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Seaside Commercial District: Updates Summer 2020

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Seaside News
April 18, 2020
Seaside | Seaside Commercial District will remain closed

Seaside Commercial District will remain closed
Posted on APR 18, 2020 in COVID-19



Photo Courtesy of Kurt Lischka, Moon Creek Studios

April 18, 2020

Seaside, Fla. – Today, Seaside Community Development Corp. (SCDC) announced to Seaside Merchants that the Commercial District will remain closed after April 30, 2020. In a letter written to key stakeholders below, SCDC states they will work as a community to create milestones to reopen, assuring health and safety remain their priority. The letter concluded with naming task members and a call to action for each merchant to reach out to share ideas and concerns before the collaborative meeting is initiated.


Hello Seaside Merchants,

As we peek into the weeks ahead there is truly only one thing we know for certain, we must put health and safety first as a community. As many of you know, we formed a Mitigation Team due to the Covid-19 Crisis. Our first order of business was education ultimately resulting in the formal closure of Seaside Commercial. Since then, the Mitigation Team has been meeting remotely almost daily, cycling through crisis management tasks.

The Seaside Commercial District is the heart and soul of our town. While travel bans may soon be lifted, the commercial district is not opening at the end of April. We set April 30 as a future date to review as the situation dictated. The date of reopening is not yet clear, and that is why we would like to invite input from our merchant community.

We have created a task team comprised of merchants to meet with SCDC’ Mitigation Team early next week. We will discuss measures SCDC is thinking about to keep health and safety first when we do reopen. This task team will help us examine the plan and contribute invaluable insight. We anticipate this collaboration will result in guidelines for all merchants to create your own plan that works for the reopening of your business. We recognize that every merchant has unique challenges to address. Fundamentally, you know your business will ‘look’ different as we gradually reopen. By creating milestones as a community, we will remain on purpose and reopen our beloved town together.

More information to follow.
Seaside | Seaside Commercial District will remain closed

Replies

94
Mike Jones avatar
Mike JonesBeach Fanatic
#52
My thought as i've watched this unfold, is the beach accesses at the end of each street (Pensacola, East Ruskin, etc) are open and the Cabana folks are allowed to rent chairs. The beach accesses within the commercial area (Coleman, Seaside) were closed as part of the commercial area being closed.

That changes on the 29th when the commercial district re-opens along with the now closed commercial beach accesses. Then, the (very restrictive) policy of basically VIP access from the commercial district would open with the services as described above.

Are we saying that every beach access at the end of the streets is closed in conjunction with the commercial district being closed? You have got to be freaking kidding me? Absolutely no where, is that plainly explained as far as i can find. Course that way be the plan.....

I emailed Seaside when the VIP policy came out and asked if that was just for the commercial district or does that policy cover every beach access. No reply of course.

I almost booked a house this morning for next week but if this scenario of all accesses closed is true, that's a 'no' from me now....
You should defer to your rental agency / property owner. They handle access to the street pavilions. Seaside (SCDC) does not handle rental units or control access to the non-commercial areas outside of town center.
EZ4144Beach Lover
#53
Our place rented last year for 2020 4th of July so we decided “no problem” we’ll go next door, experience Seaside....My cc was charged for the balance a few days ago— I have no problem w that... BUT I do have some issues with Seaside Homeowner’s Collection not communicating these changes in writing with their “guests”. I can promise u not all of their guests are on this forum and are going to show up to an unwelcome surprise. Just MHO but this is seems egregiously greedy on their part. Charging me to rent is one thing... fine with that...the fees for the chairs? Outrageous... but ok, it’s Seaside I expected it.... but to tell me I can’t come to the beach without renting a chair and that’s IF I rent one in time?? Shady, shady, shady...... shame on you Seaside. I want my money back.
There should be clear instructions but blame COVID-19 for the need for distancing. No one in their right mind wants to come to the beach and be jammed right now.

