Interesting letter I got in an email. I happen to agree mostly. Chick speaks common sense but people who are fighting for tourist dollars won't agree.
1. when is enough enough? Used to be folks were happy to simply make a living at the beach. Greedy folks should be encouraged to go elsewhere. At least the flippers are dead.
2. more people will kill the golden goose - our beautiful forests, dunes, beaches and lakes.
3. more development will squash the goose. Uncrowded beaches were our main draw. The folks who want walmart, chains, and strip malls can't see beyond their own gluttony.
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the letter by chick huettel:
There?s plenty of festering disagreement on the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce absorbing the Tourist Development Council. In my humble opinion, we do not need either one.
Of the 20 odd years I have spent here, I have served on the Coastal Branch Library Board, as president of Coastal Preservation Society, as president of Blue Mountain Association and as a founding member of ArtsQuest.
I have also served on numerous Tourist Development Council committees, the original Florida State Walton County Comprehensive Planning Board committee, the Highway 98 Beatification Committee, the Cultural Arts Board, the Gulf Cemetery Board of Directors, the Old Town of Santa Rosa Historical Committee, plus many, many, many others.
As for the Chamber of Commerce, all I have ever seen is them cutting ribbons for business openings in the newspaper, with touches of business symposiums that I have attended and are not excitable.
After trip after trip into the chamber ?welcome center,? it is continually like a silent tomb. No visitor ever seems to be there.
Their objective is to promote ?economic growth and jobs.? I may be wrong here, but I have never heard of anyone using the chamber to find a job. I?ve also never seen the chamber snag a large business to come to South Walton.
Most middle class and lower scale citizens never use the chamber in looking for jobs. They do not understand what it is all about, plus they feel it is only for the elite.
As for growth, do we need more growth? We are losing the country atmosphere that all vacationers say is so wonderful here in South Walton.
Then there is the TDC.
Why do we need them any longer? I served on many of the TDC committees and saw little results after meetings galore. Have we not been ?discovered?? Why bring in more and more people when we can hardly sustain the road system capacity and infrastructure.
The various vacation communities (Seaside, Watercolor, GulfPlace, etc. etc. ) promote their own festivities in all the major magazines. National vacation tourist magazines now cover Walton beaches nearly every month. The TDC at this time is simply an unnecessary layer of expense when those funds can be used more wisely.
We just need a small ?welcome center? staff, and if necessary, an adjunct office for the chamber. The overly large county Chamber of Commerce office could be better used as a ?job center? to help all our Walton County citizens ? a localized center for those looking for work and businesses trying to find employees.
The bed tax monies could be ?directly? encompassed into the county administration for the care of the beaches and environment, plus other vital necessities.
I have probably lost many friends in both those offices because of this commentary, but I was in the world of corporate business (32 years) plus private enterprise, and we were always looking for ways remove unnecessary expenses.
I love Walton County or I would never have become involved with the various groups through the years. The county simply needs updating and streamlining. Time for the pork to go and bring on new ideas.
bentley williamsbentley williamsBeach FanaticSoWal659 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
bentley williamsBeach FanaticSoWal659 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic3,816 views
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sunspotbabysunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
sunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderI like it Chick! :clap:
DuneAHHDuneAHHBeach FanaticPt Washington - west ;)3,072 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
DuneAHHBeach FanaticPt Washington - west ;)3,072 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticThanks for posting Chick's ever thought provoking words.
They are a pointed reminder that once an entity is created, ultimately the main focus becomes self perpetuation and preservation; even when "it" has outlived use and meaning.
Periodic reassessment of everything (& everyone including ourselves) has beneficial value.
They are a pointed reminder that once an entity is created, ultimately the main focus becomes self perpetuation and preservation; even when "it" has outlived use and meaning.
Periodic reassessment of everything (& everyone including ourselves) has beneficial value.
MommaMiaMommaMiaBeach Lover141 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
MommaMiaBeach Lover141 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverDo we really need the TDC?
I AGREE! With Southwest Airlines doing so much advertising and other private entities bringing tourists to our area-- could we not use the tax dollars to make their stays more productive, our beaches more beautiful, and maybe even solve a bit of the traffic problem. Right on, Chick!
Thanks for posting Chick's ever thought provoking words.
They are a pointed reminder that once an entity is created, ultimately the main focus becomes self perpetuation and preservation; even when "it" has outlived use and meaning.
Periodic reassessment of everything (& everyone including ourselves) has beneficial value.
I AGREE! With Southwest Airlines doing so much advertising and other private entities bringing tourists to our area-- could we not use the tax dollars to make their stays more productive, our beaches more beautiful, and maybe even solve a bit of the traffic problem. Right on, Chick!
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI AGREE! With Southwest Airlines doing so much advertising and other private entities bringing tourists to our area-- could we not use the tax dollars to make their stays more productive, our beaches more beautiful, and maybe even solve a bit of the traffic problem. Right on, Chick!
SWA is doing so much advertising because they are doing it with TDC dollars, at least that is what I understood.
I don't understand why the TDC can pay for the lifeguards but are not paying for the beach patrol ($400K).
ShallowsNoleShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWhile it would behoove me greatly to stay out of this dialogue, it amuses me greatly that folks are talking about what the bed tax could be used for if there were no TDC.
Since there can be no bed tax if there is no TDC, I have to ask if there is room in the county budget for beach cleaning, maintenance, and lifeguards, much less any advertising, without increasing property taxes?
Since there can be no bed tax if there is no TDC, I have to ask if there is room in the county budget for beach cleaning, maintenance, and lifeguards, much less any advertising, without increasing property taxes?
Edited
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWhile it would behoove me greatly to stay out of this dialogue, it amuses me greatly that folks are talking about what the bed tax could be used for if there were no TDC.
Since there can be no bed tax if there is no TDC, I have to ask if there is room in the county budget for beach cleaning, maintenance, and lifeguards, much less any advertising, without increasing property taxes?
You know I was going to point all of that out, but then figured if they did not know by now, no use trying to at this point. But I am going to enjoy watching you explain.
ShallowsNoleShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticYou know I was going to point all of that out, but then figured if they did not know by now, no use trying to at this point. But I am going to enjoy watching you explain.
Glad to know I can still entertain you. ;-)
MommaMiaMommaMiaBeach Lover141 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
MommaMiaBeach Lover141 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverOops! Mea culpa
Looks like I failed Logic 101!
While it would behoove me greatly to stay out of this dialogue, it amuses me greatly that folks are talking about what the bed tax could be used for if there were no TDC.
Since there can be no bed tax if there is no TDC, I have to ask if there is room in the county budget for beach cleaning, maintenance, and lifeguards, much less any advertising, without increasing property taxes?
Looks like I failed Logic 101!
Andy AAndy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLooks like I failed Logic 101!No, you didn't. Chick's idea bears some thought. There is no reason "a small welcome center" and information about the area cannot be given out from the present TDC location and all other functions including collection of the bed tax assumed by the county.
I do not agree with doing away with the Chamber. It is a private enterprise and supports private businesses who belong to it voluntarily. The two enities are not the same in either manner of support or function.
Miss CritterMiss CritterBeach FanaticMy perfect beach3,397 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Miss CritterBeach FanaticMy perfect beach3,397 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticMaybe now is a good time to redefine what both entities do, and not to continue with the status quo. Economic conditions and local demographics have changed over the past few years, which should be the impetus for viewing things from a different perspective.
Belonging to the chamber because it's expected or because certain other businesses are in it is not enough. I'd like to see them do some local "marketing" as to what they've accomplished with member dollars, besides monthly social functions. What businesses have they attracted? How have they worked to improve the business climate locally?
And the bed tax is our lifeblood along the coast, so the TDC is vitally important so long as it functions to preserve and properly allocate those funds.
Belonging to the chamber because it's expected or because certain other businesses are in it is not enough. I'd like to see them do some local "marketing" as to what they've accomplished with member dollars, besides monthly social functions. What businesses have they attracted? How have they worked to improve the business climate locally?
And the bed tax is our lifeblood along the coast, so the TDC is vitally important so long as it functions to preserve and properly allocate those funds.
tsutclitsutcliBeach FanaticSeacrest914 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
tsutcliBeach FanaticSeacrest914 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI have thought for a long time that the TDC has long outlived its function as a marketing tool to get the word out to the world about Sowal in genral and 30a in particular. This function has been ably filled by the major private corporations who have a stake in this area and tourism in general. A smaller TDC with targeted local functions having to do with local functions, especially on the beach would be justified. The money saved would be better used for beach patrol, lifeguards, law enforcement re: dogs in particular. We are past being discovered and need zero help in that regard.
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertI think it would help if we had a list of all the things the TDC has done w/ the money - like within the last year.
I am sure there will be things on the list we definitely want to keep, things we can easily get rid of, and things we might be surprised by (both good and bad).
I am sure there will be things on the list we definitely want to keep, things we can easily get rid of, and things we might be surprised by (both good and bad).
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBAm I the only one following the logic that a smaller scaled back TDC would result in lower bed taxes and possibly more renters?
That's a good point or bad, take your pick.
That's a good point or bad, take your pick.
Cry BabyCry BabyBeach Comber6 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
:bang: I think you all need to read FL statute 125.104....you obviously don't realize that funds cant be spent willy nilly! You complain about your taxes, and you want to throw the baby out with the bath water. Wake up!
Pay attention to the bed tax dollars coming into the county. You may all be retired and don't need to work anymore, but the majority of us do and depend on the TDC to help promote tourism which = more jobs.
The Chamber has no business running the TDC. Two different objectives! Maybe its time to take a look at who is running our county!!!! Is this the Obama Administration or what???? Shoving programs down our throats without proper public input! Everyone that voted for the Chamber to run the TDC should be replaced!!!
Pay attention to the bed tax dollars coming into the county. You may all be retired and don't need to work anymore, but the majority of us do and depend on the TDC to help promote tourism which = more jobs.
The Chamber has no business running the TDC. Two different objectives! Maybe its time to take a look at who is running our county!!!! Is this the Obama Administration or what???? Shoving programs down our throats without proper public input! Everyone that voted for the Chamber to run the TDC should be replaced!!!
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
:bang: I think you all need to read FL statute 125.104....you obviously don't realize that funds cant be spent willy nilly! You complain about your taxes, and you want to throw the baby out with the bath water. Wake up!
Pay attention to the bed tax dollars coming into the county. You may all be retired and don't need to work anymore, but the majority of us do and depend on the TDC to help promote tourism which = more jobs.
The Chamber has no business running the TDC. Two different objectives! Maybe its time to take a look at who is running our county!!!! Is this the Obama Administration or what???? Shoving programs down our throats without proper public input! Everyone that voted for the Chamber to run the TDC should be replaced!!!
Interesting that you choose in your first post on this board to say to take shots at those of us on the board who have been having a dialogue on this for days.
I agree with you that the TDC should not be run by the Chamber of Commerce or its director; and I and most of us on this board are fully aware of how the bed tax works, most people who post here are not retired and even if they were, they are entitled to an opinion...and last time I looked every commissioner elected in Walton County for years has had an R behind their names...so, this has nothing to do with President Obama.
There appears to be a serious situation here but the problem is not someone on a message board who might have a different idea of how to spend money or generate jobs. As another poster has written, a lower bed tax might offer more quality of life to those of us who live and work here.
More is not always better.
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Am I the only one following the logic that a smaller scaled back TDC would result in lower bed taxes and possibly more renters?
That's a good point or bad, take your pick.
Apparently so, but then you often are thinking ahead...😀
Cry BabyCry BabyBeach Comber6 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
Yes, and as you wrote, we all have an opinion, and that one is mine. I thought this was an open forum....didn't realize is was a private conversation going on here!:idontno:
Interesting that you choose in your first post on this board to say to take shots at those of us on the board who have been having a dialogue on this for days.
I agree with you that the TDC should not be run by the Chamber of Commerce or its director; and I and most of us on this board are fully aware of how the bed tax works, most people who post here are not retired and even if they were, they are entitled to an opinion...and last time I looked every commissioner elected in Walton County for years has had an R behind their names...so, this has nothing to do with President Obama.
There appears to be a serious situation here but the problem is not someone on a message board who might have a different idea of how to spend money or generate jobs. As another poster has written, a lower bed tax might offer more quality of life to those of us who live and work here.
More is not always better.
wrobertwrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
wrobertBeach FanaticDeFuniak Springs4,132 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticSo how do you break up a good old boy network?
That is something all of us talk about but just how do you fix it. You go and elect, and elect, and elect, always looking for change and rarely does anything get better. You get lucky and you find one commissioner that is willing to stand up and do the right thing. Now they are in a reelection fight that is probably going to be tougher based on that vote. Not that it was the wrong vote, but the network will go and try to find someone else that may play ball.
That is something all of us talk about but just how do you fix it. You go and elect, and elect, and elect, always looking for change and rarely does anything get better. You get lucky and you find one commissioner that is willing to stand up and do the right thing. Now they are in a reelection fight that is probably going to be tougher based on that vote. Not that it was the wrong vote, but the network will go and try to find someone else that may play ball.
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert..and last time I looked every commissioner elected in Walton County for years has had an R behind their names...so, this has nothing to do with President Obama.
:rofl:
Goodwitch, have I told you recently just how much you rock? :wub:
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