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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.

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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.

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Here is a link to a copy of the Order: 

http://www.flgov.com/pdfs/orders/10-169-property.pdf

The HOPE Awards is sponsored by a partnership of real estate associations; awards are conferred every other year. Winners receive $10,000 and paid travel expenses to attend the HOPE Awards in Washington, D.C., in May 2011. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 17, 2010, at http://www.hopeawards.org/.

In 2011, the HOPE Awards will celebrate 10 years of helping make the dream of owning a home possible for Americans of all backgrounds. Since the awards’ inception, 30 individuals and organizations have been awarded $300,000 to recognize their work toward eliminating disparities and overcoming barriers to help minority buyers achieve and sustain homeownership.

The categories for the HOPE Awards are Education, Finance, Leadership, Media, Project, Public Policy, and Real Estate Brokerage. Entries are evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, based on the impact of the nominee’s work in increasing minority homeownership, use of innovative ideas, minority focus and affordability.

Individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and state and local agencies are eligible. Self-nominations are encouraged.

The fifth HOPE Awards, which were granted in May 2009, honored the Korean Churches for Community Development (Education); Illinois Assistive Technology Program (Finance); Chris McCarthy, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity (Leadership); Community Reinvestment Association of North America (Media); and Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (Project). No awards were given in the Public Policy and Real Estate Brokerage categories.

For more information about the awards or to submit an application, visit http://www.hopeawards.org/. Finalists and winners will be announced in early 2011.

Source: NAR

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!

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If you’re facing foreclosure, don’t panic: There are steps you can take right now to save your home or at least lessen the blow of its loss.

A record high 2.8 million properties were hit with foreclosure notices in 2009. That’s the bad news. The good news: About two-thirds of notices don’t result in actual foreclosures, says Doug Robinson of NeighborWorks, a nonprofit group that offers foreclosure counseling.

Many homeowners find alternatives to foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, often with the help of foreclosure counselors. If you’re facing foreclosure, call your lender right now to determine your options, which can include loan modification, forbearance, or a short sale.

Foreclosure process takes time

The entire foreclosure process can take anywhere from two to 12 months, depending on how fast your lender acts and where you live. Some states allow a nonjudicial process that’s speedier, while others require time-consuming judicial proceedings.

Once you miss at least one mortgage payment, the steps leading up to an actual foreclosure sale can include demand letters, notices of default, a recorded notice of foreclosure, publication of the debt, and the scheduling of a foreclosure auction. Even when an auction is scheduled, however, it may never occur, or it may occur but a qualified buyer doesn’t materialize.

Bottom line: Foreclosure can be a long slog, which gives you enough time to come up with an alternative. Meantime, if your goal is to salvage your home, think about keeping up with payments for homeowners insurance and property taxes. Otherwise, you could compound your problems by getting hit with an uncovered casualty loss or liability suit, or tax liens.

Read the fine print

Start by reviewing all correspondence you’ve received from your lender. The letters—and phone calls—probably began once you were 30 days past due. Also review your mortgage documents, which should outline what steps your lender can take. For instance, is there a “power of sale” clause that authorizes the sale of your home to pay off a mortgage after you miss payments?

Determine the specific foreclosure laws for your state. What’s the timeline? Do you have “right of redemption,” essentially a grace period in which you can reverse a foreclosure? Are deficiency judgments that hold you responsible for the difference between what your home sells for and your loan’s outstanding balance allowed? Get answers.

Pick up the phone

Don’t give up because you missed a mortgage payment or two and received a notice of default. Foreclosure isn’t a foregone conclusion, but it’s heading in that direction if you don’t call your lender. Dial the number on your mortgage statement, and ask for the Loss Mitigation Department. You might stay on hold for a while, but don’t hang up. Once you do get someone on the line, take notes and record names.

The next call should be to a foreclosure avoidance counselor  approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. One of these counselors can, free of charge, explain your state’s foreclosure laws, discuss alternatives to foreclosure, help you organize financial documents, and even represent you in negotiations with your lender. Be wary of unsolicited offers of help, since foreclosure rescue scams are common.

Be sure to let your lender know that you’re working with a counselor. Not only does it demonstrate your resolve, but according to NeighborWorks, homeowners who receive foreclosure counseling are 1.6 times more likely to avoid losing their homes than those who don’t. Homeowners who receive loan modifications with the help of a counselor also reduce monthly mortgage payments by $454 more than homeowners who receive a modification without the aid of a counselor.

Lender alternatives to foreclosure

Hope Now, an alliance of mortgage companies and housing counselors, can aid homeowners facing foreclosure. A self-assessment tool will give you an idea whether you might be eligible for help from your lender, and there are direct links to HUD-approved counseling agencies and lenders’ foreclosure-prevention programs.

There are alternatives to foreclosure that your lender might accept. The most attractive option that’ll allow you to keep your home is a loan modification that reduces your monthly payment. A modification can entail lowering the interest rate, changing a loan from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate, extending the term of a loan, or eliminating past-due balances. Another option, forbearance, can temporarily suspend payments, though the amount will likely be tacked on to the end of the loan.

If you’re unable to make even reduced payments, and assuming a conventional sale isn’t possible, then it may be best to turn your home over to your lender before a foreclosure is completed. A completed foreclosure can decimate a credit score, which will make it hard not only to purchase another home someday, but also to rent a home in the immediate future.

Your lender can approve a short sale, in which the proceeds are less than what’s still owed on your mortgage. A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, which amounts to handing over your keys to your lender, is another possibility. The earlier you begin talks with your lender, the more likelihood of success.

Explore government programs

The federal government’s Making Home Affordable  program offers two options: loan modification and refinancing. A self-assessment will indicate which option might be right for you, but you need to apply for the program through your lender. A Making Home Affordable loan modification requires a three-month trial period before it can become permanent.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have their own foreclosure-prevention programs as well. Check to determine if either Fannie or Freddie owns your mortgage. Present this information to your lender and your counselor. Fannie and Freddie also have rental programs under which former owners can remain in recently foreclosed homes on a month-to-month basis.

The federal Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives  program, which takes full effect in April 2010, offers lenders financial incentives to approve short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. It also provides $1,500 in relocation assistance to borrowers. Again, talk to your lender and counselor.

Jerry DeMuth has written about mortgages and other financial issues for more than two decades for trade publications, major newspapers, and consumer magazines. His writing has received four awards and has been included in eight non-fiction books.

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