The attorney hired by the County is now telling the County they can not vote on this issue that would affect Driftwood Estates,
If the commissioners vote to approve the NOPC will the insurance the county has cover the commissioners who vote to approve the NOPC as well as the county now that this letter will be part of the file. I thought Greg was there when the date certain was set to continue. I am I wrong? Surprised he waited until today to send this letter when the date was set weeks ago.
Replies
23Beach Fanatic
Greg Stewart seems to have been paid by the county to fight this for years and has done a good job. He has won 2 or 3 hearing in front of Walton County judges against Becnel in this same case.
So what all of a sudden happened for the county to change their stance and bend over to help Becnel. Not allowing the attorney we have paid a fortune to even be able to speak. Setting a date that they knew he would not be in town tells it all.
Thank you Greg from pointing out to Mark Davis the law and what could cost the tax payers even more money but stupidity on the BCC's part . Not everyone in Walton County can be owned buy a small fee. If indeed the rumor is true , Birthday cards to commissioners with 500.00 dollars in them may not mean you own that commissioners vote if the rumor mill has it correct. Or it could mean that commissioner is between a rock and a hard place when it comes time to vote.
Bill Chapman is the vote to watch as he voted no last time but has the opertunity to make a new motion this time. Sarah and Nipper will stand strong and not put themselves or the county in a use less law suit costing all the tax payers more wasted dollars.
So what all of a sudden happened for the county to change their stance and bend over to help Becnel. Not allowing the attorney we have paid a fortune to even be able to speak. Setting a date that they knew he would not be in town tells it all.
Thank you Greg from pointing out to Mark Davis the law and what could cost the tax payers even more money but stupidity on the BCC's part . Not everyone in Walton County can be owned buy a small fee. If indeed the rumor is true , Birthday cards to commissioners with 500.00 dollars in them may not mean you own that commissioners vote if the rumor mill has it correct. Or it could mean that commissioner is between a rock and a hard place when it comes time to vote.
Bill Chapman is the vote to watch as he voted no last time but has the opertunity to make a new motion this time. Sarah and Nipper will stand strong and not put themselves or the county in a use less law suit costing all the tax payers more wasted dollars.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Greg Stewart seems to have been paid by the county to fight this for years and has done a good job. He has won 2 or 3 hearing in front of Walton County judges against Becnel in this same case.
So what all of a sudden happened for the county to change their stance and bend over to help Becnel. Not allowing the attorney we have paid a fortune to even be able to speak. Setting a date that they knew he would not be in town tells it all.
Thank you Greg from pointing out to Mark Davis the law and what could cost the tax payers even more money but stupidity on the BCC's part . Not everyone in Walton County can be owned buy a small fee. If indeed the rumor is true , Birthday cards to commissioners with 500.00 dollars in them may not mean you own that commissioners vote if the rumor mill has it correct. Or it could mean that commissioner is between a rock and a hard place when it comes time to vote.
Bill Chapman is the vote to watch as he voted no last time but has the opportunity to make a new motion this time. Sarah and Nipper will stand strong and not put themselves or the county in a use less law suit costing all the tax payers more wasted dollars.
A. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OR CONDUCT
1. Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts Public officers, employees, local government attorneys, and candidates are prohibited from soliciting or accepting anything of value, such as a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, that is based on an understanding that their vote, official action, or judgment would be influenced by such gift. [Sec. 112.313(2), Fla. Stat.]
Unfortunately the other County Commissioners don't really have much say when it comes to appointments and even if they did, I doubt you'd hear them publicly voice any opposition.
They way I read the letter from the Attorney they can NOT vote on the issue.
Beach Lover
It's all over folks. 7 High rises approved and 100 acres of open space were created in one fell swoop as the NOPC passed across the board with only one of the 8 high rises off the table. (for now) It looks like checks in the Cayman Islands for chapman, anderson and jones when its all over. I'd say all total about 150 million was generated for a few lousy peanut campaign contributions. What a deal for the developers, they voted to approve it AGAINST the recommendations of their own outside counsel. Comp plan be damned....... I guess that was one hell of a greeting in the birthday card Chapman got from Randy Gardner. Damn Bill I'f I'd known you were that cheap I'd sent you one with 1000 instead of just 500 that I heard you got. It appears the terrible triplets know better than the 4000 plus residents that told the commission thru counsel that it was "beyond capacity". Evidently the triplets think the Sandestin intersection could use another up to 3000 cars a day.
