Are you saying we should be against more tourists or for more tourists?

I think the implication is that this already is a world class place, at least to many, and that having a sportsplex or better sports facilities, cultural arts center, outdoor amphitheater, etc. will draw people from around the world (especially with a new Intl. Airport), and the locals get the year-round benefit of all of this needed infrastructure.

Not everyone who comes here remains a tourist. The enlightened and inspired ones many times end up calling it "home". We may be on a beautiful island, but lets not burn down all the bridges to the future in the name of preserving the present.

Time waits for no one. And we, the current residents, have a very advantageous situation currently, where we can be directly involved in how this Greater South Walton Community is shaped. With the growth east and west of us, I believe it is in our best interest to provide ideas on how to responsibly evolve this community to the benefit of as many as possible, whether permanent resident or visitor. If we wait, the future may not be quite as receptive. If nothing else, I think the County and the TDC are doing a pretty darn good job of asking for our input at this time.

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They're "optional" in that if you want to look like a rude cheapskate you can make a fuss and get them taken off your bill.

I think a sports facility would be a great piece of infrastructure - both for locals and as something visitors can also enjoy.

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The enemy is ignorance.

30ashopper, the TDC can't spend money on anything that isn't related to tourism. Hence building facilities to attract tourists.

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Just curious-Do you think people that use coupons are "rude cheapskates" as well?
If it's optional then who cares if people pay it or not.

I have no problem with a sales tax, we have gambling, EBRO and I would never go, and as for the tax on small business, I'll bet that tax is passed onto the customer, which I was showing with Baytowne because it is added to my bill when I have eaten there. My hope would be that user fees for tournaments and the like would eventually cover the cost. As for a Museum I have no knowledge as to it profitablity, but they just closed one in Panama City so profit may not be feasible.

My point is that the attitude about it makes it not so "optional."

Go ahead and ask for this "optional" item to be removed - the reaction you get is akin to if you suggest kicking a puppy.

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The enemy is ignorance.

Have you ever been to the current International airport in Panama City, do you really consider it an International Airport?

The optional charge is there to cover the arts and entertainment venues that those areas provide. Generally the person nit picking over what amounts to pennies is the same person that is guaranteed to be at the free event they didn't want to contribute to. Yes, they are rude cheapskates.

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As usual, I'm late to the party but the fees are not optional to the merchant remitting them to the HOA or whatever entity the developer wants it paid to. So, if the guest nitpicks and the merchant graciously takes it off, the merchant still has to pay.

One of these developments requires homeowners to send a copy of their state sales tax return to "prove" their amount due. Personally, I wouldn't do that, but...

And FF is correct - the resorts charging it don't seem to be driving anyone away.

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Just using the established name. I doubt we will have direct flights from Cairo, but I have to think it will be easier to get here from there, no matter where there is, once the new one is in place.

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Poor TDC. They use the force of law to take dollars from people for coming to this area and then they have to build things for those people to come see that they already paid for. I wonder if those TDC dollars that are TAKEN are the same dollars that fund the free family health care package of the director. I am sure giving him health care and providing employees transportation to commute to work is causing a lot of tourists to jump up and want to visit this place.

And I am sure they are all professionals. Heck they are so professional they did not even know it took an ordinance and not a resolution to raise the amount of dollars that they TAKE from tourists.

And for the TDC employees reading this, do not bother calling anyone and trying to get me to edit this post. I have done that for you guys for the last time. Register at the site with your REAL name and state your case.

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Seem kinda fiesty, have a better day.

wrobert, where were you when the TDC was formed? Isn't it your parties elected officials that approved the raise in rates?

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Are the people who run this outfit elected officials?

IIRC they are chosen by elected officials.

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Absolutely. The conservative republicans of Walton County approved the 12.5% tax increase. Some voting for it after running on a platform of holding the line on taxes. But then after they get in there, they encourage leases to be signed that increase liability to the county from 1200 a month to 9000 a month, they encourage the hiring of people to ride the bike path for 35 dollars an hour, and while admitting family health care at no charge is probably not the right thing, they take it and refuse to try to correct it.

And on the TDC board, not really sure how that works. One member speaks at all the tea parties against taxes and government, yet stands up at the REC meeting and says we should not oppose the TDC tax since we do not pay it anyway. Our chairman, after being for the TDC tax increase and chastising me for being publicly against it, finally came around and voted against it, but he was in the minority so it passed anyway.

