Our beaches are beautiful and open for enjoyment. Our communities are pulling out all the stops with new activities and events. Late summer/early fall has always been, and remains, a great time to experience all that we have to offer.

Book your stay now at any of our official lodging partners, and let us prove to you why Beaches of South Walton is still the place to be. Click here to find even more reasons to visit Beaches of South Walton.

* Some restrictions apply. The rewards program is good only for stays with official Beaches of South Walton lodging partners listed on the accommodations section of our destination website. Gift cards will be provided at the Beaches of South Walton Visitor Information Center (25777 U.S. Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL) to guests with a printed and dated deposit receipt, the paid receipt from their three-night stay, which includes promotional code (BSW250) and valid driver’s license. Program starts 08/02/2010 and is first come, first serve while supplies last. Click here to view all rules and restrictions.

This week we continue to have good news! Many of you may have read the recent article in The New York Times that reported the oil slick appears to be dissolving far more rapidly than anyone expected. The immense patches of surface oil that covered thousands of square miles of the gulf after the April 20 oil rig explosion are largely gone, though sightings of tar balls and emulsified oil continue here and there. As you know, we’ve been more fortunate than most along the Gulf Coast…..Henderson Park Inn’s beaches are still unspoiled and our waters are emerald green!

Reporters flying over the area recently spotted only a few patches of sheen and an occasional streak of thicker oil, and radar images taken since then suggest that these few remaining patches are quickly breaking down in the warm surface waters of the gulf.

Scientists said “the rapid dissipation of the surface oil was probably due to a combination of factors. The gulf has an immense natural capacity to break down oil, which leaks into it at a steady rate from thousands of natural seeps. The winds from two storms that blew through the gulf in recent weeks also appear to have contributed to a rapid dispersion of the oil”.

On Monday, August 2nd, the Northwest Florida Daily News reported that Gulf crews are preparing to start plugging the well for good. “Engineers are preparing to launch a so-called static kill as early as this evening, shoving mud and perhaps cement into the blown-out well to make it easier to plug the gusher up forever and end the Summer of the Spill”.

Let’s hope next week we are reporting that the oil well has finally been permanently capped! As always, thanks for your support and please come visit us soon!

Update: Late last night news broke that Operation Static Kill was a success!

Sources include New York Times article by Justin Gillis and Campbell Robertson published July 27, 2010 and Northwest Florida Daily News article New Orleans (AP) published Aug. 2, 2010.

Q: Has any oil come ashore? Can I swim?

 A: All Destin beaches remain open! We are continuing to monitor small tar chips intermittently coming ashore in the Crystal Beach area (Scenic Hwy 98 near James Lee Park). Clean-up crews have responded and are stationed throughout the area.

The Okaloosa County Health officials continue to monitor the area and daily conditions and safety information can be obtained from lifeguards. The Okaloosa County Public Safety office in conjunction with the health department is the authority to determine beach closures.

 Q: Is there a public pool available in Destin?

 A: Yes, the Destin YMCA has an Aquatic Center and Pool on Commons Drive (behind Walmart). More information can be found at http://www.ecymca.org/branches/destin-family-ymca/

 Q: Are there fumes on the beach?

 A: No fumes have been reported at this time. The air is being closely monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and should conditions become unhealthy, a health advisory will be issued.

 Q: Can I still go fishing?

 A: Yes. All state waters (out 9 miles) are open out of Destin. Federal Waters (9 miles and beyond) are closed. Fishing from beaches, local piers and in the bays and estuaries are open.

Q: Is the Destin East Pass and Crab Island open?

 A: Yes, at time of this publication; however, due to the dynamic nature of the oil spill, mariners are advised to monitor any openings/closures to waterways on VHF Channel 16. East Pass is a NO WAKE ZONE due to the protective boom placement and will be enforced in order to protect the boom. Boaters are asked to use caution around the boom areas and to help protect our coastal resources.

Q: Will I be allowed to cancel my hotel/condo reservation?

A: You should discuss your contract directly with your hotel,condo, or property management company. Some cancellation policies have been relaxed to better meet your travel needs. The City of Destin has no authority to regulate the policies of private businesses.

 Q: Is the seafood safe?

 A: Yes, Gulf of Mexico seafood is safe and readily available for your enjoyment at restaurants and markets. Much of the Gulf remains open to fishing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully inspects all seafood sold and are taking additional steps to enhance inspection measures to ensure the seafood is safe.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Destin?

A: No. Dogs are not allowed on Okaloosa County or City of Destin beaches. Walton County (Sandestin area) allows “registered and leased” dogs on their beaches. Please check with Walton County officials at www.co.walton.fl.us to obtain registration information.

Q: If I e-mail the City, is by email address now part of the public records laws?

 A: Yes, please be aware that as of July 1, 2006, e-mail addresses are public records under Florida law. If you do not want your e-mail released in response to public- records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact the City of Destin by phone or in writing.

Q: My neighbor has piles of old lumber, buckets, and non-working lawn equipment piled up next to the privacy fence that we share. Is this a code violation?

City ordinance prohibits, “rubbish, trash, debris, dead trees, or other unsightly, or unsanitary matters to accumulate on any lot, tract, or parcel of land which may reasonably become infested, inhabited by, or a breeding place for rodents, vermin, reptiles or wild animals which threaten or endanger the public health, safety and welfare.” If an investigation of the property reveals that a code violation exists and is a threat to the public, removal and proper disposal would be required.

 Q: What is the nearest airport serving Destin?

A: The Okaloosa Regional Airport (FAA Code: VPS), 1701 State Road 85N, is situated on Eglin Air Force Base, FL. It provides essential scheduled commercial air passenger service for a large portion of the Northwest Florida area. Check out their website: www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/airport.html. Please note: The Destin/Ft. Walton Beach Airport (FAA code: DTS) at 1001 Airport Road, Destin, FL, is a general aviation public use facility owned and operated by Okaloosa County. It does not provide service to commercial airlines.

