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The TDC (Tourist Development Council) may have what you need. Contact information is at the Beaches of South Walton website. I looked at their media relations section and specifically their online press kit, and there was absolutely nothing about the number of visitors. I saw a reference to 10,000 rental units but that doesn't mean anything either. However, if you call the media relations contact person and explain what you are looking for, perhaps she will help you or point you in the right direction.

The other alternative is to contact the local tax authorities, who certainly can figure out bed tax revenue for you but I don't know if they can translate that into number of visitors. They may be able to give you an estimate though. Good luck! We need more businesses on the east end of 30-A! Every time I go up I think of a new business idea for the area. Plenty of opportunity it seems.

The TDC (Tourist Development Council) may have what you need. Contact information is at the Beaches of South Walton website. I looked at their media relations section and specifically their online press kit, and there was absolutely nothing about the number of visitors. I saw a reference to 10,000 rental units but that doesn&#039;t mean anything either. However, if you call the media relations contact person and explain what you are looking for, perhaps she will help you or point you in the right direction. 
 
The other alternative is to contact the local tax authorities, who certainly can figure out bed tax revenue for you but I don&#039;t know if they can translate that into number of visitors. They may be able to give you an estimate though. Good luck! We need more businesses on the east end of 30-A! Every time I go up I think of a new business idea for the area. Plenty of opportunity it seems.

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert

[QUOTE=rapunzel]I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area. The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I'm working with). Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data? Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great. Oh, and any advise would be appreciated![/QUOTE]Your request would be a tall order since there is not a one centralized business which has exclusive rentals in those areas. I highly doubt you will find anyone who can provide you with those numbers. That said, if you are looking for traffic counts in that area of 30A, you can look up the submitted development plans from recently approved or planned developments on that end of the beach. 

From the Municode:
 				Chapter 3  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES* 			 		 		 			  				 
					__________ 				 			
  			  				  					 [b] 						*Cross references:  					[/b] 					 						Businesses, ch. 7; health and sanitation, ch. 11. 					 				 
 			 
  			  				  					 [b] 						State law references:  					[/b] 					 Alcoholic beverages generally, F.S. chs. 561--568; general authority of county with reference to alcoholic beverages, F.S. ? 125.01(1)(o).  				 
 			 
  			  				 
					__________ 				 				
				 			 
  		 		 			 				 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-1.  Location of vendors. 							 						
  						 							  								  									(a) 									    									[i] 										Definitions. 									[/i] 									 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  									 [i] 										Restaurant 									[/i] 									 										 means a public food service establishment as defined in F.S. ? 509.013. 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  									(b) 									    									[i] 										Minimum distance from churches, schools. 									[/i] 									 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  (1)     A vendor with a place of business other than a restaurant which is licensed and required to be licensed under The Beverage Law as defined in F.S. ? 561.01 shall not be located in the unincorporated areas of the county within 1,320 feet of an established church or school. 
 							 
  							  								  (2)     A restaurant which derives at least 51 percent of its gross revenues from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages shall not be located within 500 feet of a church or school. 
 							 
  							  								  (3)     The distances shall be measured by following the shortest route of ordinary pedestrian travel along the public thoroughfare from the main entrance of the place of business to the main entrance of the church, and, in the case of a school, to the nearest point of the school grounds in use as a part of the school facilities. Where such established church or school is within the incorporated city or town and the vendor licensed or required to be licensed under The Beverage Law within the county or restaurant is outside any incorporated city or town, then such vendor's place of business shall be located the same or a greater distance from such church or school as required by the ordinance of the incorporated city or town wherein such church or school is located. Where an established church or school is located in the county outside an incorporated city or town so near the corporate limit of any such city or town that under the ordinances of such city or town a vendor licensed or required to be licensed under The B everage Law would be prohibited from establishing the vendor's business within a distance less than 1,320 feet of such church or school, then any such vendor or restaurant in the county outside such city or town may locate a place of business only at the same or a greater distance from such church or school as any such vendor located within such incorporated city or town. 
 							 
