wait, I think Iam read this wrong?? I thought you asked "what do we want to plant in 30'A's cemetery's"?

Been away for awhile & just wanted to say Happy New Year with a little humor. :funn:

T

[tistheseason]

Skate and wave park!

hmmmm. . . seems like I've heard that before!;-)

[InletBchDweller]

Well once again, speaking of PC, the answer to the "Parks" question is PC-B, Panama City Beach that is. Frank Brown Park is about a 20 minute drive from 30A, but well worth it. Ball diaomonds, soccer fields, rugby, basketball, tennis, swimming pool, security, its all there. Clean and extremely family friendly. Easy access and lots of parking. Unfortunately the grass has too high $$$$ on it here to use it on parks or playgrounds. Yes, a great park......

I thought Frank Brown Park was restricted to league and tournament play, and that the public was not welcome to use the fields unless they signed up on a team and paid the fees. Do you know differently?
HMMMMMMMM, I dont know about that....when Little ibd plays soccer it seemed that there were people out there just playing on a field. I guess calling would be the best bet.....

[CiaoBella]

If a large childcare facility located in Freeport, how many parents from So Wal do you think would drive there for child care? One of my best friends lives in Freeport and is a realtor, we are in shock that a few things are locating there but the town still has no decent grocery store. She and I laugh now at the demand, when we were growing up nobody really wanted to live there. Of course we are also furious with our parents and grandparents for not buying up all the beach. Its funny how nobody wanted it back then because you couldn't grow anything on it.

[Here4Good]

If a large childcare facility located in Freeport, how many parents from So Wal do you think would drive there for child care? One of my best friends lives in Freeport and is a realtor, we are in shock that a few things are locating there but the town still has no decent grocery store. She and I laugh now at the demand, when we were growing up nobody really wanted to live there. Of course we are also furious with our parents and grandparents for not buying up all the beach. Its funny how nobody wanted it back then because you couldn't grow anything on it.

Come on, are you saying that Kelly's is a decent grocery store? :roll:

When my mother was on "restriction" due to chemo and wasn't allowed to go anywhere she might pick up an infection, I forbade her to even enter Kelly's.

[aquaticbiology]

Skate and wave park!

"you already have a [wave] park - its called the ocean"

"everywhere is a skate park if the freaking cops would stop hassling us"

www.fuel.tv

[kurt]

If a large childcare facility located in Freeport, how many parents from So Wal do you think would drive there for child care? One of my best friends lives in Freeport and is a realtor, we are in shock that a few things are locating there but the town still has no decent grocery store. She and I laugh now at the demand, when we were growing up nobody really wanted to live there. Of course we are also furious with our parents and grandparents for not buying up all the beach. Its funny how nobody wanted it back then because you couldn't grow anything on it.

My guess is that you could fill up several buildings full of SoWal kids every day.

[Smiling JOe]

Day Care business would be well received for sure. My guess is that the liability would be extremely high, and enough to scare me away. Finding qualified and reliable people to help supervise the kids would also prove to be difficult. I am sure they exists, but you would have to work hard to keep them. As for the Freeport location, I think it would depend on your location in Freeport. The closer to SoWal, the more filled it might be.

[John R]

public parks in South Walton.

[John]

a place to get your oil changed, wind shield wipers installed, other similar services for vehicles. Something like the SuperLube's in Tallahassee.

The Shell station on the south side of 98, in Miramar, has a Quick-Lube service that I recommend.

[miramargal]

1. a Dave's Dogs

2. Seaside without the new monstrosity of a building and the cute little houses back.

[Smiling JOe]

1. a Dave's Dogs

2. Seaside without the new monstrosity of a building and the cute little houses back.Well, as long as we are dreaming, I would vote for more naked women on the beach.

[miramargal]

more?

[Smiling JOe]

more?Like you have never seen a naked woman on the beach.:floor:

[Bobby J]

"you already have a [wave] park - its called the ocean"

"everywhere is a skate park if the freaking cops would stop hassling us"

www.fuel.tv (http://www.fuel.tv)

I want waves everyday! We are all just dreamin here and this is my want, a skate park and wave pool!

