Article in the News Herald.
http://www.newsherald.com/headlines/article.display.php?a=4560&submitted=yes
Replies
46
Beach Fanatic
As stated the rumor has been around for years, and as stated Walt was interested back when he was looking but went to Orlando instead.
Considering a huge percentage of Disney guest's come from the SE, why would Disney be interested in building something that would be in the direct path of their current location. Make no sense at all.
Now if you are talking Disney Vacation Club expanding to the Gulf coast, that I might be willing to say is possible.
Considering a huge percentage of Disney guest's come from the SE, why would Disney be interested in building something that would be in the direct path of their current location. Make no sense at all.
Now if you are talking Disney Vacation Club expanding to the Gulf coast, that I might be willing to say is possible.
Beach Fanatic
Please do not let Brody know they are not coming!!!! He sits and waits patiently....
Beach Fanatic
BobbyJ, you are not that far take that boy and let me know when you want to go, we have gone every year since 87 with over 25 trips and stay usually about 2 weeks. Have stayed at all the resorts and know the ends and outs.
I posted some of this info on the Lounge about our Disney adventures. Its the Castle Thread.
[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=17723"]SoWal Beaches Forum[/ame]
I posted some of this info on the Lounge about our Disney adventures. Its the Castle Thread.
[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=17723"]SoWal Beaches Forum[/ame]
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SWGB
You might want to avoid June 3rd thru the 9th, that's when the employees and their "families" take over.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Did anyone bother to read the article? You don't intentionally avoid open meeting laws to do nothing.
SWGB
Did anyone bother to read the article? You don't intentionally avoid open meeting laws to do nothing.
Did this happen to hit the wrong thread?
Meow
"carnival people"....
Beach Lover
Article in the News Herald.
http://www.newsherald.com/headlines/article.display.php?a=4560&submitted=yes
Something is Cooking, it might not be a Mickey cookie but with 86 square miles of land you can bake allot of cakes.
Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak was more direct.
?We?re not currently working on any projects in your area,? she said after checking with company planners. ?We tend to hear rumors from time to time, but we had not heard this one.?
That might be the end of it, except that there is something happening with the Northern Trust land.
Joel Pate, chairman of the Washington County Commission, confirmed he has a meeting this week with representatives of the Knight family.
He said he had no idea what they wanted, but County Administrator Peter Herbert said the reps are meeting individually with all the commissioners to discuss plans for the land. The meetings won?t be public under that arrangement.
?They?re kind of exploring the possibilities,? Herbert said.
And for now, that still leaves plenty of room for speculation.
Beach Fanatic
Did anyone bother to read the article? You don't intentionally avoid open meeting laws to do nothing.
Yes I read it and no where did the article say that Disney was involved. Did you even bother to read my comment.
I do not see them building another theme park that would be in direct competition with WDW, but I would possibly see them building a DVC in the area, especially since they are currently developing more DVCs outside of the theme park areas such as the recently announced one in Hawaii.
DVC possible, theme park, I don't see it.
Beach FanaticAuthor
No Gay, it wasn't the wrong thread. It was apparent to me that no one posting (until 00Seer) had taken the time to read the article (which was probably one of the few examples of investigative reporting I've seen in Panama City). The importance of the article was not Disney, but that something looks to be in the works on the Northern Trust property. You don't meet privately with all Commissioners unless you are lining up political support for something substantial.
Beach Fanatic
No Gay, it wasn't the wrong thread. It was apparent to me that no one posting (until 00Seer) had taken the time to read the article (which was probably one of the few examples of investigative reporting I've seen in Panama City). The importance of the article was not Disney, but that something looks to be in the works on the Northern Trust property. You don't meet privately with all Commissioners unless you are lining up political support for something substantial.
I don't think it was apparent at all that we had not read the article, I read it all. But the title of this thread is "Disney Whirled" so therefore we were discussing the prospect of "Disney" being interested in the land not someone else.
If the thread had been, Northern Trust Property Speculation, then the answers would have reflected the title.
And Disney might very well be talking to them and even so everyone is entitled to speculate as to what that talk might involve. For me I don't see it being another theme park, and that is based on having friends at Disney on the Vice President level. I do however know that intend to expand their DVC interest.
However Disney has met many times behind closed doors with other areas and nothing became of it, the Virginia area being an example.
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
The thread title was the title of the newspaper article. Should have put it in quotes - sorry to confuse you.
