Peter Bos doesn't like 30A?

[John]

Check this out:

'We're all a little traumatized' but 'Desin will prosper' over 30A destinations, Peter Bos says | destin, 30a, destinations - News - TheDestinLog.com

[scooterbug44]

Alys and Seaside vs. the hulking Vegas wannabe monstrosity near the bridge. That's a real toughie for who's got long term appeal.

[beachmouse]

People like him don't like what they can't control, and 30-A has too many different little pieces for him to control.

As for his business, reports are that his condo developments are tanking right now- they're still struglling to sell out the monstrosity, and Turnberry Harbor is rather dead at this point. Add in layoffs right before Christmas last year and an across the board 20% pay cut for all remaining employees, and it's pretty ugly for him.

As for shopping, who comes here for shopping? I mean other than, yeah, maybe pick up a nice pair of pants at the outlet mall or something. Destin is overrun with the same national chain stores you can find anywhere in America.

[ASH]

Same article ran in the Walton Sun Saturday.

[lerxst]

That article was filled with so many asinine statements it was unbelieveable. Bos is talking like a desperate, eternally optimistic real estate man holding properties he cannot sell.

"we're gonna see a huge migration to the bay"?? really? why?
"30-a was the emperor's new clothes"??
"the number one vacation attraction is now shopping." That's like saying I took a trip to the mountains to go shopping!
"free standing communities will be the losers"
"organized centers will be the winners" I thought Seaside, WaterColor Alys Beach Rosemary beach etc. are pretty organized and "master planned" no? I didn't know we were in some kind of contest, winners and losers??

"he laid blame on the current crisis on Federal regulators"
If we're looking to blame someone, there are many other responsible parties to blame, like everyone, including myself who were blinded by greed and the hope of a quick turnaround and huge profit from real estate offerings and easy loans.
For God sakes let's not blame any developers, it may make them appear to be without clothes!

[passin thru]

Well, each of us is entitled to his own opinion -- me, you and Peter Bos.

But I think he's wrong about the future & the suvivability & sustainability of 30a.

And I'm pretty sure he's wrong about, “The number one (vacation) attraction is now shopping.” Sure, maybe for some of the most shallow-minded in our society, but for most people? I don't agree at all.

Yes, both vacationers & locals alike need more things to do here besides hang at the beach -- maybe that's why bike & kayak sales and rentals are all measurably up, compared to what's happened to retail receipts at the lifestyle center.

[scooterbug44]

I don't think one of my guests has ever gone to the factory stores to go shopping. They might browse in Seaside or another fun little shop, but factory irregulars not so much (probably why they're my guests).

They've:
-learned how to surf (really wanted to kiteboard but ended up surfing)
-biked the length of 30-A
-done Eden and the house tour
-Seaside Rep
-eaten lots of seafood
-enjoyed local musical acts
-gone kayaking
-gone golfing
-visited various state parks
-toured Seaside, Watercolor, Rosemary, and Alys
-gone deep sea fishing
-attended wine tastings

AND...........asked me what that hideous thing near the bridge is!

[ItzKatzTime]

Regardless of how you feel about Peter Bos and what's happening to his own deveopments everyone on 30A should take note of what he says about what people are wanting now. We live in a fast paced world and for many they have to be moving at all times and that kind of puts the beach on the back burner. Please don't jump me for what I just said because of course there are still people who love to come here for the slower beach vacation. But, the writing is on the wall. It's been there for a while. Many people who have businesses in our area have to jump through hoops to get even a mild amount of business compared to how it was before there was a Destin Commons, Grand Blvd. and now Pier Park. Bay Town is in there somewhere, I'm not sure where though. When I heard they had moved The Jazz Festival from Gulf Place to Panama City and Via Colori to Grand Blvd. I thought of how Arts Quest went from Grayton Beach to Eden State Park and then to Bay Town. While each of these moves are good ones for many reasons......it is also another event moved from our area that brought dollars into so many many businesses. We all may not feel it immediately, but over the years more and more people will want to stay close to the venue.