Seaside is a resort. Resorts have rules. If you don't like rules find a place with no rules or fewer rules.
culdeusBeach Comber
#54
Watercolor right next door is pretty wheels off as well. They won't be setting up anything before 9 and it will be FCFS. Then, if you aren't off the beach by 4pm they won't let you get chairs for the rest of the YEAR.

Ya, that's gonna work.
HagendogBeach Comber
#55
I took a trip to Seaside's facebook page and the pattern seems to be that the restrictions are solely for the commercial (public?) access behind the commercial district. This is the section of beach that the Seaside folks manage, according to the comments. The private beach accesses at the end of the streets are not subject to these restrictions as of now. I'm guessing these accesses are managed by the homeowners. I also emailed the Cabana Man to see if they can add to the clarity.
sleepswithdogs avatar
sleepswithdogsBeach Comber
#56
There should be clear instructions but blame COVID-19 for the need for distancing. No one in their right mind wants to come to the beach and be jammed right now.

Seaside is a resort. Resorts have rules. If you don't like rules find a place with no rules or fewer rules.
I didn’t say anything about wanting to be somewhere “without rules”—- what I’m saying is is that from a legal standpoint SHC should be disclosing these rules in writing to guests prior to arrival.

I’ve been here since March, social distancing & allowed my kids to virtual learn through their school—- brought my own supplies and have been pouring $$$ into local restaurants getting food to go~ I’ve had friends texting wanting to use our place & had to say “no” unlike many others in WC—we have kept to ourselves for the most part....no we don’t live here full time but we pay our taxes and shop local to try to do our part to help sustain these struggling businesses. I’m a grown adult and understand why rules are put in place & don’t need a lecture. Enjoy this beautiful day of sunshine ☀️☀️
culdeusBeach Comber
#57
For what it's worth, public bathrooms and toilets seem to be a very high risk contact point for spreading the virus. I would be very cautious about using a high "throughput..." bathroom. jmo.
EZ4144Beach Lover
#58
I took a trip to Seaside's facebook page and the pattern seems to be that the restrictions are solely for the commercial (public?) access behind the commercial district. This is the section of beach that the Seaside folks manage, according to the comments. The private beach accesses at the end of the streets are not subject to these restrictions as of now. I'm guessing these accesses are managed by the homeowners. I also emailed the Cabana Man to see if they can add to the clarity.
All of this info is in the posts right above yours on this thread. Come on people open your eyes read a little bit.
HagendogBeach Comber
#59
Just talked to the Cabana Man. The only restrictions (other than social distancing) are for the commercial beach access behind the commercial district. All other accesses are open pending the code and an armband. Only homeowners can use the beach behind the commercial district at this time.

Just booked a house for next week.
EZ4144Beach Lover
#60
I didn’t say anything about wanting to be somewhere “without rules”—- what I’m saying is is that from a legal standpoint SHC should be disclosing these rules in writing to guests prior to arrival.

I’ve been here since March, social distancing & allowed my kids to virtual learn through their school—- brought my own supplies and have been pouring $$$ into local restaurants getting food to go~ I’ve had friends texting wanting to use our place & had to say “no” unlike many others in WC—we have kept to ourselves for the most part....no we don’t live here full time but we pay our taxes and shop local to try to do our part to help sustain these struggling businesses. I’m a grown adult and understand why rules are put in place & don’t need a lecture. Enjoy this beautiful day of sunshine ☀️☀️
The Homeowners Collection is a private rental agency. it is not affiliated with Seaside Community Development Corporation. Get your facts straight before posting on a public forum. Just because you've been here for a few weeks doesn't make you an authority and don't think your money makes you entitled to anything over anyone else.
sleepswithdogs avatar
sleepswithdogsBeach Comber
#61
The Homeowners Collection is a private rental agency. it is not affiliated with Seaside Community Development Corporation. Get your facts straight before posting on a public forum. Just because you've been here for a few weeks doesn't make you an authority and don't think your money makes you entitled to anything over anyone else.
What I am “entitled” to is my opinion & that doesn’t cost anything— my opinion is that they should disclose the info to guests who don’t access to forums, Facebook or other social media outlets, that’s all. Enjoy your day-☀️
EZ4144Beach Lover
#62
What I am “entitled” to is my opinion & that doesn’t cost anything— my opinion is that they should disclose the info to guests who don’t access to forums, Facebook or other social media outlets, that’s all. Enjoy your day-☀️
Did you ask to see Seaside's manager. :pissed:

:floor:
sleepswithdogs avatar
sleepswithdogsBeach Comber
#63
Did you ask to see Seaside's manager. :pissed:

:floor:
Lol! That’s funny🙂 my 12 year old uses “Karen: requesting the manager”, too— you’re cute! Trust me I’m not insulted.
30AVolBeach Crab
#64
I am headed to Seaside next week and will be bringing all my gear including food. I received notice today regarding Cabana Man rentals for beach access. I also, as a previous poster stated, find it egregious. Lately we have rented condos above the town square because the views are gorgeous and it is great people watching. We did know from previous times that we do not get wrist bands when you stay in that particular area. I also understand that there does need to be a limit to people accessing the beach from Coleman during this time. I have also rented from Cabana Man on many occasions when I have wanted a beach setup. I will absolutely not rent from him this time nor ever again! For a family of 4 it would cost $985 for 1 umbrella and 4 chairs at Colman, if I were to rent the same setup from a Pavillion entry point it would only cost $523 for 5 days. I really don't see the need to gouge people at Coleman entry, if it were the same cost I would rent but there is no way in hell I am gonna pay more at one entry point over another. Going forward do what Watercolor does, put up a gate or security and only let people with access cards or bracelets on the beach that actually rent/own in Seaside. I will still thoroughly enjoy myself but cannot stand being squeezed! Happy Friday!
noledog avatar
noledogBeach Comber
#65
A lot has changed in the world in the last decade. Plus People under stress. Newbies who don't understand netiquette or that this site is nicer than Facebook. Trump fans.

Last name checks out.
steel1man avatar
steel1manBeach Fanatic
#66
Last name checks out.
#KAG2020LandslideVictory
Oh greatBeach Comber
#67
The Homeowners Collection is a private rental agency. it is not affiliated with Seaside Community Development Corporation. Get your facts straight before posting on a public forum. Just because you've been here for a few weeks doesn't make you an authority and don't think your money makes you entitled to anything over anyone else.
Why so angry? You could've just written your first sentance and been done. Instead you decided to judge and put down a stranger who was being very polite. Hope ya feel better
steel1man avatar
steel1manBeach Fanatic
#68
I am headed to Seaside next week and will be bringing all my gear including food. I received notice today regarding Cabana Man rentals for beach access. I also, as a previous poster stated, find it egregious. Lately we have rented condos above the town square because the views are gorgeous and it is great people watching. We did know from previous times that we do not get wrist bands when you stay in that particular area. I also understand that there does need to be a limit to people accessing the beach from Coleman during this time. I have also rented from Cabana Man on many occasions when I have wanted a beach setup. I will absolutely not rent from him this time nor ever again! For a family of 4 it would cost $985 for 1 umbrella and 4 chairs at Colman, if I were to rent the same setup from a Pavillion entry point it would only cost $523 for 5 days. I really don't see the need to gouge people at Coleman entry, if it were the same cost I would rent but there is no way in hell I am gonna pay more at one entry point over another. Going forward do what Watercolor does, put up a gate or security and only let people with access cards or bracelets on the beach that actually rent/own in Seaside. I will still thoroughly enjoy myself but cannot stand being squeezed! Happy Friday!
Stay Away.., better more friendly places
outofadreamBeach Fanatic
#69
Why so angry? You could've just written your first sentance and been done. Instead you decided to judge and put down a stranger who was being very polite. Hope ya feel better
Hey oh great… What ever EZ4144 posts on SoWal it’s always confrontational or combative or weird
EZ4144Beach Lover
#70
If you compare the Seaside cam to the sandestin cam you'll see why Seaside is restricting beach access. Otherwise its a mob scene.

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