Beach Lover
No Gay, it wasn't the wrong thread. It was apparent to me that no one posting (until 00Seer) had taken the time to read the article (which was probably one of the few examples of investigative reporting I've seen in Panama City). The importance of the article was not Disney, but that something looks to be in the works on the Northern Trust property. You don't meet privately with all Commissioners unless you are lining up political support for something substantial.[/quot
Someone mention to me referring to the Sunshine law witch allows you to meet with the Commissioners 1 at a time and the information could remain private. If you meet with them all at once it would have to be open to the public. I am not sure how this works but I?m sure Mr. Shelly will chime in soon. This is a ruff map of Washington and Bay County, it shows the 55,000 acres owned by the Knight family
SWGB
Sorry, the over whelming majority of the article seemed to be about rumors of a theme park in our neck of the woods. Quite frankly I don't think they are up to anything shady. If they were there would be no mention of meetings period. I also don't find it odd that a family who owns newpapers (generally printed on paper) also own large amounts of timber land located near, what used to be, a major paper mill. Maybe they are in talks to donate the land to the county and want to make sure the county wants to take on the responsibility? Could it be concern over land use changes? Washington County is also desperate for economic development and being that the land is so close to the new airport that could be an issue at hand. I realize that the conspiracy theorists out there want to go with the "shady good ole boys are screwing us", but has anyone considered that someone could be doing good or even considering it and just doesn't want to disappoint the public should it not go thru?
Beach FanaticAuthor
Here we have 55,000 acres being discussed in private for development in Washington County - about 30 minutes from 30-A This board has 14 responses and one that is remotely useful. Let me see if I can help get the real estate discussion going - how bout dem turtle eggs?
SWGB
Maybe no ones overly concerned since this is SoWal.com. Try SoWash.com for more spirited reaction.
SoWal Insider
Someone mention to me referring to the Sunshine law witch allows you to meet with the Commissioners 1 at a time and the information could remain private. If you meet with them all at once it would have to be open to the public. I am not sure how this works but I’m sure Mr. Shelly will chime in soon. This is a ruff map of Washington and Bay County, it shows the 55,000 acres owned by the Knight family
I'm not Mr. SHELLY, but I do know that in the state of Florida anytime two commissioners get together to discuss public business it is considered a public meeting and thus must be open to anyone. I am not sure but I would think such a meeting would have to be scheduled and on the official schedule. Meetings with individual commissioners do not have to be open to the public; however if two commissioners correspond by letter or email regarding their meetings with said individual, that correspondence is public and should be easily obtainable. In fact, any correspondence relating to matters of public interest are considered public record. The story was well done and I hope the News Herald continues pursuing this. Where there is smoke there is fire.
As an east ender who comes from Tampa, I pass through this area every time I come to SoWal. A large development or theme park would indeed affect us. Full time was right to post this here. Thanks for the link!
Edited
SoWal Insider
Sorry, the over whelming majority of the article seemed to be about rumors of a theme park in our neck of the woods. Quite frankly I don't think they are up to anything shady. If they were there would be no mention of meetings period. I also don't find it odd that a family who owns newpapers (generally printed on paper) also own large amounts of timber land located near, what used to be, a major paper mill. Maybe they are in talks to donate the land to the county and want to make sure the county wants to take on the responsibility? Could it be concern over land use changes? Washington County is also desperate for economic development and being that the land is so close to the new airport that could be an issue at hand. I realize that the conspiracy theorists out there want to go with the "shady good ole boys are screwing us", but has anyone considered that someone could be doing good or even considering it and just doesn't want to disappoint the public should it not go thru?
A nice thought but unrealistic. Down here our fine local paper just broke the story that the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays have been meeting for months privately with city officials in St. Petersburg regarding a new stadium. They found ways to get around the laws regarding this, and it has
a lot of people off.The Sunshine laws are in place for a reason, and anytime someone is working around them ... time to pay attention. Nice job News Herald; this is the kind of oversight the area desperately needs.
Edited
SoWal Insider
Here we have 55,000 acres being discussed in private for development in Washington County - about 30 minutes from 30-A This board has 14 responses and one that is remotely useful. Let me see if I can help get the real estate discussion going - how bout dem turtle eggs?What info would you like me to create for you?
SoWal Insider
I'm surprise this wasn't mentioned:
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Dubai firm floors Florida
30 June 2007
Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding Company is planning to build a media complex in Florida that could rival studios in Hollywood.
Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding Company is planning to build a media complex in Florida that could rival studios in Hollywood.
It is also looking at setting up a global real estate investment institute in the same American state to trade properties and shares worldwide.
Sketches of the studio complex show Hollywood East will have sound stages, back lots and even a space for filmmaking students at the Florida location, according to Local 6 News reportage in Miami.