Beach Fanatic
This is truly a sad day for Walton County. By ignoring the rule of law and the advise of their own attorney, the BCC has consigned thousands of taxpayer dollars to pay for attorneys and defend lawsuits. Those dollars could have been spent on infrastructure and economic development but now they will be wasted. Plus the best interests and property rights of thousands of citizens were ignored and the past orders that people based hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment decisions on are no longer worth the paper they are written on.
Beach FanaticAuthor
As someone just said to me....ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!
Let the lawsuits begin.
Let the lawsuits begin.
Beach Fanatic
Even after the Attorney told them they couldn't?
I'd think that's a real good way to get added to a lawsuit in your personal capacity as well as professional.
Looks like if a voter wants anything done around here we need to start sending BCC Members gift cards.
Hey, does the TDC have anymore laying in a drawer somewhere?
I'd think that's a real good way to get added to a lawsuit in your personal capacity as well as professional.
Looks like if a voter wants anything done around here we need to start sending BCC Members gift cards.
Hey, does the TDC have anymore laying in a drawer somewhere?
Beach Lover
This is truly a sad day for Walton County. By ignoring the rule of law and the advise of their own attorney, the BCC has consigned thousands of taxpayer dollars to pay for attorneys and defend lawsuits. Those dollars could have been spent on infrastructure and economic development but now they will be wasted. Plus the best interests and property rights of thousands of citizens were ignored and the past orders that people based hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment decisions on are no longer worth the paper they are written on.
Yes, it is a sad day for Walton County, but the saddest day is election days when the same garbage gets recycled or new garbage is bought and paid for and elected! It's absolutely sickening!!! AND THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED FOR YEARS! I've watched some of this same garbage or relatives/friends of original GARBAGE play this game since I was a child. I sometimes think it's not worth being aggravated and stressed over anymore! I think I'll move to Alaska..... Or anywhere other than and far from Walton County! Let them have it!!!! To he** with it and them! Let those that continue to elect them and the couch potatoes who don't even bother to vote put up with there shananigans!
Beach FanaticAuthor
My question is...how much money did it cost the taxpayers in legal fees for an expert legal opinion from an attorney which the county hired and chose to ignore?
Beach Lover
#101
WAS THIS WRITTEN FOR THE BCC?
Beach FanaticAuthor
Looks like if a voter wants anything done around here we need to start sending BCC Members gift cards.
What they need is go directly to jail cards. They got the gift cards and look what that got us!
Skunky
Even after the Attorney told them they couldn't?
I'd think that's a real good way to get added to a lawsuit in your personal capacity as well as professional.
Looks like if a voter wants anything done around here we need to start sending BCC Members gift cards.
Hey, does the TDC have anymore laying in a drawer somewhere?
Phony Tony can be bought for a Don Pedro's breakfast. The taxpayers are getting scattered, smothered, covered and chunked by his breakfast buddy, Lloyd
Beach Lover
Phony Tony can be bought for a Don Pedro's breakfast. The taxpayers are getting scattered, smothered, covered and chunked by his breakfast buddy, Lloyd
Beach FanaticAuthor
I had the opportunity to offer my 2 cents to the BCC tonight regarding their decision yesterday.
I said..."Imagine how strong this county could be if the BCC spent their time working for the people who elected you instead of the people who bought you!"
P.S. Thank you Ms. Jones, for once again trying to prevent someone from speaking. You clearly showed what an a$$ you can be but by the time you got around to allowing me my 3 minutes, I had the rooms undivided attention and they heard every word. They also VOTE!
You also lied again. You said Mark Davis submitted the $300.00 bill (which the taxpayers don't owe) as an agenda item to be paid...which he did. However, your request to Mark Davis to have it added as an agenda item came first. That document is public record as well.
Oh and by the way...the deposition in question is now a matter of public record and the lies are fixing to come full circle.
I said..."Imagine how strong this county could be if the BCC spent their time working for the people who elected you instead of the people who bought you!"
P.S. Thank you Ms. Jones, for once again trying to prevent someone from speaking. You clearly showed what an a$$ you can be but by the time you got around to allowing me my 3 minutes, I had the rooms undivided attention and they heard every word. They also VOTE!