Q: What are the average high and low temperatures for each month in Destin?

A: January 60 – 42; February 63 – 45; March 69 – 51; April 76 – 58; May 83 – 65; June 88 – 72; July 89 – 74; August 89 – 74; September 86 – 70; October 79 – 59; November 70 – 50; December 63 – 44;

Q: Can I attend the meeting of ________________?

A: Absolutely! All meetings of the standing boards, committees, and commissions are open to the public.

Q: How can I register to vote?

A: Voter registration can be done at the time you obtain or renew a Florida driver’s license or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections for the County in which you reside. For example, if you live in Destin, you should contact Patricia Hollarn’s office at http://www.govote-okaloosa.com or by calling 850-651-7272.

 Q: Do you offer Notary Public services?

A: The City of Destin does provide Notary Public services at no charge to persons with proper and valid identification.

 Q: Where can I get a copy of the City’s Code of Ordinances, Land Development Code, or Comprehensive Plan?

A: Our codes are available for viewing on-line at:

Destin Code of Ordinances

Destin Comprehensive Plan

Destin Land Development Code

or for purchase through Municipal Code Corporation at http://www.municode.com/

 Q: How can I apply for a committee or board position?

A: Volunteer committee applications are available on the city’s website, or by mail or fax. Please contact the City Clerk’s office for an application or to learn what openings are available.

Q: How can I get a copy of the minutes for one of the City’s boards or committees?

A: Minutes are posted to the City’s website, once approved by the authoritative board or committee. Or as with any other public record, you should contact the City Clerk’s office for any copies you would like.

Q: Where do I get a marriage license or driver’s license?

A: Marriage and Driver’s licenses come under the jurisdiction of the County and State respectively. For marriage license information, please contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at www.clerkofcourts.cc or Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex, 1250 N. Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, FL 32579, (850) 651-7200.

For driver’s license information, contact the State at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/dlnew.html

Q: I purchased a new appliance and want to get rid of the old one. How do I do that?

A: Okaloosa County Transfer Facility can be contacted for disposal of appliances, tires and hazardous waste. For more Information call 689-5774 or 651-7394. Or, you can visit them online at http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/pub_rec_specwaste.html

Q: How can I get a copy of __________________?

A: The majority of documents received, created and maintained by the City are available to the public upon request. A person wishing to obtain a copy or merely review a public document should contact the City Clerk’s office during normal business hours. You do not have to provide your name or your reason for desiring the documents. However, Florida Statutes does allow us to charge for copies, certification of copies, and extensive administrative time. Please note we are not required to create or manipulate data in any format or medium which does not currently exist.

Q: Most of the grants the City of Destin receives are State grants. Why doesn’t the City of Destin apply for more Federal grants?

A: The City of Destin explores every grant opportunity it becomes aware of; to keep the workload manageable, however, the City only applies to those funding sources whose eligibility criteria match Destin’s “profile.” Unfortunately, the majority of Federal grants require a certain percentage of the City’s population or the project area to be documented as “low to moderate income” per HUD standards. Destin cannot satisfy that requirement and therefore remains ineligible for most Federal grant programs.

Q: Who do I contact and how can I purchase a cemetery lot in the Destin Memorial Cemetery? Also, what does a lot cost?

A: Cemetery administration for both the Destin Memorial Cemetery Phase I (facing Stahlman Avenue) and Phase II (facing Sibert Avenue) is handled through the City Clerk’s office. The majority of grave spaces in Phase I are sold; however from time to time, spaces are returned to the City and available for resale and there are many available spaces in Phase II. For those who chose cremation, two columbariums are available in Phase II, each offering 48 niches for the placement of urns. Fees for both cemetery plots and columbarium niches are established by resolution of the City Council. Current pricing for burial spaces are $1,000 for residents and $1,500 for non-residents; and for mausoleum niches, $600 for residents and $850 for non-residents.

Q: What is the procedure for addressing the Council at one of their meetings?

A: There are several ways to be heard during a council meeting. First, if the topic you wish to address is scheduled as a public hearing, the Mayor will ask for public participation by persons with a general or vested interest. If your topic is not scheduled as an agenda item, you can complete a “speaker’s request” form and provide it to the City Clerk by 12 Noon on Wednesday prior to the meeting. It will then be included on the agenda under “Scheduled Presentations”. Finally, if you don’t prearrange your item, there is an opportunity for “Comments from the audience” at the end of each regular meeting.

Q: Which Councilmember represents my district?

A: All of the Destin City Councilmembers are elected at-large rather than by districts.

Q: How do I contact a Councilmember or Mayor?

A: Each of the Mayor and Council’s home telephone number is listed in the local directory. If you prefer email, please do so to mayor@cityofdestin.com or council@cityofdestin.com

Q: When are the Council agenda and meeting materials ready?

A: Council meeting agendas are finalized by noon on the Thursday prior to the Monday meeting. Packet compilation and distribution is done that same afternoon whenever possible.

Q: Is there a place to go to get simple answers about transportation issues?

 A: Yes. The Florida Institute of Transportation Engineers have produced a document that addresses the common questions about traffic planning, traffic operations and traffic control. Please click here to view.

Q: What is the city’s policy regarding golf carts on streets?

A: The Destin Golf Cart Policy was adopted by the City Council in January 2007 and contains nine policy statements. Please click here to read the document.

Q: Why is all of Destin designated by Okaloosa County Emergency Management as an evacuation zone for hurricanes, categories 1-5?