The company is scouting for 800 acres of real estate and plans to make a decision in the next three months.
Although the exact location has not been finalised, Orlando, Miami and Tampa/St Petersburg are the likely options.
According to the local media, several Florida politicians have met Dr Mohamed Saleh, Chairman of Capital Plus Holding Company, during his visit to Florida.
"These individuals have a great interest in Florida and they are from Dubai," Florida Governor Charlie Crist was quoted as saying.
Florida State Representative Kevin Ambler of Hillsbo rough County also met the visiting representatives and said: "Florida is trying to be the next great Hollywood of the country" and the potential partnership could make it happen. The projects that we are talking about could create upwards of 8,000 jobs and infuse billions of dollars into our economy," he added.
The company is also looking into creating a global real estate investment institute in Florida that would trade properties and shares worldwide.
Ambler described the institute as "an educational institute for people about real estate development and investing, including the first-ever international exchange for real estate investments," an exchange such as the Nasdaq, which would trade in real estate investment trusts and other investments, The Tampa Tribune reported. "We are trying to develop our film and entertainment business, trying to build the next great Hollywood of the country," Ambler said.
Capital Plus specialises in a range of projects, with offices in London, Beirut, Riyadh, and Manama. Some of the projects include the new Media Hotel, a $272 million (Dh998.24m), four-star hotel in Dubai's Studio City. Capital Plus also owns its own media production firms such as Aqariya TV news channel.
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Dubai firm floors Florida
30 June 2007
Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding Company is planning to build a media complex in Florida that could rival studios in Hollywood.
Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding Company is planning to build a media complex in Florida that could rival studios in Hollywood.
It is also looking at setting up a global real estate investment institute in the same American state to trade properties and shares worldwide.
Sketches of the studio complex show Hollywood East will have sound stages, back lots and even a space for filmmaking students at the Florida location, according to Local 6 News reportage in Miami.
The company is scouting for 800 acres of real estate and plans to make a decision in the next three months.
Although the exact location has not been finalised, Orlando, Miami and Tampa/St Petersburg are the likely options.
According to the local media, several Florida politicians have met Dr Mohamed Saleh, Chairman of Capital Plus Holding Company, during his visit to Florida.
"These individuals have a great interest in Florida and they are from Dubai," Florida Governor Charlie Crist was quoted as saying.
Florida State Representative Kevin Ambler of Hillsbo rough County also met the visiting representatives and said: "Florida is trying to be the next great Hollywood of the country" and the potential partnership could make it happen. The projects that we are talking about could create upwards of 8,000 jobs and infuse billions of dollars into our economy," he added.
The company is also looking into creating a global real estate investment institute in Florida that would trade properties and shares worldwide.
Ambler described the institute as "an educational institute for people about real estate development and investing, including the first-ever international exchange for real estate investments," an exchange such as the Nasdaq, which would trade in real estate investment trusts and other investments, The Tampa Tribune reported. "We are trying to develop our film and entertainment business, trying to build the next great Hollywood of the country," Ambler said.
Capital Plus specialises in a range of projects, with offices in London, Beirut, Riyadh, and Manama. Some of the projects include the new Media Hotel, a $272 million (Dh998.24m), four-star hotel in Dubai's Studio City. Capital Plus also owns its own media production firms such as Aqariya TV news channel.
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Beach Fanatic
how wonderful for Fadi and Pierre!!!
Beach Lover
years ago Mike Adkinson had plans to do a Theme Park and Raceway in SoWal. The plans were messed up when the market crashed.
SoWal Insider
I'm surprise this wasn't mentioned:
------------------------------------
Dubai firm floors Florida
30 June 2007
Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding Company is planning to build a media complex in Florida that could rival studios in Hollywood.
Florida State Representative Kevin Ambler of Hillsbo rough County also met the visiting representatives and said: "Florida is trying to be the next great Hollywood of the country" and the potential partnership could make it happen. The projects that we are talking about could create upwards of 8,000 jobs and infuse billions of dollars into our economy," he added.
The company is also looking into creating a global real estate investment institute in Florida that would trade properties and shares worldwide.
----------------------------
/
"Ambler, whose practice includes entertainment and sports law, said he became involved with Capital Plus through a client of his, a Florida company named McDonald Hospitality, which may form a partnership with Capital Plus.
Ambler said he helped to arrange a series of meetings between Capital Plus Chairman Mohamed Saleh and local government officials. He added that he was limited in discussing the project because he didn't want to create barriers to land acquisition or negotiations for the project."
Interesting. :scratch:Would they come to the panhandle?
Emirati women do not wear head to toe cover like in Afghanistan, the gulf burqa is a metallic cloth worn over part of the face, and these days worn by the older generation.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
"carnival people"....In the early ?60s, Walt Disney himself approached Ed Ball, then St. Joe?s CEO, about buying 30,000 acres of North Florida land to build an amusement park. Ball allegedly kept Disney waiting for hours, then dismissed him with a terse note that the company didn?t deal with ?carnival people.?
now that is funny...
Beach Comber
Article in today's Panama City Newsherald ...
http://newsherald.com/headlines/article.display.php?a=4780
‘Disney’ land’s fate still unclear
December 10, 2007
By Tony Bridges
EBRO
Planners met with Washington County commissioners last week to discuss the future of 50,000 acres of undeveloped land long rumored to be the site of a new Walt Disney theme park.
What’s in store for the tract still isn’t clear, but according to those involved, one thing is for sure: There will be no thrill rides. Instead, possible uses could include anything from horse trails to housing developments.
“This is all at the very early stages of the planning,” said Gary Engelhardt, a Tampa consultant working for the landowners. “We’re still learning about the property.”
The tract is owned by the Knight newspaper family and held by the Northern Trust Company. About 7,500 acres are situated in north Bay County, and the rest stretches across southern Washington County in an area sometimes called Moody’s Pasture.
For now, the land is being used for timber production, but the owners are exploring other possibilities. Toward that end, Northern Trust hired Engelhardt and another consultant from Tallahassee named George Willson, along with the law firm of Hopping Green & Sams.
The planners started by holding individual sessions with elected officials.
“They were … interested in getting the commissioners’ ideas and thoughts,” said Washington County Administrator Pete Herbert. “They said they wanted to preserve some of the history of the property … and the commissioners were real interested in doing that.”
Commissioners suggested recreation and conservation uses such as hunting, fishing and horse riding, stressed environmental concerns and explained the county’s need for new jobs and a “full range” of housing options, Engelhardt said.
“We’re trying to get a better understanding of what’s happening in the community,” he said.
Herbert said the planners also talked about holding public workshops and taking “field trips” to tour the property as more ideas develop.
But don’t expect that to happen anytime soon. It’s a complex process, and the owners, under no pressure to sell, want to take their time before making any decisions, Engelhardt said.
As for rumors about theme parks, both Walt Disney and Busch Gardens executives recently said they had no such plans, and Engelhardt echoed them.
“To all of our knowledge, there’s nothing to it,” he said.
http://newsherald.com/headlines/article.display.php?a=4780
‘Disney’ land’s fate still unclear
December 10, 2007
By Tony Bridges
EBRO
Planners met with Washington County commissioners last week to discuss the future of 50,000 acres of undeveloped land long rumored to be the site of a new Walt Disney theme park.
What’s in store for the tract still isn’t clear, but according to those involved, one thing is for sure: There will be no thrill rides. Instead, possible uses could include anything from horse trails to housing developments.
“This is all at the very early stages of the planning,” said Gary Engelhardt, a Tampa consultant working for the landowners. “We’re still learning about the property.”
The tract is owned by the Knight newspaper family and held by the Northern Trust Company. About 7,500 acres are situated in north Bay County, and the rest stretches across southern Washington County in an area sometimes called Moody’s Pasture.
For now, the land is being used for timber production, but the owners are exploring other possibilities. Toward that end, Northern Trust hired Engelhardt and another consultant from Tallahassee named George Willson, along with the law firm of Hopping Green & Sams.
The planners started by holding individual sessions with elected officials.
“They were … interested in getting the commissioners’ ideas and thoughts,” said Washington County Administrator Pete Herbert. “They said they wanted to preserve some of the history of the property … and the commissioners were real interested in doing that.”
Commissioners suggested recreation and conservation uses such as hunting, fishing and horse riding, stressed environmental concerns and explained the county’s need for new jobs and a “full range” of housing options, Engelhardt said.
“We’re trying to get a better understanding of what’s happening in the community,” he said.
Herbert said the planners also talked about holding public workshops and taking “field trips” to tour the property as more ideas develop.
But don’t expect that to happen anytime soon. It’s a complex process, and the owners, under no pressure to sell, want to take their time before making any decisions, Engelhardt said.
As for rumors about theme parks, both Walt Disney and Busch Gardens executives recently said they had no such plans, and Engelhardt echoed them.
“To all of our knowledge, there’s nothing to it,” he said.
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