You also lied again. You said Mark Davis submitted the $300.00 bill (which the taxpayers don't owe) as an agenda item to be paid...which he did. However, your request to Mark Davis to have it added as an agenda item came first. That document is public record as well.
Oh and by the way...the deposition in question is now a matter of public record and the lies are fixing to come full circle.
Beach FanaticAuthor
By Deborah Wheeler | @WaltonSunDeb | dwheeler@waltonsun.com
SANTA ROSA BEACH — Thanks to a voting block of solidarity shown by three Walton County commissioners, Sandestin will soon lose the popular Jolee Island Nature Preserve and adjacent Sandestin Tennis Center.
Despite overwhelming public opposition at Monday's meeting, commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the open-space compliance and allow the construction of two high rises on the small island in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Sandestin Investments owner Tom Becnel has not been able to start any construction projects since 2014, when he was found non-compliant with Development of Regional Impact (DRI) open-space requirements.
To change that, Becnel met with the Walton County Planning Department last year to try to find spots, such as buffers, that might count as open space. The first vote on Becnel's compliance occurred in January and came within one vote of being approved by county commissioners. District 1 Commissioner Bill Chapman proved to be the swing vote two months ago.
Monday, Chapman came through for Becnel and his attorney, Dana Matthews, by joining District 2 Commissioner Cecilia Jones and District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson in voting to approve the proposed changes.
District 3 Commissioner Melanie Nipper voted no to all the changes and District 4 Commissioner Sara Comander sided with Nipper on most of them.
Sandestin residents filled Emerald Coast Middle School's auditorium for Monday's eight-hour hearing. Most pleaded with commissioners not to allow Becnel to build more high rises at Sandestin. Residents from the adjoining Driftwood Estates also expressed their concern about construction.
Commissioners heard from lawyers and others who were involved in the early days of Sandestin. They said the resort is vested in its right to be built out. The five commissioners also heard from lawyers who argued for residents that Sandestin is not vested because there have been changes to the original DRI, which would void the right.
"There was no comp plan in 1984, and you are only vested in what happened then," said Driftwood Estates resident Alan Osborne. "You haven't had a traffic study since 2007, and a condition for approval was opening the road between Sandestin and Driftwood. There are drainage issues not being addressed. You are not telling the state what is going on."
But those arguments did not sway commissioners.
High rises approved
After the 3-2 vote, the next issue was whether Becnel would get the green light to build high rises.
Matthews argued that there are no height limits at Sandestin, but his client had voluntarily offered to limit heights on various parcels.
Becnel had proposed a 24-story building where Elephant Walk restaurant is now, but he withdrew the request.
One construction site not withdrawn was at Jolee Island Nature Preserve. However, he did lower the stories from 16 to 14.
Matthews said it was determined the parcel was assigned the designation of nature preserve in error, and the county's planning staff agreed.
As far as concerns about traffic congestion, Matthews told commissioners the state Department of Transportation has no objection to the projects.
"If these would create a major traffic problem, they would be obligated to tell the county," he said.
Residents exploded in disgust after the 3-2 approval.
Tennis center next to go
The third item addressed was the tennis center adjacent to Jolee Island, which Becnel wants designated as residential.
While the county staff recommended the change, County Attorney Mark Davis advised that any change not consistent with the county's Comprehensive Plan is not allowed.
"Changes to a DRI must comply with the current comp plan. There is no vesting to a change," he said.
However, Anderson argued that Sandestin has moved property around since 1984.
Sandestin Owners Association's attorney, Gary Hunter, answered that what Becnel wants to do is illegal because he is not complying with the comp plan and no traffic study has been done.
"When DOT did their study, they asked for two turn lanes on (U.S. Highway) 98. I have seen nothing from DOT that rescinded that," he said.
Attorney Shawn Heath of Tallahassee represented the greater Driftwood Estates residents. He told commissioners that Driftwood Estates is an example of what can go wrong with development.
Attorney David Theriaque, also of Tallahassee, represented Beachside II condominiums. He also said that any change through an NOPC must comply with the comp plan.
However, Walton planner Renee Bradley likened Sandestin's moving things around to like-kind transfers similar to Seascape and the height approval that was given to Grand Boulevard's hotel now under construction.
Anderson made the motion to accept the applicant's proposal and Jones seconded.
"We have been allowing these transfers and I want to treat everyone the same," Jones said.
The motion passed 3-2.