  							  								  									(c) 									    									[i] 										Exception. 									[/i] 									 Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, this section shall not apply to any vendor's place of business which:  								 
 							 
  							  								  (1)     Is licensed or required to be licensed under The Beverage Law for sale of wine or beer, as defined in such law, only for consumption off the vendor's premises. 
 							 
  							  								  (2)     Is licensed under The Beverage Law on the effective date of Ord. No. 81-8 and continues in business operation continuously thereafter, provided that the revocation of the applicable license or the cessation of business operations for a period of more than 30 days shall be deemed not to be a continuous operation. 
 							 
  							  								  (3)     Receives a written waiver from the church or churches where the vendor's place of business is located within the prescribed distance. 
 							 
  							  								  									a. 									    									The waiver must be executed by the proper authority of the church. 								
 							 
  							  								  									b. 									    									This waiver shall be on a form prescribed by Walton County, Florida. 								
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 81-8, ?? 1--3, 9-25-81; Ord. No. 2004-14, ? 2, 3-23-04; Ord. No. 2004-26, ? 2, 7-13-04) 								
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-2.  Hours of sale. 							 						
  						 							  								  The legal hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages in the county are from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week. No person shall sell alcoholic beverages except during such hours. 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 76-6, 12-28-76) 								
 							 
  							  								  									 [b] 										State law references:  									[/b] 									 										Authority to regulate hours of sale, F.S. ? 562.14. 									 								 
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-3.  Possession on school property. 							 						
  						 							  								  It shall be unlawful for any person to bring upon any portion of school property of the county school district any alcoholic beverage of any nature. 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 79-6, 10-30-79) 								
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-4.  Consumption on public right-of-way in Grayton Beach. 							 						
  						 							  								  It shall be unlawful for anyone to consume alcoholic beverages of any kind, to include beer and wine, within the public right-of-way of Grayton Beach community, as defined by the Grayton Beach Subdivision, recorded in Plat Book 2 at page 9 in the public records of the county. 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 76-4, 7-13-76) 								
 							 
  							  								  									 [b] 										Cross references:  									[/b] 									 										Roads and bridges, ch. 16. 									 								 
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-5.  Consumption on boat ramp at Alaqua Creek. 							 						
  						 							  								  Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of the boat ramp at Alaqua Creek and Highway 20, in Walton County, Florida, is hereby prohibited. 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 96-1, 3-26-96) 								
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-6.  Consumption in Grayton Beach. 							 						
  						 							  								  									(a) 									    									[i] 										Legislative findings; declaration of necessity. 									[/i] 									 										 It is found and declared that: 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  (1)     Grayton Beach is a unique and historic community in South Walton County consisting primarily of residential properties, which allows for some neighborhood scale commercial properties within its boundaries. The commercial and residential properties are in close proximity to each other and at times share a common property line. 
 							 
  							  								  (2)     In recent years the number of commercial establishments selling alcoholic beverages in Grayton Beach has increased. Some of these establishments operate into the early morning hours, selling alcoholic beverages in Grayton Beach has increased. Some of these establishments operate into the early morning hours, selling alcoholic beverages as late as 2:00 a.m. 
 							 
  							  								  (3)     Over the past several years, in part because of the operation of late-night establishments that sell alcoholic beverages, the residents of Grayton Beach have experienced an increase in excessive noise, and increase in automobile traffic, an increase in crime, and an increase in loitering on public and private properties. 
 							 
  							  								  (4)     Such excessive noise, traffic, crime, and loitering is a detriment to the public health, safety, welfare, and quality of like of the residents of Grayton Beach. 
 							 
  							  								  (5)     Additionally, an increase in alcoholic-related traffic accidents, including two traffic fatalities, is attributed to the late-night sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at commercial establishments in Grayton Beach. 
 							 
  							  								  (6)     The sale of alcoholic beverages is a privilege in this State to be granted pursuant to law under restricted terms or conditions because of the injurious effect of its use on the health and general welfare of the public. 
 							 
  							  								  (7)     The Florida Legislature has delegated exclusive authority to the counties to regulate the hours of sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the unincorporated areas of a county. 
 							 
  							  								  									(8) 									    									In the exercise of police power, Walton County has wide discretion in enacting restrictions and regulations. 								
 							 