Not long ago, and I can't remember who, someone posted that 30A/98 has become the graveyard between Destin and Panama City. I've thought about that statement quite a bit. It has bothered me and sometimes I try to think too hard about it! I recall another time when it WAS like a graveyard between Destin and PCB....but that was 20 years ago when the only restaurants were Bud and Aly's, Grayton Corner Cafe, Criola's, The Lake Place and a few more.....and they were packed during the season. Shopping consisted of a few ecletic shops, Seaside's Perspicasidy and a few others. And, these were packed with shoppers too!! They were packed because they were great at what they did and there was no other place to eat or shop for a long ways east or west.......and it was just such a neat place with super cool products. And of course, NO COMPETITION....the pie has now been cut too many times for most industries in our beautiful area.

Now, here's the big question, Do We Allow Our Business Friends To Be Swallowed Up? Moved out?? Closed down?? It's hard because we love so many of them and have known them to be friends for so long, and some not so long. Can we as a community keep this from happening? I do not know the answer. With the economy the way it's been no one has that kind of money. With people so spread out from Destin to PCB they go to what's convenient. I know I do many times. What's the answer? Because my dear friends, it is a big problem!

Just some thoughts about this article regarding PB's predictions for Destin and the 30A area. I know I wore my Rose Colored Glasses for way too long.

I LOVE 30A!

[scooterbug44]

I think we are in danger of losing $$$ and guests if we allow certain people to ruin the things that make 30-A a unique destination - banning live music, having the cops show up at weddings, festivals getting moved away because they inconvenienced a few people, running little kids off your "private" beach etc.

If we can put the brakes on the negative and vocal folks who want to turn 30-A into a retirement community, Bos and Destin will have to be content w/ our leavings!

[melscuba]

Just my thoughts from someone who has fallen in love with 30-A. We are from the Atlanta area, and yes started vacationing down there because of its relative close proximity. We started in a more commercialized area because that is what was recommended by friends. We quickly discovered scenic route 30-A and have vacationed there ever since. While shopping is a nice leisurely thing to do on a rainy day, it is not why we drive out of Atlanta. We have terrific shopping right in our own back yard. We love what 30-A has to offer for all the outdoor activities, etc. Something that immediately caught my attention was the love the locals have for the area. I always come home with a sense that those who live there truly treasure their home. When we shop, we search out the places we can't find here. We love to see the local art, the tiny boutiques, and specialty shops. I want to take home little things to remind me of the wonderful place that we come back to year after year. There is something for everyone... large retail chain shopping included. As for me, and I'm confident many others, we will continue to come and enjoy the local flavor of 30-A and come home the better for it!

[traderx]

I was down for a few days a couple of weeks ago and for the first time in twenty years, I did not stay in SoWal. Why? A number of reasons really. I got tired of all the fees. Cleaning fee, admin fee, reservation fee, deposit, etc. Another reason is the highly variable condition of condos/homes for rent. Most owners are reasonable and furnish and decorate their units in keeping with the cost but sadly there are a number of owners who let the carpet go until it is way beyond nasty; same with upholstered furniture. And then came the proposal to raise the bed tax in Walton County. Let's see, I get to pay an increased bed tax so that the county can market to tourists farther away than they currently market to. That put me over the edge.

I stayed in a hotel, had a nice ocean view, got a free hot breakfast every morning and free drinks at night. All for a very attractive rate. No muss, no fuss, no deposit, no cleaning fee, etc.

I truly believe that the typical American consumer changed after October 2008. Most are looking after their wallets a little closer, looking for deals and negotiating rates and other purchases. I believe this change will be permanent.

[GoodWitch58]

I think Bos' statement about "shopping being the number one reason people come here now" is the most out of touch comment--no one is shopping anywhere right now! That's why stores all over the country are closing up! So, what is he talking about?

And, even if people were still shopping--why would they come here to shop? While we have some nice places, we do not have anything that most people can't get back home--whereever home is.

And, what airport is he talking about that is being built on the Okaloosa-Walton county line?:
I am not sure what his point was in that speech, but whatever it was, his reasoning is confusing to say the least.

I do think that overdevelopment has caused us a problem, but I also think the economy, the restrictions on the beach (and the attitudes that caused that) and moving events like Jazz Festival and Arts Quest...and others, have had a huge impact.

We can get it back, I think, but we will all need to work together to do it.