Anderson also moved to approve Becnel's proposal to take out the 15-court tennis center, and Chapman seconded. That vote also was 3-2.
Becnel and Matthews said they were happy and relieved after the votes.
Hunter said he will wait to hear from Sandestin homeowners on how they want to proceed.
www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20170314/sandestin-gets-ok-for-high-rises-to-replace-nature-preserve-tennis-center
SANTA ROSA BEACH — Thanks to a voting block of solidarity shown by three Walton County commissioners, Sandestin will soon lose the popular Jolee Island Nature Preserve and adjacent Sandestin Tennis Center.
Despite overwhelming public opposition at Monday's meeting, commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the open-space compliance and allow the construction of two high rises on the small island in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Sandestin Investments owner Tom Becnel has not been able to start any construction projects since 2014, when he was found non-compliant with Development of Regional Impact (DRI) open-space requirements.
To change that, Becnel met with the Walton County Planning Department last year to try to find spots, such as buffers, that might count as open space. The first vote on Becnel's compliance occurred in January and came within one vote of being approved by county commissioners. District 1 Commissioner Bill Chapman proved to be the swing vote two months ago.
Monday, Chapman came through for Becnel and his attorney, Dana Matthews, by joining District 2 Commissioner Cecilia Jones and District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson in voting to approve the proposed changes.
District 3 Commissioner Melanie Nipper voted no to all the changes and District 4 Commissioner Sara Comander sided with Nipper on most of them.
Sandestin residents filled Emerald Coast Middle School's auditorium for Monday's eight-hour hearing. Most pleaded with commissioners not to allow Becnel to build more high rises at Sandestin. Residents from the adjoining Driftwood Estates also expressed their concern about construction.
Commissioners heard from lawyers and others who were involved in the early days of Sandestin. They said the resort is vested in its right to be built out. The five commissioners also heard from lawyers who argued for residents that Sandestin is not vested because there have been changes to the original DRI, which would void the right.
"There was no comp plan in 1984, and you are only vested in what happened then," said Driftwood Estates resident Alan Osborne. "You haven't had a traffic study since 2007, and a condition for approval was opening the road between Sandestin and Driftwood. There are drainage issues not being addressed. You are not telling the state what is going on."
But those arguments did not sway commissioners.
High rises approved
After the 3-2 vote, the next issue was whether Becnel would get the green light to build high rises.
Matthews argued that there are no height limits at Sandestin, but his client had voluntarily offered to limit heights on various parcels.
Becnel had proposed a 24-story building where Elephant Walk restaurant is now, but he withdrew the request.
One construction site not withdrawn was at Jolee Island Nature Preserve. However, he did lower the stories from 16 to 14.
Matthews said it was determined the parcel was assigned the designation of nature preserve in error, and the county's planning staff agreed.
As far as concerns about traffic congestion, Matthews told commissioners the state Department of Transportation has no objection to the projects.
"If these would create a major traffic problem, they would be obligated to tell the county," he said.
Residents exploded in disgust after the 3-2 approval.
Tennis center next to go
The third item addressed was the tennis center adjacent to Jolee Island, which Becnel wants designated as residential.
While the county staff recommended the change, County Attorney Mark Davis advised that any change not consistent with the county's Comprehensive Plan is not allowed.
"Changes to a DRI must comply with the current comp plan. There is no vesting to a change," he said.
However, Anderson argued that Sandestin has moved property around since 1984.
Sandestin Owners Association's attorney, Gary Hunter, answered that what Becnel wants to do is illegal because he is not complying with the comp plan and no traffic study has been done.
"When DOT did their study, they asked for two turn lanes on (U.S. Highway) 98. I have seen nothing from DOT that rescinded that," he said.
Attorney Shawn Heath of Tallahassee represented the greater Driftwood Estates residents. He told commissioners that Driftwood Estates is an example of what can go wrong with development.
Attorney David Theriaque, also of Tallahassee, represented Beachside II condominiums. He also said that any change through an NOPC must comply with the comp plan.
However, Walton planner Renee Bradley likened Sandestin's moving things around to like-kind transfers similar to Seascape and the height approval that was given to Grand Boulevard's hotel now under construction.
Anderson made the motion to accept the applicant's proposal and Jones seconded.
"We have been allowing these transfers and I want to treat everyone the same," Jones said.
The motion passed 3-2.