A: Citizens are encouraged to evacuate further inland when a hurricane of any category threatens the City because of the very real possibility of Destin becoming “cut off” from all adjoining Okaloosa County communities and resources should bridges and/or roads become impassable. Being “stuck” with no way of getting out and no supplies coming in can create deplorable living conditions in a very short time. Hurricane cleanup and recovery activities are stressful enough on Destin residents without adding several days of “primitive camping” to the equation! Evacuate to friends or relatives’ homes in Okaloosa County away from the water, and evacuate early!

GULF of MEXICO – The crew aboard the motor vessel Poppa John train to deploy fire-resistant oil-containment boom off the coast of Venice, La., May 3, 2010. The crew is being trained to deploy the boom and pass it along to shrimp boats whose captains have been trained to tow it during an in situ burn. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Kelley.

To visit the website for the latest updates click here

The New York Times

By ANDREW RICE

Published: March 15, 2010

The sands found Destin first. They started off eons ago, from the Appalachian Mountains, washing their way down the rivers that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Winnowed to pure, hardy quartz, the sediment moved with the gulf’s currents and gathered into the necklace of narrow barrier islands that buffer Florida’s Panhandle. Time and tides refined the sand into a soft, sun-bleached powder. By the 1830s, when a Yankee sea captain named Leonard Destin sailed down to the wilderness of the Florida Territory, he discovered beaches as dazzling and white as a fresh blanket of snow. The sight evidently impressed the captain, for his reaction — like that of so many migrants who followed — was to claim a piece of the shore. Destin landed, built a New England Colonial-style house and started a fishing business, becoming the first recorded white settler in the beach town that now bears his name.

Read the rest of the article

Will Hobson, Florida Freedom Newspapers

WEST BAY — The St. Joe Co. is moving its corporate headquarters — and most of the jobs associated with it — to Bay County.

The company announced plans Wednesday to move its executive offices from Jacksonville to West Bay, where St. Joe will be one of the first tenants of its own industrial park next to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which is slated to open May 23.

St. Joe also will vacate offices in Tallahassee, Port St. Joe and South Walton County, consolidating operations in a 50,000-square-foot office building near the entrance to the airport. Construction will start this summer and should be done by the summer of 2011.

St. Joe President and CEO Britt Greene delivered the news to his Jacksonville employees Wednesday morning and then flew to Panama City to meet with local employees and talk to the media.

Greene said the move will not mean scores of immediate jobs, but signals a commitment to the growth of the region.

“People should see it as a sign of confidence and a signal that we believe in all that we’ve been saying,” Greene said in an afternoon interview at WaterSound, one of the company’s four major developments in the area. The other three are WaterColor, Wild Heron and RiverCamps.

St. Joe is not cutting jobs, Greene said, but he does anticipate some employees will not elect to make the move. He would not commit to an exact number of employees working in West Bay, but Greene said the majority of St. Joe employees — currently about 140 — will be working in the new headquarters when it opens.

“It indicates that St. Joe considers Bay County to be the epicenter of their operation and probably the most appropriate place to coordinate the growth of development of their properties,” said Bill Cramer, vice chairman of the Airport Authority board. “I think it’ll be a good complement to the new airport.”

Local elected officials were thrilled with Wednesday’s announcement.

“It’s a heck of a show of faith and trust in the region that the corporate executive team of St. Joe wants to go to our churches, dine in our restaurants, send their children to our schools and make that commitment to Northwest Florida,” said State Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd released a statement echoing Patronis’ enthusiasm. “This is great news for the Bay County community. The St. Joe Co.’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to West Bay will bring new local jobs to the area and help expand our area’s appeal to tourists and entrepreneurs alike,” Boyd wrote.

Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst and Bay County Commissioner Mike Thomas both praised St. Joe’s move.

“It will also bring in some people who will be buying houses and going shopping at a time when we all need it,” Oberst said. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like this.”

“There are a lot of people who do business with St. Joe who will be coming through here,” Thomas said. “I think it’s a great thing for the area.”

The move from Jacksonville is an end of an era for St. Joe, which started there in 1936 as St. Joe Paper Co., with swaths of land owned across the Panhandle, much bought by Alfred I. duPont and Ed Ball in the 1920s and early 1930s.

St. Joe invested in land across the state, and later into Georgia and the Carolinas, and its focus shifted from paper to land development in the latter part of the last century. In the last few years, St. Joe sold off most of its holdings except those in the Panhandle, and now owns about 580,000 acres of land, including 350,000 in Bay, Gulf and Walton counties.

The company put its financial weight behind the new airport, donating the 4,000 acres in West Bay for the airport and securing the deal for Southwest Airlines to fly there by guaranteeing the discount airline won’t lose money in the first two years. St. Joe owns 71,000 acres of land in West Bay, and its long-term plans for the region allow for 27,000 residential units and 37 million square feet of commercial space.

In short, there is a lot of money to be made by the company if things go right. St. Joe posted a net loss of $130 million in 2009 after losing $35.9 million in 2008.

“I think it shows a commitment of their future tied to our future, and I think that’s good for all of us,” said Joe Tannehill, Airport Authority board chairman.

Greene did not entirely agree with the assessment, saying St. Joe can succeed if West Bay does not develop to its full potential. He also spoke highly of the company’s financial position, pointing out that St. Joe has $300 million in liquid assets and no debt.

“I don’t think it’s entirely tied to it, but I think it’s an immediate opportunity to drive economic development and growth,” Greene said.

St. Joe management began seriously considering a move in the last year, Greene said.

“For other major corporations to get interested in moving here, we have to lead by example,” he said.

The development Greene and St. Joe hope to see in this region will take time, he cautioned, using a timetable of decades. But Wednesday’s move signals St. Joe’s bet on where the future of growth in the Panhandle will build around.

