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Jim Tucker

Beach Fanatic

Haha N00b! Just kidding - there is no law controlling growth and what would it loo like if there was?

Imagine if high rises were allowed!!!!

Haha N00b! Just kidding - there is no law controlling growth and what would it loo like if there was? 
 
Imagine if high rises were allowed!!!!

Zebraspots

It is physically impossible to fully evacuate Sowal and has been for years.

Increased growth just makes it worse. This is part of the reason why a 4 lane 331 bridge is so important and why the Sheriff was so proactive about evacuation this past summer.

It is physically impossible to fully evacuate Sowal and has been for years. 
 
Increased growth just makes it worse. This is part of the reason why a 4 lane 331 bridge is so important and why the Sheriff was so proactive about evacuation this past summer.

Andy A

All residents need to set up their own criteria for evacuation.  Some say I will evacuate if a cat. l hurricane is going to hit my area.  Others have cat. 2 or 3.  Evacuation has never been a problem for us though in 10 years we have only evacuated 3 times.

Lake View Too

SoWal Insider

I really don't think evacuation is a significant problem either, if people just use a little common sense. such as leave early enough and take the route of least resistance. Evacuation shouldn't be the main reason to widen the bridge, either. Making 331 safer and easier for people coming into our county should be the priority.

About 30-A traffic. There are restrictions on building based on the amount of traffic the new construction would generate, but these ordinances have been circumvented for decades. That, and the lack of vision in creating a better traffic environment, has pretty much led us down the path towards gridlock. Our government should have been planning for this for years, but no one has been doing a thing about it. A middle beach road should have been planned a long time ago, and now it's far too late. More north-south connectors should be built, but environmentalists have shot that idea down, as if one or two small highways through the forests would be the end of the world.

I've lived here a long time, and I see nothing that will ever alleviate the traffic problems that are building up. A moratorium on building? Not gonna happen. Demolition of the TDC? Not gonna happen. Sad as it sounds, traffic will probably drive me away from my home town...

I really don&#039;t think evacuation is a significant problem either, if people just use a little common sense. such as leave early enough and take the route of least resistance. Evacuation shouldn&#039;t be the main reason to widen the bridge, either. Making 331 safer and easier for people coming into our county should be the priority. 
 
About 30-A traffic. There are restrictions on building based on the amount of traffic the new construction would generate, but these ordinances have been circumvented for decades. That, and the lack of vision in creating a better traffic environment, has pretty much led us down the path towards gridlock. Our government should have been planning for this for years, but no one has been doing a thing about it. A middle beach road should have been planned a long time ago, and now it&#039;s far too late. More north-south connectors should be built, but environmentalists have shot that idea down, as if one or two small highways through the forests would be the end of the world. 
 
I&#039;ve lived here a long time, and I see nothing that will ever alleviate the traffic problems that are building up. A moratorium on building? Not gonna happen. Demolition of the TDC? Not gonna happen. Sad as it sounds, traffic will probably drive me away from my home town...

Cuff

Beach Lover

The traffic is really bad. There are so so many houses that are jammed next to each other. I realize that $$$ is to be made but in the long run this over building will a deterrent... at least for me.

Dawn

Traffic and overcrowding worsening as communities grow has been going on for thousands of years. Find one that didn't outstrip its infrastructure and we'd have a model to go by. In America its about politics and money. You're not going to get people filling a meeting demanding growth slow and roads improve.

What would it take to stop building?

Even if you stopped it on the beach, 98 and 331 is about to boom and you'll have thousands more cars and people flooding the beach. Unfortunately if you don't like it you'll feel forced to leave.

Traffic and overcrowding worsening as communities grow has been going on for thousands of years. Find one that didn&#039;t outstrip its infrastructure and we&#039;d have a model to go by. In America its about politics and money. You&#039;re not going to get people filling a meeting demanding growth slow and roads improve. 
 
What would it take to stop building? 
 
Even if you stopped it on the beach, 98 and 331 is about to boom and you&#039;ll have thousands more cars and people flooding the beach. Unfortunately if you don&#039;t like it you&#039;ll feel forced to leave.

Oh, all of you who think the growth here is overwhelming, quit griping.  When I bought here, you had to drive to Destin to get anything.  Now, we have restaurants, shops, supermarkets and other needed amenitles.  I don't find the traffic on 30A that bothersome, either.  It is still a great place to live and will remain so for many years to come.  Enjoy what is truly paradise and be glad you are here or move to someplace where you are happy.

Oh, all of you who think the growth here is overwhelming, quit griping.  When I bought here, you had to drive to Destin to get anything.  Now, we have restaurants, shops, supermarkets and other needed amenitles.  I don&#039;t find the traffic on 30A that bothersome, either.  It is still a great place to live and will remain so for many years to come.  Enjoy what is truly paradise and be glad you are here or move to someplace where you are happy.

j p nettles

Banned

When I bought a home in Destin 30 years ago  the quiet "little fishing village" was what I loved. I moved east to South Walton and now the growth spurred by greedy developers have ruined the entire area. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone to Mexico Beach. Now I'm too old to find another quiet place on the coast. If I move again it will be away from the coast.

