Construction Down 90% in Walton County

Been awfully quiet this week around South Walton... Construction sites are empty....




Governor Ron DeSantis is set to hold a press conference in Panama City regarding immigration enforcement.

Governor DeSantis announced that a Panhandle Immigration Enforcement Operation was launched with the Florida Highway Patrol alongside federal ICE Partners, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Since the launch, officials say nearly 200 illegal immigrants have been apprehended, with arrests including 37 of those who had final orders of removal who had failed to appear in court and eight people who illegally reentered the country.

Officials say that last week, ICE and the U.S. Coast Guard launched the first deportation flight from Tallahassee. DeSantis’ team says 20 illegal immigrants were removed.


According to a press release, 4,700 people have been vetted by FHP using DHS databases, with 3,600 arrested and over 600 having past criminal history.

The Florida governor began the conference at 10:00 a.m. at the Florida Highway Patrol, Troop A. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive have joined the conference.

If we run off all the illegals it is going be interesting if a hurricane or something hits. Rare to see the Americans doing any actual work let alone tarping roofs. Just my opinion

If we run off all the illegals it is going be interesting if a hurricane or something hits. Rare to see the Americans doing any actual work let alone tarping roofs. Just my opinion

According to a builder friend, building costs are already up 250% for everyone in the last year because of labor shortages and tariff-induced cost increases of materials. Owners are canceling plans to build because of costs rising.

If we run off all the illegals it is going be interesting if a hurricane or something hits. Rare to see the Americans doing any actual work let alone tarping roofs. Just my opinion

Hey Lou,
Can you define what you mean by "the Americans"? Natural born citizens and legal immigrants, I presume?

The immigrants know the cops are here. They knew when they arrived. One of them videoed multiple state police cars and obvious ICE related vehicles at the Defuniak Best Western late last week and circulated this widely. Most of them stayed home, and once the 'law' moves on, they will come back out and get back to work. That said, I think many of them plan to go home around Christmas time.

America is completely dependent on immigrant labor. To shut that down is inviting destruction and misery for all. The orange buffoon destroys everything he has ever touched.

America is completely dependent on immigrant labor. To shut that down is inviting destruction and misery for all. The orange buffoon destroys everything he has ever touched.

Yep. Great idea to sweep the people who will rebuild Florida after a hurricane out of Florida in the meat of hurricane season.

If we run off all the illegals it is going be interesting if a hurricane or something hits. Rare to see the Americans doing any actual work let alone tarping roofs. Just my opinion

What is not rare to see is those that supported a crackdown on undocumented workers (people who came here to work) are now hurting from the lack of labor. This was all just common sense. It is so interesting to see all this play out and the excuses and even doubling down that I hear every day. Let's hope a hurricane does not come this way but if it does we are all going to be in this together. Americans are stronger than you think...

Racism is bad mmmmkay?

Racism bad, economic stupidity bad, medical ideocracy bad, American military patrolling the streets of America bad

Racism bad, economic stupidity bad, medical ideocracy bad, American military patrolling the streets of America bad

Does anyone not agree? If they do or even if they try to deflect what is happening then we have to keep using our common sense. Truth and common sense is the answer to all that is happening. We have young, good, strong leaders and influencers that are rising up from all this nonsense. James Talarico is just one who will represent the people correctly. Jeffrey Sachs has a lifetime of information that we should all listen to and learn from. Don't have to agree with everything but we need to listen and learn from people who speak truth to power. It will be more and more difficult to speak truth to power but common sense is our friend and human goodness is our hope!

Hey Lou,
Can you define what you mean by "the Americans"? Natural born citizens and legal immigrants, I presume?

Yes

According to a builder friend, building costs are already up 250% for everyone in the last year because of labor shortages and tariff-induced cost increases of materials. Owners are canceling plans to build because of costs rising.

As a builder we haven't increased that much but if labor becomes a premium the prices will go through the roof

What is not rare to see is those that supported a crackdown on undocumented workers (people who came here to work) are now hurting from the lack of labor. This was all just common sense. It is so interesting to see all this play out and the excuses and even doubling down that I hear every day. Let's hope a hurricane does not come this way but if it does we are all going to be in this together. Americans are stronger than you think...