“Fifty years from now, this will feel like the core and heart of Northwest Florida,” Greene said. “Tallahassee and Pensacola are great communities, but I think Panama City and Bay County will start to feel like the third large component of the Northwest Florida region.”

Click here to go to Destin’s calendar of community events!

Do you qualify for a Preferred policy???

1. Flood insurance is available. You can – and should – buy flood insurance. If you live in a participating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community, and there are more than 20,600 nationwide, you can purchase flood insurance from your insurance agent. You can purchase a policy whether or not your property has flooded before. Renters, condominium owners, homeowners, and business owners are all eligible to purchase a policy.

2. Flood insurance is sometimes required, but it should always be considered. Flooding can happen anywhere and at any time, caused by events such as heavy rains, melting snow, tropical storms and hurricanes, and failed protective structures such as levees and dams. Most individuals with a home in a high-risk area are required by law to carry flood insurance. But just because flood insurance is not required does not mean it is not needed. Even if your lender doesn’t require you to carry it, you should ask your agent about flood insurance options to better protect your biggest investment. Without a flood insurance policy, your financial security is at risk.

3. Flood insurance is the most dependable resource to speed recovery. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flooding losses. Only flood insurance covers damage from rising waters. Despite what many might think, Federal disaster assistance is not always available after a flood. Disaster assistance declarations are issued for fewer than half of the flooding events that occur. When such assistance is available, it usually comes in the form of a low-interest loan, which must be paid back with interest.

4. Flood insurance is affordable. Rates are based on a variety of factors, such as the flood zone, date of construction, history of flood claims, elevation of the property, and home improvements made to mitigate future damage. The average flood insurance premium is around $500 per year. If you live in an area of moderate to low flood risk, you may be eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy with rates as low as $119 a year. Flood insurance rates are federally set and will not differ between one insurance company and another.

5. Flood insurance is available for your building and its contents. Individuals typically choose to carry building coverage, contents coverage, or both. However, residents in a lower-risk area may be eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy, which covers both the structure and personal items for a lower cost than a standard policy. A complete summary of the type of buildings and contents covered by flood insurance is available on the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3011.

6. Know your coverage limits, and be fully insured. A maximum of $250,000 of building coverage is available for single-family residential buildings; $250,000 per unit is available for residential condominiums. The limit for contents coverage on all residential buildings is $100,000; contents coverage is also available to renters. Commercial structures can be insured to a limit of $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents. Review your coverage limits to be sure your building, its contents, and any improvements made to your home are adequately insured.

7. The 100-year flood standard – what it really means. The government definition of a floodplain, or high-risk flood zone, is an area with at least a 1-in-100 or 1-percent chance of flooding in any given year. These 1-percent-annual-chance flood events are often called “100-year floods,” but that term can be misleading. The 100-year flood benchmark is a minimum standard used for insurance purposes. While major flood events are not common, they happen, have happened recently, and will happen again.

8. Levee protection comes with risks. Levees, dams, and other flood control structures are designed to protect against a certain level of flooding. In more serious flood events, levees can fail or be overtopped. As levees age, their level of protection can change. When levees are overtopped or fail, the flooding that follows can be catastrophic. Because of these unique risks, if you live near a levee or dam or in an area reliant on other flood control structures, purchasing flood insurance is highly recommended.

9. Filing your claim – what to expect. After a flood event, call your agent or insurance company and ask when to expect an adjuster at your home. Be sure to call your insurance company again if an adjuster hasn’t been assigned within several days of the flooding. Before the adjuster arrives, separate damaged and undamaged items, take photos, make a list of damaged or lost items, and copy the damage estimates prepared by a contractor to give to the adjuster. Once a detailed Proof of Loss statement has been prepared and agreed upon, your claim can be submitted.

10. Stay insured. You can purchase flood insurance at any time. However, there is usually a 30-day waiting period before the policy becomes effective. If you already have a flood insurance policy, remember that your policy needs to be renewed each year.

Brandi Becquer
Assistant Account Manager
Pinnacle Insurance

It may have been a fall month, but the Florida real estate market did anything but fall in October, according to stats released by the Florida Association of Realtors, that show the existing single-family home market rose 45 percent and the existing condo market 82 points, as compared to last year.

Locally, sales of existing single-family homes paced the State, gaining 44 percent, just a smidgen off at one point under Florida’s average, while far outpacing it with sales of existing condos exactly doubling at 100 percent.

“Many buyers wait until this time of year to purchase a condo,” explained ECAR president Anita Williams, referring to what is known as “the shoulder season,” a time period typically running September through December.

“The ’shoulder season,’ the time between when summer and snowbird tourists typically flock to visit the Emerald Coast, is often considered ‘the best time of year to purchase for a number of reasons,’” added ECAR president-elect Mary Anne Windes.

These include easier viewing of units that are not booked solid like they are in the summer months, and sellers who are typically more willing to negotiate on price because they have already received the bulk of their rental income for the year. Windes also noted that unit renovations are usually performed at this time of year and many buyers prefer to have them done to their own taste and satisfaction.

The Emerald Coast wasn’t the only area in Northwest Florida to report gains in the market. Panama City and Pensacola also showed increases in sales of existing housing, with condos gaining 88 and 14 percent, and single-family homes, 52 and 11 percent.

There has been some speculation that buyers racing to close transactions before the $8,000 tax credit’s original Nov. 30 deadline may have boosted sales of single-family homes. Now the government has extended this deadline, making first time buyers who purchase homes between Nov. 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, eligible for the credit, provided they have not owned a home in the past three years.

The U.S. Congress also recently passed a repeat buyers’ tax credit allowing owners who have used the home being sold or vacated as a primary residence for at least five consecutive years of the past eight to be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit when they buy a new one.