When I bought a home in Destin 30 years ago  the quiet &quot;little fishing village&quot; was what I loved. I moved east to South Walton and now the growth spurred by greedy developers have ruined the entire area. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone to Mexico Beach. Now I&#039;m too old to find another quiet place on the coast. If I move again it will be away from the coast.

jodiFL

They should have capped it about 10 years ago. But that raises the question...how long have you been here?

I have lived here full time sine January. I love it here. The natural beauty is breathtaking . Happily I live in a very quiet, serene part of this area. I moved here from Key West. KW had to put in place a rate of growth law because it had become over built which brought on numerous problems, ie, stress to infrastructure , air, water and noise pollution , crowding and impossible parking , and filth that can not be managed. The City also recognized that hurricane evacuation had been compromised. City leaders and residents wish the ROGO had been in place 20 years ago. Anyone who has tried to navigate the island in a car knows that it is daunting experience. Anyone living there can attest to the noise, dirt and the challenge of getting to a grocery store or restaurant, even on a bike or on foot. KW has also put into place a comprehensive recycling and compost program. The City makes money from these programs. 
When I drive along 30A and witness the crowding of houses, traffic , and lack of parking at many places , when I see garbage cans loaded with items that could be recycled, spilled trash that blows everywhere I wonder if I am witnessing again the slow erosion of another paradise.
We live in a crowded world and managing the impact of our numbers is challenging . At my age I am not sure whether I have become cynical or realistic or both. Obviously there is lot's of money to be made off people who also want to visit this lovely area , and there is nothing wrong about that. The majority of elected officials will always bow to the wishes of money. I just wish that some foresight now might preserve this area for years to come . Sadly I don't expect that to happen.

I have lived here full time sine January. I love it here. The natural beauty is breathtaking . Happily I live in a very quiet, serene part of this area. I moved here from Key West. KW had to put in place a rate of growth law because it had become over built which brought on numerous problems, ie, stress to infrastructure , air, water and noise pollution , crowding and impossible parking , and filth that can not be managed. The City also recognized that hurricane evacuation had been compromised. City leaders and residents wish the ROGO had been in place 20 years ago. Anyone who has tried to navigate the island in a car knows that it is daunting experience. Anyone living there can attest to the noise, dirt and the challenge of getting to a grocery store or restaurant, even on a bike or on foot. KW has also put into place a comprehensive recycling and compost program. The City makes money from these programs. 
When I drive along 30A and witness the crowding of houses, traffic , and lack of parking at many places , when I see garbage cans loaded with items that could be recycled, spilled trash that blows everywhere I wonder if I am witnessing again the slow erosion of another paradise. 
We live in a crowded world and managing the impact of our numbers is challenging . At my age I am not sure whether I have become cynical or realistic or both. Obviously there is lot&#039;s of money to be made off people who also want to visit this lovely area , and there is nothing wrong about that. The majority of elected officials will always bow to the wishes of money. I just wish that some foresight now might preserve this area for years to come . Sadly I don&#039;t expect that to happen.

shellak

I think everyone living along 30a needs to be proactive about preserving any quaintness and charm it has left. I understand that people buy condos and homes to rent and make income. I understand people buy land to build on for personal use or for investment. But if we do not manage the growth, this area will ultimately decline and lose its visitors. I remember when the real estate collapse happened, I read an article about a particular city that did not experience the huge downturn we did because it has managed growth for years. there are those who do not like any type of regulation but there are times that it is for the good of the community. we all have a vested interest in keeping this scenic highway "scenic". To just close our eyes and hope for the best is irresponsible.

I think everyone living along 30a needs to be proactive about preserving any quaintness and charm it has left. I understand that people buy condos and homes to rent and make income. I understand people buy land to build on for personal use or for investment. But if we do not manage the growth, this area will ultimately decline and lose its visitors. I remember when the real estate collapse happened, I read an article about a particular city that did not experience the huge downturn we did because it has managed growth for years. there are those who do not like any type of regulation but there are times that it is for the good of the community. we all have a vested interest in keeping this scenic highway &quot;scenic&quot;. To just close our eyes and hope for the best is irresponsible.

Independent Thinker

You are absolutely right shellak, but as long as extremest right wing Walton county Republicans are in control, The charm of 30A is probably doomed. They claim to be conservative, yet they have little regard for conservation and the environment. Just my opinion based on my observations, I'm sure my comment will be offensive to several people, but hypocricy is offensive to me.

You are absolutely right shellak, but as long as extremest right wing Walton county Republicans are in control, The charm of 30A is probably doomed. They claim to be conservative, yet they have little regard for conservation and the environment. Just my opinion based on my observations, I&#039;m sure my comment will be offensive to several people, but hypocricy is offensive to me.

chip hagler

I think it's more about greed.  If you throw politics in it, then can we say the left wing Democrats are the cause of Detroits demise?  California's debt problem, is that the liberals fault?  It all boils down to money.  I want it all and I want it now or get it while you can attitude.  Just my two cents worth.

