Alan OsborneAlan OsborneBeach Lover105 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
6,280 views
Did anyone know that in 1998 and 1999 the county allowed Sandestin to change 13.5 acres of dedicated public school site land to Medium to high Density residential neighborhood in parcel 442, because the land wasn't needed for a school. The proceeds were supposed to go back to the county but I can't find a record of it. Isn't it nice that Sandestin needed density more than the public needed a school site. The letter is dated Feb 23, 1998 and is available in the public record.:bang:
Edited
Replies
39It's parcel 442 in the DRI
North Lake,
All that sounds good, but 442 is clearly identified in the NOPC as the parcel Sandestin has to turn over the proceeds from the sale. I think it was sold as a parcel not until the current owner Intrawest got rid of it. Parcel 442 brought a lot of money in 1992 so if either the school board or the BCC doesn't have a reciept for it, I'd say intrawest owes the county a large sum of money or 13.5 acres in Sandestin. It's either one of the other. Who knows, maybe they already paid them, but I can't find a record of it. I just want to know who authorized it, and did the paymet occur. Simple Question, I've already waited 4 days.
You might also check with the School Board for their minutes back in 1998. Minutes are only available back to 2001 on their website. They could have abandoned their "claim" to a school site in that area of the DRI based on the archeological preserve status; but never had actual ownership of the property. The Muscogee 13.2 acres abuts the Mack Bayou Pointe S/D, just to the south. If any money was paid, it probably went to the School Board, not the BCC since the BCC had sold the land to Muscogee Nation in 1989. Noticed in the BCC minutes that Mack Bayou Pointe S/D wasn't platted until 2002.
North Lake,
All that sounds good, but 442 is clearly identified in the NOPC as the parcel Sandestin has to turn over the proceeds from the sale. I think it was sold as a parcel not until the current owner Intrawest got rid of it. Parcel 442 brought a lot of money in 1992 so if either the school board or the BCC doesn't have a reciept for it, I'd say intrawest owes the county a large sum of money or 13.5 acres in Sandestin. It's either one of the other. Who knows, maybe they already paid them, but I can't find a record of it. I just want to know who authorized it, and did the paymet occur. Simple Question, I've already waited 4 days.
Andy AAndy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticNorth Lake,Your problem, Alan, is you ask too many reponsible and relative questions of our elected officials. Don't you know we are suppose to sit back, relax and let them take care of us. Yeah, right.😀
All that sounds good, but 442 is clearly identified in the NOPC as the parcel Sandestin has to turn over the proceeds from the sale. I think it was sold as a parcel not until the current owner Intrawest got rid of it. Parcel 442 brought a lot of money in 1992 so if either the school board or the BCC doesn't have a reciept for it, I'd say intrawest owes the county a large sum of money or 13.5 acres in Sandestin. It's either one of the other. Who knows, maybe they already paid them, but I can't find a record of it. I just want to know who authorized it, and did the paymet occur. Simple Question, I've already waited 4 days.
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Look the deed is already done. I found this in the Sandestin Development order and simply wanted to ask the questions; where is the letter they quote (I can't find it), who signed it, and did the proceeds from the sale of the land in 1998/1999 get returned to the county? If they can't prove that this occured, then I'd simply say something is wrong here. Anybody have a problem with a little accountability to the public? This should be an easy answer for the county and as of tonight I haven't heard a word. (...cricket, ...cricket...).
"An occasional audit is good for the government's soul."
It's time we put partisanship behind us and tried really hard to work on responsible citizenship.
Alan
My question is why are you asking the BCC? Wouldn't the proceeds and control of the parcel go to the School Board? Looks like you may be playing gotcha with the wrong entity.😀
North LakeNorth LakeBeach Lover145 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
North LakeBeach Lover145 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverAlan,
Well, it still doesn't answer the mail...but getting closer.
APRIL 14, 1998 - REGULAR BCC MEETING
Commissioner Young called to order the advertised public hearing regarding the proposed change to an approved Development of Regional Impact (DRI) for Sandestin.
Mr. Jim Rester appeared before the Board and requested that the Board approve the transfer of 96 units of density from Sandestin's master plan and withhold the approval of the total order until final DRI approval.
