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?

[Teresa]

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!

[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!

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.

[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.

[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

[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 ...

[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 ...

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. 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. 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

[Teresa]

I thought that the only thing nixed was the location. 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.

And a farmers Market.

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................

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...

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.

[Teresa]

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
down at Seaside.

[supermom262]

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!