  							  								  (9)     The necessity in the public interest for the provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted is declared as a matter of legislative determination and public policy, and it is further declared that the provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted are in pursuance of and for the purpose of securing and promoting the public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life. 
 							 
  							  								  									(b) 									    									[i] 										Definitions. 									[/i] 									 										 For the purpose of this section, certain words and phrases used herein are defined as follows: 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  									 [i] 										Grayton Beach 									[/i] 									 is the area represented by the following boundaries: County Road 30A to the North, the Gulf of Mexico to the South, Grayton Dunes State Park to the West, and Grayton Beach State Park and Western Lake to the East.  								 
 							 
  							  								  									 [i] 										Division 									[/i] 									 										 means the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  									(c) 									    									[i] 										Regulating time of sale for alcoholic and intoxicating beverages. 									[/i] 									 									 								 
 							 
  							  								  (1)     Pursuant to Section 125.01(1)(o), Florida Statutes, and Section 562.14(1), Florida Statutes, no alcoholic beverages may be sold, consumed, served, or permitted to be served or consumed in any plat in Grayton Beach, Walton County, Florida, holding a license under the division between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day, except that upon Friday and Saturday of each week and upon the eve of New Years, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, the hours of service or consumption shall be pro hibited between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m. 
 							 
  							  								  									(2) 									    									Should this section conflict with any existing Walton County Ordinance, this section controls. 								
 							 
  							  								  									(d) 									    									[i] 										Penalty. 									[/i] 									 Any person violating subsection (c) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Sections 775.082 or 775.083, Florida Statutes. Violation of subsection (c) shall also be grounds for the division to revoke or suspend the license of any person holding a license under The Beverage Law pursuant to Section 561.29, Florida Statutes.  								 
 							 
  							  								  									(e) 									    									[i] 										Judicial construction. 									[/i] 									 If any provision of this section is held to be unconstitutional, preempted by federal or state law, or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of the section shall not be invalidated.  								 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 97-15, ?? 1--5, 6-10-97; Ord. No. 97-26, 7-22-97) 								
 							 
  						 					 					  						   							  							 
								  								Sec. 3-7.  Consumption in Helen McCall Park. 							 						
  						 							  								  Use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county owned property known as Helen McCall Park is prohibited. 
 							 
  							  								  									(Ord. No. 98-15, 6-23-98)


Regarding advice, I guess we would need to know what your question is. :idontno:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area. The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I&#039;m working with). Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data? Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great. Oh, and any advise would be appreciated!</blockquote>Your request would be a tall order since there is not a one centralized business which has exclusive rentals in those areas. I highly doubt you will find anyone who can provide you with those numbers. That said, if you are looking for traffic counts in that area of 30A, you can look up the submitted development plans from recently approved or planned developments on that end of the beach. 
 
From the Municode: 
 				Chapter 3 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES* 			 		 		 			 				 
					__________ 				 			 
 			 				 					 						*Cross references: 					 					 						Businesses, ch. 7; health and sanitation, ch. 11. 					 				 
 			 
 			 				 					 						State law references: 					 					 Alcoholic beverages generally, F.S. chs. 561--568; general authority of county with reference to alcoholic beverages, F.S. ? 125.01(1)(o). 				 
 			 
 			 				 
					__________ 				 				 
				 			 
 		 		 			 				 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-1. Location of vendors. 							 						 
 						 							 								 									(a) 									 									 										Definitions. 									 									 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 									 										Restaurant 									 									 										 means a public food service establishment as defined in F.S. ? 509.013. 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(b) 									 									 										Minimum distance from churches, schools. 									 									 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 (1) A vendor with a place of business other than a restaurant which is licensed and required to be licensed under The Beverage Law as defined in F.S. ? 561.01 shall not be located in the unincorporated areas of the county within 1,320 feet of an established church or school. 
 							 
 							 								 (2) A restaurant which derives at least 51 percent of its gross revenues from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages shall not be located within 500 feet of a church or school. 
 							 