[drunkkenartist]

I think IBD is right about Frank Brown Park. Sure when they are having tournaments and such the fields would be reserved, but that is status quo for any such park. I believe the hours available/reserved would be posted. I'm sure there is someone you could call. I'll look into it myself.

[drunkkenartist]

OK gang, check it out. Boy am I quick on the keyboard or what. I just typed in "Frank Brown Park Panama City Beach" and Voila'- Instant info! Ta-Da! :biggrin:

http://www.playballinparadise.com/

Sometimes I just amaze myself!:lol:

[Paula]

drunkkenartist: You are indeed amazing. :clap_1: This recreational center looks pretty amazing, too. I drove through it about a year ago, but next trip I'll do some swimming there, maybe even try out one of their health classes. I've been looking for a heated pool in winter. My day trip would include my typical ride to Home Depot or Ace Hardware and a trip to the new Target to get whatever I need for the cottages, then some swimming/exercise in the pool.

[Smiling JOe]

Thanks for the info on the PCB park, drunkenartist. This lack of park issue came up at a previous BCC meeting. Celeste Cobena of the Beach to Bay (http://www.beachtobay.org), stated that she didn't want to see the big parks like Frank Brown Park, in our area. She pointed out the excessive traffic and numbers of people associated with having such a park. They would rather see this area kept more natural, and for people to seek out different sources of activity through our existing resources such as the miles of hiking and biking trails, beach, beautiful lakes, Bay and rivers. I think she makes some good points. She also pointed out the existing facilities at the high school which go unused for most of the time, which could be used for the public -- after all, our tax money pays for those facilities. Again, this is another valid point. I am a proponet of having some place of activity where we can meet as a community, such as a park, or even the schools. Personally, I think in the long term, we could save money on health care if we were fit. Making fitness fun and community oriented is one way of doing so. If a YMCA or Boys and Girls Club type of facility was integrated with the area public schools, not only would the kids have a place to hang out after school in a good environment, but they would also having more activities available for school sports. Also in my idea, the public would have access to these facilities, except for the courts, fields, or pool had practice or games. To me it is a no-brainer. Why have multiple facilities when we could spend less money and have more facilities?

[tistheseason]

Margarita stands! (I'll keep trying until someone bites!):D

[Camp Creek Kid]

Thanks for the info on the PCB park, drunkenartist. This lack of park issue came up at a previous BCC meeting. Celeste Cobena of the Beach to Bay (http://www.beachtobay.org), stated that she didn't want to see the big parks like Frank Brown Park, in our area. She pointed out the excessive traffic and numbers of people associated with having such a park. They would rather see this area kept more natural, and for people to seek out different sources of activity through our existing resources such as the miles of hiking and biking trails, beach, beautiful lakes, Bay and rivers. I think she makes some good points. She also pointed out the existing facilities at the high school which go unused for most of the time, which could be used for the public -- after all, our tax money pays for those facilities. Again, this is another valid point. I am a proponet of having some place of activity where we can meet as a community, such as a park, or even the schools. Personally, I think in the long term, we could save money on health care if we were fit. Making fitness fun and community oriented is one way of doing so. If a YMCA or Boys and Girls Club type of facility was integrated with the area public schools, not only would the kids have a place to hang out after school in a good environment, but they would also having more activities available for school sports. Also in my idea, the public would have access to these facilities, except for the courts, fields, or pool had practice or games. To me it is a no-brainer. Why have multiple facilities when we could spend less money and have more facilities?


I agree with you SJ, except that the public school grounds are very poorly maintained. Behind Butler, where the new pavillion is, it is overgrown with weeds, etc. Also, there are no restroom facilities or drinking fountains that are accessible to the general public. F.Y.I., there are plans to build a horrid steel warehouse behind Bay which will serve as the "gym." Parents are very against this and would like a real gym in a permanant building. Only a concrete floor is included (parents have to raise money for a softer floor as well as HVAC). I think this facility will be placed in the the field where you play kickball so say goodbye to that ball field. Also, there will be new playground equipment at Bay, paid for by fundraisers and parents--no county or school funds were provided. My point is that I think most people are willing to use the school facilities for our "parks," but the school district has not been overly accomodating to this idea. We've had a difficult enough time getting them to "allow" us to have the basics and then we have to also pay for them ourselves.

