General discussion & info about South Walton, Florida.

All About SoWal

Advertise or find a business, discuss business.

Business & Services

Jobs

Festivals, classes, gatherings, activities.

Events & Music

Food & Dining

Marketplace

property, realtors, builders, development, infrastructure ...

Real Estate

Long Term Rentals

Vacation Rentals

SoWal Lounge

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert

[url]http://www.fl-counties.com/pdf/guidingprinciples.pdf[/url]

<a href="http://www.fl-counties.com/pdf/guidingprinciples.pdf" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://www.fl-counties.com/pdf/guidingprinciples.pdf</a>

seagrovegirl

Beach Fanatic

Give an example of what you see that is being spent?

DFSboy

Beach Lover

[quote="seagrovegirl, post: 458338"]Give an example of what you see that is being spent?[/quote]
 
 
seagrovegirl,
 
Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. "Bare bones budget," in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don't see a real "Bare bones budget" with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="seagrovegirl">Give an example of what you see that is being spent?</blockquote> 
 
seagrovegirl, 
 
Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. &quot;Bare bones budget,&quot; in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don&#039;t see a real &quot;Bare bones budget&quot; with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?

TooFarTampa

SoWal Insider

[quote="DFSboy, post: 458344"]seagrovegirl,
 
[B]Lots and lots of money on parks, for one[/B]. [B]And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? [/B]Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. "Bare bones budget," in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don't see a real "Bare bones budget" with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?[/QUOTE]

I don't know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="DFSboy">seagrovegirl, 
 
Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. &quot;Bare bones budget,&quot; in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don&#039;t see a real &quot;Bare bones budget&quot; with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?</blockquote> 
I don&#039;t know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.

scooterbug44

IMO spending money on parks (how dastardly are they, giving everyone a place to recreate) is a good idea. 

I agree that there are many things our local government and the TDC waste money on, but a park certainly isn't on that list.

IMO spending money on parks (how dastardly are they, giving everyone a place to recreate) is a good idea. 
 
I agree that there are many things our local government and the TDC waste money on, but a park certainly isn&#039;t on that list.

sometime

Beach Crab

[b]To DFSBoy[/b]

Walton county Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the Preservation of such rare enviorments in Objective L-1.5 Policy C-3.2.11 states "The County.....shall identify and pursue the aquisition of that contain or are adjacent to such beach or shoreline ecosysystems. As you can see, the acquisition of the property would fulfill goals, objectives, and policies in the Future Land use, Recreation, and the Coastal Zone, Conservation Elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan.
The County is soliciting a grant from F.C.T, a part of all Counties in the state of Florida tax dollars go in to this fund. Therefore, all of Florida, the Counties seek to fund a park, etc. If Walton County does not try to secure the Grant, then I am sure that Dade County would be happy to have Walton County monies for their Park. Simple.

To DFSBoy 
 
Walton county Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the Preservation of such rare enviorments in Objective L-1.5 Policy C-3.2.11 states &quot;The County.....shall identify and pursue the aquisition of that contain or are adjacent to such beach or shoreline ecosysystems. As you can see, the acquisition of the property would fulfill goals, objectives, and policies in the Future Land use, Recreation, and the Coastal Zone, Conservation Elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan. 
The County is soliciting a grant from F.C.T, a part of all Counties in the state of Florida tax dollars go in to this fund. Therefore, all of Florida, the Counties seek to fund a park, etc. If Walton County does not try to secure the Grant, then I am sure that Dade County would be happy to have Walton County monies for their Park. Simple.

Zebraspots

Parks and buying property would definitely seem to be part of their scope as they fall under both "community and economic development" and "growth management and environmental protection."

Parks and buying property would definitely seem to be part of their scope as they fall under both &quot;community and economic development&quot; and &quot;growth management and environmental protection.&quot;

[quote="TooFarTampa, post: 458349"]I don't know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.[/quote]
 
Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="TooFarTampa">I don&#039;t know the specifics of what you are referring to, but I believe it is the ethical responsibility of the commissioners to be good stewards of the very special and rare environment in Walton County, and that in doing so they are representing the desires of the majority of those who elected them.</blockquote> 
Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.