[Lisa Ruby]

In the grand scheme of things, any area will attract visitors and buyers based on their preferences. And yes, it is much more difficult for some types of businesses to survive when the overheads are high and the pie is sliced. In watching the last 20 years of development, I see 30-A as the blessing in a myriad of bad decisions in adjacent communities, and feel more blessed for being able to be here and a part of this fabulous community. You either "get it" or "you don't".....and I'm secretly happy Mr. Bos isn't fond of 30-A.

[fisher]

Different strokes for different folks.

If you like cheaper rents, high rises, wall to wall people on the beach, putt putt, waterparks, go karts, lots of dining choices from McD's to Ruth Chris, etc, or you are young and looking for lots of action, then Destin and Panama City are for you. There are tons of people that choose those destinations for those various reasons. Nothing wrong with that. Some folks (not me) actually believe that Emerald Grande is the cats meow. Good for them.

If you like more upscale accomodations, quieter beaches, fewer local entertainment options, and an overall more laid back place to live or vacation, then 30A is a grayt place to be.

I personally like the more laid back/low rise style of 30A where I never really need a car (yet, I can still go into Destin for a day of go karts, putt putt and waterparks or a night of fun at Baytowne Wharf or Pier Park, but return to the relative peace of 30A after just such a hectic day in Destin).


Regardless, all areas along the emerald coast are struggling in the area of real estate. And, all will likely continue to struggle for quite some time. I have no doubt that Destin, PC and 30A real estate will fall, stabilize and eventually rise together.

[bradleyball]

In my case, Mr. Bos is dead wrong. We have just purchased in Watercolor, and intend to relocate.

We certainly looked at Destin and Panama City, but we could not otherwise find the unique charm that is 30A. We feel fortunate that we will have a convenient new airport, excellent shopping, and fine dining within a short drive (or walk).

But what we treasure is the beautiful beach, and the sense of community and neighborhood events centered on Seaside/Watercolor.

[Bobby J]

I think that his statements are very short sighted and could perhaps be taken seriously if he was not so heavily invested in Destin. The outlet malls are like 9 miles from 30A.... I think if a person on vacation really had to go shopping in Destin they would be able to handle the rough 9 mile drive or perhaps the 13 miles to Destin Commons (Actually from the corner of 283 and 98, Destin Commons is 15 miles).

Over the past two years I have also become quite comfortable with not everyone needing to understand 30A. This area is very special and the market collapse is helping bring our community back together again. We are going to have lots of pain but in the end we will be a better place with people that want to be here and understand the attractions( State Parks, Dune lakes, unique shopping and dining, bike paths, community events, etc.). My family enjoys a good visit to Destin every now and again but give me 30A any day!

Funny how 30A was even brought up? Two different markets. Two different types of Buyers. Odd.

[Bob]

30a was brought up because 30a could become destin, but destin can never become 30a. 30a is that special.

[DuneLaker]

South Walton, SoWal is definitely not Destin ... thank goodness!!! Wow. That could be a new slogan. SoWal -- Definitely not Destin! Think of a few names you don't want to be associated with. Why would anyone buy or stay in Destin when they could be in SoWal or along 30A!! Crazy. (ps. Sandestin is in SoWal and not in Destin in case you are worried about being in the best location on the Emerald Coast) With the recent bad press with Destin, we should be thankful that SoWal is really a different and unique location.

Let me repeat this. Sandestin is not in Destin. Your address should be Miramar Beach, not Destin. Different zip code, etc. etc. etc. Sandestin is in SoWal and closely connected to 30A -- not Destin. So the article referenced in this section is warped. Sandestin and SoWal are going to be just fine. I don't know about Bos and his developments in Destin and Emerald Grand. People in Sandestin need to connect with South Walton and Walton County and really understand that they are not in Destin and Okaloosa County.

[DuneLaker]

Different strokes for different folks.

Regardless, all areas along the emerald coast are struggling in the area of real estate. And, all will likely continue to struggle for quite some time. I have no doubt that Destin, PC and 30A real estate will fall, stabilize and eventually rise together.

Talk about rising and fallling together. Communities that built back with some regard for their natural surroundings will live to see another day. I predict that the Emerald Grand will indeed fall into the Gulf in the future and block the Destin Harbor. Just IMHO.

[Miss Kitty]

Miss Kitty doesn't like Peter Bos?