Anderson also moved to approve Becnel's proposal to take out the 15-court tennis center, and Chapman seconded. That vote also was 3-2.
Becnel and Matthews said they were happy and relieved after the votes.
Hunter said he will wait to hear from Sandestin homeowners on how they want to proceed.
www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20170314/sandestin-gets-ok-for-high-rises-to-replace-nature-preserve-tennis-center
Beach Fanatic
I got a like kind-exchange to ask the Planning Dept. about real soon on another F'up on their part concerning the loss of an Open Space in Seagrove. Thinking open spaces are buffers and Parks are for cars is my breaking point. Stay tuned for the Bombshell Info that will result.
Beach Fanatic
Sandestin Investments, LLC Regains Compliance Through Walton County Commission
Miramar Beach, Fla. (March 15, 2017) – Sandestin Investments, LLC (SDI) underwent the process of clarifying its property entitlements through a notice of proposed change (NOPC) in order to reconcile the entitlements conveyed in the development of regional impact (DRI). An NOPC is not a document of permission, it is a document of clarification which includes limitations.
Sandestin was established in 1976 with a "bucket of entitlements" for building residential and commercial structures. In 2014, the board of county commission found the DRI "non-compliant" and asked for an NOPC to be submitted to remedy the "counts". Through a fairly intense and detailed process, Sandestin Investments presented what was determined to be the original master plan for the resort minus everything built to date, resulting in the NOPC that was presented and approved on Monday, March 13, 2017 in a special meeting.
The goal of SDI is to improve and ensure the longevity and vitality of the resort by bringing the resort up to date through maintenance and renovations and by adding responsible new development when the market exists for new product. Each line item of the NOPC was separately addressed in the county hearing. The determination of being compliant does not mean that shovels are already in the ground.
“These projects will undergo the required Development Order process with the county and state regulatory bodies' approvals”, Mr. Becnel noted “We are looking forward to working together with The SOA, the county and the state to ensure the longevity of our community and resort.”
SDI is excited to launch the Osprey Pointe condominium development on Heron Walk drive. Building Osprey Pointe provides an opportunity to improve the infrastructure in that area.
Senior vice president and general manager of the resort, Mark Hodgdon added, “Enhancements to our marina are also in store. We will be adding additional slips to accommodate small and large boats, as well as an additional boat dock. There have been some questions about the future of tennis at Sandestin. We recognize that tennis is a popular amenity for our residents and guests. There are no current plans to make any changes to the location or layout of the existing tennis courts or clubhouse. Tennis will always be a part of the Sandestin lifestyle.”
Kitty Whitney, broker and executive director of real estate and development hi-lited that, “The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago.”
Whitney explained, "To be able to renovate, rejuvenate, pull a permit for basic maintenance and build new product responsibly are all essential activities required to keep Sandestin evolving, updated and revitalized. I live, work and play here and have every intention to ensure that our resort, our home, is kept at its optimal quality for years to come.”
About Sandestin Investments, LLC
SRE is the exclusive brokerage for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s ownership and the only brokerage with offices inside the gates of Sandestin. Founded in 1973, we are a market-leading real estate company operating from the Destin Bridge to the Bay County line. Sandestin's dedicated real estate team consists of 27 expert sales professionals and a strong support team to assist them in continuing to be the top producing professionals on the Emerald Coast. SRE represents those interested in owning or selling a variety of properties from the beaches of South Walton and Destin, to bay-front neighborhoods, golf course homes, and commercial opportunities. We service the areas of Sandestin, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and everything in between.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,300 South Walton vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 115-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.
Media Contact:
Kitty Whitney, Sandestin Investments, LLC
kitty@sandestin.com
850.267.8701
Maureen Holden, Marketing and Communications Director
MaureenHolden@sandestin.com
850.267.8261
Miramar Beach, Fla. (March 15, 2017) – Sandestin Investments, LLC (SDI) underwent the process of clarifying its property entitlements through a notice of proposed change (NOPC) in order to reconcile the entitlements conveyed in the development of regional impact (DRI). An NOPC is not a document of permission, it is a document of clarification which includes limitations.
Sandestin was established in 1976 with a "bucket of entitlements" for building residential and commercial structures. In 2014, the board of county commission found the DRI "non-compliant" and asked for an NOPC to be submitted to remedy the "counts". Through a fairly intense and detailed process, Sandestin Investments presented what was determined to be the original master plan for the resort minus everything built to date, resulting in the NOPC that was presented and approved on Monday, March 13, 2017 in a special meeting.
