What's Up at Prominence?

Where and how are the residents of a town the size of Seaside to go to the beach?

Where and how are the residents of a town the size of Seaside to go to the beach?

The original plan was the access in Deer Lake Park. Transport provided or drive yourself. Not a very good solution as parking is limited and it is a looooong boardwalk to the beach. Hope for all our sakes the idea of closing the park does not resurface as this developer would almost certainly try to acquire it when the state put it up for sale as excess inventory to raise funds. God knows what they would build on it then.

The original plan was the access in Deer Lake Park. Transport provided or drive yourself. Not a very good solution as parking is limited and it is a looooong boardwalk to the beach. Hope for all our sakes the idea of closing the park does not resurface as this developer would almost certainly try to acquire it when the state put it up for sale as excess inventory to raise funds. God knows what they would build on it then.

Can someone help me out here? We are considering purchasing a lot in Watersound West Beach. Is this Prominence right next door to it? If so, I imagine this has the potential to have a huge impact on the West Beach area, including not having the protection of the Deer Lake State Park?

Thank you.

Thanks all for the interest and comments! We will do our best to check in with the SOWALLERS on a consistent basis to provide updates. "New Orchard Group" is the brand for a number of real estate related companies. Their companies have developed several properties including The Private Residence Club in Rosemary Beach, The Mercado (where Paradis is located), The Savannah (where Starbucks used to be in Rosemary), Redfish Village and numerous others. Their headquarters is in Rosemary Beach. The principals, Steve and Brad live full time on 30A with their families and welcome any SOWALLERS who would like to visit with them to discuss Prominence. They can be reached at 850-231-0850. The primary owner of Prominence and financial resource behind the project is an entity of The Colonial Company of Montgomery, Alabama.

Thank you! :wave:

Wishing you the best and thanks for keeping the SoWal community informed. We have a place in Seacrest Beach and it will be good to see movement at Prominence when we drive by.

I believe that Watersound West is to the west of Deer Lake. Prominence is to the east of Deer Lake. I see no problem there. The walkover at Watersound West is longer than the walkover at Deer Lake.

The original plan was the access in Deer Lake Park. Transport provided or drive yourself. Not a very good solution as parking is limited and it is a looooong boardwalk to the beach. Hope for all our sakes the idea of closing the park does not resurface as this developer would almost certainly try to acquire it when the state put it up for sale as excess inventory to raise funds. God knows what they would build on it then.

I don't want Deer Lake to be sold to a developer. I hope that the state would not allow this. Some of the other state parks that define the uniqueness of this area be might be next. OMG! If the state parks are in danger, maybe a group of private investors could get together to preserve the pristine nature of these parks. If that occurs, please PM me.

NO DESTIN ON 30A!

Can someone help me out here? We are considering purchasing a lot in Watersound West Beach. Is this Prominence right next door to it? If so, I imagine this has the potential to have a huge impact on the West Beach area, including not having the protection of the Deer Lake State Park?

Thank you.

St Joe owns everything that surround this area. The beach here will be quite a busy place in 20 years, but there's nothing anyone can do about that. Prominence actually seems to be well situated as long as they've managed to work out good beach access.

Walton County Parcel Maps

The state floated the idea of closing some state parks to save money and Deer Lake was on the list. The outcry from Sowal helped change that. The state would not have saved but about $5000/yr if I remember correctly although originally projected at $50,000. Eternal vigilance is needed to nip these ideas in the bud, especially when they emanate from politicians.

I think Prominence will have much success if they turn that water feature into a wave pool.... 😀

So what is the New Orchid Group's involvement? I really don't understand their role in this development.

Good morning Smiling Joe,

New Orchard's role is to be the local partner for The Colonial Company. They are responsible for managing and coordinating all activities and efforts related to Prominence. For anyone who has further interest, Brad and Steve are available to discuss the plans for Prominence in person or by phone - and can be reached at 850-231-0850. There will be a Welcome Center opening on site in the near future.

Regarding Deer Lake State Park, there are no plans or discussions about adding property as a part of the Prominence project.

Thank you!:wave:

Good morning Smiling Joe,

New Orchard's role is to be the local partner for The Colonial Company. They are responsible for managing and coordinating all activities and efforts related to Prominence. For anyone who has further interest, Brad and Steve are available to discuss the plans for Prominence in person or by phone - and can be reached at 850-231-0850. There will be a Welcome Center opening on site in the near future.