 							 								 (3) The distances shall be measured by following the shortest route of ordinary pedestrian travel along the public thoroughfare from the main entrance of the place of business to the main entrance of the church, and, in the case of a school, to the nearest point of the school grounds in use as a part of the school facilities. Where such established church or school is within the incorporated city or town and the vendor licensed or required to be licensed under The Beverage Law within the county or restaurant is outside any incorporated city or town, then such vendor&#039;s place of business shall be located the same or a greater distance from such church or school as required by the ordinance of the incorporated city or town wherein such church or school is located. Where an established church or school is located in the county outside an incorporated city or town so near the corporate limit of any such city or town that under the ordinances of such city or town a vendor licensed or required to be licensed under The B everage Law would be prohibited from establishing the vendor&#039;s business within a distance less than 1,320 feet of such church or school, then any such vendor or restaurant in the county outside such city or town may locate a place of business only at the same or a greater distance from such church or school as any such vendor located within such incorporated city or town. 
 							 
 							 								 									(c) 									 									 										Exception. 									 									 Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, this section shall not apply to any vendor&#039;s place of business which: 								 
 							 
 							 								 (1) Is licensed or required to be licensed under The Beverage Law for sale of wine or beer, as defined in such law, only for consumption off the vendor&#039;s premises. 
 							 
 							 								 (2) Is licensed under The Beverage Law on the effective date of Ord. No. 81-8 and continues in business operation continuously thereafter, provided that the revocation of the applicable license or the cessation of business operations for a period of more than 30 days shall be deemed not to be a continuous operation. 
 							 
 							 								 (3) Receives a written waiver from the church or churches where the vendor&#039;s place of business is located within the prescribed distance. 
 							 
 							 								 									a. 									 									The waiver must be executed by the proper authority of the church. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									b. 									 									This waiver shall be on a form prescribed by Walton County, Florida. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 81-8, ?? 1--3, 9-25-81; Ord. No. 2004-14, ? 2, 3-23-04; Ord. No. 2004-26, ? 2, 7-13-04) 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-2. Hours of sale. 							 						 
 						 							 								 The legal hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages in the county are from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week. No person shall sell alcoholic beverages except during such hours. 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 76-6, 12-28-76) 								 
 							 
 							 								 									 										State law references: 									 									 										Authority to regulate hours of sale, F.S. ? 562.14. 									 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-3. Possession on school property. 							 						 
 						 							 								 It shall be unlawful for any person to bring upon any portion of school property of the county school district any alcoholic beverage of any nature. 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 79-6, 10-30-79) 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-4. Consumption on public right-of-way in Grayton Beach. 							 						 
 						 							 								 It shall be unlawful for anyone to consume alcoholic beverages of any kind, to include beer and wine, within the public right-of-way of Grayton Beach community, as defined by the Grayton Beach Subdivision, recorded in Plat Book 2 at page 9 in the public records of the county. 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 76-4, 7-13-76) 								 
 							 
 							 								 									 										Cross references: 									 									 										Roads and bridges, ch. 16. 									 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-5. Consumption on boat ramp at Alaqua Creek. 							 						 
 						 							 								 Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of the boat ramp at Alaqua Creek and Highway 20, in Walton County, Florida, is hereby prohibited. 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 96-1, 3-26-96) 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-6. Consumption in Grayton Beach. 							 						 
 						 							 								 									(a) 									 									 										Legislative findings; declaration of necessity. 									 									 										 It is found and declared that: 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 (1) Grayton Beach is a unique and historic community in South Walton County consisting primarily of residential properties, which allows for some neighborhood scale commercial properties within its boundaries. The commercial and residential properties are in close proximity to each other and at times share a common property line. 
 							 
 							 								 (2) In recent years the number of commercial establishments selling alcoholic beverages in Grayton Beach has increased. Some of these establishments operate into the early morning hours, selling alcoholic beverages in Grayton Beach has increased. Some of these establishments operate into the early morning hours, selling alcoholic beverages as late as 2:00 a.m. 
 							 
 							 								 (3) Over the past several years, in part because of the operation of late-night establishments that sell alcoholic beverages, the residents of Grayton Beach have experienced an increase in excessive noise, and increase in automobile traffic, an increase in crime, and an increase in loitering on public and private properties. 
 							 