Just goes to show you can hardly trust anyone after they get elected. The list of 'good ones' is certainly starting to shrink for me.

I just keep wondering if the democrats are for the little guy, when in the world are they going to call us on these shenanigans? But alas, not a peep, so I guess getting 80K a year for volunteers to look for turtles, allowing health to only be provided to the 'rich' is not a problem even for the local dems.

The lines are starting to blur.

But if I get one email or phone call from someone even remotely related to the TDC about this post, instead of them registering on this forum and stating their case, I am going to take my comments and thoughts directly to the 4,000 visitors of the Beaches of South Walton. Email is a wonderful thing.

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Robert
I realize this is troubling for you and many more that are like minded, but you do realize that there are those on the otherside who are not having issue with it. Sometimes one idea wins over the other. As I have been to Tallahassee representing interest of my group, I understand your frustrations when you hear one thing and something else happens even after confirming with the Representative his vote. I let my vote speak for itself, and I place signs who I can support and yes I'll even financially support them. Although this does not guarantee that I will always agree with the politician but in the end I have to decide whether they were close enough for me to assist in reelecting them. I hope your frustration is eased, not at my expense though , but I think our passion sometimes get the best of us. Relax, have a good a day.

does anyone happen to know the total $$$ amount of revenues the county has taken in in Property and bed tax combined between 2004 and 2008? A few billion at least? I think the budget says they have $100 million in reserves. Is that correct?

I know. I am trying to get out of this stuff and just go back to drinking. At the end of the day, I basically just sit down and decide did I agree with the person more or less than I disagree, if they can make it over 50% then I will write them a check, put up some signs, and vote for them. And if the election were held today I would vote for every one of them, some more enthusiastically than others, but they would all still get my vote because I have not seen anyone, that I feel is for sure going to run, bring up any ideas of any significant difference.

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did you ever think of the possibility of you, A.O., and B.H. joining forces? Residents of the south side, 2nd home owners and tourist need a louder voice in all of your opinions right?

Busta, I believe I recall wrobert saying that the people in South Walton had no business (say so) in establishing building heights in North Walton, so that probably works in the contrary, too. He doesn't likely want a say so in South Walton activities.

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What land is available for this? Who is to pay for the land? Do they intend to get it from the State Forest like the County has always tried to do in the past? I think this is a great idea, if thought through properly and does not impact the Forest which makes south Waltin so very special.

I agree murph. I think the trees along US98 should be an established buffer to any more development on the corridor. As they cruise through South Walton, who wouldn't rather enjoy nature over a boatload of commercial eye clutter?

Not saying it is a perfect example, but Hilton Head Island (at least in the beginning of their development) took that into consideration. They made sure any signs were limited to a certain size, and they were very careful about conserving natural landscapes. Wouldn't be the worst example to take some cues from.

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I don't use my real name and you still talk to me...

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And, although I didn't know it at the time of the earlier post, I think the employees of the TDC had other things on their mind today.

Prayers for Michele & Gilbert...RIP, Chase...

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Amen SN

Does tend to put things in their proper perspective. My prayers as well to the Ray family.

I believe that we need to look at SoWal priorities before jumping into such a venture. Take a look at Eastern Lake. For several years it has been in the papers, courts, various govt. entities, etc... on the condition of the lake. Eastern Lake is one of South Waltons most beautiful and natural inlet lakes. One homeowner had taken it upon himself to dump construction grade sand near the inlet cut before a tropical storm which not only raised the inlet level with sand not letting in the natural seaflow and saltwater to keep the lake alive, but now the lake is a grassy, slime infested lake with the great fishing depleted and replaced by snakes, gators and who knows what else. Lets dredge this thing back to its original state, then we can look at a sports complex!

where is the property?

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

Oh look another Worth Williams basher. Just curious are you one of the fine folks that travels out to the outfall late at night under cover of dark to illegally open the outflow? While I don't agree with the sand that was placed there, the opening of the outflow manually is not going to fix the problem. If the area were left alone mother nature would correct herself. Of course no one ever mentions the property owner on the other side who keeps installing illegal dune fencing.

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I'm surprised no one posted this little news item from yesterday.