I think it&#039;s more about greed.  If you throw politics in it, then can we say the left wing Democrats are the cause of Detroits demise?  California&#039;s debt problem, is that the liberals fault?  It all boils down to money.  I want it all and I want it now or get it while you can attitude.  Just my two cents worth.

I agree it is about greed, as far as politics, I'm specifically talking about Walton County politics. These backwoods Republican rednecks that have been running this county for the past two decades. They act as the sneaky "good ole boy crew that appear to have no ethics and continue to have no regard for what South Walton full time residents think.  If you don't think politics is in play here, just look at all the lawsuits and ethics complaints against the BCC and county entities. I've lived in lots of places and the local government here is the worst I've seen anywhere. It's a crying shame because this is such a beautiful unique area.

I agree it is about greed, as far as politics, I&#039;m specifically talking about Walton County politics. These backwoods Republican rednecks that have been running this county for the past two decades. They act as the sneaky &quot;good ole boy crew that appear to have no ethics and continue to have no regard for what South Walton full time residents think.  If you don&#039;t think politics is in play here, just look at all the lawsuits and ethics complaints against the BCC and county entities. I&#039;ve lived in lots of places and the local government here is the worst I&#039;ve seen anywhere. It&#039;s a crying shame because this is such a beautiful unique area.

meggiemom

[quote="Independent Thinker, post: 785650"]I agree it is about greed, as far as politics, I'm specifically talking about Walton County politics. These backwoods Republican rednecks that have been running this county for the past two decades. They act as the sneaky "good ole boy crew that appear to have no ethics and continue to have no regard for what South Walton full time residents think.  If you don't think politics is in play here, just look at all the lawsuits and ethics complaints against the BCC and county entities. I've lived in lots of places and the local government here is the worst I've seen anywhere. It's a crying shame because this is such a beautiful unique area.[/QUOTE]
Usually, if one party holds all the power, the party in power is corrupt. In Walton County Republicans hold almost all offices. Developers and others who have their own self interests buy the politicians by financing the campaigns of these people. Around here if you aren't running as a Republican you may as well not run. In places like Chicago the Democrats are the crooks. It's too bad we don't have some way control political campaign financing.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Independent Thinker">I agree it is about greed, as far as politics, I&#039;m specifically talking about Walton County politics. These backwoods Republican rednecks that have been running this county for the past two decades. They act as the sneaky &quot;good ole boy crew that appear to have no ethics and continue to have no regard for what South Walton full time residents think. If you don&#039;t think politics is in play here, just look at all the lawsuits and ethics complaints against the BCC and county entities. I&#039;ve lived in lots of places and the local government here is the worst I&#039;ve seen anywhere. It&#039;s a crying shame because this is such a beautiful unique area.</blockquote>Usually, if one party holds all the power, the party in power is corrupt. In Walton County Republicans hold almost all offices. Developers and others who have their own self interests buy the politicians by financing the campaigns of these people. Around here if you aren&#039;t running as a Republican you may as well not run. In places like Chicago the Democrats are the crooks. It&#039;s too bad we don&#039;t have some way control political campaign financing.

Arkiehawg

Greed will trump nature everytime.  That is why human traffic has significantly increased on 30A and will only get worse.  It's "all good" as long as the greedy are making big bucks.

Greed will trump nature everytime.  That is why human traffic has significantly increased on 30A and will only get worse.  It&#039;s &quot;all good&quot; as long as the greedy are making big bucks.

[quote="Cuff, post: 785210"]Is there a rate of growth law for 30a? Seems like there is a lot of new construction here. Almost too much for a two lane highway to handle . Are evacuation concerns considered?[/QUOTE]

You are very observant. I have repeatedly asked the same question. These roads can never be widened but it seems like our county commissioners are not concerned. If we overbuild, it will come back to bite us. I remember reading an article when the real estate crash happened about a city (can't remember which one) that kept tight controls on growth and were not affected by the downturn. What we need is a balance between those of us who are residents and those that trying to attract tourists/make money off of rentals.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Cuff">Is there a rate of growth law for 30a? Seems like there is a lot of new construction here. Almost too much for a two lane highway to handle . Are evacuation concerns considered?</blockquote> 
You are very observant. I have repeatedly asked the same question. These roads can never be widened but it seems like our county commissioners are not concerned. If we overbuild, it will come back to bite us. I remember reading an article when the real estate crash happened about a city (can&#039;t remember which one) that kept tight controls on growth and were not affected by the downturn. What we need is a balance between those of us who are residents and those that trying to attract tourists/make money off of rentals.

Is there a rate of growth law for 30a? Seems like there is a lot of new construction here. Almost too much for a two lane highway to handle . Are evacuation concerns considered?

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After Hurricane Isaias: Photos of South Walton Beaches

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