Celeste Cobena has every right to express her opinions, but I do not share her views. We don't need a recreation facility on the scale of Frank Brown Park, unless we want to attract national tournaments like PCB does, but it would be wonderful to have our own community park and playground.

[Paula]

A large public pool that is heated would be great on 30A, perhaps as part of one of the existing school facilities or a center. In the meantime, I'll be spending time at PCB one.

[lindatat]

Margarita stands! (I'll keep trying until someone bites!):D

Jello-shot stands! If I thought it could support me & my kids I'd be there already.

[miramargal]

Smiling JOe,
Seen one or been one?
I ain't never seen one..but.....;-)

[supermom26.2]

Camp Creek Kid: I totally agree with you. I wish we didn't have to start from scratch in everything. Maybe it's not everything, but at times it feels like it.
There are so many wonderful ideas on this thread. It would be great if anything comes of it.
Parks continue to be in demand in South Walton. I agree with your statement about the size of a park here. It doesn't have to be a huge undertaking the size of Frank Brown. With all the award winning landscape architects we have designing the numerous developments here, it seems like someone could design a park compatible with our natural beauty. There are so many lots for sale in this area, it seems that a great piece of land could be bought /donated for this purpose. I think a contest could even be done community wide to co-design it with that award winning landscape architect! You could even ask the elementary, middle and high school students what they would like to see there. Let them take ownership. PARKS FOR SOWAL!

[InletBchDweller]

1. a Dave's Dogs

2. Seaside without the new monstrosity of a building and the cute little houses back.Amen!!!!! UGLY!!!!:bang:

[kingfishn]

I would like to see a beach without a 'skyline'...
and...SEE..Smell a skunk...~sigh~


GO GATORS!
(saw one of those in Pandora's parking lot a few years back)

[danhall]

I would LOVE to have a good traditional jazz station, not like Seabreeze (no offense, just my preference). More artists like Charlie Parker, Coltrane, Mingus, Monk and Miles.

Also, a more expansive library. These are the two things I miss most about the city.

[Smiling JOe]

Smiling JOe,
Seen one or been one?
I ain't never seen one..but.....;-)While I have never been a nekked girl, I have seen one or two on the beach. :wub:

[John R]

Ah, I see. I did not know that. But it's not even deep enough for small sailboats and Sea-Doos?

sea-doos? less is better.

[drunkkenartist]

:idea: ! How could I have forgotten about this idea? Oh yeah, because I don't play tennis....duh.

Years and years ago I worked at Tops'l Beach and Racquet Club, in the reservations department for the vacation rentals. Nearly every other week we booked a tennis tournament of some sort. Every week large groups of people came to play tennis.

Problem? It almost always rained. Or it was dangerously too hot. Or uncomfortably cold. Hello? If weather is always a problem, why do people keep playing out in it?

Remember I don't play tennis, but wouldn't an INDOOR TENNIS Facility make sense? I don't know of any in the area anywhere, and THAT would bring YEAR ROUND BIZNESS, which is something we so desparetly need in the shoulder season?

Just a thought.

[organicmama]

A Whole Foods.

I vote for an Earth Fare over Whole Foods. A chain but still sticks to its original vision of environment and health. The produce at Whole Foods isn't so great, either.

Also, I vote for 1 or 2 nice public playgrounds for children. It's the 1 thing, besides Earth Fare, that I miss from living in Georgia.

[Bob]

I would like to see a local Help-You-Sell franchise that also sells fresh, ripe heirloom tomatoes. It would be the customer's decision as to the end use of the tomatoes.