Mr. Gary Billingsly, School Board Member, appeared before the Board and stated that the School Board felt that it would be in the best interest to sell the donated property and place the money in an Instructional Communications and Technology Fund to be spent for South Walton area schools.
Mr. Jack Bludworth, Superintendent of Schools, stated that the agreement for the property was adopted by the School Board by resolution 97-16.
Mr. James Foley, Committee for Community Based Education, stated that he feels the property is too far to the west end of the County and requested an independent appraisal be conducted on the property and any funds from the sell of the property be placed in a separate trust fund and not for technology purposes.
Motion by Commissioner Porter, second by Vice-Chairman Butler, to approve the density change and withhold the final order. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Porter Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Butler Aye, Young Aye.
MAY 12, 1998 - REGULAR BCC MEETING
Mr. Jim Rester, Sandestin Resorts, presented the amendments to the master plan for Sandestin. Mr. Rester stated that the changes are not substantial and requested the Commissioners to approve an ordinance which approves the filing of the new master plan. Attorney Miller advised that the master plan is in order.
Motion by Commissioner Infinger, second by Vice-Chairman, to accept the amendments to the master plan and approve the ordinance. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Porter Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Butler Aye, Young Aye.
Well, it still doesn't answer the mail...but getting closer.
APRIL 14, 1998 - REGULAR BCC MEETING
Commissioner Young called to order the advertised public hearing regarding the proposed change to an approved Development of Regional Impact (DRI) for Sandestin.
Mr. Jim Rester appeared before the Board and requested that the Board approve the transfer of 96 units of density from Sandestin's master plan and withhold the approval of the total order until final DRI approval.
Mr. Gary Billingsly, School Board Member, appeared before the Board and stated that the School Board felt that it would be in the best interest to sell the donated property and place the money in an Instructional Communications and Technology Fund to be spent for South Walton area schools.
Mr. Jack Bludworth, Superintendent of Schools, stated that the agreement for the property was adopted by the School Board by resolution 97-16.
Mr. James Foley, Committee for Community Based Education, stated that he feels the property is too far to the west end of the County and requested an independent appraisal be conducted on the property and any funds from the sell of the property be placed in a separate trust fund and not for technology purposes.
Motion by Commissioner Porter, second by Vice-Chairman Butler, to approve the density change and withhold the final order. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Porter Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Butler Aye, Young Aye.
MAY 12, 1998 - REGULAR BCC MEETING
Mr. Jim Rester, Sandestin Resorts, presented the amendments to the master plan for Sandestin. Mr. Rester stated that the changes are not substantial and requested the Commissioners to approve an ordinance which approves the filing of the new master plan. Attorney Miller advised that the master plan is in order.
Motion by Commissioner Infinger, second by Vice-Chairman, to accept the amendments to the master plan and approve the ordinance. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Porter Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Butler Aye, Young Aye.
My question is why are you asking the BCC? Wouldn't the proceeds and control of the parcel go to the School Board? Looks like you may be playing gotcha with the wrong entity.😀
No,
This came about as part of an NOPC. By law the county is supposed to monitor the DRI changes and report any noncompliance to the DCA for enforcement. Once again, look who told the BCC, that everything with the DRI was in order. (Nothlake's post) He is a common theme in these problems IMHO. It becomes the school board issue once they get the money, that it goes where it's intended.
Alan
The Answer?
Yes, I just got the information. In 1998 Intrawest sold the school property for $317,000 and donated $268,013.16 to the Walton County Instructional & Technology Foundation, Inc.
Above is a quote from the county today. Where is the paperwork, and why just a partial donation?
Anybody suspicious about 13.5 acres of sandestin property for 317,000 ( roughly 25K per acre)and to whom it was sold? Very low even by 1998 standards. I'd like to see more information. According to the property records there has never been a sale of that parcel until 2003 by adams homes. Go to the property appraisers office and check any parcel in Mack Bayou Point and see if you can find a sale prior to 2003. Can't find Doc stamps either.