Stronger maybe, the issue will be the amount of and the cost of skilled labor. Gonna be interesting if we stay on this road

Stronger maybe, the issue will be the amount of and the cost of skilled labor. Gonna be interesting if we stay on this road

What did you think would happen? We are on this road because it is what a lot of people wanted. I think that includes you. Are you now saying whoops?

As a builder we haven't increased that much but if labor becomes a premium the prices will go through the roof

Prices are going up. Not just from labor. Hopefully you will figure all that out!

What did you think would happen? We are on this road because it is what a lot of people wanted. I think that includes you. Are you now saying whoops?

I imagine your asking if I thought this would happen when Trump was elected. I knew Trump would close the border. I knew Trump would deport the 'bad element' of the illegal population. I did not think that they would deport the illegals that have not committed additional crimes. As a nation we need these people to help our economy and what is good for us is good for them. I am hoping this aspect will stop and we will give these people so kind of legal path towards staying. I work with and personally know a lot of illegals, these are great humans and I want the best for them. I hope we smarten up and work this out quickly. Yes I voted for Trump and I love a majority of what he is doing. I just think this is going to hurt us and will cost us more in the long run (which I'm hoping to avoid). I would still vote for Trump so no 'whoops'

Prices are going up. Not just from labor. Hopefully you will figure all that out!

Prices always go up thats just the way of things. Not really sure what point you are trying to get across. I'll be great no matter what happens.

I imagine your asking if I thought this would happen when Trump was elected. I knew Trump would close the border. I knew Trump would deport the 'bad element' of the illegal population. I did not think that they would deport the illegals that have not committed additional crimes. As a nation we need these people to help our economy and what is good for us is good for them. I am hoping this aspect will stop and we will give these people so kind of legal path towards staying. I work with and personally know a lot of illegals, these are great humans and I want the best for them. I hope we smarten up and work this out quickly. Yes I voted for Trump and I love a majority of what he is doing. I just think this is going to hurt us and will cost us more in the long run (which I'm hoping to avoid). I would still vote for Trump so no 'whoops'

I know you understand that the border is not closed. It is not a door that simply opens and closes. I know you understand that Obama was better at deporting the "bad element" than Trump. The difference is bluff and fear of alligators and worse. Using fear is weak. Listen to Jeffrey Sachs if you get a chance and let me know what you think. I don't agree with everything he says but I have learned a lot. Strength of leadership is when you can accomplish your goal without intimidation and shear force. War is bad for everyone but elite wealth and power. I agree that we need a legal path. Have you heard anything at all about a legal path or is it all alligators and zero due process?

I know you understand that tariffs only hurt you and me working class Americans. I know it is hard to say "whoops" but you can do it

Utilizing the military is also a distraction from a weakness in leadership. Lets be smart together and take responsibility when we are wrong. I believe we are going to need each other in the coming months and years. Think before it is too late.

I CANT AFFERD MEAT NO MORE IMA VEGITARAIN NOW IMA GON3LIVE LINGER THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT!!!

Prices always go up thats just the way of things. Not really sure what point you are trying to get across. I'll be great no matter what happens.

None of us will be great in terms of economics if this nonsense continues. Listen to international economist like Jeffrey Sachs. He is not part of any political party. He shoots straight and it is hard to hear the truth of how weak our leadership is now and in the past.

I CANT AFFERD MEAT NO MORE IMA VEGITARAIN NOW IMA GON3LIVE LINGER THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT!!!

I cant afferd maters

I know you understand that the border is not closed. It is not a door that simply opens and closes. I know you understand that Obama was better at deporting the "bad element" than Trump. The difference is bluff and fear of alligators and worse. Using fear is weak. Listen to Jeffrey Sachs if you get a chance and let me know what you think. I don't agree with everything he says but I have learned a lot. Strength of leadership is when you can accomplish your goal without intimidation and shear force. War is bad for everyone but elite wealth and power. I agree that we need a legal path. Have you heard anything at all about a legal path or is it all alligators and zero due process?

I know you understand that tariffs only hurt you and me working class Americans. I know it is hard to say "whoops" but you can do it

Utilizing the military is also a distraction from a weakness in leadership. Lets be smart together and take responsibility when we are wrong. I believe we are going to need each other in the coming months and years. Think before it is too late.

With whatever respect is required I cannot have a back and forth with you. You try to frame the answers in your questions like some kind of leftist Yoda. Look at your first sentence 'I know you know'. Who writes like this? In my opinion Obama was a clown that started America down a very divise road that we are still on where everyone is a victim to someone else. To say this administration is somehow using the fear of alligators says a lot about your mentality. You keep listening to the 'non partisan' Jeffrey Sachs types' Some of us prefer different actual leaders. Even in your attepts to ask a basic question you cannot refrain from backhanded insults (all alligators and zero due process).

The tariffs are doing exactly what they were meant to do and they will help future generations of Americans. The only 'whoops' I have is trying to take anyone here serious.

The left has left our cities in such bad shape that the military is required. Your bleeding heart my not see this. Maybe try some tea and handholding.

None of us will be great in terms of economics if this nonsense continues. Listen to international economist like Jeffrey Sachs. He is not part of any political party. He shoots straight and it is hard to hear the truth of how weak our leadership is now and in the past.

This is your guy? Seems exactly like what the left and the universities stand behind. Imagine having these feelings and the freedom to speak your mind yet lacking the balls or character to leave? Couple that with him being another Bernie like hypocrite and you have a leftist wet dream.

This is your guy? Seems exactly like what the left and the universities stand behind. Imagine having these feelings and the freedom to speak your mind yet lacking the balls or character to leave? Couple that with him being another Bernie like hypocrite and you have a leftist wet dream.

With whatever respect is required I cannot have a back and forth with you. You try to frame the answers in your questions like some kind of leftist Yoda. Look at your first sentence 'I know you know'. Who writes like this? In my opinion Obama was a clown that started America down a very divise road that we are still on where everyone is a victim to someone else. To say this administration is somehow using the fear of alligators says a lot about your mentality. You keep listening to the 'non partisan' Jeffrey Sachs types' Some of us prefer different actual leaders. Even in your attepts to ask a basic question you cannot refrain from backhanded insults (all alligators and zero due process).

The tariffs are doing exactly what they were meant to do and they will help future generations of Americans. The only 'whoops' I have is trying to take anyone here serious.

The left has left our cities in such bad shape that the military is required. Your bleeding heart my not see this. Maybe try some tea and handholding.

Well, I apologize. I thought you understood. Obama deported over 900 "bad elements" a day. Trump is last at about 700 or less (we have a binary system with winners and losers). Hard to know for sure because he fires anyone that does not use his numbers. So who was better at "closing" the border? Do you believe that the border has moved so people who are coming here to find work can't find it or something? Nothing has really changed except the fear of alligators Come on lighten up a little. We can both suffer from the lack of labor together!

The tariffs are hurting you and me whether you can admit it or not. Neither of us have a crystal ball and can predict the future so probably should focus on what is happening today where we both are suffering from tariff inflation.

I can not take you serious if you are going to play sound bites of anything you do not like. Put in the hours, listen and learn and get back to me. He is smarter and more experienced than the both of us times 100. Not saying he is 100% right but unlike the tariffs I can assure you he is not 100% wrong. It is weak and lazy to use a tariff instead of the hard work of building a working global economic system that is fair to all countries.

Take a look at the crime in red cities compared to blue cities and get back to me. I do not know if facts opens eyes and ears anymore but I have hope. To be honest I do not even like comparing blue and red and left and right. It is all about money as in budgets. All cities have crime and need bigger budgets and better training.

There are reasons other than crime that has our military involved. Vindictive. Deflective. Authoritarian. And worst of all it could be a sign of how the next transition of power will go. If you are not alarmed you must be charmed

"leftist yoda" I am am economic conservative. I am also socially conservative with a "if it don't hurt me it don't bother me" spin. The big beautiful bill is a bad deal for you and me. Good for the wealthy elites though so good job with your economic acumen.

This is your guy? Seems exactly like what the left and the universities stand behind. Imagine having these feelings and the freedom to speak your mind yet lacking the balls or character to leave? Couple that with him being another Bernie like hypocrite and you have a leftist wet dream.

If you turn off fox news and turn on Joe Rogan's podcast with Bernie Sanders then listen for the 2 or 3 hours you might learn something about Bernie. We need social programs for healthcare, retirement and over all quality and fairness of life. Bernie gets a bad rap but he is right about a lot. He will tell you he does not have all the answers but he knows what basic human rights are. I know you understand what these are