The Board of County Commissioners has asked the Planning Department to look into changing the code to allow drive-thru restaurants in areas zoned Village Mixed Use. It seems one of the commissioners feels that the problem with SoWal is the lack of places for people to get food to enjoy in the car. Currently, drive-thrus are allowed only in the Miramar area...the VMU change would impact 98 as well as parts of 30A.
Is the lack of 20 or 30 national chain fast food restaurants really a curse? I kinda consider it a blessing.
Sara Comander has asked staff to draft an ordinance to make the change to change the VMU. Apparently, the ordinance will not be ready in time for the March 12 Planning meeting and will be continued, so we have time to weigh in with our commissioners.
Replies
130
Beach Fanatic
I did not take notes during our conversation and at the risk of misquoting Commissioner Commander prefer not to state what transpired during the conversation. Suffice it to say she is exploring possibilities at the request of a constituent. She is quite open to questions and will readily respond to sensible ones asked. I suggest if you want a more specific response, you call her. She, IMO, is a great Commissioner.
Beach Fanatic
i agree with the goose, golden egg comment above. No I don't own a restaurant on 30-a.
I know that national chains (fast casual and fast food, require drive thru's to be profitable), ; What I can tell you is that if South Walton becomes litterred with chipoltles, mcds, taco bells, Zaxbys, and/or the vaunted Panera bread company, I'll know the goose is dead.
If such a RIDICULOUSLY OUT OF CHARACTER proposal wins, most of all 30-a loses. Well, all except those who RIGHT NOW want to attract anchor fast food, fast casual tenants to a handful of F-ing parcels on 98 or 331.
I don't have a voting voice in this one politically. Votes like mine will be tabulated in years to come - when we curtail or stop renting places out down there, and when we stop dragging people from all over the continent to see SOWal for th first time and become awed as we have in the past.
I know that national chains (fast casual and fast food, require drive thru's to be profitable), ; What I can tell you is that if South Walton becomes litterred with chipoltles, mcds, taco bells, Zaxbys, and/or the vaunted Panera bread company, I'll know the goose is dead.
If such a RIDICULOUSLY OUT OF CHARACTER proposal wins, most of all 30-a loses. Well, all except those who RIGHT NOW want to attract anchor fast food, fast casual tenants to a handful of F-ing parcels on 98 or 331.
I don't have a voting voice in this one politically. Votes like mine will be tabulated in years to come - when we curtail or stop renting places out down there, and when we stop dragging people from all over the continent to see SOWal for th first time and become awed as we have in the past.
Beach Fanatic
McDonalds - corner of Moll Drive and HWY 98
Aw man. It can't be a Whataburger? Locals get a 10% discount!
SoWal Expert
A 10% discount on food I won't eat because it's so nasty - what an enticement! :roll:
Beach Fanatic
A 10% discount on food I won't eat because it's so nasty - what an enticement! :roll:
Hey now. I do get jealous when my homies come to work with biscuit wrappers and Whataburger cups and crumbs on their shirt, while my tummy rumbles.
The tradeoff is that they are jealous that I didn't have to drive 35 miles to come to work.
SoWal Insider
I luv Whataburger! Yummy~~~~~~~~~
Meow
I luv Whataburger! Yummy~~~~~~~~~
...I feel like I am stalking you! I am definitely thinking about whataburger for dinner tonight. I am a bachelorette this evening.
SoWal Expert
I think we need to have dinner this week. I desperately need a drink.
Beach Fanatic
I'd sure like to see a fast food drive thru somewhere convienient in SoWal! Particularly on occasions whe I don't feel presentable to go inside! The placement it seems to me would be dictated by the owner of the property!
Beach Fanatic
I'd sure like to see a fast food drive thru somewhere convienient in SoWal! Particularly on occasions whe I don't feel presentable to go inside! The placement it seems to me would be dictated by the owner of the property!
Fortunately, for the rest of us, "The Comprehensive Plan is a very frustrating, tedious, seemingly unending, work of hulabaloo!" to you. Furthermore it appears there are "...so many things going on business wise, it's difficult to take the time and energy to go." Seems you may also be challenged to locate or open the provided link for county meetings.
Hmmm, just quoting what I read somewhere else. :roll:
http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/31739-what-our-county-leaders-doing-us-4.html#post541498
SWGB
I don't understand the sudden need for fast food to be 5 minutes closer to this area? If you really want Whaddleburger, McBesities, or Taco Hell they are all right in Miramar Beach. Are we really that desperate for fast food on 30-A? Perhaps we can plow down that little building across the street from Regional Utilities and they can drop in one of those lovely prefab fast food buildings. Luckily polyester stretches so the SWHS students who work there won't have to work about tight clothes as they swell from the "food" they get to eat on their breaks.
Beach Fanatic
I don't understand the sudden need for fast food to be 5 minutes closer to this area? If you really want Whaddleburger, McBesities, or Taco Hell they are all right in Miramar Beach. Are we really that desperate for fast food on 30-A? Perhaps we can plow down that little building across the street from Regional Utilities and they can drop in one of those lovely prefab fast food buildings. Luckily polyester stretches so the SWHS students who work there won't have to work about tight clothes as they swell from the "food" they get to eat on their breaks.
There are plenty of chubby high schoolers, I don't think McDonald's has anything to do with it, how about tech gadgets!
Beach Fanatic
Fortunately, for the rest of us, "The Comprehensive Plan is a very frustrating, tedious, seemingly unending, work of hulabaloo!" to you. Furthermore it appears there are "...so many things going on business wise, it's difficult to take the time and energy to go." Seems you may also be challenged to locate or open the provided link for county meetings.
Hmmm, just quoting what I read somewhere else. :roll:
http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/31739-what-our-county-leaders-doing-us-4.html#post541498
When the comprehensive plan first came out, it packed the building. People were infuriated at the notion. Through the years, it is apparent to many that they are going to do it anyway. Confidence is low to believe that reality will ever be a vital factor in the decisions made. The ones truly benefiting are the planners hired to dream up all this.
Beach Fanatic
Back to original topic. At last night's Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Dpt. requested that consideration and discussion of the 98 drive thru ordinance be continued. PC Chair Tom Terrell stated that the ordinance, when it is brought forth for consideration, will be for 98 and not for 30A.
It was a long and fractious meeting, so I don't remember precise details, but I think the dicussion was continued to a date certain of the next regular PC meeting, which I think is April 9. Should be posted on county website.
So far, I've not seen even a draft of this ordinance. Hoping they get it onto county website soon so everyone can have a look.
I offer my public appreciation to the folks who attended the PC's EAR based amendment meeting yesterday afternoon, folks who made the effort to read the materials ahead of time and ask questions that needed to be asked. These same people have attended scads of EAR meetings we've been having for many months now, and they also typically attend most or all of our regular monthly PC meetings. I don't recall seeing any new faces yesterday afternoon or last night. Where are the Sowallers?
It was a long and fractious meeting, so I don't remember precise details, but I think the dicussion was continued to a date certain of the next regular PC meeting, which I think is April 9. Should be posted on county website.
So far, I've not seen even a draft of this ordinance. Hoping they get it onto county website soon so everyone can have a look.
I offer my public appreciation to the folks who attended the PC's EAR based amendment meeting yesterday afternoon, folks who made the effort to read the materials ahead of time and ask questions that needed to be asked. These same people have attended scads of EAR meetings we've been having for many months now, and they also typically attend most or all of our regular monthly PC meetings. I don't recall seeing any new faces yesterday afternoon or last night. Where are the Sowallers?
beats on hood
I'm working in Georgia. But hubby and I can be at the meeting on April 9. I'll put that on my calendar. Also (note to self) I need to email the PC.
But hubby and I can be at the meeting on April 9. I'll put that on my calendar. Also (note to self) I need to email the PC.Beach Lover
The average local that works here for a living needs a break from the restaurant food prices. We can not even go to lunch for less than $10-$15 around here. We can never pick up supper for the family without driving 20 miles. Give us a break!!! or some of you big bucks! It is easy to stand on principles when you are loaded.
SoWal Expert
You CAN go to lunch for less than $10-15 - just depends on where you go and what you order.
I'm not current on my specials at local restaurants (I bring my lunch rather than eating out due to the economy) but there are places all over 30-A that are not only reasonably priced, but feature daily specials and local's discounts - making them a much better deal and a much better meal than Taco Hell or McDonald's.
Flip Flops, Hurricane, Fire, Publix, Coffee House, Don Pablo's, Jambone, Village Market etc.
Modica's posts their lunch specials on Sowal, Bruno's used to have pizza, salad, bev for $6, Amore had a drink, GOOD salad, and half a pizza for $8 ....
Not saying some places prices aren't a bit high, but there ARE quite a few options.
I'm not current on my specials at local restaurants (I bring my lunch rather than eating out due to the economy) but there are places all over 30-A that are not only reasonably priced, but feature daily specials and local's discounts - making them a much better deal and a much better meal than Taco Hell or McDonald's.
Flip Flops, Hurricane, Fire, Publix, Coffee House, Don Pablo's, Jambone, Village Market etc.
Modica's posts their lunch specials on Sowal, Bruno's used to have pizza, salad, bev for $6, Amore had a drink, GOOD salad, and half a pizza for $8 ....
Not saying some places prices aren't a bit high, but there ARE quite a few options.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
The average local that works here for a living needs a break from the restaurant food prices. We can not even go to lunch for less than $10-$15 around here. We can never pick up supper for the family without driving 20 miles. Give us a break!!! or some of you big bucks! It is easy to stand on principles when you are loaded.
This issue has the same smell as the "big blue sign" issue last year.
If you feel strongly about allowing restaurants with drive-thru, I think you should show up at the meetings and voice your opinion. If you can't make the meetings, you can e-mail, write, or visit your commissioner to let them know your feelings.
Maybe more citizens want drive-thru than don't, but which ever side voices their opinion to the commissioners most are the ones likely to get their way.
I don't feel strongly one way or the other. Maybe a compromise, like only on Highway 98 or north of it. I agree with you about the cost of dining out though. It seems like Cattle Company was the last inexpensive place to dine out for supper. It is more convenient (and less expensive) to stop by the grocery and get something easy to prepare than to order take-out or drive all the way to Miramar.
Beach Fanatic
You can easily feed 3-4 people on less than $10 from the Publix Deli section.
How are prices at the taquerita next to Jambone's? Those places tend to be fast food-priced in larger cities.
How are prices at the taquerita next to Jambone's? Those places tend to be fast food-priced in larger cities.
Beach Fanatic
Last week, Fuzz and I ate at a local favorite (don't want to name names here as I'm thinking it has got to be a simple mistake).
Because we are reeling from the extra expense a 16-year-old male driver brings to our family plus a couple of unmet medical deductibles, we chose to order one of the least expensive menu options - hamburgers. On the board, a hamburger + fries was advertised at $7.95.
I didn't really look at my receipt - which I didn't keep the itemized receipt - or the debit card charge until a few minutes ago. Somehow, two hamburgers + fries + sweet tea came to $26.65.
The hamburgers were grayt ;-) but that will teach me to study what I'm ordering a little closer, as the catfish basket was what I really wanted and surely for almost $27 I could have worked that in...
Because we are reeling from the extra expense a 16-year-old male driver brings to our family plus a couple of unmet medical deductibles, we chose to order one of the least expensive menu options - hamburgers. On the board, a hamburger + fries was advertised at $7.95.
I didn't really look at my receipt - which I didn't keep the itemized receipt - or the debit card charge until a few minutes ago. Somehow, two hamburgers + fries + sweet tea came to $26.65.
The hamburgers were grayt ;-) but that will teach me to study what I'm ordering a little closer, as the catfish basket was what I really wanted and surely for almost $27 I could have worked that in...
SoWal Insider
Last week, Fuzz and I ate at a local favorite (don't want to name names here as I'm thinking it has got to be a simple mistake).
Because we are reeling from the extra expense a 16-year-old male driver brings to our family plus a couple of unmet medical deductibles, we chose to order one of the least expensive menu options - hamburgers. On the board, a hamburger + fries was advertised at $7.95.
I didn't really look at my receipt - which I didn't keep the itemized receipt - or the debit card charge until a few minutes ago. Somehow, two hamburgers + fries + sweet tea came to $26.65.
...
That's about right--the sweet tea is $5 each.
.
Beach Fanatic
The average local that works here for a living needs a break from the restaurant food prices. We can not even go to lunch for less than $10-$15 around here. We can never pick up supper for the family without driving 20 miles. Give us a break!!! or some of you big bucks! It is easy to stand on principles when you are loaded.
Is it drive thru fast food you want, or just more reasonably priced food?
Beach Fanatic
I love trying new restaurants and never never have I missed McDonalds
Beach Fanatic
Every once in a great while I have a craving for a McRib. When I do, I'll get a package of Gardenburger veggie riblets, which almost exactly the McRib's spongy texture and oddly sweet BBQ sauce, and which is probably far better for me from a health standpoint.
SoWal Insider
Is it drive thru fast food you want, or just more reasonably priced food?
I think it's more along the line of the $1 value menu deals like at McD, BK, or Wendys--a Coke, burger-like unit, and fries for $3.20 out the door--quick, no tip required. This product is only available from the places that have drive-thrus attached.
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