What happened to South Walton

**Waterbaddrinkwine** · 07-24-2011, 12:14 PM

I moved here in 1981, I was amazed at how friendly people were. The first thing I noticed that was different from other places I had lived was that everyone waved at you when they drove by. You would walk in a store and feel as if they knew you. The tourists and locals would hang out together at the local bars making for some of the fondest memories!

A few years back I went to St. Thomas Island and before we got off the plane they explained local customs one of which was when you walked pass someone on the street it was customary to ingage in small talk, not just pass by or give a nod. Once you got used to that it actually became fun and was a great way to meet and learn about people.

My point is, I feel like a lot of people here just aren't friendly. I've worked in Seaside, Rosemary, Watercolor and everywhere else on 30A (Painting and maintenence) and have noticed this trend since about 1996. I know there are still a lot of friendly happy people it just seems like there are a lot more grumpy ones.

So I thought, from here on out I'm going to do like they do in St. Thomas and smile, wave and talk to people. If we all did that you wouldn't believe how infectious it is.

Sorry, just had to semi rant!

DD · 07-24-2011, 12:17 PM

You go, wbdw! Spread the love!

**kurt** · 07-24-2011, 12:45 PM

It is a completely different world from the 80s or even 90s. Even so most people from other parts of the country or world say it's very friendly around here.

As small town grow larger they tend to lose some calm and charm I suppose. SoWal used to be more laid back. The biggest change took place with the run up of real estate. People chasing money came here. Some have since left or chilled out. But many are still around and are like fishies out of water.

Also the bubble popping, storms, and BP have taken their toll on some folks.

Everyone here gets worn out this time of year from heat and months of visitors. Overall though the people I know are happy beach folk and would dig ditches to live here.

**Waterbaddrinkwine** · 07-24-2011, 12:52 PM

I agree Kurt, southern hospitality is still alive and well in SoWal. Also, your other point about the real estate is probably the #1 culprit. I love it here and won't ever leave so I guess I'll just keep smilin and wavin and lovin life!

**ameliaj** · 07-24-2011, 02:06 PM

WBDW, I'll be happy to small talk with you...keep the good feeling moving. It'll catch on.

**mputnal3** · 07-24-2011, 02:11 PM

Growth has always created changes within communities but I have noticed something much worse following the BP disaster. I have a lot of customers in South Walton who for the first time believe that things will get worse and not better. Some have left the area because of economic stress. Some have left because of fear that our paradise will never be the same. Others are just plain stressed. I also have a business in Tallahassee and I can assure you that stress has also dramatically changed what used to be Southern Hospitality. SH still exists but it is becoming an exception to the rule. Compared to Tallahassee, South Walton is still a community paradise full of SH but I have a real concern that the BP disaster has seriously damaged our confidence in the longevity of our coastal paradise.

**kurt** · 07-24-2011, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by mputnal3

Growth has always created changes within communities but I have noticed something much worse following the BP disaster. I have a lot of customers in South Walton who for the first time believe that things will get worse and not better. Some have left the area because of economic stress. Some have left because of fear that our paradise will never be the same. Others are just plain stressed. I also have a business in Tallahassee and I can assure you that stress has also dramatically changed what used to be Southern Hospitality. SH still exists but it is becoming an exception to the rule. Compared to Tallahassee, South Walton is still a community paradise full of SH but I have a real concern that the BP disaster has seriously damaged our confidence in the longevity of our coastal paradise.

That's an interesting perspective since I have seen huge smiles from locals as the summer has gotten better and better. A lot of people are getting well this year and I don't hear pessimism except from a few folks who, as I posted earlier, are never going to be happy.

**mputnal3** · 07-24-2011, 02:48 PM

Kurt, I am not judging you or our community. I am only repeating what many of my customers have said to me as well as my humble opinions. You can disagree with me and I can accept that. Maybe the local people I talk to are not always located off of 30A but some are. You seem to be a good person who is genuinely protective of our community and I admire your optimism. I do not think I am a pessimist but more a realist.

DD · 07-24-2011, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

It is a completely different world from the 80s or even 90s. Even so most people from other parts of the country or world say it's very friendly around here.

As small town grow larger they tend to lose some calm and charm I suppose. SoWal used to be more laid back. The biggest change took place with the run up of real estate. People chasing money came here. Some have since left or chilled out. But many are still around and are like fishies out of water.

Also the bubble popping, storms, and BP have taken their toll on some folks.

Everyone here gets worn out this time of year from heat and months of visitors. Overall though the people I know are happy beach folk and would dig ditches to live here.

I think this is all so true....even though I'm not a local, I can totally understand. I have to say that after dealing with the rain crazed crowds this past week, I can really relate to how the locals must feel about half way through the season. A double edged sword I imagine. That said, I have never found the folks of SoWal to be anything but brimming with SH.

**spartan1** · 07-24-2011, 05:28 PM

I think Sowal is great partially because of the people. I'm "local" who goes to school in a different part of the country and I was back earlier this summer after being gone for a year. I was checking out at Publix, and the cashier says to me, "I saw you were back in town. How are you enjoying being back here?". I was shocked because though I could recognize this cashier woman, I was definitely not expecting that.

**Waterbaddrinkwine** · 07-24-2011, 06:08 PM

Compared to last year at this time everyone is happier, not to mention the tourists are back in record numbers and the investers are diving in like bottom feeders. There is loads of SH here and maybe it's the toursists that are becoming more uppity. I think Walton County TDC should adopt the same thing they do in St. Thomas and tell people being happy and friendly is a local custom! Smile, life is good!

**Waterbaddrinkwine** · 07-24-2011, 06:09 PM

Ya just gotta love Publix.....

**BeachbumAggie** · 07-24-2011, 06:55 PM

We started coming to SoWal about 7 years ago and as the crowds have grown dramatically I have seen folks become a little less friendly as well. I have never met a stranger and will talk to anyone even semi willing to talk to me but everyone is certainly not like that!! I still feel the locals are friendly, it's some of the tourist or seasonal home owners that seem less friendly to me. Fighting the crowds can create a bit of stress for folks as well as too much family time so maybe that's the issue!!! he he

**mputnal3** · 07-24-2011, 07:08 PM

The St. Thomas customs use to exist naturally in Tallahassee, in my home town 80 miles SE of Tally and especially in Sowal but it is fading. As a realist I can accept this and still be happy to have what we have. As an optimist I can set the example for something better. As a pessimist I would have feelings of hopelessness. Our society (god forbid but maybe even our community) has symptoms of a "cold". Maybe the cure is more "sunshine". Oh, that is what Kurt was saying to me...or is it??? Okay, okay I am smilling!

**Lake View Too** · 07-24-2011, 07:34 PM

Maybe we just need to have free margarita stands on every corner... from the two "doom and gloom" threads you've started lately, it might just be you are in a bad mood. The movement you need is on your shoulders.

**mputnal3** · 07-24-2011, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

Maybe we just need to have free margarita stands on every corner... from the two "doom and gloom" threads you've started lately, it might just be you are in a bad mood. The movement you need is on your shoulders.

Hey I like the margarita stand idea. I wave at people in passing. I smile a lot. I can also take your opinion of my "doom and gloom" threads and carry the weight of what I see happening all around our community and in Washington. I can accept that I may be wrong about forming an opinion based on what I see and hear. I can tell you for certain that I admire people with optimism. Optimisim is contagious so keep it coming. Being a realist all the time is frustrating and no fun. I have to go now and make me a margarita...

**tistheseason** · 07-24-2011, 09:09 PM

I'm all for the margarita stands! For the most part people are very friendly -- however that doesn't mean everyone that walks by is going to want to chat -- sometimes they are lost in their own thoughts. I noticed this as my kids worked the lemonade stand at gigi's store on Saturday. Sometimes people would walk right by the kids asking if they wanted lemonade. Once they realized what they had done, they'd come back to make a donation and get some lemonade. They certaintly weren't rude, just daydreaming!

**idlewind** · 07-24-2011, 10:59 PM

Most people have moved on from the BP problem and are moving forward with their lives. I see cautious optimism among most locals with the only drag being the continued difficulty with real estate sales. But my experience is that locals draw closer to each other in bad times and are as friendly and helpful as ever. In good times everyone is doing their own thing but the underlying values are still there.

**kurt** · 07-25-2011, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by idlewind

Most people have moved on from the BP problem and are moving forward with their lives. I see cautious optimism among most locals with the only drag being the continued difficulty with real estate sales. But my experience is that locals draw closer to each other in bad times and are as friendly and helpful as ever. In good times everyone is doing their own thing but the underlying values are still there.

That's my take. I'm wondering who mputnal is talking to. There were a ton of locals on the beach yesterday. I'm thinking there was a little pent up demand there also, along with visitors. And maybe we got a look at how precious and fragile it all is and some folks are getting out to enjoy it more. Wouldn't that be cool?

**Lake View Too** · 07-25-2011, 05:59 AM

Everybody is a little on edge because the government is about to collapse... we'll be alright once the margarita stands are operational.

**mputnal3** · 07-25-2011, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

That's my take. I'm wondering who mputnal is talking to. There were a ton of locals on the beach yesterday. I'm thinking there was a little pent up demand there also, along with visitors. And maybe we got a look at how precious and fragile it all is and some folks are getting out to enjoy it more. Wouldn't that be cool?

