Peter Bos doesn't like 30A?

[John]

Check this out:

'We're all a little traumatized' but 'Desin will prosper' over 30A destinations, Peter Bos says | destin, 30a, destinations - News - TheDestinLog.com

 

[scooterbug44]

Alys and Seaside vs. the hulking Vegas wannabe monstrosity near the bridge. That's a real toughie for who's got long term appeal. ;-)

 

[beachmouse]

People like him don't like what they can't control, and 30-A has too many different little pieces for him to control.

As for his business, reports are that his condo developments are tanking right now- they're still struglling to sell out the monstrosity, and Turnberry Harbor is rather dead at this point. Add in layoffs right before Christmas last year and an across the board 20% pay cut for all remaining employees, and it's pretty ugly for him.

As for shopping, who comes here for shopping? I mean other than, yeah, maybe pick up a nice pair of pants at the outlet mall or something. Destin is overrun with the same national chain stores you can find anywhere in America.

 

[ASH]

Same article ran in the Walton Sun Saturday.

 

[lerxst]

article

That article was filled with so many asinine statements it was unbelieveable. Bos is talking like a desperate, eternally optimistic real estate man holding properties he cannot sell.

"we're gonna see a huge migration to the bay"?? really? why?
"30-a was the emperor's new clothes"??
"the number one vacation attraction is now shopping." That's like saying I took a trip to the mountains to go shopping!
"free standing communities will be the losers"
"organized centers will be the winners" I thought Seaside, WaterColor Alys Beach Rosemary beach etc. are pretty organized and "master planned" no? I didn't know we were in some kind of contest, winners and losers??

"he laid blame on the current crisis on Federal regulators"
If we're looking to blame someone, there are many other responsible parties to blame, like everyone, including myself who were blinded by greed and the hope of a quick turnaround and huge profit from real estate offerings and easy loans.
For God sakes let's not blame any developers, it may make them appear to be without clothes!

 

[passin thru]

Well, each of us is entitled to his own opinion -- me, you and Peter Bos.

But I think he's wrong about the future & the suvivability & sustainability of 30a.

And I'm pretty sure he's wrong about, “The number one (vacation) attraction is now shopping.” Sure, maybe for some of the most shallow-minded in our society, but for most people? I don't agree at all.

Yes, both vacationers & locals alike need more things to do here besides hang at the beach -- maybe that's why bike & kayak sales and rentals are all measurably up, compared to what's happened to retail receipts at the lifestyle center.

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't think one of my guests has ever gone to the factory stores to go shopping. They might browse in Seaside or another fun little shop, but factory irregulars not so much (probably why they're my guests).

They've:
-learned how to surf (really wanted to kiteboard but ended up surfing)
-biked the length of 30-A
-done Eden and the house tour
-Seaside Rep
-eaten lots of seafood
-enjoyed local musical acts
-gone kayaking
-gone golfing
-visited various state parks
-toured Seaside, Watercolor, Rosemary, and Alys
-gone deep sea fishing
-attended wine tastings

AND...........asked me what that hideous thing near the bridge is!

 

[ItzKatzTime]

I love 30a

Regardless of how you feel about Peter Bos and what's happening to his own deveopments everyone on 30A should take note of what he says about what people are wanting now. We live in a fast paced world and for many they have to be moving at all times and that kind of puts the beach on the back burner. Please don't jump me for what I just said because of course there are still people who love to come here for the slower beach vacation. But, the writing is on the wall. It's been there for a while. Many people who have businesses in our area have to jump through hoops to get even a mild amount of business compared to how it was before there was a Destin Commons, Grand Blvd. and now Pier Park. Bay Town is in there somewhere, I'm not sure where though. When I heard they had moved The Jazz Festival from Gulf Place to Panama City and Via Colori to Grand Blvd. I thought of how Arts Quest went from Grayton Beach to Eden State Park and then to Bay Town. While each of these moves are good ones for many reasons......it is also another event moved from our area that brought dollars into so many many businesses. We all may not feel it immediately, but over the years more and more people will want to stay close to the venue.

Not long ago, and I can't remember who, someone posted that 30A/98 has become the graveyard between Destin and Panama City. I've thought about that statement quite a bit. It has bothered me and sometimes I try to think too hard about it! I recall another time when it WAS like a graveyard between Destin and PCB....but that was 20 years ago when the only restaurants were Bud and Aly's, Grayton Corner Cafe, Criola's, The Lake Place and a few more.....and they were packed during the season. Shopping consisted of a few ecletic shops, Seaside's Perspicasidy and a few others. And, these were packed with shoppers too!! They were packed because they were great at what they did and there was no other place to eat or shop for a long ways east or west.......and it was just such a neat place with super cool products. And of course, NO COMPETITION....the pie has now been cut too many times for most industries in our beautiful area.

Now, here's the big question, Do We Allow Our Business Friends To Be Swallowed Up? Moved out?? Closed down?? It's hard because we love so many of them and have known them to be friends for so long, and some not so long. Can we as a community keep this from happening? I do not know the answer. With the economy the way it's been no one has that kind of money. With people so spread out from Destin to PCB they go to what's convenient. I know I do many times. What's the answer? Because my dear friends, it is a big problem!

Just some thoughts about this article regarding PB's predictions for Destin and the 30A area. I know I wore my Rose Colored Glasses for way too long.

I LOVE 30A!

 

[scooterbug44]

I think we are in danger of losing $$$ and guests if we allow certain people to ruin the things that make 30-A a unique destination - banning live music, having the cops show up at weddings, festivals getting moved away because they inconvenienced a few people, running little kids off your "private" beach etc.

If we can put the brakes on the negative and vocal folks who want to turn 30-A into a retirement community, Bos and Destin will have to be content w/ our leavings!

 

[melscuba]

Just my thoughts from someone who has fallen in love with 30-A. We are from the Atlanta area, and yes started vacationing down there because of its relative close proximity. We started in a more commercialized area because that is what was recommended by friends. We quickly discovered scenic route 30-A and have vacationed there ever since. While shopping is a nice leisurely thing to do on a rainy day, it is not why we drive out of Atlanta. We have terrific shopping right in our own back yard. We love what 30-A has to offer for all the outdoor activities, etc. Something that immediately caught my attention was the love the locals have for the area. I always come home with a sense that those who live there truly treasure their home. When we shop, we search out the places we can't find here. We love to see the local art, the tiny boutiques, and specialty shops. I want to take home little things to remind me of the wonderful place that we come back to year after year. There is something for everyone... large retail chain shopping included. As for me, and I'm confident many others, we will continue to come and enjoy the local flavor of 30-A and come home the better for it!