[Beachmom]

I agree on the public playground thing. It is really sad to me, with all the property taxes we pay, there is not a swing set within 30 min. of SoWal for me to take me 2 yr. old to.:idontno:

[Smiling JOe]

I agree on the public playground thing. It is really sad to me, with all the property taxes we pay, there is not a swing set within 30 min. of SoWal for me to take me 2 yr. old to.:idontno:Maybe that is because the tax revenue follows the County Commissioners, only one of which lives in SoWal. :idontno:

[Beachmom]

and where does most of the tax revenue come from.........:bang:

[Camp Creek Kid]

I agree on the public playground thing. It is really sad to me, with all the property taxes we pay, there is not a swing set within 30 min. of SoWal for me to take me 2 yr. old to.:idontno:


Actually, there are . . . you just gotta know where to look . . . Seaside, Rosemary, Watercolor all have playgrounds. BUT it isn't cool to take your kids to a playground and feel uncomfortable because you don't "belong" there. However, I seriously doubt anyone is going to question your being at one of those places.

The issue is that we really need public parks because most of us live in urban density neighborhoods without yards, or we have neighborhoods convenants forbidding play structures. Perhaps the lack of a playground is simply due to the fact that there hasn't been an outcry for one--perhaps we can do something about this!

[Beachmom]

I do know about those, we are members of Seaside so that we can use all of the amenities, I just feel like there should be more of a neighborhood park situation where other moms and kids can go and get to know your neighbors. We live in a mostly rental area, and there are not many kids around, and neighborhood convenents do keep us from having many "kid" friendly yard "art". I'd love a place where Little Beach could meet other kids and learn to "Play" together.

[jdarg]

I would like to see a local Help-You-Sell franchise that also sells fresh, ripe heirloom tomatoes. It would be the customer's decision as to the end use of the tomatoes.

Oh Bob. Ripe heirloom tomatoes. :wub: What a great idea!!!

When is tomato planting time around here?

[TripleB]

Oh Bob. Ripe heirloom tomatoes. :wub: What a great idea!!!

When is tomato planting time around here?
Since I'm always thinking of others....how about hammocks with training wheels? (for Darlene)

[seagrovelover]

Since I'm always thinking of others....how about hammocks with training wheels? (for Darlene)



:floor: :floor: :floor: or with a beer holder?????

[goodwitch58]

Just FYI, a few months ago when I felt frustrated with no park to take my 3 year old granddaughter, I was up at the Freeport City Hall doing some business...and noticed the absolutely wonderful public playground next door.
(it's not big, but has good equipment).
I emailed Commissioner Meadows and asked if there was some place we could have a similar park in SoWal and said I would be willing to work toward getting one established. I thought maybe we could use a portion of the ball parks....
The email I received back from Commissioner Meadows referred me to Legion Park over past Silver Sands:bang:

[Smiling JOe]

:floor: :floor: :floor: or with a beer holder?????She claims that she didn't spill the beer -- just busted her @ss.

[Smiling JOe]

Just FYI, a few months ago when I felt frustrated with no park to take my 3 year old granddaughter, I was up at the Freeport City Hall doing some business...and noticed the absolutely wonderful public playground next door.
(it's not big, but has good equipment).
I emailed Commissioner Meadows and asked if there was some place we could have a similar park in SoWal and said I would be willing to work toward getting one established. I thought maybe we could use a portion of the ball parks....
The email I received back from Commissioner Meadows referred me to Legion Park over past Silver Sands:bang:
Where the heck is Legion Park? Doesn't Comm Meadows know that some of us don't go past the Outlet Mall?

[Beachmom]

Where the heck is Legion Park? Doesn't Comm Meadows know that some of us don't go past the Outlet Mall?
Thank you....that's 45 min. away from my house.....so we have to be in the car for 1 1/2 just to go swing????? No Thanks!!

[supermom26.2]

Just FYI, a few months ago when I felt frustrated with no park to take my 3 year old granddaughter, I was up at the Freeport City Hall doing some business...and noticed the absolutely wonderful public playground next door.
(it's not big, but has good equipment).
I emailed Commissioner Meadows and asked if there was some place we could have a similar park in SoWal and said I would be willing to work toward getting one established. I thought maybe we could use a portion of the ball parks....
The email I received back from Commissioner Meadows referred me to Legion Park over past Silver Sands:bang:

What if we organize and form a plan? I guess that Legion Park is technically still South Walton, but I was thinking more centrally located like BMB or Grayton/Seagrove area. I know we can make this happen if we all work together!