[quote="DFSboy, post: 458458"]Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.[/QUOTE]

:confused: My taxes did go way down this year, which leads me to believe they weren't kidding about trimming the budget.

However, there are things that I am enthusiastic about using tax dollars for, and preservation of the right parcels or buildings is one of them.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="DFSboy">Ok, you must NOT have a problem with higher taxes.</blockquote> 
:confused: My taxes did go way down this year, which leads me to believe they weren&#039;t kidding about trimming the budget. 
 
However, there are things that I am enthusiastic about using tax dollars for, and preservation of the right parcels or buildings is one of them.

[quote="sometime, post: 458421"]Walton county Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the Preservation of such rare enviorments in Objective L-1.5 Policy C-3.2.11 states "The County.....shall identify and pursue the aquisition of that contain or are adjacent to such beach or shoreline ecosysystems. As you can see, the acquisition of the property would fulfill goals, objectives, and policies in the Future Land use, Recreation, and the Coastal Zone, Conservation Elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan.
The County is soliciting a grant from F.C.T, a part of all Counties in the state of Florida tax dollars go in to this fund. Therefore, all of Florida, the Counties seek to fund a park, etc. If Walton County does not try to secure the Grant, then I am sure that Dade County would be happy to have Walton County monies for their Park. Simple.[/quote]
 
sometime,
 
Sounds really nice. Considering a financial budget, such as a family planning a vacation, maintaining and creating new expensive parks are NOT a "Bare bones budget." They said it, not me...

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="sometime">Walton county Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the Preservation of such rare enviorments in Objective L-1.5 Policy C-3.2.11 states &quot;The County.....shall identify and pursue the aquisition of that contain or are adjacent to such beach or shoreline ecosysystems. As you can see, the acquisition of the property would fulfill goals, objectives, and policies in the Future Land use, Recreation, and the Coastal Zone, Conservation Elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan. 
The County is soliciting a grant from F.C.T, a part of all Counties in the state of Florida tax dollars go in to this fund. Therefore, all of Florida, the Counties seek to fund a park, etc. If Walton County does not try to secure the Grant, then I am sure that Dade County would be happy to have Walton County monies for their Park. Simple.</blockquote> 
sometime, 
 
Sounds really nice. Considering a financial budget, such as a family planning a vacation, maintaining and creating new expensive parks are NOT a &quot;Bare bones budget.&quot; They said it, not me...

[b]DfsBOY[/b]

I do indeed have a problem with higher taxes, but in this case it is not relevant.  The money for the latest proposed park is pulled from a state grant which has been formed from tax revenue from every county for the past 14 years.

DfsBOY 
 
I do indeed have a problem with higher taxes, but in this case it is not relevant. The money for the latest proposed park is pulled from a state grant which has been formed from tax revenue from every county for the past 14 years.

[quote="sometime, post: 458472"]I do indeed have a problem with higher taxes, but in this case it is not relevant. The money for the latest proposed park is pulled from a state grant which has been formed from tax revenue from every county for the past 14 years.[/quote]
 
sometime,
 
I say return the money back to each county, fairly, and then those counties can then return the monies back to the general fund. Heck, in cases like that, taxes just might really decrease. I would guess most people in Walton would rather see a significant tax decrease on their respective bill rather than all those fine properties being owned by the County. 
 
Again, the BCC said they are planning a "Bare bones budget" for 2009. Many families here in Walton could probably teach them what REALLY that phrase means during these tuff economic times. They said it.....but really apparently really didn't mean it.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="sometime">I do indeed have a problem with higher taxes, but in this case it is not relevant. The money for the latest proposed park is pulled from a state grant which has been formed from tax revenue from every county for the past 14 years.</blockquote> 
sometime, 
 
I say return the money back to each county, fairly, and then those counties can then return the monies back to the general fund. Heck, in cases like that, taxes just might really decrease. I would guess most people in Walton would rather see a significant tax decrease on their respective bill rather than all those fine properties being owned by the County. 
 
Again, the BCC said they are planning a &quot;Bare bones budget&quot; for 2009. Many families here in Walton could probably teach them what REALLY that phrase means during these tuff economic times. They said it.....but really apparently really didn&#039;t mean it.

