Wheel of Fortune Deal in SoWal's Sandestin NOT Destin

[DuneLaker]

Once again, a newspaper has inaccurately reported a cool South Walton event as being in Destin (Okaloosa Co.) instead of SoWal (Walton Co.). Seems Walton County's Sandestin has teamed up with the Northwest Florida Regional Airport to offer accommodations at Sandestin in SoWal as a Wheel of Fortune prize. Sure we can promote the entire wonderful Emerald Coast region here in Northwest Florida. Each community has its unique attributes. But, Sandestin isn't one of Destin's resorts. This must be corrected now and not be allowed to continue or we'll get more inaccurate statements like this in story, "The two Okaloosa County businesses have teamed up to offer an all-expense paid trip to Destin as a prize on the game show." Goodness!!!

Accurate place location will become even more important for South Walton and Walton County as the new Bay County airport comes on line. With traffic concerns, etc, it may actually be a shorter time commute from the new Bay County airport to Sandestin. Travelers should at least be given an accurate choice. They need to know they are coming to SoWal, Scenic 30-A, the Beaches of South Walton and all our wonderful communities in Walton County.

We can work together with other counties in our great Emerald Coast Northwest Florida region , but we can't let our best beaches, restaurants, parks, etc. be credited to another county. Don't siphon off renters, hotel guests and home buyers to another county. The names we already have are just fine. Just don't let publicity writers or new little focus groups who don't know the area or have their own agenda put out inaccurate press releases.

BTW, Emerald Coast is used throughout this region, not just Okaloosa County or Walton County. In the Panama City, Bay County phone book, for instance, there are over 100 phone numbers for businesses with "Emerald Coast" as part of their name.

 

[SHELLY]

It could have been worse...they could have promoted it as an all-expense-paid trip to The? Beach

 

[GoodWitch58]

It could have been worse...they could have promoted it as an all-expense-paid trip to The? Beach

has anyone else read the first issue of the new magazine "850 Business? I read it this morning (think it came out in the Fall) and found it interesting/amusing some of the comments about Northwest Florida as a region...some of the ideas about The Beach, and just generally the disconnect that seems to exist in some people's minds. As Dunelaker is so good at pointing out--Walton Co needs to be sure we are correctly identified.....

 

[Matt J]

Seems to be updated.

Spin the 'Wheel,' win a trip to Sandestin | wheel, sandestin, screen - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

 

[DuneLaker]

Seems to be updated.

Spin the 'Wheel,' win a trip to Sandestin | wheel, sandestin, screen - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Indeed, an update was made. That is called rapid response. We probably shouldn't put our guard down just yet, though. However, I am hopeful we are beginning to pierce the void.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Seems to be updated.

Spin the 'Wheel,' win a trip to Sandestin | wheel, sandestin, screen - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Isn't Sandestin in old Pt Washington?

 

[DuneLaker]

Isn't Sandestin in old Pt Washington?

Do you have a map, official document or perhaps an old letter with postmark that would give some insight or answer that question? For sure, Sandestin isn't in Destin! I have a copy of 1895 land grant signed by President Grover Cleveland that gave John Wesley 100 acres in the Pt. Washington area. That is the earliest SoWal land grant I have. The one for the Grayton area was the next year in 1896, also signed by President Cleveland. When I looked at the coordinates some time ago, I didn't recall that it went over that far. Later land grants by settlers who considered themselves to be in Pt. Washington could exist. It would take a lot of time and analysis to plot each grant to confirm original United States land grant borders. I might do that one day when I get some other projects off my plate. Anything you might add would certainly be interesting and informative. Since Pt. Washington and SoWal areas were originally within Walton County's 1824 borders, but then left to be in Washington County from 1825 until 1913, I've always wanted to dig around more in the Washington County archives.

 

[TableFiveChef]

Duneaker what on earth is your beef with Destin? I was born and raised in Destin but currently live in Miramar. I understand that Destin has took a turn for the worse as far as development goes but Destin still is a major commerce hub for this area. (Fishing) I have followed your posts for the last couple of years and you repeatedly bash Destin. you certainly are entitiled to your opinion but you seem to be lobbying for banishing Destin off the map.

 

[Matt J]

Duneaker what on earth is your beef with Destin? I was born and raised in Destin but currently live in Miramar. I understand that Destin has took a turn for the worse as far as development goes but Destin still is a major commerce hub for this area. (Fishing) I have followed your posts for the last couple of years and you repeatedly bash Destin. you certainly are entitiled to your opinion but you seem to be lobbying for banishing Destin off the map.

She's not bashing Destin, just trying to keep our wonderful area unique and distinct from condo land. She is correct that if we do not keep a unique identity then we will be lumped in with PCB or Destin over the years. Personally I don't want this area associated with the pictures of 20 story condos that are synonymous with Destin and PCB.

 

[momof2kids]

My beef is when people call the Miramar Beach area "Sandestin" area. Sandestin is the resort; Miramar Beach is where Sandestin is located... That's just my issue though...