Padgett Park to See Long-Awaited Construction

Padgett Park to See Long-Awaited Construction Save Email Print
Posted: 10:08 PM Aug 10, 2009
Last Updated: 10:08 PM Aug 10, 2009
0 comments
A $1.4 million state grant will allow Walton County officials to begin developing Padgett Park in Santa Rosa Beach.
Officials purchased the nearly 17-acres a land in 2007 in hopes of creating a recreational park.
The park was named after a Walton County resident, Sergeant Timothy Padgett who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
The county applied for the same grant in 2007 and 2008, but it was denied both times.
Friday commissioner Cecilia Jones got good news that the state had award the county $1.4 million to begin construction on the land.
Commissioner Jones is pleased with the unexpected news.
"In these tough economic times it's really hard for families just to be at peace. So, I hope we'll have a park where they can go and relax with their families," says Jones.
Construction is expected to begin by January of 2010.

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yesteday was the first I'd heard of this. Anyone else have any idea it was being considered? Anyone know what is going into the park?

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

From the glimpse I saw on TV of the site plan it appeared to be some soccer fields and a large building. They didn't elaborate on the actual plans, but perhaps Mrs. Jones will have the same site plan at her office. She was interviewed for the story.

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The plan that she had was put together so they could apply for the grant. There are no concrete details yet, and they are open to suggestion. I do think they wanted to put in some tennis courts, and playground equipment.

while we use and enjoy FBP quite a bit for swimming (and starting karate classes soon) I reallly really hope not to see this size/kind facility in SoWal. I totally agree with SJ... that we should certainly develop small scale parks/rec facilities, but we need to really take a good look at what we currently have and how we can best promote/utilize our natural resources, current lands, etc , etc. We are still very small town and blessed with unique recreational resources. we don't have to be Atlanta, or any other city. but we do need to do some visionary community planning so that we can bring the best and most suitable recreational and arts facilities to SoWal.

I will be interested in hearing whether the grant SWGB posted earlier has anything to do with the rec/play park that was proposed to the county last year.



I think you know what the heck you are talking about over there DCF - all great ideas!!! I hope you will be right there helping the community with this project - I especially like your master plan idea.

I will be interested in hearing whether the grant SWGB posted earlier has anything to do with the rec/play park that was proposed to the county last year. by Tootsie

That is exactly what I was wondering. Where does the PlayPark fit into this....did anyone know about this before? Was there a naming ceremony? I have not seen anything about it in the news--maybe I missed it.
And, the news story confuses me. It states the County bought the land; and now have a grant from Florida Forever that reimburses the county for the purchase...so, where is the money coming from to build the park?

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

I don't know specifically what was in this year's grant application, but last year when the grant was applied for, we were talking about tennis and basketball courts with a small playground and I think some type of building. This is also the site that eventually a swimming pool was planned. This is great news about the grant.

The playpark is still planned to go into Helen McCall, although it is taking a long time !!!

As to the naming it is named after a Padgett that died in Iraq/Afghanistan. I'll ask Ray the next time I see him more about it. I'm assuming this is a relative.

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thanks. I read that and I think that is great. I was just wondering if there had been a ceremony or announcement of the naming for the park. I think his mother works at the Annex, not sure if they are related to Ray, but probably.

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

Thanks. A pool would be wonderful. I am just surprised that there has been so little information about this. Or perhaps I just missed it. But, it seems like a pretty big deal to buy this land and request a grant for a good sized park, and have it already named, and I don't remember seeing any mention of it in the papers, or any ceremony for the naming...oh well.

I am glad the playpark is still going in at Helen McCall. What is taking so long?

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

I believe the naming of the park was announced at a BCC meeting, months ago.

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I think they named the park in "07 when they originally applied for the grant. The majority of the money to purchase the park came from District 5 Rec & Plat fees, so it is going back to that account.

Sorry to be so late to the discussion, but I just ran across it. I was on the board of the one of the latest attempts at bringing in performing arts center to this area (namely to Seaside). The plan fell through at the very last minute do to a breakdown in the partnership with a university that was going to supply half the funding. As it happened, the economy tanked about 5 months after it all fell through so it probably wouldn't ahve gotten the private dollars necessary anyway.

But we did an economic impact study (which is essentially what this RFP is for, not a feasibility study, which primarily is intended to determine if funding is available, and in this case, the funds are there.), and it was determined that there was a serious need for a performing arts center in northwest florida. (the OWC center was determined NOT to be a viable competitor due to its limited user groups and lack of proximity to the beaches.)

Imagine a venue that could attract national talent, and could also serve as a home for local arts organizations (Rep, Sinfonia, NW Florida Ballet, Pensacola Opera, etc.) This would be a huge draw for our target tourist and real estate market.