The goal of SDI is to improve and ensure the longevity and vitality of the resort by bringing the resort up to date through maintenance and renovations and by adding responsible new development when the market exists for new product. Each line item of the NOPC was separately addressed in the county hearing. The determination of being compliant does not mean that shovels are already in the ground.
“These projects will undergo the required Development Order process with the county and state regulatory bodies' approvals”, Mr. Becnel noted “We are looking forward to working together with The SOA, the county and the state to ensure the longevity of our community and resort.”
SDI is excited to launch the Osprey Pointe condominium development on Heron Walk drive. Building Osprey Pointe provides an opportunity to improve the infrastructure in that area.
Senior vice president and general manager of the resort, Mark Hodgdon added, “Enhancements to our marina are also in store. We will be adding additional slips to accommodate small and large boats, as well as an additional boat dock. There have been some questions about the future of tennis at Sandestin. We recognize that tennis is a popular amenity for our residents and guests. There are no current plans to make any changes to the location or layout of the existing tennis courts or clubhouse. Tennis will always be a part of the Sandestin lifestyle.”
Kitty Whitney, broker and executive director of real estate and development hi-lited that, “The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago.”
Whitney explained, "To be able to renovate, rejuvenate, pull a permit for basic maintenance and build new product responsibly are all essential activities required to keep Sandestin evolving, updated and revitalized. I live, work and play here and have every intention to ensure that our resort, our home, is kept at its optimal quality for years to come.”
About Sandestin Investments, LLC
SRE is the exclusive brokerage for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s ownership and the only brokerage with offices inside the gates of Sandestin. Founded in 1973, we are a market-leading real estate company operating from the Destin Bridge to the Bay County line. Sandestin's dedicated real estate team consists of 27 expert sales professionals and a strong support team to assist them in continuing to be the top producing professionals on the Emerald Coast. SRE represents those interested in owning or selling a variety of properties from the beaches of South Walton and Destin, to bay-front neighborhoods, golf course homes, and commercial opportunities. We service the areas of Sandestin, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and everything in between.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,300 South Walton vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 115-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.
Media Contact:
Kitty Whitney, Sandestin Investments, LLC
kitty@sandestin.com
850.267.8701
Maureen Holden, Marketing and Communications Director
MaureenHolden@sandestin.com
850.267.8261
Beach Fanatic
Sandestin Investments, LLC Regains Compliance Through Walton County Commission
Miramar Beach, Fla. (March 15, 2017) – Sandestin Investments, LLC (SDI) underwent the process of clarifying its property entitlements through a notice of proposed change (NOPC) in order to reconcile the entitlements conveyed in the development of regional impact (DRI). An NOPC is not a document of permission, it is a document of clarification which includes limitations.
Sandestin was established in 1976 with a "bucket of entitlements" for building residential and commercial structures. In 2014, the board of county commission found the DRI "non-compliant" and asked for an NOPC to be submitted to remedy the "counts". Through a fairly intense and detailed process, Sandestin Investments presented what was determined to be the original master plan for the resort minus everything built to date, resulting in the NOPC that was presented and approved on Monday, March 13, 2017 in a special meeting.
The goal of SDI is to improve and ensure the longevity and vitality of the resort by bringing the resort up to date through maintenance and renovations and by adding responsible new development when the market exists for new product. Each line item of the NOPC was separately addressed in the county hearing. The determination of being compliant does not mean that shovels are already in the ground.
“These projects will undergo the required Development Order process with the county and state regulatory bodies' approvals”, Mr. Becnel noted “We are looking forward to working together with The SOA, the county and the state to ensure the longevity of our community and resort.”
SDI is excited to launch the Osprey Pointe condominium development on Heron Walk drive. Building Osprey Pointe provides an opportunity to improve the infrastructure in that area.
Senior vice president and general manager of the resort, Mark Hodgdon added, “Enhancements to our marina are also in store. We will be adding additional slips to accommodate small and large boats, as well as an additional boat dock. There have been some questions about the future of tennis at Sandestin. We recognize that tennis is a popular amenity for our residents and guests. There are no current plans to make any changes to the location or layout of the existing tennis courts or clubhouse. Tennis will always be a part of the Sandestin lifestyle.”