 							 								 (4) Such excessive noise, traffic, crime, and loitering is a detriment to the public health, safety, welfare, and quality of like of the residents of Grayton Beach. 
 							 
 							 								 (5) Additionally, an increase in alcoholic-related traffic accidents, including two traffic fatalities, is attributed to the late-night sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at commercial establishments in Grayton Beach. 
 							 
 							 								 (6) The sale of alcoholic beverages is a privilege in this State to be granted pursuant to law under restricted terms or conditions because of the injurious effect of its use on the health and general welfare of the public. 
 							 
 							 								 (7) The Florida Legislature has delegated exclusive authority to the counties to regulate the hours of sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the unincorporated areas of a county. 
 							 
 							 								 									(8) 									 									In the exercise of police power, Walton County has wide discretion in enacting restrictions and regulations. 								 
 							 
 							 								 (9) The necessity in the public interest for the provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted is declared as a matter of legislative determination and public policy, and it is further declared that the provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted are in pursuance of and for the purpose of securing and promoting the public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life. 
 							 
 							 								 									(b) 									 									 										Definitions. 									 									 										 For the purpose of this section, certain words and phrases used herein are defined as follows: 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 									 										Grayton Beach 									 									 is the area represented by the following boundaries: County Road 30A to the North, the Gulf of Mexico to the South, Grayton Dunes State Park to the West, and Grayton Beach State Park and Western Lake to the East. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									 										Division 									 									 										 means the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(c) 									 									 										Regulating time of sale for alcoholic and intoxicating beverages. 									 									 									 								 
 							 
 							 								 (1) Pursuant to Section 125.01(1)(o), Florida Statutes, and Section 562.14(1), Florida Statutes, no alcoholic beverages may be sold, consumed, served, or permitted to be served or consumed in any plat in Grayton Beach, Walton County, Florida, holding a license under the division between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day, except that upon Friday and Saturday of each week and upon the eve of New Years, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, the hours of service or consumption shall be pro hibited between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m. 
 							 
 							 								 									(2) 									 									Should this section conflict with any existing Walton County Ordinance, this section controls. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(d) 									 									 										Penalty. 									 									 Any person violating subsection (c) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Sections 775.082 or 775.083, Florida Statutes. Violation of subsection (c) shall also be grounds for the division to revoke or suspend the license of any person holding a license under The Beverage Law pursuant to Section 561.29, Florida Statutes. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(e) 									 									 										Judicial construction. 									 									 If any provision of this section is held to be unconstitutional, preempted by federal or state law, or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of the section shall not be invalidated. 								 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 97-15, ?? 1--5, 6-10-97; Ord. No. 97-26, 7-22-97) 								 
 							 
 						 					 					 						 							 							 
								 								Sec. 3-7. Consumption in Helen McCall Park. 							 						 
 						 							 								 Use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages within the county owned property known as Helen McCall Park is prohibited. 
 							 
 							 								 									(Ord. No. 98-15, 6-23-98) 
 
 
Regarding advice, I guess we would need to know what your question is. :idontno:

SHELLY

[QUOTE=rapunzel]I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...  Oh, and any advise would be appreciated![/QUOTE]

Think long and hard about employees and salary...there is a [B]severe shortage [/B] of competent/motivated people in the SoWal area who are willing to work and able to live on $10 per hour.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area... Oh, and any advise would be appreciated!</blockquote> 
Think long and hard about employees and salary...there is a severe shortage of competent/motivated people in the SoWal area who are willing to work and able to live on $10 per hour.

rapunzel

Beach Fanatic

Thanks so much for the feedback.  

The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July.  The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc.  The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry.  I'd sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don't want the January numbers!

The advice I'd love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc.  What other people wish they had known before opening a business here.  I would imagine the labor situation is very unique.  Anything else?

Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket?  Anyone know what happened to it?

Thanks so much for the feedback. 
 
The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I&#039;d sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don&#039;t want the January numbers! 
 
The advice I&#039;d love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc. What other people wish they had known before opening a business here. I would imagine the labor situation is very unique. Anything else? 
 
Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket? Anyone know what happened to it?

Miss Kitty

Meow

[QUOTE=rapunzel]Thanks so much for the feedback. 
 