“On an ironic note,” said Windes, commenting on the recent passage of the tax incentives, “the benefits of home ownership are so prevalent that in the past the National Association of Realtors said the only thing that could make it better is if the government gave away money to buyers when they purchased a home. And now they are.”

However, Windes also noted that the condo market is typically impervious to the sales-boosting effect of the tax-credits.

“Condominiums are typically purchased by investors or higher-income families to be used as a second home, so it’s unlikely that these purchases are attributable to the tax incentive,” said Windes, broker-owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin.

Even though the market has been on a roll as of late, the pros also agree that it’s in consumers’ best interest to rely on a Realtor for all of their real estate transactions.

In addition to being upheld to a strict code of ethics and readily familiar with properties on the market, “Realtors stay educated to better serve the public,” said Williams, broker-owner of Destin’s The Realty Firm Inc.

This article was contributed to The Log by Emerald Coast Realtors.

Just wanted to share the following good news with you…

Frommer Travel Recognizes the Lifestyle and Natural Beauty of the Florida Panhandle beaches as a “top 12 destination” for 2010

Some people will have already heard of Frommer’s, but for those not in the know, Frommer’s is a guidebook series and one of the bestselling travel guides in America. It all began back in 1957 with the publication of Arthur Frommer’s book, Europe on $5 a Day. Since then, Frommer’s has expanded to include over 350 guidebooks across 14 series, as well as other media including the award winning Frommers.com website which covers over 3,500 destinations.

So, when Frommer’s announced on December 1^st, 2009 that the Florida Panhandle was ranked among its top 12 worldwide destinations for 2010, this was a tremendous recognition, and one that should guarantee a huge boost in tourism to our area in the coming months. Our fabulous area is no stranger to awards of course, but this particular list of fellow contenders is impressive, as we’re up there with Hawaii’s Big Island, Melbourne in Australia, and even Paris, France.  It’s no wonder – Panama City Beach and Florida’s Panhandle boasts picture-perfect beaches, world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, and is more accessible and affordable than ever. We offer a unique vacation destination in that Panama City and the Panhandle of Florida is home to beaches that rival any of the more exotic locales, yet the area is also bursting with family-friendly attractions, cost-effective accommodations, and a down-home attitude.

The “Florida Panhandle Beaches” is the only continental U.S. destination included in Frommer’s list of Top Destinations 2010!

Florida Panhandle Beaches, United States

Like the Rodney Dangerfield of the American Southeast, Florida’s panhandle never gets the respect it deserves. Dubbed the “Redneck Riviera” by dismissive northerners, northwest Florida, in fact, contains some of the most diverse recreation choices along Florida’s drastically under-appreciated Gulf coast, and some of the best options for visitors seeking an affordable family vacation.

From Destin to the west, where you can hire a fishing or sailing charter, to the smattering of National Seashores as you move east, there’s really something for everyone. Seaside’s planned community is so “perfect” it was the setting for the The Truman Show, yet you’ll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches, and the perfect cottage to rent.

“Stunning beaches, nature trails … great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community.” – Lesley Abravanel, author Frommer’s Florida

Read the full article here.

November 02, 2009 1:28 PM

Tina Harbuck

Spring. Summer. Winter. Fall.

Golf’s good along the Emerald Coast every month of the year.

But let’s say you don’t like the heat of a clear summer day.

Then come back in the fall or winter.

The many prestigious golf courses have become a huge drawing card for the region. For some winter visitors to the Emerald Coast, golf clubs are the first thing packed for the trip.

Here are brief descriptions of area golf courses.

•Bluewater Bay: East of Niceville on State Road 20, this facility is composed of four nine-hole courses: Bay, Lake, Marsh and Magnolia. For information, call 897-3241.

•Camp Creek Golf Club: Located just off of Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, 21 miles east of Sandestin, this 18-hole course is a water and sand experience of a different sort. Designed by Tom Fazio, the golf course offers a driving range, golf shop and snack bar. The course is private and can only be played by WaterColor and WaterSound resort guests and club members. For more information, call 231-7600.

•Emerald Bay: This 18-hole course is on U.S. 98 near the Okaloosa-Walton County line. Call 837-5197.

•Fort Walton Beach Municipal: This city-owned course contains 36 holes on two courses, Pine and Oaks. The two courses do not contain many water hazards. The facility is open to the public. Call 833-9529 or 833-9530.

•Foxwood Country Club: This course is in Crestview, about 40 miles north of Destin, on Antioch Road. The 18-hole course with seven water hazards is open to the public. Call 682-2012.

•Golf Garden: This course is on U.S. 98 about 4 miles east of Destin. The Garden is a short-game player’s delight with seven par 3s and two par 4s. Call 837-7422.

•Holiday Golf Club: Located a mile off the beach in Panama City Beach, this is a semi-private, 18-hole par-72 championship course. Championship tees provide a course rating of 72.3 and slope rating of 130. The club also has Bay County’s only lighted nine-hole executive, par 3, par-29 course for the family. Call 234-1800.

•Hombre Golf Club: As host of PGA qualifying schools, The Hombre has earned a reputation as an intimidating course. The Hombre’s 27 Championship Holes, “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” feature water on 21 of the 27 holes and are meticulously manicured to PGA specifications throughout the year. The semi-private course near Panama City Beach was designed by Wes Burnham. Call 234-3673.

•Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club: In Destin just off Airport Road, Indian Bayou contains three nine-hole courses: Creek, Choctaw and Seminole. The course is open to the public. Call 837-6191.

•Kelly Plantation: Fred Couples designed this 18-hole course on the east side of Destin. The course is semi-private with limited public play. Call 650-7600.

•The Meadows Course at Bay Point and the Nicklaus Course at Bay Point: Offering two semi-private courses, Bay Point Resort at Panama City Beach was founded in 1979. The Club Meadows has country club ambiance and is designed for repeat play. This is one of Florida’s most popular courses. Call 235-6950.

•Regatta Bay: On Destin’s east side, this 18-hole course is open to the public. Designed by acclaimed course designer and former lead architect for Arnold Palmer, Robert C. Walker, this 6,894-yard, par-72 course offers an extraordinary golf experience for players of all skill levels and was named one of Golf Digest’s “Top Places to Play in North America.” Call 650-7800.

•Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: The largest facility in the area is 8 miles east of Destin north of U.S. 98. It offers four 18-hole courses: Baytowne, Links, Burnt Pine and the newest, Raven.

The Raven is on Troon Drive North in Sandestin and is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. It is a 19-hole course and opened in March 2000. The course is a 6,900-yard par 71 and has water on 11 of the 18 holes. The 16th hole is actually two holes that alternate each day. Call 267-8155. The course played host to the local PGA Boeing Champions Tour.

The Baytowne is a short 3,300-yard, heavily bunkered playing field. Water comes into play on every one of the front nine holes and seven of the back nine. The course takes full advantage of the land’s natural elevation changes and offers views of the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay and the entire Sandestin property. Call 267-8155.

Burnt Pine has been referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf” by Golf magazine and has been recognized as one of the Top 30 courses in Florida by Golf Digest. It stretches more than 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Twelve of the 18 holes require shots over water. Call 267-6500.

The Links often plays into a strong prevailing Gulf wind and has water on 13 holes. Imposing hazards have earned the course the title of one of the most challenging resort courses in Florida. Call 267-8144.

•Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club: This 18-hole course 4 miles east of Sandestin on County Road 30A features holes overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The facility is a semiprivate club but is open to the public. Call 267-2229.

•Seascape Resort: This 18-hole course is 7 miles east of Destin on U.S. 98. Its 13 water hazards pose a challenge for any golfer. The course is open to the public. Tee times can be made two days in advance. Call 654-7888.

•Shalimar Pointe: This 18-hole course on Country Club Drive in Shalimar is open to the public. Call 651-1416.

•Signal Hill: Panama City Beach’s first golf course was designed on the original dunes. The 18-hole par-71 course features wide-open fairways. Call 234-3218.

•Wild Heron: Designed by World Golf Hall-of-Famer Greg Norman, this 18-hole course is located among the oaks and pines along the shores of Lake Powell, near Phillips Inlet. This 7,200-yard course is private. For more information, call 1-866-474-2751.

Other courses within a few miles of Destin include:

•Hidden Creek: This semi-private club in Navarre is known for its excellent condition, fast greens, lush landscaping and scenic, rolling terrain. Call 939-4604.

•The Moors: Former home of the senior PGA Tour Emerald Coast Classic, the par-70 course is near Milton. Call 800-727-1010.

•Acadian Hills: Off State Road 81 near Bruce, this 18-hole course is open to the public. This course, formerly known as Sandy Pines Golf Course, is under new management. Sam Rachel Jr. is new course manager. Walkers are welcome any time of day. Call 835-5254.

•Sunny Hills The course was built in 1974 with Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi as consultants. It has wide, well-bunkered fairways and large, well-bunkered greens. Take State Road 20 to State Road 77 and drive north 18 miles. Call 800-956-4455.

•Tiger Point East and West: Built along the Santa Rosa Sound, both courses offer breathtaking waterfront views. The East course is a Scottish-style links course. The courses are just off U.S. 98 on Country Club Road in Gulf Breeze. Call 932-133o.

•Windswept Dunes: Voted one of the Top Ten Best New Public Courses in America by Golf Magazine, this 18-hole course is just east of Freeport on State Road 20. It’s the longest course in Florida at 7,608 yards and features include six sets of tees, full practice facility, wide fairways, huge greens and a Doug O’Rourke designed pro shop. For information, call 835-1847.

•Adara: This 18-hole public course in Crestview calls itself as “Okaloosa’s newest golf course.” The course is 6,431 yards from the longest tees and plays to a par 72. For tee times, call (850) 689-1111. The course is at 1111 Shoal River Drive, just off State Road 85 in Crestview.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO SERVE NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The St. Joe Company Leads Regional Effort to

Facilitate Service at the Newest International Airport in the U.S.

Jacksonville, Florida, October 21, 2009 — The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) and Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced a strategic alliance providing for the commencement of air service to Northwest Florida’s new international airport near Panama City Beach, Florida in May 2010. The airport, currently under construction, is the first international airport built in the U.S. in the last 16 years. Southwest’s service at the new airport will consist of at least two daily nonstop flights from Northwest Florida to each of four destinations for a total of eight daily nonstop flights.

St. Joe is the largest landowner in Northwest Florida with hundreds of thousands of acres in the service area of the new airport. Specifically, St. Joe owns approximately 71,000 acres of land surrounding the new airport. Millions of tourists are drawn each year to Northwest Florida beaches, some of the most beautiful in the world. The region is also home to important defense aerospace economic clusters anchored by U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army installations.

“The entire Northwest Florida region can be proud of its efforts to secure service from the nation’s premier low-fare airline,” said St. Joe’s CEO and President Britt Greene. “Southwest service, combined with the economic development potential of the new airport, will be instrumental in the long-term success of the region. The region now has a truly meaningful catalyst to help drive growth in the coming years.”

St. Joe intends to aggressively leverage Southwest’s service at the new international airport to drive tourism, economic development and job growth in the region and real estate absorption in the company’s projects across Northwest Florida.

“History has shown that the ‘Southwest Effect’ can have a dramatically positive economic impact on a market and a region,” said Greene. “We believe Southwest’s entry into Northwest Florida will be the foundation from which growth will emanate for future decades. This will truly provide a catalyst for us to create value for our shareholders for many years to come.”

“In the past, Northwest Florida’s economic growth has been hampered by limited service and some of the highest airfares in the country,” Greene said. “Southwest, with its legendary Customer service, extensive network and competitive fare structure, greatly improves our competitive position for economic development prospects and dramatically raises this region’s profile.”

 Given the current state of the U.S. economy and the airline industry, new airline service must be positioned as an economic development initiative with broad regional support. St. Joe has been working alongside a number of regional organizations to secure the financial commitments to support this new air service: Coastal Vision 3000, the Bay County Tourist Development Council, the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council and the Panama City – Bay County Airport and Industrial District.

St. Joe and Southwest have entered into a strategic alliance agreement to facilitate air service to the new airport. As part of the agreement, St. Joe has agreed to reimburse Southwest if it incurs losses at the new airport during the first three years of service. It also provides for any profit from the air service during the term of the agreement to be shared with St. Joe up to the amount of St. Joe’s prior payments.

The Agreement provides for conditions to the commencement of the air service to the new airport, including the timely completion of the airport and Southwest reaching satisfactory agreements with the local airport authority regarding the use of the new airport and agreements with regional tourism groups regarding coordinated marketing efforts.

Additional information regarding the terms of the Agreement, including conditions to the proposed air service, termination rights and air service exclusivity provisions, may be found in St. Joe’s Form 8-K to be filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will be available on our web site at www.joe.com.

The City of Destin is turning 25 years old and you are invited to the historic celebration!  The week-long signature event is entitled, “Destin Shines! Silver Jubilee 2009.”  This milestone in our City’s history will take place the fi rst week of November – from the 1st to the 7th, with events planned for each day. It all began on November 6, 1984, when 1,467 residents in the South Okaloosa County area known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” voted to incorporate.  The City’s first election was held for Mayor and Council Members on January 8, 1985.  Then less than one week later on January 14th, the Mayor and Council were sworn in and Destin’s first City Council Meeting was held.

Click here for more information

FORECLOSURE “RESCUE” SCAM

Due to the economy, Florida has seen numerous Foreclosure rescue scams. If you are in foreclosure or close to foreclosure please remember these few safety tips below.

 1) If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent a Foreclosure “Rescue” company they CANNOT charge up-front fees for foreclosure rescue or loan modification services.

 2) Avoid the person who tells you NOT to contact your bank, mortgage holder, lenders, attorneys, or financial counselors. If you are experiencing problems making your payments you SHOULD reach out to your lender and those in place to help you.

 3) Before you talk to any third party do some research, make sure they are licensed to do business in Florida and check out their business history. Don’t just take their word, look it up yourself. You can do this by going to http://www.sunbiz.org/or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/

 4) Avoid doing business with anyone asking for payment for services under the new Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan initiated by President Obama: the negotiating of the new payments or loan modifications is to be provided FREE OF CHARGE under this plan. For more information on this plan go to http://www.financialstability.gov/.

 For assistance call the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Line: 850-651-7674

31st Annual Destin Seafood Festival
October 2-4, 2009
HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor

For its 31st anniversary, the Destin Seafood Festival is returning its waterfront location on the Destin harbor! On Oct. 2-4, 2009, more than 36,000 visitors and locals will pack HarborWalk Village alongside Destin’s docks to enjoy fresh local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, and more.

The Destin Seafood Festival is the traditional kick off of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, and there is no better way to mark its 31st year than to celebrate right beside Destin’s docks, which are home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the state of Florida.

For more information on the festival, please follow the links below:
- Entertainment
- Admission, Event Hours, and Festival Site Rules
- Festival Location
- Find Lodging During the Festival

Sales of existing residential housing along the Emerald Coast exploded like a firecracker in July, blasting up 31 units, according to the latest stats released by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. ECAR president Anita Williams said buyers who have been on the fence about buying a home have recently been spurred into action by short-term incentives and their deadlines.
“I think people are catching on about the $8,000 tax credit and they realize Nov. 30 is the closing deadline,” she said. “They’ve waited and waited, and now they realize it’s time to buy.”

The federal government is offering up to an $8,000 tax credit to what is termed “first-time homebuyers,” but actually applies to anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years. The State of Florida has taken this credit one step further by initiating a special program that allows the tax credit amount to be used immediately towards the down payment of a primary home. And while there are income and price restrictions, they are liberal.
To qualify for at least a partial credit, singles can earn up to $95,000 and married couples $150,000. The credit is figured at 10 percent of the price of the home up to $80,000. Buyers must close on their selected properties by Nov. 30, a deadline, as Williams indicated, they seem to be mindful of.

To that end, sales of existing single-family homes rose 14units in July, as compared to last year. Sales of existing attached dwellings such as townhomes and multiplexes dipped one unit while sales of existing condo’s shot up 18.

The existing residential market in Destin also rose, gaining 9 units as compared to last year. Existing single-family homes rose 2 units, existing condo units, 6, and attached dwellings, 1.

The significant rise in the sale of existing condos, Williams said, can be attributed, at least in part, to the return of cash investors to the market. “There are a lot of cash purchasers in the market right now,” she said.
Other factors influencing the market, Williams said, is the high number of families, both military and civilian, who are transferring into and out of the local area. The looming debut of the 2009-2010 school year in August also prompted many families to purchase homes in July.

Williams and other real estate professionals stress that with the large number of programs available in different areas along the coast, it’s particularly important for buyers, sellers and renters to “rely on a Realtor” for all of their market needs.

“Realtors know the area, they know where the good deals are,” she said. “And perhaps most importantly,they know the market trends.”

Additionally, not all licensed real estate associates are Realtors. Only those who are members of the National Association of Realtors can call themselves by the trademarked term “Realtor.” Realtors are held to the organization’s high standard of ethics and local Realtor associations such as ECAR offer a number of committees that benefit its members as well as the local community at large.

Complete General Contractors, as an expert for a number of insurers and attorneys throughout the Southeast, has been noticing a number of problems reported involving homes that were constructed over the past several years with drywall imported from China which corrodes copper and metal surfaces and often gives off a foul odor. The drywall, known as Chinese Drywall, has been reported in 14 states and is estimated to have been installed in more than 100,000 homes, including houses rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. Drywall, also known as wallboard or plasterboard, is typically made from mineral gypsum, but a shortage led suppliers to import drywall from mines in China.

Of course, not all drywall manufactured in China is tainted. A common theory alleges that drywall imported from China in 2004 and 2005 was made with waste materials from scrubbers on coal-fired power plants, also called “fly ash”. These materials can leak into the air and emit one of several sulfur compounds. Others believe the drywall may have been kept on barges at sea for months awaiting permission for importation. http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html

Industrial hygienist will be helpful in determining such compounds as butanethial, carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan, methylthio pyridine, sulfuric acid, sulfurous dioxide and strontium sulfide which have been found in Chinese drywall. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared many of these compounds to be toxic. The Florida Department of Health (http://www.dep.state.fl.us) continues to maintain that the levels found in Chinese drywall are not high enough to present imminent or chronic health hazards, but what about long-term exposure to these highly toxic compounds? Health officials are most concerned that the Chinese drywall fumes could be especially dangerous for sensitive populations. These include the very young and the elderly. People with asthma and chemical sensitivities would be at greatest risk. These worries have caused many people to flee their homes in an effort to preserve their health. These issues are similar to the concerns expressed over severely mold damaged properties in years past.

There has been much discussion as to the proper restoration of these properties and how much of the interior requires removal and replacement. Complete General Contractors has been asked to price these protocols and provide restoration services, similar to our mold remediation and fire restoration services. Many are also concerned that the drywall issues will diminish the value of their homes.

Why is Chinese Drywall destroying homes?

This is still to be determined, but some believe that humidity causes the sulfur in the tainted drywall to off-gas, (to migrate into the indoor air), and when these gases combine with moisture, they not only create a noxious odor, but it corrodes copper and other metals. This is likely why one of the first places that have been tied to these problems is the HVAC coils. The process of air condition includes the removal of water from the air through condensation providing a ready source for water right inside the HVAC air handler closet. On air conditioning coils they create sulfuric acid. This in turn, appears to be dissolving solder joints and copper tubing – creating leaks, blackening the coils and even causing the system to fail. Pipes and wiring especially low voltage may also be deteriorating because of the Chinese drywall fumes. The particulates from Chinese drywall may also invade and adhere to other building materials in the home’s structure, as well as to personal objects within the home.

How to tell if your home has toxic Chinese drywall?
The best way to tell if your home has toxic Chinese drywall is to have a person with experience evaluate your home. Typically a visual inspection will alert the need for a more quantitative review. Some of the warning signs are rotten egg or ammonia smells. Have you had repeated A/C problems? Does the copper tubing on the outside of your A/C look corroded? Look for copper turning black; appliances and equipment failing prematurely, especially TV’s and cable boxes and even personal jewelry turning black. Another way to determine if drywall in your home is from China, locate the “Made in China” markings on the back of the sheet of drywall most easily accessed from the attic. http://www.fhba.com/index.cfm?referer=content.contentItem&ID=1944

Problematic Chinese drywall needs review and correction as necessary. If you are experiencing issues as listed above please contact a trusted professional Industrial Hygienist, Professional Engineer, or Complete General Contractors, Inc 877-256-2742 to discuss your issues and evaluate a solution.

Important Links:

FEMA
International Code Council
XACTIMAT

This information should not be substituted for professional legal advice; consult with your lawyer for legal advice and ask your insurance professional to discuss the details of your policy and insurance needs.

www.CompleteContracting.com

By PAT KELLY / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY

The St. Joe Co. has plans to begin developing about 1,000 acres near the entrance of the new Panama City-Bay County airport under construction near West Bay.

Jerry Ray, vice president of communications for St. Joe, said Monday the land near the front entrance of the airport was being targeted for industrial, commercial and services-related use.

“These parcels, which are for a wide variety of users, are adjacent to the southwest side of the airport site,” Ray said in a phone interview from the Paris International Air Show, which opened Monday in France. “They are not tarmac-connected.”

The St. Joe plans are separate from the airport’s recent decision to hire a “master developer” for 1,400 airport-owned acres surrounding the runway and terminal complex, airport executive director Randy Curtis said Monday.

Ray said he was at the international air show trying to line up businesses and manufacturers in the aviation industry that might be interested in locating to Bay County. “I’m here trying to bring jobs to Bay County,” he said.

St. Joe president and CEO Britt Greene said the company’s initial focus for the 1,000 acres was on aerospace, logistics and defense-oriented technology companies. As part of the master-planning process, planned “development nodes” could join a corridor of Air Force, Navy and Army aerospace and aviation facilities along the Florida, Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast, Greene said.

“With the scheduled opening of the airport now less than one year away, we are accelerating our preconstruction activity and stepping up marketing outreach to global users who need ready access to the new airport,” Greene said. The airport is set to open in May.

Greene said St. Joe, Northwest Florida’s largest private landowner, had entered into master-plan agreements with The Haskell Company and TranSystems Corporation to develop the land, part of about 71,000 acres the company owns within the West Bay Sector Plan.

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