What defines a "local" and does it really matter?

That definition has probably been a bit of a controversy since back when tribes of cavemen staked out their territory. Certainly it is a global issue (more than ever.)
A local is someone Who Got There First. It might be a generation or two ago, it might be ten years ago.
How much it matters is up for debate; I've seen it played out before.

When my dad moved our family from New York to Colorado in 1969, concern over Texans moving in was just beginning. Within 8-10 years of our move, Colorado Native bumperstickers first appeared. Everyone was worried about too much growth.The stickers resembled a Colorado license plate, but proudly and defiantly displayed the fact that the driver had been born there.
(We got my mom one--she was born in Denver. ;-))
Within a couple years, "Semi-Native" bumperstickers joined the scene, and I think that says it all. The "locals" made their statement, and the incomers replied.

People Who Got There First often worry about an influx of outsiders and there is an entire litany of reasons. SHELLY's elgiac posts provide a literate illustration of how people feel--WaltonUndercurrent's as well.
Quality of life is subjective, but I think the biggest concerns are cost of living being driven up, the beauty of the region being marred, the character of the place dissolved, and ambivalence towards being a resort town.
All are valid.

The very first time I shopped at Piggly-Wiggly here, the guy who bagged my groceries asked where I'd come from (my non-Southern accent instantly pegs me for an outsider.) He did not know that I had moved here for good and he cheerfully encouraged me to spend my money and then go home.

The funny thing is, he got to know me over time. I think he's figured out that I came for more than a week, and that I am not such a terrible person.

This board is a good place for locals and newcomers alike to ask questions, rant, discuss and problem-solve.
I know what it's like to b*tch and moan about the special way a place used to be. But the state parks aren't going anywhere soon. And even SoWal locals' ancestors, unless they were Native Americans, originally emigrated from some place else.

The reality for all Americans is that we live in a capitalistic society; the assumption is that we can legislate zoning with consideration for schools, childcare, small businesses and affordable housing--not just million dollar mansions.

We are ALL "one with the beach". Although some people are more "one" than others. ;-)

A very thought provoking question Kimmi. I must go read the other thread before I can answer. I just try to be a good citizen, no matter what locale I am in.

Not everyone can be a Steele...for those of us that were not born here, Local is a state of mind...a sense of belonging...It's when you hit the bay coming south and get that "I'm Home" feeling. I would hazard to guess that everyone who post on this thread...thinks they are a local.

Cil - good post. Whan I see a bumper sticker that says "local" or "native", to me it might as well say "jerk".

Having a "SoWal" sticker is hip. ;-)

I'm a proud local, but being so doesn't mean I can or should rag on tourists and visitors (many are frequent visitors who really care about sowal and sort of live here part time). here is the deal:

if you see some biker on hwy 30A slow down and go around him/her. it's very simple. serious bikers don't do the bike path because of all the walkers and baby strollers and others. they use the road as they should, and it doesn't matter if their shorts are black or light blue.

In Texas, you will see a bumper sticker that says "I wasn't born here but I got here as fast as I could!"

That suits my husband to a T- he is from Missouri but couldn't be any happier living here in Texas with me, a "local". I really do try not to hold his "foreign status" against him. :roll:

If I could afford to live in So-Wal, I would be glad to take any abuse heaped on me by "locals"- it is a great and beautiful place. When I first saw Destin in the 70's, I never dreamed it would turn into the tourist mecca that it is today. I guess all we can hope for is some amount of reasonable growth control on 30-A. And maybe education of tourist bikers.

Not everyone can be a Steele...for those of us that were not born here, Local is a state of mind...a sense of belonging...It's when you hit the bay coming south and get that "I'm Home" feeling. I would hazard to guess that everyone who post on this thread...thinks they are a local.

VERY WELL SAID!!!!!! I get that feeling every time I drive accross the 30A bridge entering SoWal!
Being a local means having a deep sense of respect for the enviornment and the people who do live there year round. It is not being condescending nor demanding. It is being a real human being, not an a$$H...which some people are because they feel it is their god given right to DEMAND
the beach, and SoWal in particular, means peace and contentment!

By definition, a local is someone living in a specific "local" area. A "native" is probably the word for which Capt William is thinking. A native is someone who is born in a particular area.

I have lived here for only 4 years, and I am a local, but not a native. It is really pretty simple.

Well put everyone:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

I just posted my thoughts on the other thread and did not know this one was here... I read the other one before I took little IBD to our local school and it bothered me all the way there and back. I rushed in and posted my comment...

Cant we all just get along????

Well put everyone:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

Cant we all just get along????

Great idea, IBD. It's the beach!!

I consider myself a part-time local. When I cross the bridge into Walton County, everything else in my life gets thrown on the back burner. My mindset becomes beach-focused. I'm not thinking of anything else.

For as long as I'm visiting, I'm a local. So there. It might make some of you steam that I am so presumptuous as to consider myself "local" when I come and go at will. I know there's much that goes on that I can do nothing about, seeing that I do not vote and I do not stay. But it doesn't mean that I am not aware, and it doesn't mean that I don't care. I care enough that I chose to buy in SoWal, which ties me to the place both financially and emotionally.

Part-time local is as much as I am privileged to be at this stage of my life, but it's what I have, and I've staked my claim. I'm a part-time local!!!!

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

Perfect!

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

As a local and a native...I've gone from growing up in an isolated, desolate (but peaceful and beautiful, which I didn't appreciate then) South Walton to the suburban area it is today. For the most part, I appreciate what tourism and the increased population have done for us. I no longer have to go to Fort Walton Beach for recreation or shopping. My child has attended school in South Walton since he started, and will be able to complete high school without riding the school bus across Choctawhatchee Bay. My church is no longer comprised of 20 elderly people (though I don't agree with their building project, but I digress...) The list of benefits that we enjoy now that we simply didn't have the population to support before is almost endless.

I haven't read the bicycle thread yet...I do have issues with bicycles at times, but normally only when I am in a hurry - nothing that me slowing down wouldn't cure. The major problems I have are when places and pieces from our past are discarded or bulldozed in the name of progress, when our history is forgotten, and when folks like me and my family have a hard time paying our taxes and insurance and feel like we will, eventually, be squeezed out. Elections bother me at times as well, when people just mark ballots based on a party affiliation, regardless of what the candidate is about.

And does it matter? Let's don't go there. I have work to do today.

I think the answer is "yes",, it matters a lot to locals and part-time locals and sowal lovers from all over. we may tend to be protective of the
place(s) we love most. I believe sowallers (on this board) feel a sense of belonging to the area - it's a special place for many reasons that go far beyond the beach. I like living here because the residents make this community special. I like the beach too - but it is not my reason for being here. not at all!

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for this-

Thanks....Just wanted a little insight into the matter.

Great thread with some beautiful and wise thoughts. Thanks for starting this thread, Kimmifunn.

I, too, feel like a part-time local and love it when the longer-time locals and natives give those of us who are part time some history and perspective. One of the reasons our children like coming here is that they feel they truly are a part of SoWal-- and it's a home away from home for them. They will "grow up" with memories of SoWal, will be invested in keeping it the paradise that it is (and, by being part of this community, they have learned much about the care of Mother Nature and their responsibilities to be good citizens to nature), and will bring their children (our grandchildren) here. That feels pretty local to me!

I agree that SoWal is a better bumper sticker than "native" or "local"! One of our daughters has a SoWal sticker on her binder for middle school...

I see SoWalSally posted a new thread entitled Counseling Clinic in Grayton
[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=155235#post155235"]Counseling Clinic in Grayton Beach - SoWal Beaches Forum[/ame]

I think they should have day classes........
Something like this:

1) COURSE: Am I a native, local, part time local, transplanted native?
Hypnotists will be on site to take you back to a former life to see where you really came from.

2) COURSE: How to control your anger or loss when a local business closes.
Therapists on site with pictures of items for you to describe. Scratch and sniff of food items available so you can work through the withdrawal.

3) COURSE: Bicyclists on the road- tempering your desire to pass them or run them over
A Plasma full screen with Nintendo like simulations including bicyclists of all sizes and shapes wearing different types of activewear.

4) COURSE: Crap on the beach
half day sessions where therapists will assist you in finding your inner child. Crap on the beach on site and creative methods of usage will be inspired.
:funn:

mango :funn:

This would be a great time for Donna to jump in with one her her wonderful stories about growing up in Walton County....

Too funny, Mango. I'd definitely need to enroll. :funn:

Mango is killing me...wonder what 30gAy has to say about this local/native/transplant/tourist thing.

There is native, local, property owner, tourist, snowbird, visitor, friends of locals, family of natives, etc. etc.

None of my family was born in South Walton. We are property owners/transplants/locals/lovers of Grayton Beach.

I think it is funny though how whoever lives in sowal really doesn't want anyone else to move there....really....be honest. The newest residents complain about the traffic and construction, while the older residents complain about the newer residents. It is the life cycle...or the resort cycle! Speaking of cycles - bi!
Except for you jdarg and Allifunn!