[quote="DFSboy, post: 458344"]seagrovegirl,
 
Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. "Bare bones budget," in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don't see a real "Bare bones budget" with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?[/quote]

I cannot think of one single park in this country to which I have been, that was a privately owned and ran park. 

Parks can offer value to the citizens in a community. They are part of what builds community. They provide common ground to meet others in the community. They provide recreation for youth and adults, which may help to keep active users in good health, saving the gov't much in the way of healthcare costs. They help attract new people and businesses to this area. 

In most cases of our local parks, funding is coming via grants. 

Remember that sometimes, you have to spend money to get money. This might come in offering tax incentives, like Freeport has done, to businesses moving there. Businesses create jobs for people, people buy things, and the gov't makes up the incentives in the way of property and sales taxes. Not all gov't spending is bad, though some is wasteful, IMO.

Now the County considering purchasing a lease for use of undevelopable property, giving the recent buyers good profits, in a time where no one else is able to sell for profit, was just plain ridiculous, especially during this budget crunch. Why the County relies on only one appraisal to establish a purchase price, is also crazy. Fortunately, this time, they turned down the offer presented by the former County Attorney.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="DFSboy">seagrovegirl, 
 
Lots and lots of money on parks, for one. And how about the thought of the BCC purchasing that beachfront property some few months ago? Is either a legal responsibilty of the BCC? Think about it. &quot;Bare bones budget,&quot; in their own words, as said a few days ago during a budget discussion. I, personally, don&#039;t see a real &quot;Bare bones budget&quot; with the BCC. Again, they are the ones that said it. Do they mean it?</blockquote> 
I cannot think of one single park in this country to which I have been, that was a privately owned and ran park. 
 
Parks can offer value to the citizens in a community. They are part of what builds community. They provide common ground to meet others in the community. They provide recreation for youth and adults, which may help to keep active users in good health, saving the gov&#039;t much in the way of healthcare costs. They help attract new people and businesses to this area. 
 
In most cases of our local parks, funding is coming via grants. 
 
Remember that sometimes, you have to spend money to get money. This might come in offering tax incentives, like Freeport has done, to businesses moving there. Businesses create jobs for people, people buy things, and the gov&#039;t makes up the incentives in the way of property and sales taxes. Not all gov&#039;t spending is bad, though some is wasteful, IMO. 
 
Now the County considering purchasing a lease for use of undevelopable property, giving the recent buyers good profits, in a time where no one else is able to sell for profit, was just plain ridiculous, especially during this budget crunch. Why the County relies on only one appraisal to establish a purchase price, is also crazy. Fortunately, this time, they turned down the offer presented by the former County Attorney.

organicmama

[quote="DFSboy, post: 458469"]sometime,
 
Sounds really nice. Considering a financial budget, such as a family planning a vacation, maintaining and creating new expensive parks are NOT a "Bare bones budget." They said it, not me...[/quote]
 
Don't community parks ADD to the value of our area?  I don't know about your situation, but I've got 3 little ones who love parks and run and play all day.  Parks are GREAT community builders where people can meet each other & get to know other people in the area.  A big complaint that was heard was that so much of the planning was going to towards tourism and not enough going towards what residents need, like parks.  I don't want to have to drive 30-45 minutes for a decent park to play in or to meet other people.  
 
And, BTW, it is grant money.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="DFSboy">sometime, 
 
Sounds really nice. Considering a financial budget, such as a family planning a vacation, maintaining and creating new expensive parks are NOT a &quot;Bare bones budget.&quot; They said it, not me...</blockquote> 
Don&#039;t community parks ADD to the value of our area? I don&#039;t know about your situation, but I&#039;ve got 3 little ones who love parks and run and play all day. Parks are GREAT community builders where people can meet each other &amp; get to know other people in the area. A big complaint that was heard was that so much of the planning was going to towards tourism and not enough going towards what residents need, like parks. I don&#039;t want to have to drive 30-45 minutes for a decent park to play in or to meet other people. 
 
And, BTW, it is grant money.