Kitty Whitney, broker and executive director of real estate and development hi-lited that, “The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago.”
Whitney explained, "To be able to renovate, rejuvenate, pull a permit for basic maintenance and build new product responsibly are all essential activities required to keep Sandestin evolving, updated and revitalized. I live, work and play here and have every intention to ensure that our resort, our home, is kept at its optimal quality for years to come.”
About Sandestin Investments, LLC
SRE is the exclusive brokerage for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s ownership and the only brokerage with offices inside the gates of Sandestin. Founded in 1973, we are a market-leading real estate company operating from the Destin Bridge to the Bay County line. Sandestin's dedicated real estate team consists of 27 expert sales professionals and a strong support team to assist them in continuing to be the top producing professionals on the Emerald Coast. SRE represents those interested in owning or selling a variety of properties from the beaches of South Walton and Destin, to bay-front neighborhoods, golf course homes, and commercial opportunities. We service the areas of Sandestin, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and everything in between.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,300 South Walton vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 115-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.
Media Contact:
Kitty Whitney, Sandestin Investments, LLC
kitty@sandestin.com
850.267.8701
Maureen Holden, Marketing and Communications Director
MaureenHolden@sandestin.com
850.267.8261
“The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago"
I'm starting to think this whole County is just one big Scribners Error...
Beach FanaticAuthor
Sandestin Investments, LLC Regains Compliance Through Walton County Commission
Miramar Beach, Fla. (March 15, 2017) – Sandestin Investments, LLC (SDI) underwent the process of clarifying its property entitlements through a notice of proposed change (NOPC) in order to reconcile the entitlements conveyed in the development of regional impact (DRI). An NOPC is not a document of permission, it is a document of clarification which includes limitations.
Sandestin was established in 1976 with a "bucket of entitlements" for building residential and commercial structures. In 2014, the board of county commission found the DRI "non-compliant" and asked for an NOPC to be submitted to remedy the "counts". Through a fairly intense and detailed process, Sandestin Investments presented what was determined to be the original master plan for the resort minus everything built to date, resulting in the NOPC that was presented and approved on Monday, March 13, 2017 in a special meeting.
The goal of SDI is to improve and ensure the longevity and vitality of the resort by bringing the resort up to date through maintenance and renovations and by adding responsible new development when the market exists for new product. Each line item of the NOPC was separately addressed in the county hearing. The determination of being compliant does not mean that shovels are already in the ground.
“These projects will undergo the required Development Order process with the county and state regulatory bodies' approvals”, Mr. Becnel noted “We are looking forward to working together with The SOA, the county and the state to ensure the longevity of our community and resort.”
SDI is excited to launch the Osprey Pointe condominium development on Heron Walk drive. Building Osprey Pointe provides an opportunity to improve the infrastructure in that area.
Senior vice president and general manager of the resort, Mark Hodgdon added, “Enhancements to our marina are also in store. We will be adding additional slips to accommodate small and large boats, as well as an additional boat dock. There have been some questions about the future of tennis at Sandestin. We recognize that tennis is a popular amenity for our residents and guests. There are no current plans to make any changes to the location or layout of the existing tennis courts or clubhouse. Tennis will always be a part of the Sandestin lifestyle.”
Kitty Whitney, broker and executive director of real estate and development hi-lited that, “The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago.”
Whitney explained, "To be able to renovate, rejuvenate, pull a permit for basic maintenance and build new product responsibly are all essential activities required to keep Sandestin evolving, updated and revitalized. I live, work and play here and have every intention to ensure that our resort, our home, is kept at its optimal quality for years to come.”
About Sandestin Investments, LLC
SRE is the exclusive brokerage for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s ownership and the only brokerage with offices inside the gates of Sandestin. Founded in 1973, we are a market-leading real estate company operating from the Destin Bridge to the Bay County line. Sandestin's dedicated real estate team consists of 27 expert sales professionals and a strong support team to assist them in continuing to be the top producing professionals on the Emerald Coast. SRE represents those interested in owning or selling a variety of properties from the beaches of South Walton and Destin, to bay-front neighborhoods, golf course homes, and commercial opportunities. We service the areas of Sandestin, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and everything in between.
About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,300 South Walton vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 115-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin’s APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.