Alan
Anybody suspicious about 13.5 acres of sandestin property for 317,000 ( roughly 25K per acre)and to whom it was sold? Very low even by 1998 standards. I'd like to see more information. According to the property records there has never been a sale of that parcel until 2003 by adams homes. Go to the property appraisers office and check any parcel in Mack Bayou Point and see if you can find a sale prior to 2003. Can't find Doc stamps either.
Alan
Edited
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticGenerally speaking, there were MANY people not pleased in NoWal when SWHS was built, and I expect to hear more about ECMS because of the economy.
I once got chewed out AT A TAILGATE IN TALLAHASSEE by a guy from DeFuniak after South Walton High School opened. He didn't like the name, as there is only one Walton High School, and it is the flagship school of this county, and people from across the bay get everything they want, yada yada yada.
I replied that Walton High should be renamed DeFuniak Springs High, as everyone from Glendale/Liberty north now sends their children to Paxton instead.
:trainwreck:
DeFuniak is getting their revenge. 44 million dollar high school for 900 students.
ShallowsNoleShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticDeFuniak is getting their revenge. 44 million dollar high school for 900 students.
Perhaps they won't have to close Walton Middle in order to fill it. 😀
mdd88jdmdd88jdBeach Lover155 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Sandestin Funds
Alan: It took some time but I got the details on the money from the land in Sandestin. The land was originally set aside in Sandestin's DRI for a school site. Although we had an academy at Sandestin for a number of years, I am not sure that we used this particular site for the academy. In planning for the new South Walton High School, we decided that the site at Sandestin was too small for any full use school. When we finished building the new South Walton High School, we closed the academy and move those kids to the new high school. Sandestin asked if they got the property's use changed in their DRI and sold the property, could they donate the proceeds to the school district. Obviously we accepted the proposal. On August 26, 1997, we passed a Resolution 97-16 in which we agreed to the proposal and that the funds would go to the Walton County Instructional Communications and Technology Foundation, Inc. The foundation was set up to raise funds to pay for technology and communications equipment for our schools.
The foundantion received $268,066.00 on November 19, 1998. Of that amount, $58,003.00 went to V.R. Butler Elementary, $22,000.00 went to Freeport High, $69,216.00 to Bay School, $58,800 to Sandestin Academy (eventually part of South Walton High School), $2,603 to Paxton School and $5,000.00 to West DeFuniak Elementary School. The balance of $52,444.00 was subsequently, in later years, split among the various schools. It looks like that balance of the money was used as late as 2003 for various technology grants to the schools.
As for the price received, I really do not remember whether there were questions about the amount received or not. I hope this information is useful or at least let you know what happened to the money we received from Sandestin. Thanks.
Alan: It took some time but I got the details on the money from the land in Sandestin. The land was originally set aside in Sandestin's DRI for a school site. Although we had an academy at Sandestin for a number of years, I am not sure that we used this particular site for the academy. In planning for the new South Walton High School, we decided that the site at Sandestin was too small for any full use school. When we finished building the new South Walton High School, we closed the academy and move those kids to the new high school. Sandestin asked if they got the property's use changed in their DRI and sold the property, could they donate the proceeds to the school district. Obviously we accepted the proposal. On August 26, 1997, we passed a Resolution 97-16 in which we agreed to the proposal and that the funds would go to the Walton County Instructional Communications and Technology Foundation, Inc. The foundation was set up to raise funds to pay for technology and communications equipment for our schools.
The foundantion received $268,066.00 on November 19, 1998. Of that amount, $58,003.00 went to V.R. Butler Elementary, $22,000.00 went to Freeport High, $69,216.00 to Bay School, $58,800 to Sandestin Academy (eventually part of South Walton High School), $2,603 to Paxton School and $5,000.00 to West DeFuniak Elementary School. The balance of $52,444.00 was subsequently, in later years, split among the various schools. It looks like that balance of the money was used as late as 2003 for various technology grants to the schools.
As for the price received, I really do not remember whether there were questions about the amount received or not. I hope this information is useful or at least let you know what happened to the money we received from Sandestin. Thanks.