[quote="organicmama, post: 458489"]Don't community parks ADD to the value of our area? I don't know about your situation, but I've got 3 little ones who love parks and run and play all day. Parks are GREAT community builders where people can meet each other & get to know other people in the area. A big complaint that was heard was that so much of the planning was going to towards tourism and not enough going towards what residents need, like parks. I don't want to have to drive 30-45 minutes for a decent park to play in or to meet other people. 
 
And, BTW, it is grant money.[/quote]
 
organicmama,
 
Public parks are really nice, like owning a brand new car is. Yes they are "GREAT," I agree. However, they are NOT a "need," as you've claimed. Also, "grant money" originates from taxpayers pockets too.
 
Anyway, to everyone here: which is more important? paving a road in desperate need of repair or putting money in a park? Which should come first?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="organicmama">Don&#039;t community parks ADD to the value of our area? I don&#039;t know about your situation, but I&#039;ve got 3 little ones who love parks and run and play all day. Parks are GREAT community builders where people can meet each other &amp; get to know other people in the area. A big complaint that was heard was that so much of the planning was going to towards tourism and not enough going towards what residents need, like parks. I don&#039;t want to have to drive 30-45 minutes for a decent park to play in or to meet other people. 
 
And, BTW, it is grant money.</blockquote> 
organicmama, 
 
Public parks are really nice, like owning a brand new car is. Yes they are &quot;GREAT,&quot; I agree. However, they are NOT a &quot;need,&quot; as you&#039;ve claimed. Also, &quot;grant money&quot; originates from taxpayers pockets too. 
 
Anyway, to everyone here: which is more important? paving a road in desperate need of repair or putting money in a park? Which should come first?

I'm all for parks, however Sowal has many public parks not to mention thousands of acres of State Forest.  We should lay off the snapping up of public land until our tax base is stabilized.  Not to mention, public lands are not on the tax rolls.

I&#039;m all for parks, however Sowal has many public parks not to mention thousands of acres of State Forest.  We should lay off the snapping up of public land until our tax base is stabilized.  Not to mention, public lands are not on the tax rolls.

[quote="DFSboy, post: 461080"]organicmama,
 
Public parks are really nice, like owning a brand new car is. Yes they are "GREAT," I agree. However, they are NOT a "need," as you've claimed. Also, "grant money" originates from taxpayers pockets too.
 
Anyway, to everyone here: which is more important? paving a road in desperate need of repair or putting money in a park? Which should come first?[/quote]
 
Well, I've never owned a brand new car.  Ours are about 12 and 15 years old right now....:roll:
 
I agree that grants come from taxpayers pockets, too, but the grants for the parks aren't local ones, there is a bit of a difference in the burden.  [I]Which is more important?[/I] Both.  [I]Which should come first?[/I] Paving the road.  The money, although essentially both from taxpayers, the road improvement would be local money & should be handled quickly & efficiently, although that rarely happens.
 
Both bring higher standards of living to the people living in our area.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="DFSboy">organicmama, 
 
Public parks are really nice, like owning a brand new car is. Yes they are &quot;GREAT,&quot; I agree. However, they are NOT a &quot;need,&quot; as you&#039;ve claimed. Also, &quot;grant money&quot; originates from taxpayers pockets too. 
 
Anyway, to everyone here: which is more important? paving a road in desperate need of repair or putting money in a park? Which should come first?</blockquote> 
Well, I&#039;ve never owned a brand new car. Ours are about 12 and 15 years old right now....:roll: 
 
I agree that grants come from taxpayers pockets, too, but the grants for the parks aren&#039;t local ones, there is a bit of a difference in the burden. Which is more important? Both. Which should come first? Paving the road. The money, although essentially both from taxpayers, the road improvement would be local money &amp; should be handled quickly &amp; efficiently, although that rarely happens. 
 
Both bring higher standards of living to the people living in our area.

No matter where the money comes from, they are tax dollars.  People all over the country are struggling with the high cost of everything and it's time to demand fiscal responsibility of our elected officials, whether they are local, state or federal government.  IMO, parks would be an irresponsible waste at this time economic hardship.

No matter where the money comes from, they are tax dollars.  People all over the country are struggling with the high cost of everything and it&#039;s time to demand fiscal responsibility of our elected officials, whether they are local, state or federal government.  IMO, parks would be an irresponsible waste at this time economic hardship.