[Camp Creek Kid]

What if we organize and form a plan? I guess that Legion Park is technically still South Walton, but I was thinking more centrally located like BMB or Grayton/Seagrove area. I know we can make this happen if we all work together!


I think its a grayt idea. I was reading the article in the Sun about the Bark Park and thought how ironic it is that there is a park for pooches, but not for kids!

[Smiling JOe]

I think its a grayt idea. I was reading the article in the Sun about the Bark Park and thought how ironic it is that there is a park for pooches, but not for kids!You are one smart cookie. Bark Park is located on the property of Walton County, and it is a centralized location from the east to west stretch of 30A. It would also be fairly close for Freeporters living on the south side of town. Did I mention that the Boys and Girls Club trailers are currently located beside the WalCo Library on this same large piece of WalCo property? :scratch: Hmm, parents hang out and read at the Library while little Suzie plays next door with the other kids???

[ckhagen]

I think its a grayt idea. I was reading the article in the Sun about the Bark Park and thought how ironic it is that there is a park for pooches, but not for kids!

Ah! Thank you. In an effort to be as PC as possible, I rarely bring that up in public, but I have vented relentlessly to my husband and other family members about just that...

What if we organize and form a plan? I guess that Legion Park is technically still South Walton, but I was thinking more centrally located like BMB or Grayton/Seagrove area. I know we can make this happen if we all work together!

Absolutely. Count me in... I have no problem with doing whatever necessary to get this brought into the spotlight. Please pm or email me as I'm totally on board.

[seagrovelover]

She claims that she didn't spill the beer -- just busted her @ss.



:clap_1: Thats a good girl...save the beer if nothing else!!!!!!!:biggrin:

[fisher]

Cheap eats for dinner
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
maybe I should be more specific. On 30A you can get "cheap eats" during lunch but go to the same restaurant for dinner and it's $30+/ plate. I guess they gotta make it where they can.

Yes, cheap eats along 30A and more specifically a good cheap mexican place. Heck, I would even go for an expensive mexican place--hated to see luna del mar close.

[Beachmom]

I'm definitly in!! Maybe we need to plan a meeting of the SoWal MOFO Playground Mama's Club!!!

[Miss Kitty]

I'm definitly in!! Maybe we need to plan a meeting of the SoWal MOFO Playground Mama's Club!!!

:clap_1: ...SWMFPMC will have that playground built in a flash! Watch out "good ole boys".

[Smiling JOe]

Oh Bob. Ripe heirloom tomatoes. :wub: What a great idea!!!

When is tomato planting time around here?Plant your tomato plants in the evening between Mar 7-Mar 20th.;-)

[Mango]

Plant your tomato plants in the evening between Mar 7-Mar 20th.;-)

Why? Is the the moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter aligning with Mars? :lol:

[DD]

Why? Is the the moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter aligning with Mars? :lol:

It is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. :biggrin:

[Smiling JOe]

Why? Is the the moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter aligning with Mars? :lol:
Something like that. The best days would be on Mar 18-Mar 20, since there is not much moonlight up in the sky on those nights.

[supermom26.2]

Do we need a separate thread for a park organizing/raising? You have to reign me back in because I had a grayt vision of a community barn raising like in Witness, where we could all build a playground shelter, families could work side by side and kids will be able to tell their kids they were able to help give back to the community! :clap_1:

[Miss Kitty]

Do we need a separate thread for a park organizing/raising? You have to reign me back in because I had a grayt vision of a community barn raising like in Witness, where we could all build a playground shelter, families could work side by side and kids will be able to tell their kids they were able to help give back to the community! :clap_1:

:clap_1: ...The gem of the day! Just do it!!! I'll come with dd.

[jdarg]

Ah! Thank you. In an effort to be as PC as possible, I rarely bring that up in public, but I have vented relentlessly to my husband and other family members about just that...



Absolutely. Count me in... I have no problem with doing whatever necessary to get this brought into the spotlight. Please pm or email me as I'm totally on board.

I'm in too!!!

[jdarg]

Plant your tomato plants in the evening between Mar 7-Mar 20th.;-)


Do I have to read horoscopes to my little tomato plants too??:blink:

[DD]

:clap_1: ...The gem of the day! Just do it!!! I'll come with dd.

:clap_1:

Do I have to read horoscopes to my little tomato plants too??:blink:

:floor:

[ckhagen]

Do we need a separate thread for a park organizing/raising?

I think that would be perfect.
There's really no excuse as far as I can tell as to why we shouldn't have a good public playground down here, so if we can get the ball rolling, although it might take time... I'd hope that we could make serious progress.

[Beachmom]

New thread is now started!!! Now, start thinking of ideas on how to do this!!:clap_1:

[florida girl]

I'd like a marina on the bay near the 331 bridge. The lack of boating opportunities here is surprising to me, considering all of the water surrounding the area. In comparison, when we were looking at property in the Perdido Key area, many people would go to dinner via boat. That seemed pretty cool to me, although in general we didn't like the area (too many beachfront condos instead of homes, a beachfront four-lane highway, too many tacky chain restaurants).

Bay is incredibly shallow, although it could be dredged. I understand there are grants available for boats larger that 26'. The property next door is up for sale, waterfront too.

[florida girl]

Cheap eats for dinner
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
maybe I should be more specific. On 30A you can get "cheap eats" during lunch but go to the same restaurant for dinner and it's $30+/ plate. I guess they gotta make it where they can.

I like to see a place like Chapman's Restaurant used to be, where you could get fried fresh Mullet! UM!

[florida girl]

The Wheelhouse Restaurant.
My son would agree with that!

[florida girl]

And a farmers Market.

I think you have to have farmers for that, although there are some in Freeport and up.

[florida girl]

A Whole Foods would be a dream come true! I cannot tell you how many times I've written asking/begging for them to put one up here, at least in Destin.

The fact that the only public playground in SoWal is owned by Sandestin bugs the life out of me. While I like the N'ville childrens park, I've found it very dangerous for the 3 and under crowd. The horseshoe footprint of the park makes it impossible to see around to the other side if you little one runs over to another structure. And many of the structures are open ended and very high off the ground. The Morgan Sports complex playground is much more toddler friendly IMO. But... I shouldn't have to drive to Okaloosa county to take my kids to the playground, nor should I have to go into Sandestin (besides, that playground is a nightmare with a 2 y/o).

Working parents childcare is definitely an issue as well. I know our church poured a lot of effort into possibly starting a daycare here, but I think it's been put on the back burner because of some seriously expensive upgrades that would have had to be done to the building. :(
There is also no Mother's Day Out program that I know of here. They have a few up in Niceville/Fort Walton, but by the time I drove out there to drop them off then drove home, I would have to turn around and come right back.

I have taken my kids to the Freeport playground next to City Hall, it's fun for them.

[florida girl]

Child care is certainly a need. There are young couples leaving the area because of this lack; and many others not locating here on a permanent basis for the same reason.

Apparently, the biggest drawback is the cost of the land/rent for a building, etc. Much the same problem as the lack of housing for those who would like to work here.....

There are some really good Employee Child Care Centers throughout the state and country; lots of research on this issue. Perhaps someone could look into those methods and modify for what we need here.

Of course, if there had been some effective growth management planning done by this county government things might look a lot different!

I think the problem of high property costs was planned along time ago, by St. Joe, and whoever. The more land the state owns, the less land for sale to the public, the higher the value of that remainder land. I still don't understand why my tax dollars go to providing the state the ability to be in the real estate business. If they sold some of that, we probably wouldn't need to pay taxes, and would have every amemity!

[florida girl]

Come on, are you saying that Kelly's is a decent grocery store? :roll:

When my mother was on "restriction" due to chemo and wasn't allowed to go anywhere she might pick up an infection, I forbade her to even enter Kelly's.