Media Contact:
Kitty Whitney, Sandestin Investments, LLC
kitty@sandestin.com
850.267.8701
Maureen Holden, Marketing and Communications Director
MaureenHolden@sandestin.com
850.267.8261
"You can put lipstick on a pig but at the end of the day, it's still a pig,"
Beach Fanatic
“The NOPC as it pertained to Jolee Island simply corrected the record from a Scribner’s error made over a decade ago"A “scrivener” originally was (the profession being long obsolete) a copyist, a clerk who copied legal documents in longhand before the widespread advent of printing.
I'm starting to think this whole County is just one big Scribners Error...
This is a common and lame excuse the county uses to get out of jams. Judges understand it to mean - "we effed up but you can't prove it and even if you could it was an honest mistake so you're screwed and the government wins".
Beach FanaticAuthor
Sandestin Vote A Bad Omen for South Walton's future
3/16/2017
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 to approve the Sandestin development proposal that allows multiple high rises, deletion of active recreation areas, redefinition of open space, thousands of additional residential units and thousands of commercial square footage to a road system that can hardly accommodate existing development. It was no surprise that Commissioners Chapman, Jones, Anderson voted to approve. Commissioner Comander and Nipper understood the consequences of such a plan and voted no.
The approval was no surprise. The motion was made by Anderson whose campaign was heavily funded by both the developers and their Destin attorney. It was no surprise that Jones voted yes as she has been" in bed " with the developers and attorneys since they helped her regain a Commission seat she lost in 2012. She also drove Anderson to his campaign events openly supporting him in the 2016 election. So we expect these two to vote the same on 99% of the BOCC votes. Somewhat surprising is Chapman's vote because we thought he was interested in making sure adequate infrastructure was in place before boatloads of new development was approved. We guessed wrong. We wonder what
or who pushed him to ignore resident's concerns.
This approval is a bad omen for the quality of life and future of South Walton. If the BCC threesome can be persuaded to count roads as open space, approve a high rise on a sensitive island, what else can they be persuaded to do? When it comes to overdevelopment of coastal south Walton, decisions made by these three will determine the value of your home and investment, the quality of life in your neighborhood, and your ability to get out of your driveway and onto congested roads.
Overdevelopment will happen if the citizens don't rise up and take back control of their government.
No wonder the developers, many attorneys , and most of the BCC are opposed to incorporation.
They might lose their power over your life South Walton.
waltonpolitics.weebly.com/blog
3/16/2017
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, March 14, 2017 to approve the Sandestin development proposal that allows multiple high rises, deletion of active recreation areas, redefinition of open space, thousands of additional residential units and thousands of commercial square footage to a road system that can hardly accommodate existing development. It was no surprise that Commissioners Chapman, Jones, Anderson voted to approve. Commissioner Comander and Nipper understood the consequences of such a plan and voted no.
The approval was no surprise. The motion was made by Anderson whose campaign was heavily funded by both the developers and their Destin attorney. It was no surprise that Jones voted yes as she has been" in bed " with the developers and attorneys since they helped her regain a Commission seat she lost in 2012. She also drove Anderson to his campaign events openly supporting him in the 2016 election. So we expect these two to vote the same on 99% of the BOCC votes. Somewhat surprising is Chapman's vote because we thought he was interested in making sure adequate infrastructure was in place before boatloads of new development was approved. We guessed wrong. We wonder what
or who pushed him to ignore resident's concerns.
This approval is a bad omen for the quality of life and future of South Walton. If the BCC threesome can be persuaded to count roads as open space, approve a high rise on a sensitive island, what else can they be persuaded to do? When it comes to overdevelopment of coastal south Walton, decisions made by these three will determine the value of your home and investment, the quality of life in your neighborhood, and your ability to get out of your driveway and onto congested roads.
Overdevelopment will happen if the citizens don't rise up and take back control of their government.
No wonder the developers, many attorneys , and most of the BCC are opposed to incorporation.
They might lose their power over your life South Walton.
waltonpolitics.weebly.com/blog
Beach Fanatic
Well said!
Beach Fanatic
Looks like NW FL Daily is starting to get it!
New Guest Columnist!
GUEST COLUMN: Examining the ‘other side’ of Sandestin NOPC
NOPC - the definition given in the article is priceless...
New Guest Columnist!
GUEST COLUMN: Examining the ‘other side’ of Sandestin NOPC
NOPC - the definition given in the article is priceless...
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
“Notice, Ongoing Political Corruption” = NOPC
Great article!
Great article!
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