I bet Publix would disagree with you. Since Walmart has many grocery items at huge discounts compared to Publix, I see many tourists going to Not-So-Super Walmart to one stop shop, for groceries, cheap beach crap, beach towels, sunscreen, beach chairs, etc. Yes, they will employee a bunch of part time people with supressed wages.
I doubt we will see Walmart "revive a slumping neighborhood." I mean, there is only so much that can be done on Monk's Lane, with a huge power line easement extending across half of all the properties.
A few months ago, I posted St Joe's development plans for these parcels of land, so this should really come as no surprise to the people who stay in tune with the local gov't happenings, or the people who read SoWal.com. Just wait until St Joe builds the apartment complexes and assisted living homes behind the Walmart and other big box stores. Walmart was the largest big box on the development plans, but not the only one IICR. There are also plans for restaurants, gas stations, oh, and lets not forget the cute little windey road going from one store to another. At least the County's hwy 98 median beautification project on that end of 98 will balance out the yucky looks of Walmart.
On the good note, Walmart will make an otherwise monopoly in our area, Publix, keep competitive on prices. By the way, Publix will honor any other store's coupons, and I believe other stores' prices.
Now, all that's missing is a Home Depot / Lowe's, Outback SteakHouse, Target, Old Navy, and Michael's. But, not to fear, they will come. Let's not forget about the other commercial plans for St Joe at WaterSound (formerly known as WaterSound North), which includes plenty of commerical space for such stores, and it will be very close to the new east end entrance to Walton County once the new road is built from the new THE Beaches of northwest Florida airport (PCB). All things in time, my friends.
I cannot wait until it takes two hours to drive on hwy 98, the length of 30A. It will be so much fun.