Regarding Deer Lake State Park, there are no plans or discussions about adding property as a part of the Prominence project.

Thank you!:wave:

Just curious, how do you all plan to handle beach access with St Joe owning that sliver of property south of the community? From the airals it doesn't look like beach access will be directly south, but maybe off the south west corner?

Just curious, how do you all plan to handle beach access with St Joe owning that sliver of property south of the community? From the airals it doesn't look like beach access will be directly south, but maybe off the south west corner?

Hello 30A Shopper,

As you can see from looking at the aerials, Prominence is completely surrounded by Watersound and does not have beach access through their property.

Thank you! :wave:

Just curious, how do you all plan to handle beach access with St Joe owning that sliver of property south of the community?

..."Don't ask, don't tell."

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Hello 30A Shopper,

As you can see from looking at the aerials, Prominence is completely surrounded by Watersound and does not have beach access through their property.

Thank you! :wave:

Have you & Colonial made any recent proposals to St Joe for them to buy out Prominence?

Given the ownership map of the neighborhood, they were, and still are, the only logical developer of this parcel, IMO.

Glad to hear that you are going to do something w/ Prominence. Always thought it was a cool concept.

Have you & Colonial made any recent proposals to St Joe for them to buy out Prominence?

Given the ownership map of the neighborhood, they were, and still are, the only logical developer of this parcel, IMO.

IMO the only logical beach access is through Deer Lake State Park as originally planned - at least that's what I was told early on when I inquired about lots. That's one reason I hope the state never puts the park for sale(see my previous posts).

Joe originally tried to buy this parcel when Watersound was being planned but the owners had a hard-on for JOE and refused ( I think $33M was the offer ). Bet they wish they had now.

I don't want Deer Lake to be sold to a developer. I hope that the state would not allow this. Some of the other state parks that define the uniqueness of this area be might be next. OMG! If the state parks are in danger, maybe a group of private investors could get together to preserve the pristine nature of these parks. If that occurs, please PM me.

NO DESTIN ON 30A!

I echo your sentiments. I would be interested in putting together a group of investors if the park ever became available.

What will keep those private investors from selling the park too?

IMO we need to make sure the state CAN'T sell the park to anybody!

What will keep those private investors from selling the park too?

IMO we need to make sure the state CAN'T sell the park to anybody!

True.dat.

But idealism and reality are sometimes at odds.

Need a lawyer here. Maybe the state could own it, private investors could pay to maintain it, and it remain public? I am totally outside my area of expertise. Need legal help. I just want Deer Lake Park to stay pristine with no development.

My battery is about to die, so I am over and out.

Seems like the logical thing to do with Deer Lake is to offer to let Walton County manage it or take title of it. They already have a state/county lease agreement with Morrison Springs park. And there's precedent for just deeding it over to the county like they deeded over the now former Navarre Beach SP to Santa Rosa County.

Hold your horses please everyone. No one is talking about developing state parks.

Anyone can use a state park for beach access, just like the rest of us. Prominence is just like any other landlocked subdivision, whether it's on scenic 30A or Freeport. Its residents and renters make their way to the beach however they can.

Our most vigilant defender of state lands in SoWal is Celeste Cobena and Beach To Bay Connection - Beach to Bay Connection

Celeste is the Soap Pedaler and has handmade fine bath and beauty products for many years before it became such a huge industry. You can support her by buying from her direct or outlets throughout SoWal like For The Health Of It in Blue Mountain Beach.

Also defending our environment and parks - South Walton Community Council - Home Page

Hold your horses please everyone. No one is talking about developing state parks.

Anyone can use a state park for beach access, just like the rest of us. Prominence is just like any other landlocked subdivision, whether it's on scenic 30A or Freeport. Its residents and renters make their way to the beach however they can.

Our most vigilant defender of state lands in SoWal is Celeste Cobena and Beach To Bay Connection - Beach to Bay Connection

Celeste is the Soap Pedaler and has handmade fine bath and beauty products for many years before it became such a huge industry. You can support her by buying from her direct or outlets throughout SoWal like For The Health Of It in Blue Mountain Beach.

Also defending our environment and parks - South Walton Community Council - Home Page

That's great news! Thanks, Kurt.

It's the Redfish Village People.

😀

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I'm still trying to figure out why you're grinning so much. Inside joke, kind and humble sir??? I thought everyone would be hoping for their neighbor's success.