No, she thinks he sounds like an IDIOT.

Either you get get 30A, or you don't. And, Mr. Bos never will.

[GoodWitch58]

and, upon reflection, that is probably a good thing for 30A and those who love it!

[hnooe]

If Destin is analguous to greater "Los Angeles," then 30A is Malibu.

[jodiFL]

Talk about rising and fallling together. Communities that built back with some regard for their natural surroundings will live to see another day. I predict that the Emerald Grand will indeed fall into the Gulf in the future and block the Destin Harbor. Just IMHO.

We can only hope. Since fishing regulations have just about put the fleet out of business the pass is pretty much only used for drunks to get to Crab Island from the harbor. I was bringing a first time visitor back to 30A from VPS the other day and was so glad there was HEAVY fog so they couldnt see that thing.

[Mermaid]

I am always skeptical of someone else's argument when the only way they prove their point is by denigrating some other idea. Case in point: Peter Bos bolsters Destin by pronouncing gloom and doom on the communities of 30-A. What's wrong? Destin can't stand on its own merits? Why the need to tear down what we have in SoWal?

[Cheering472]

That's OK Peter B, more sand and tranquility for us. Enjoy your mall.

[bluecat]

Gloom and doom came to Destin when they started building high rises.Haven't stayed there in quite a while, prefer the quiet of 30-A. First time I went to Destin it was a great deal like 30-A is now. I think there was one deep sea fishing charter, a few old cottages, then after a hurricane everything changed and so called progress took over. Hope 30-A stays the way it is.

[joho]

I was down for a few days a couple of weeks ago and for the first time in twenty years, I did not stay in SoWal. Why? A number of reasons really. I got tired of all the fees. Cleaning fee, admin fee, reservation fee, deposit, etc. Another reason is the highly variable condition of condos/homes for rent. Most owners are reasonable and furnish and decorate their units in keeping with the cost but sadly there are a number of owners who let the carpet go until it is way beyond nasty; same with upholstered furniture. And then came the proposal to raise the bed tax in Walton County. Let's see, I get to pay an increased bed tax so that the county can market to tourists farther away than they currently market to. That put me over the edge.

I stayed in a hotel, had a nice ocean view, got a free hot breakfast every morning and free drinks at night. All for a very attractive rate. No muss, no fuss, no deposit, no cleaning fee, etc.

I truly believe that the typical American consumer changed after October 2008. Most are looking after their wallets a little closer, looking for deals and negotiating rates and other purchases. I believe this change will be permanent.

What was the traffic like during your stay in Destin?

[Seasheller]

Stay away from 30A Peter B...LOVE it here without your "footprint". Keep doing your thing
in Destin. We are so happy you didn't have the same "vision" for 30A. I grew up in Boca Raton
in the 60's when it was authentic, old Florida, tranquil and close to perfection. I watched what
happened when the condos, malls, and growth trampled the town and it lost all of its
character and became something I didn't recognize. I never "got" the whole Destin thing here
as a visitor over the years. But then we detoured last year to 30A. It was love at first sight, bought
2 months later. Its the closest I have come to feeling the old Florida vibe again. Can't get enough of it. And my three kids...all in their twenties love it as well. And I shop in Destin now and
then and can't WAIT to get back to my quiet cottage. The interview was so self serving and so
off target as it related to 30A. You must have been having a bad day. Maybe need to come
down our way for a little R and R.

[Everytime]

I stayed in a hotel, had a nice ocean view, got a free hot breakfast every morning and free drinks at night. All for a very attractive rate. No muss, no fuss, no deposit, no cleaning fee, etc.

Now the Embassy Suites in Miramar Beach is understandable; who can complain about free beer and breakfast? I could live there if the hotel were on the beach side of Scenic 98 and the units had balconies. That area is still SoWal (but still not 30A). I stay there on business trips - cheap!

[Yellow Hammer]

Reporter: So Satan, what do you think of the real estate market....
Satan: Well Heaven is over rated, full of pretntious do gooders, with the "soul" intent of being part of a community...how shallow is that..
Reporter: So what part of the market to you see returning?
Satan: Well...Hell. With purgatory being the place for families wishing to miss the hustle and bustle of a burgeoning city full of fun loving, violently amusing, miserable people that used to go to Panama City.