[quote="seagrovegirl, post: 461111"]No matter where the money comes from, they are tax dollars. People all over the country are struggling with the high cost of everything and it's time to demand fiscal responsibility of our elected officials, whether they are local, state or federal government. IMO, parks would be an irresponsible waste at this time economic hardship.[/quote]
 
seagrovegirl,
 
Wow! Finally someone sees the logic here. Thanks for your reply. You just might make a good County Commissioner someday. (??)

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="seagrovegirl">No matter where the money comes from, they are tax dollars. People all over the country are struggling with the high cost of everything and it&#039;s time to demand fiscal responsibility of our elected officials, whether they are local, state or federal government. IMO, parks would be an irresponsible waste at this time economic hardship.</blockquote> 
seagrovegirl, 
 
Wow! Finally someone sees the logic here. Thanks for your reply. You just might make a good County Commissioner someday. (??)

All,
 
Do any of you know the legal responsiblities of the BCC's in Florida? In other words, what is the job of the BCC here in Walton County, legaly (bare bones)? 
 
It seems to me that our BCC has been spending money on items that, perhaps, should be privately funded. It's our money they spend after all. But maybe an answer to the question above will help me better understand those certain purchases. Anyone, please try to help me understand. Really good question for a former BCC Candidate, too.

All, 
 
Do any of you know the legal responsiblities of the BCC&#039;s in Florida? In other words, what is the job of the BCC here in Walton County, legaly (bare bones)? 
 
It seems to me that our BCC has been spending money on items that, perhaps, should be privately funded. It&#039;s our money they spend after all. But maybe an answer to the question above will help me better understand those certain purchases. Anyone, please try to help me understand. Really good question for a former BCC Candidate, too.

BCC Responsibilities???

Grayton BeachCam

Dune Allen BeachCam

Seagrove Beach SkyCam

Inlet BeachCam

Miramar BeachCam Majestic Sun

Santa Rosa BeachCam

Walton County Fair

Queens of the Tiles: Mahjong at Ovide

Live Music @ Fish Out of Water

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

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

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton

International Coastal Cleanup Day Was A Success In South Walton

Merchants Of Alys Beach Announce New Dining & Shopping Options

No beachcams yet

More cams

Include enough context for a reply on the first pass: who you are, what this is about, and anything time-sensitive we should know.

Write a clear note and we will route it fast

SoWal Contact Form

What helps the SoWal team reply on the first pass

Use these links when your request already has a clear destination.

Prefer a direct route before you write?

Use this when you are not sure where your request belongs and need the SoWal team to route it.

Questions, corrections, and quick help

Share newsworthy updates, corrections, community tips, or photography that can improve SoWal coverage.

Story tips, local leads, and photos

Reach the team for business visibility, partnership planning, or other commercial opportunities.

Listings, sponsorships, and business requests

Use this path for media coordination, press follow-ups, or requests that need a communications contact.

Press outreach and interview requests

Tell us what you need and how to reach you.

Send your note here and the SoWal team will route it appropriately.

Choose the quickest route for your message

Forum account areas

Log in to view member profile, alerts, messages, watched content, bookmarks, preferences, and staff tools.

Member-only forum areas use your SoWal forum account.

Use your forum username or email to post, reply, follow threads, and manage your account.

Log in to the forum

Log in to the SoWal forum

Find people and visit their public forum profiles.

Members

Enter the six-digit code sent to {email}.

Check your email

Join the conversation

Welcome to SoWal

Sign in to SoWal

Signature preview

Ads support our local stories, BeachCams, and community guides. If you use an ad blocker, allow SoWal, then check again.

Help keep SoWal local

Your feedback helps us make SoWal better.

How was this story?

Get local stories, events, and South Walton highlights in your inbox.

Stay close to the coast

Choose whether SoWal may use optional cookies. Necessary cookies keep the site working.

Your privacy, your choice

Site navigation

Submenu

Bite-sized stories, curated itineraries, and community events delivered to your inbox on the regular.

BCC Responsibilities???

Latest conversations

Write a reply

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

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

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton