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Geo

Beach Fanatic
Dec 24, 2006
2,740
2,795
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
I have been a lurker on this one for a while but decided to chime in with some random and mostly unoriginal thoughts-

I shop at Walmart about once a month for toiletries, diapers, etc. and I buy cheap clothes there for my 2 year old and 6 year old. I have no ethical issues with this and don't feel the need to apologize for it.

I don't enjoy the drive to the Destin location so I look forward to the more convenient location.

I understand why some folks are anti-Walmart and I respect that they choose not to shop there. I don't agree with many of Walmart's business practices and I actually prefer to shop local for many reasons.

I don't want chains, big boxes, etc. on 30A and I fully understand why this stretch was given the "scenic" designation. But I see Highway 98 as a completely different animal. I believe it makes sense to allow Walmart if stores like Publix are already there. And I am unopposed to seeing drive thrus on Highway 98, especially if this means keeping them away from 30A.

I've seen some Walmarts and other large developments fit into pretty areas. Suburban Denver comes to mind. Hopefully the county and its concerned citizens will help influence Walmart to take care with its design.

The sky isn't falling. This isn't the end for our beautiful beaches and surrounding area. And you don't have to shop there.
 

Miss Critter

Beach Fanatic
Mar 8, 2008
3,397
2,125
My perfect beach
Geo, if you want to pick a fight, you're just gonna have to quit being so darn reasonable. :D
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,893
9,500
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Geo, if you want to pick a fight, you're just gonna have to quit being so darn reasonable. :D


how true! so reasonable that I actually think he's got it right.

I really don't think anything like walmart or drive thrus will be a threat to 30A. not with the people we have in this community dedicated to protecting it.

I do think its reasonable to want to keep Hwy 98 from looking like your typical hwy with big stores and chains up and down. its not a scenic highway but it is in the heart of our town and most people here truly care about good neighborhood planning and careful, thoughtful, tasteful design. the beauty of this area, including Hwy 98, is so appreciated and valued by most who live and visit here. we know there is much land to be developed over the years and we hope it will be done with respect for the character of South Walton. yes, walmart seems to be the beginning of the end of that hope . but maybe not. we shall see.

Geo - I'm not happy about a walmart here - we've been here long enough to realize and truly understand and know that we do not need it. but if its here, I'll probably end up shopping there now and then out of pure convenience. hope they have macdonald's inside so I can at least have some french fries and a shake while shopping for 4 hours for stuff I don't need. ;-):D
 

Just Curious

Beach Fanatic
Apr 22, 2009
316
80
It's ridiculous how much is wasted and for no good reason. Wasn't somone posting a while back about how they can't even get old veggies etc. from the groceries to feed LIVESTOCK or for compost because of the paranoia about lawsuits if a human got sick?

The problem isn't with the corporations. The problem is with the mentality that a lot of people have these days. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they would rather sue the big, rich corporation. How can you expect any business no matter the size to donate anything if the risk of doing so coud damage their company.
 

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,644
1,773
tootsie said:
I do think its reasonable to want to keep Hwy 98 from looking like your typical hwy with big stores and chains up and down. its not a scenic highway

It may not look so scenic, but it is a designated Scenic Highway.
 

ShallowsNole

Beach Fanatic
Jun 22, 2005
4,279
857
Pt Washington
Side note: Publix supplies Caring and Sharing Of Walton County with bread to resell at very low prices. I assume it is a bit past its prime. Bread goes stale quickly but poses little health risk for quite awhile I suppose. Toast it, steam it, etc. and it is good.

The week last summer that Fuzz and I left ShallowsSquirt in charge, we left him with a houseful of heat-and-eat food but came home to three empty boxes that once held a dozen doughnuts each. Only upon interrogation did we discover that our neighbor up the street volunteers for Sharing and Caring and brought Squirt the doughnuts...:rotfl:
 

IRIETYMES

Beach Lover
Jul 9, 2007
169
30
IMHO it isn't needed with PC WalMart closeby the eastern end of 98 and the Destin one near that end. If you're an off-premises owner as we are (although Lord I sure try to move down there and get Mom and nine year old on board to no avail. Yet.), you just buy in your hometown and bring it with you. If you live down there, I just see the availability of these other two locations as being darn close enough. I hope it doesn't happen here.
 
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