What defines a "local" and does it really matter?

[InletBchDweller]

Well put everyone:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

I just posted my thoughts on the other thread and did not know this one was here... I read the other one before I took little IBD to our local school and it bothered me all the way there and back. I rushed in and posted my comment...

Cant we all just get along????

 

[Mermaid]

Well put everyone:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

Cant we all just get along????

Great idea, IBD. It's the beach!!

I consider myself a part-time local. When I cross the bridge into Walton County, everything else in my life gets thrown on the back burner. My mindset becomes beach-focused. I'm not thinking of anything else.

For as long as I'm visiting, I'm a local. So there. It might make some of you steam that I am so presumptuous as to consider myself "local" when I come and go at will. I know there's much that goes on that I can do nothing about, seeing that I do not vote and I do not stay. But it doesn't mean that I am not aware, and it doesn't mean that I don't care. I care enough that I chose to buy in SoWal, which ties me to the place both financially and emotionally.

Part-time local is as much as I am privileged to be at this stage of my life, but it's what I have, and I've staked my claim. I'm a part-time local!!!!

 

[Walton Native]

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

 

[Cheering472]

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

Perfect!

 

[Beachmom]

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

 

[ShallowsNole]

As a local and a native...I've gone from growing up in an isolated, desolate (but peaceful and beautiful, which I didn't appreciate then) South Walton to the suburban area it is today. For the most part, I appreciate what tourism and the increased population have done for us. I no longer have to go to Fort Walton Beach for recreation or shopping. My child has attended school in South Walton since he started, and will be able to complete high school without riding the school bus across Choctawhatchee Bay. My church is no longer comprised of 20 elderly people (though I don't agree with their building project, but I digress...) The list of benefits that we enjoy now that we simply didn't have the population to support before is almost endless.

I haven't read the bicycle thread yet...I do have issues with bicycles at times, but normally only when I am in a hurry - nothing that me slowing down wouldn't cure. The major problems I have are when places and pieces from our past are discarded or bulldozed in the name of progress, when our history is forgotten, and when folks like me and my family have a hard time paying our taxes and insurance and feel like we will, eventually, be squeezed out. Elections bother me at times as well, when people just mark ballots based on a party affiliation, regardless of what the candidate is about.

And does it matter? Let's don't go there. I have work to do today.

 

[Teresa]

I think the answer is "yes",, it matters a lot to locals and part-time locals and sowal lovers from all over. we may tend to be protective of the
place(s) we love most. I believe sowallers (on this board) feel a sense of belonging to the area - it's a special place for many reasons that go far beyond the beach. I like living here because the residents make this community special. I like the beach too - but it is not my reason for being here. not at all!

 

[Jdarg]

The only difference being born and raised in this area makes for me is the length of my memories. When it boils right down to it we are all just visiting this slice of paradise. Were it not for those of you that visit this area or have been able to move here on a permanent basis, I would not have been able to have the success in my carreer that allows me to raise my children in the same County where I grew up. Many of the people that I grew up with that left to get an education like I did are unable to afford to come back due to the cost of living and lack of high paying jobs. Though the area and some of the faces have changed, the people from Paxton to Pt. Washingon are as good a group of people as I believe you could find anywhere. Whether you are native, local or transplant the most important duty we all have is to make sure this area remains a paradise of potential memories for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for this-

 

[Kimmifunn]

Thanks....Just wanted a little insight into the matter.

 

[Paula]

Great thread with some beautiful and wise thoughts. Thanks for starting this thread, Kimmifunn.

I, too, feel like a part-time local and love it when the longer-time locals and natives give those of us who are part time some history and perspective. One of the reasons our children like coming here is that they feel they truly are a part of SoWal-- and it's a home away from home for them. They will "grow up" with memories of SoWal, will be invested in keeping it the paradise that it is (and, by being part of this community, they have learned much about the care of Mother Nature and their responsibilities to be good citizens to nature), and will bring their children (our grandchildren) here. That feels pretty local to me!

I agree that SoWal is a better bumper sticker than "native" or "local"! One of our daughters has a SoWal sticker on her binder for middle school...