Alan: It took some time but I got the details on the money from the land in Sandestin. The land was originally set aside in Sandestin's DRI for a school site. Although we had an academy at Sandestin for a number of years, I am not sure that we used this particular site for the academy. In planning for the new South Walton High School, we decided that the site at Sandestin was too small for any full use school. When we finished building the new South Walton High School, we closed the academy and move those kids to the new high school. Sandestin asked if they got the property's use changed in their DRI and sold the property, could they donate the proceeds to the school district. Obviously we accepted the proposal. On August 26, 1997, we passed a Resolution 97-16 in which we agreed to the proposal and that the funds would go to the Walton County Instructional Communications and Technology Foundation, Inc. The foundation was set up to raise funds to pay for technology and communications equipment for our schools.
The foundantion received $268,066.00 on November 19, 1998. Of that amount, $58,003.00 went to V.R. Butler Elementary, $22,000.00 went to Freeport High, $69,216.00 to Bay School, $58,800 to Sandestin Academy (eventually part of South Walton High School), $2,603 to Paxton School and $5,000.00 to West DeFuniak Elementary School. The balance of $52,444.00 was subsequently, in later years, split among the various schools. It looks like that balance of the money was used as late as 2003 for various technology grants to the schools.
As for the price received, I really do not remember whether there were questions about the amount received or not. I hope this information is useful or at least let you know what happened to the money we received from Sandestin. Thanks.
Thanks Mark, as always you are well researched, but I still have questions. Was there a fair market value and apprasial prior to sale? It sold for 317,000 or 25K per acre? If the school system got 268K what happened to the other 49K. How come this sale isn't on the Tax roles? Who decided the price. Insanely cheap for Sandestin property that is high and Dry. I got the paperwork and no Doc stamps ect. Just smells fishy mark, not from a School Board standpoint, but the whole sale is suspect IMO. Thanks for stepping forward.
Alan
CreekloverCreekloverBeach Lover116 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
There is proble no recored avaliable on the WCPA web site because the property was pulled from one development and then replated into it's own. I have seen this ALOT in areas where property was sold in a unrecorded S/D and then replated into a new S/D.
I think you are looking for something here and there is nothing to find.
The land is also not High and Dry by any standards. Every thing in that area by my account is/was swamp land till fill dirt was brought in.....
I think you are looking for something here and there is nothing to find.
The land is also not High and Dry by any standards. Every thing in that area by my account is/was swamp land till fill dirt was brought in.....
There is proble no recored avaliable on the WCPA web site because the property was pulled from one development and then replated into it's own. I have seen this ALOT in areas where property was sold in a unrecorded S/D and then replated into a new S/D.
I think you are looking for something here and there is nothing to find.
The land is also not High and Dry by any standards. Every thing in that area by my account is/was swamp land till fill dirt was brought in.....
We'll I asked the question and everybody at the county gave me blank looks.
I hope it was all done the right way. I can cross that off the list, I'm down to 36 things that walton County owes me answers to on how my development order is in compliance.
It occasionally makes me smile when I get real answers about if a NOPC matches the paperwork.😀
Creeklover, I ask these questions simply because I go to a lot of meetings and I know how critical public land is in SOWAL country is. It should be of the highest accountabiity and transpaerency when public sites are sold off. I hope you don't mind if I continue to ask tough questions. We need more public venue areas.
Edited
mdd88jdmdd88jdBeach Lover155 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Thanks Mark, as always you are well researched, but I still have questions. Was there a fair market value and apprasial prior to sale? It sold for 317,000 or 25K per acre? If the school system got 268K what happened to the other 49K. How come this sale isn't on the Tax roles? Who decided the price. Insanely cheap for Sandestin property that is high and Dry. I got the paperwork and no Doc stamps ect. Just smells fishy mark, not from a School Board standpoint, but the whole sale is suspect IMO. Thanks for stepping forward.
Alan
Thanks Alan: I will try to find answers to those questions. For some reason. I don't remember if we received an appraisal or not. We didn't actually own the property, it was, as memory serves, set aside for a school site in the original DRI. I do remember we found it could not be used as whole (non-academy type deal) school site because of its size and location. I will dig around and try, though I can't promise I will find, answers to your other questions.
Sarah MossSarah MossBeach LoverBlack Creek212 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Sarah MossBeach LoverBlack Creek212 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Loverwrong thread, moved to other. sorry!
Edited
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.