I think a sports complex would be very nice for locals and those on extended stays, and I'll be lining up to play, but the most logical use for tourist dollars (aka bed tax) is something that will attract more of our demographic of tourists. I worry about a sports complex's ability to function in SOWAL because of our lack of low cost hotel/motel options. Is the little league team going to stay at Watercolor Inn? They'd fly in to PCB, and on their way to our sports complex, are they going to pass up the tens of thousands of lower cost rooms in Bay County (not to mention another sports complex)?

However, if we brought in Yo Yo Ma, then Watercolor Inn would be full, as would the other vacation rental options in the area. Obviously, I have a dog in this fight (the Rep), but it seems like if given the choice between a sports complex and a performing arts center, the latter would fill a void as well as attract more of the tourists that are drawn to our county already.

Hoover, I don't think it is an either/or proposition. It's up to those of us who support both to be creative as well as constructive in our vision and our approach. But I do not disagree that capturing a higher end clientel is a good idea, as it is part of the foundation, fabric, and appeal of South Walton. Affluence exists in sports, in some sports more than other sports, just as it does for the arts. We work together on this and we'll accomplish more, and end up with a better quality end product that meets the expectations as well as the needs of our residents and visitors.

I'd say if I am an Atlanta or Nashville resident, for example, and I want my child or children participating in the "Soccer By The Surf" Tournament at the Beaches of South Walton, and I have already visited before or know much or just some about the area, I'm making every bit of this sports vacation destination about the sport, about the vacation, and about the destination, and I'm renting one of the many houses on or by the beach. And I'm telling all of my child's teammates family to do the same.

And who knows, maybe one of the nights we'll spend some extra money, get a sitter, and go check out Yo Yo Ma, or the Gyspsy Kings, or the Rep's rendition of Fiddler on the Roof, or Swan Lake as performed by the visiting New York Ballet..... and we'll go see it at the outdoor amphitheatre that is within easy driving distance of the soccer fields my kids played at earlier in the day.

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DCFinSCB,
That sounds like a highly-desired tourist in your scenario. I'm just wondering how many of them exists, and what percentage of the total sports people they would represent. Many of the parents of these kids from here to TX pull every string possible to get their kids in these tournaments, and it takes not only time away from work, but also money that they would have spent for a vacation. They often come out of guilt. When I was a kid, we wouldn't dream about going out of state for a kids sports tournament, and our parents wouldn't have been able to afford it, without making other sacrifices. I'm sure there are families which can afford a trip to SoWal, soccer tournament, baby sitter, and Yo-Yo Ma, but I think they would be a rare breed. It is just my gut thought, and I may be totally wrong.

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My reply was more specific to Hoover's post and just trying to point out that the two goals are not mutually exclusive.

I think we have to look at all of the angles on a project like this, but not necessarily try to be all things to all people. Let's figure out our competitive advantages that allow us to create uniquely inspirational South Walton and Emerald Coast experiences, and that strengthen not compromise our foundation, and capitalize on those.

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Well, I am no expert on the subject and just voicing my personal thoughts on the demographics, and I am glad you are posting your thoughts, too. I can always learn something new.

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The economic impact study is to determine which project would have the greatest positive impact. While they may decide to do both, it is still very much in question..

I don't think the only reason for a sports facility is to bring in tourists - I think it would be a great asset for OUR community.

I would like to see fine arts like the REP continue to expand, but I think a park/indoor sports facility complex to improve the health of our residents is a much more immediate need than a place where Yo-Yo Ma can perform.

A larger theatre (perhaps near the new campus) would be a nice asset for the REP and school plays, but I don't really see a major demand for a large performance space - especially considering the proximity of many of our visitors to major cities.

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The enemy is ignorance.

That all sounds good and lovely for us locals, but the TDC money isn't spent to give locals stuff, even though we may benefit. I believe their mission is to draw tourists to our area, and the way the locals benefit is by increased business revenues. The TDC doesn't make money off of the locals, and the only way they continue is by taking in the bed tax dollars.

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Any chance we could get a peek at your study?

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Wake up and look around, great idea for this project but what do kids have to do in this area?
Let's discuss a skate park, great to get tween and teen involvement plus revenues (surcharge to use facility) would be very good. This sport has a huge following and I dare say you would have many kids from neighboring areas coming to try it out. Keeps kids occupied and out of trouble.

a skate park is part of the consideration according to the link.

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Is there any new news on this?

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This was briefly discussed in a meeting the other day- currently the submitted RFPs are being reviewed as I understand it, but maybe somebody with more details can chime in.