Idlewild is right. There is cautious optimism and yes Kurt is correct in that it would be "cool" if everyon could fully appreciate our fragile resources. I love this community and I want it to last forever for my children and grandchildren (hopefully) but there are some things that we need to recognize so that at least we are aware of. If some of my customers are telling me that things are not the same and have decided to move away then I should be mindful of this information for many reasons. It may not seem like a lot to anyone else but I have lost 2 or 3 customers in the last year with many others simply not spending. My customers are small businesses, local government, commercial businesses, rental homes, and residential . I am glad for all those that are getting well but not everyone is getting well at least not yet. One allure of the South Walton community is the sense of everyone being part of something bigger than themselves. This comes from the appreciation of our beautiful resources. Yes we have to move on from the BP disaster and yes we have learned just how fragile our paradise is? A new normal exists. I think you misunderstand me and that is my fault. We are basicly saying the same things. Idlewild is so right about this community pulling together in a crisis. That "ideal" is very important for ALL of us to try and protect. Being aware of those that are not "well" can only help this community.

**scooterbug44** · 07-25-2011, 09:43 AM

I think South Walton is a very friendly place compared to most of the the US, but I do notice that the level of rush/dissatisfaction/cranky seems to increase significantly during the season.

I chalk it up to added stress and an influx of big city folk/visitors who aren't used to the pace and mood of Sowal.

**joho** · 07-25-2011, 10:26 AM

I've been here for years and I still feel this place is one of the friendliest places you'll ever experience. I've heard it from many tourist that visit South Walton they can't believe how friendly, helpful and courteous the locals are. I reply with " look at where we live!" I'm proud to live here and everyday remind myself how fortunate I am to do so.

**kurt** · 07-25-2011, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I think South Walton is a very friendly place compared to most of the the US, but I do notice that the level of rush/dissatisfaction/cranky seems to increase significantly during the season.

I chalk it up to added stress and an influx of big city folk/visitors who aren't used to the pace and mood of Sowal.

I imagine you mean as the season wears on and the heat gets stifling. Dog Days of Summer.

True dat - things are easier after the GOBB party.

**kurt** · 07-25-2011, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by mputnal3

Idlewild is right. There is cautious optimism and yes Kurt is correct in that it would be "cool" if everyon could fully appreciate our fragile resources. I love this community and I want it to last forever for my children and grandchildren (hopefully) but there are some things that we need to recognize so that at least we are aware of. If some of my customers are telling me that things are not the same and have decided to move away then I should be mindful of this information for many reasons. It may not seem like a lot to anyone else but I have lost 2 or 3 customers in the last year with many others simply not spending. My customers are small businesses, local government, commercial businesses, rental homes, and residential . I am glad for all those that are getting well but not everyone is getting well at least not yet. One allure of the South Walton community is the sense of everyone being part of something bigger than themselves. This comes from the appreciation of our beautiful resources. Yes we have to move on from the BP disaster and yes we have learned just how fragile our paradise is? A new normal exists. I think you misunderstand me and that is my fault. We are basicly saying the same things. Idlewild is so right about this community pulling together in a crisis. That "ideal" is very important for ALL of us to try and protect. Being aware of those that are not "well" can only help this community.

I am reminded that I heard of a couple of folks who moved. From what I heard I surmised they already had one foot out the door and may have ben been looking for an excuse. But I don't doubt that there were some businesses that were hanging by a thread and the spill caused them to pursue other interests. Either here or somewhere else. Don't confuse the spill with huge real estate problems that were already present. It just added to them.

**mputnal3** · 07-25-2011, 11:43 AM

I am saying the same thing about the "spill". We already had the real estate problems before the "spill". The recessionary problems of 2008 and 2009 had almost dissappeared (at least for my business) those first 4 months of 2010 before the spill. For two years we all limped along trying to recover from the recession and over built real estate market and finally the light at the end of the tunnel appeared. Then an almost unimaginable event occured that we could not plan for or much less "project" the economic damages. Many very good people and businesses could take no more. In other words the timing of the spill was very bad for all of us. Let me also vent that there is never a good time for a man made disaster that could have been prevented by following many levels of safety regulations. Okay, I am assuming your message to me is to let it go or to just move on and go to the beach and enjoy what we have. That is good advice that I have already said to myself just about every day. Unfortunately I still have a business to operate. I need to be able to project revenue. Through June 30th I have not had any economic recovery with no idea how long it will take or if it will ever fully recover or what "unknown" still exists from the spill. I therefore can relate to what "some" of my customers are telling me and must utilize the information to try and make projections. I think we agree on the basic community ideals but we may disagree on the information coming from the community. Some of us are still hurting. Our community is growing and changing. There are different stresses on all of us. In the end we are all just a part of the whole but I feel like every part is important in this community. Your statement to me that "you will never get it" could not be further from the truth.

**kurt** · 07-25-2011, 04:58 PM

My only message is I hope things improve for you and to investigate use of the return key.