The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I'd sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don't want the January numbers!
 
The advice I'd love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc. What other people wish they had known before opening a business here. I would imagine the labor situation is very unique. Anything else?
 
Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket? Anyone know what happened to it?[/QUOTE]
 
Wasn't that the Sip 'n Dip and now...Roly Poly???

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">Thanks so much for the feedback. 
 
The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I&#039;d sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don&#039;t want the January numbers! 
 
The advice I&#039;d love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc. What other people wish they had known before opening a business here. I would imagine the labor situation is very unique. Anything else? 
 
Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket? Anyone know what happened to it?</blockquote> 
Wasn&#039;t that the Sip &#039;n Dip and now...Roly Poly???

[QUOTE=rapunzel]Thanks so much for the feedback.  

The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I'd sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don't want the January numbers!

The advice I'd love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc. What other people wish they had known before opening a business here. I would imagine the labor situation is very unique. Anything else?

Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket?  Anyone know what happened to it?[/QUOTE]

Refer to Shelly's very accurate post number 4, regarding employees. If the sun is shining, they like to go to the beach. If it is raining, they would rather go fishing. Employees period are tough to come by, much less competent ones. This is the Beach and many people have that relaxed characteristic rather than the serious worker. (I think that is what makes this place funn though.)

The other advice I can offer is to choose your location wisely. It means the world to businesses who rely on foot traffic, rather than destination specific type businesses. 

Also, have enough cash in the bank to operate the business for two years without income, and you should be able to weather the storm, or a potentially bad hurricane season. The beginning growth stage is the toughest for all businesses, and in my opinion, most businesses which fail can contribute it to not having enough cash to weather the first two years. However, if you select a bad location, all the cash in the world will not make it better.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">Thanks so much for the feedback. 
 
The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I&#039;d sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don&#039;t want the January numbers! 
 
The advice I&#039;d love to hear -- a good attorney, accountant, etc. What other people wish they had known before opening a business here. I would imagine the labor situation is very unique. Anything else? 
 
Finally, does anyone remember a place in Seaside called The Silver Bucket? Anyone know what happened to it?</blockquote> 
Refer to Shelly&#039;s very accurate post number 4, regarding employees. If the sun is shining, they like to go to the beach. If it is raining, they would rather go fishing. Employees period are tough to come by, much less competent ones. This is the Beach and many people have that relaxed characteristic rather than the serious worker. (I think that is what makes this place funn though.) 
 
The other advice I can offer is to choose your location wisely. It means the world to businesses who rely on foot traffic, rather than destination specific type businesses. 
 
Also, have enough cash in the bank to operate the business for two years without income, and you should be able to weather the storm, or a potentially bad hurricane season. The beginning growth stage is the toughest for all businesses, and in my opinion, most businesses which fail can contribute it to not having enough cash to weather the first two years. However, if you select a bad location, all the cash in the world will not make it better.

Camp Creek Kid

Christini Zambini

[QUOTE=rapunzel]I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area.  The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I'm working with).  Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data?  Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great.  Oh, and any advise would be appreciated![/QUOTE]


A lot depends on the type of business you are considering and your location.  If you give us more specific info., perhaps we can give you more specific advice.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area. The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I&#039;m working with). Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data? Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great. Oh, and any advise would be appreciated!</blockquote> 
 
A lot depends on the type of business you are considering and your location. If you give us more specific info., perhaps we can give you more specific advice.

Why the "bad" places fail is a no-brainer.  Why the "good" places fail could be:

(1) The owner didn't have the cash to sustain their business through the off-season

(2) They had a bad (but cheaper) location

(3) The owner enjoyed the location and patrons--but "development" ruined the area and the owner moved on (or was forced out).

(4) The owner couldn't find/hold good staff.  BIG, BIG PROBLEM IN SOWAL! (Staff can't find suitable housing in the area let alone maintain it on meager salary or tips during "off" season)

(5) Ever increasing taxes and insurance were eating into the profits

(6) Restaurants have difficulty being everything to everyone (i.e., a casual beachy place for cheap fast lunch and an up-market linen & silverware place for pricey dinners--and having a staff able to pull off the switch) to realize maximum profits.