I guess she might pick up some low income germs! I remember the Dixie Dandy in Freeport, before Kelly's went in.

[florida girl]

Thanks for the info on the PCB park, drunkenartist. This lack of park issue came up at a previous BCC meeting. Celeste Cobena of the Beach to Bay (http://www.beachtobay.org), stated that she didn't want to see the big parks like Frank Brown Park, in our area. She pointed out the excessive traffic and numbers of people associated with having such a park. They would rather see this area kept more natural, and for people to seek out different sources of activity through our existing resources such as the miles of hiking and biking trails, beach, beautiful lakes, Bay and rivers. I think she makes some good points. She also pointed out the existing facilities at the high school which go unused for most of the time, which could be used for the public -- after all, our tax money pays for those facilities. Again, this is another valid point. I am a proponet of having some place of activity where we can meet as a community, such as a park, or even the schools. Personally, I think in the long term, we could save money on health care if we were fit. Making fitness fun and community oriented is one way of doing so. If a YMCA or Boys and Girls Club type of facility was integrated with the area public schools, not only would the kids have a place to hang out after school in a good environment, but they would also having more activities available for school sports. Also in my idea, the public would have access to these facilities, except for the courts, fields, or pool had practice or games. To me it is a no-brainer. Why have multiple facilities when we could spend less money and have more facilities?

I think it's probably safer on the SoWal chat community!

[florida girl]

I agree with you SJ, except that the public school grounds are very poorly maintained. Behind Butler, where the new pavillion is, it is overgrown with weeds, etc. Also, there are no restroom facilities or drinking fountains that are accessible to the general public. F.Y.I., there are plans to build a horrid steel warehouse behind Bay which will serve as the "gym." Parents are very against this and would like a real gym in a permanant building. Only a concrete floor is included (parents have to raise money for a softer floor as well as HVAC). I think this facility will be placed in the the field where you play kickball so say goodbye to that ball field. Also, there will be new playground equipment at Bay, paid for by fundraisers and parents--no county or school funds were provided. My point is that I think most people are willing to use the school facilities for our "parks," but the school district has not been overly accomodating to this idea. We've had a difficult enough time getting them to "allow" us to have the basics and then we have to also pay for them ourselves.

Celeste Cobena has every right to express her opinions, but I do not share her views. We don't need a recreation facility on the scale of Frank Brown Park, unless we want to attract national tournaments like PCB does, but it would be wonderful to have our own community park and playground.

build a horrid steel warehouse ? It would seem to me that whatever monies are available to fund a project would dictate what could be built. If you would like to donate, I'm sure they would appreciate it!

[florida girl]

Maybe that is because the tax revenue follows the County Commissioners, only one of which lives in SoWal. :idontno:

It only takes half that time to get to Freeport.

[Here4Good]

I guess she might pick up some low income germs! I remember the Dixie Dandy in Freeport, before Kelly's went in.

Low income germs? What does that mean?

No, real actual germs. Last time I was in there, the floors were so filthy that there was actually an accumulation of dirt under the produce tables. The "deli" food is all a strange color and has a strange smell, and everything on the shelves is actually dusty. The entire place smells like the refrigeration units might be about 20 degrees off, and the meat looks like it was brought from another store after it expired there.

A store doesn't have to be fancy to be CLEAN.

[bennedy]

Thare have been some grayt ideas about what we'd like to see in Sowal..however I am afraid that if we saw ALL these things like oil change shops and water parks etc., then we would be turning ourselves into a little Destin and I don't think we want that !!!!

[sunspotbaby]

Farmers Market....Toni has fresh fruits & veggies at her place on 30A. Perennials & Natives by Toni across from Butler.

[mleigh]

I would like to see a bar with topless ladies waiting tables.

CRACK ME UP!!!!!:floor:

[mleigh]

[quote=Here4Good;189637]I wish we had more waterfront dining/bars - we love B&A, it seems like there should be more places to order a beer and look out at the water!

I second this!:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:


I totally agree!!!!:clap_1: