Wow. You need to start reading SoWal and pay attention to the Local Political on going drama. Sorry to hear you had some issues, but I'll sum it up for you best I can. Rest assured my response will provoke much distain and disagreement but as someone with rental property and having lived here for about 15 years, I feel I have a pulse on what's going on. 1). The new breed of tourist coming here is the type of crowd that went to Panama City Beach. Many have never been to an upscale area and tend to behave like they are at a festival concert and feel the entitlement bestowed upon them as a "renter" in a short term vacation rental. They win every time. 2). This County has plenty of tools to combat the problems we face, yet our elected officials refuse to use them. We have had many a dispute over small businesses. "Popping" up and then vanishing, only to be replaced by another, all without any formal licensing or accountability. Weddings have gotten crazy with homeowners renting out their homes for full on wedding events. The neighbors complain to the local officials and get a ton of B.S. about why nothing can be done. Again the tourist is more important the the property owner. 3). Beach vendors gets violently attacked (grayton beach this summer) and the wedding guests \ tourists go free with no arrest. 4). Tourists invade private beach front property and set up shop! Law enforcement does nothing to enforce county ordinances or State Law on the beach. 5). The TDC ran unchecked and throttle wide open for years under its past leadership. These are some of the effects of their marketing scheme. 6). Local rental management companies strong competition for vacation property has driven down prices in several higher end communities and condos. Deep discounts were easy to find on July 4th! That's crazy! 7). Investors have gobbled up itreclosures and short sales. They don't care who stays there, just that there is a return on investment. The screw your neighbor mentality. In closing, tourists rule! No respect for private property. Just read the posts on the scam the county is calling beach renourishment. Its called take your back yard you worked your butt off for and give it to those that "deserve" it. Once you peel the layers of the Walton County Onion back, you'll find a significant part is rotten. Unfortunately, it can't be returned once opened (peeled). Don't take my word for it, search facts and make you own assessment. Look for Andy A. to respond to the beach issue and convince you otherwise...