Certain businesses are going to get hurt (first) when times are tough. Like landscapers, artists, auto detailing, etc - stuff that are not always essential or can be put off. I think some local businesses are going to hold off on some of those items and services. I can understand why some are "cautiously" optimistic. I just don't get pessimism.

**librarian** · 07-25-2011, 07:40 PM

i only know the contrast from where i live which has gotten much less of a place i want to live and raise children. i try to save my money so i can spend it in south walton where i feel appreciated-i know the heat and crowds can be tough but i like to spend money in a place where people act like they are happy and enjoying what they do instead of acting like it's a pain to help-maybe your day has been tough but you sure do make mine with that southern hospitality -and that is what brings me and my family back. the people who come down with us say the same.

**Scooter** · 07-26-2011, 08:17 AM

I want to be a local!!!!!!!

**mputnal3** · 07-26-2011, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

My only message is I hope things improve for you and to investigate use of the return key.

Certain businesses are going to get hurt (first) when times are tough. Like landscapers, artists, auto detailing, etc - stuff that are not always essential or can be put off. I think some local businesses are going to hold off on some of those items and services. I can understand why some are "cautiously" optimistic. I just don't get pessimism.

Kurt, it is very difficult to successfully own and operate a small business on either pure optimism or pure pessimism. You better have some realisim in their somewhere. I can survive "normal" trends in the economy and have done so. The BP economic disaster has no precedent. I do not have a magic ball to see into the future. I have to forecast and project based on my own data. That data comes in the form of revenue and customer feedback.

My message is obviously not getting across to you. BP is a destructive corporation- do not trust them or help them. Mega corporations are bad- they are reducing our abilities to choose products and services. Politics is broken- ideals will not pay the bills and maybe we need a third party. Our economic system is broken or least very sick- I have no idea what to do about it. You have somehow twisted my message into pessimism or doom and gloom when I have more energy toward a better future than at any other time in my life!

And finally, not everyone falls into your box of economic recovery- you can listen and learn or you can listen and make jokes or right us off as doom and gloom. A good leader will choose to listen and learn and I think you have that ability.

**middlesister** · 07-27-2011, 08:09 PM

I am reading these posts and thinking that some people here have their panties in a twist. Don't take this wrong but I think perspective is needed. I think all reasonable people appreciate where people are coming from but I am thinking that it's not the end of the world to live/rent/visit/vacation down there. I am not downplaying the protective stance people come from for the area because it is so special but how lucky are we to come there. Maybe it is because I don't live there year round and take it for granted? I cannot wait to be there in 6 weeks - it is keeping me going! It really is a healing place.

**kurt** · 07-28-2011, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by middlesister

I am reading these posts and thinking that some people here have their panties in a twist. Don't take this wrong but I think perspective is needed. I think all reasonable people appreciate where people are coming from but I am thinking that it's not the end of the world to live/rent/visit/vacation down there. I am not downplaying the protective stance people come from for the area because it is so special but how lucky are we to come there. Maybe it is because I don't live there year round and take it for granted? I cannot wait to be there in 6 weeks - it is keeping me going! It really is a healing place.

Yes - Mark thinks I'm picking on him but some are saying this is the best summer ever for tourism. In addition real estate is selling again. A lot of the distressed properties are getting cleared out. The airports have been busy. People are looking forward to a good fall and off season. Lots of folks are moving here. Walmart and two new middle schools opening are signs of progress (like it or not).

As I said, I understand many of us are still feeling BP effects but we also have a great sense of relief. And as I said many, many times over the last year - we really have been lucky to have escaped the worst of it.

**mputnal3** · 07-28-2011, 01:14 PM

Okay lets just think perspective (good advice). It could have been worse like those to the West of us are experiencing. I do understand this and feel bad for those that were hit harder. I am not complaining about my situation but I do listen to what others (my customers) are saying about available work and whether or not they can survive additional economic stress.

Tourism is up in Walton County because it should be. We have an amazing community along with a resource paradise. Why wouldn't Tourism be up? All indications were that the South Walton economy would have had the best year out of the last three years in 2010 before the spill. I am basing that on a 35% increase in revenue during those first four months of 2010 before the spill. Not every business recovers the same way as Kurt said. There is still a lot of economic hurt (my business is only one of many).

Yes, I have a lot of resentment toward BP and I would like to move on. Easier said than done because of fixed expenses and revenue projection. Pure optimism will not pay my expenses. It is not doom and gloom or pessimism to be concerned.

I doubt there is anyone that feels any more lucky than I do to be a part of this community. I love this community to the point that I would be willing to sacrifice business to keep it the same but it is inevitable that it will grow and change. Middlesister is correct in that it is all about perspective. Kurt is correct regarding optimism vs pessimism but that kind of missed my point. We just have to remember that we are each a part of the whole community. I promise to do my part to make the community even better.