Food service and retail are pretty much money pits in the SoWal area during the off season (and sometimes during the "on" season).  Since most places in SoWal are condo with cooking facilities (as opposed to hotel rooms), and rental prices are going to JUMP, some (certainly not all) folks may be more apt to cut corners by cutting back on dining (either in price or number of times).

Personally, I think a VERY GOOD property management business with adequate cleaning staff and competent employees might be a good bet.

Why the &quot;bad&quot; places fail is a no-brainer. Why the &quot;good&quot; places fail could be: 
 
(1) The owner didn&#039;t have the cash to sustain their business through the off-season 
 
(2) They had a bad (but cheaper) location 
 
(3) The owner enjoyed the location and patrons--but &quot;development&quot; ruined the area and the owner moved on (or was forced out). 
 
(4) The owner couldn&#039;t find/hold good staff. BIG, BIG PROBLEM IN SOWAL! (Staff can&#039;t find suitable housing in the area let alone maintain it on meager salary or tips during &quot;off&quot; season) 
 
(5) Ever increasing taxes and insurance were eating into the profits 
 
(6) Restaurants have difficulty being everything to everyone (i.e., a casual beachy place for cheap fast lunch and an up-market linen &amp; silverware place for pricey dinners--and having a staff able to pull off the switch) to realize maximum profits. 
 
 
Food service and retail are pretty much money pits in the SoWal area during the off season (and sometimes during the &quot;on&quot; season). Since most places in SoWal are condo with cooking facilities (as opposed to hotel rooms), and rental prices are going to JUMP, some (certainly not all) folks may be more apt to cut corners by cutting back on dining (either in price or number of times). 
 
Personally, I think a VERY GOOD property management business with adequate cleaning staff and competent employees might be a good bet.

ShallowsNole

[QUOTE=rapunzel]

The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July.  The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc.  The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry.  I'd sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don't want the January numbers!

[/QUOTE]

It is true that the dollars collected under the bed tax have absolutely nothing to do with the number of visitors in the area. 

That being said, did you get your numbers from the county, or from the Haas Center at UWF?  The Haas Center doesn't show the total collected - they show it at a base rate to allow comparison to the other counties in the Panhandle.  Also...July was down big-time due to a little swirlie named Dennis.

Don't know if it would help, but you can call 267-3066 and get the bed tax collections history e-mailed to you...and the TDC at 267-1216 [I]might[/I] have some visitor numbers you could use.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rapunzel">The issue I am battling is that the bed tax does not really reflect how many people are in the area for a weekend in, say, July. The number looks way low to me, not accounting for how many people are represented by one bed tax, second homeowners in their own properties, private rentals, etc. The data you get from UWF makes it seem that a business paying Manhattan rent would have a customer base and traffic that is more Mayberry. I&#039;d sit and count the number of people who walked by, but I don&#039;t want the January numbers!</blockquote> 
It is true that the dollars collected under the bed tax have absolutely nothing to do with the number of visitors in the area. 
 
That being said, did you get your numbers from the county, or from the Haas Center at UWF? The Haas Center doesn&#039;t show the total collected - they show it at a base rate to allow comparison to the other counties in the Panhandle. Also...July was down big-time due to a little swirlie named Dennis. 
 
Don&#039;t know if it would help, but you can call 267-3066 and get the bed tax collections history e-mailed to you...and the TDC at 267-1216 might have some visitor numbers you could use.

I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area.  The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I'm working with).  Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data?  Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great.  Oh, and any advise would be appreciated!

I am trying desperately to put together a business plan and cannot find any usable data for visitor counts in the area...particularly in the Seacrest, Rosemary, eastern end of the 30-A area.  The data I have been able to get my hands on represents average income, demographic data for county residents, and the tourism numbers only reflect hotel guests (at least according to the real estate agent I&#039;m working with).  Does anyone have any idea were I can get better data?  Local laws regarding beer and wine sales would be great.  Oh, and any advise would be appreciated!

Looking for demographic information, etc.

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2026 SoWal Sea Turtle Nesting Season Wrapup

After Hurricane Isaias: Photos of South Walton Beaches

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026