What happened to South Walton

[Waterbaddrinkwine]

I moved here in 1981, I was amazed at how friendly people were. The first thing I noticed that was different from other places I had lived was that everyone waved at you when they drove by. You would walk in a store and feel as if they knew you. The tourists and locals would hang out together at the local bars making for some of the fondest memories!

A few years back I went to St. Thomas Island and before we got off the plane they explained local customs one of which was when you walked pass someone on the street it was customary to ingage in small talk, not just pass by or give a nod. Once you got used to that it actually became fun and was a great way to meet and learn about people.


My point is, I feel like a lot of people here just aren't friendly. I've worked in Seaside, Rosemary, Watercolor and everywhere else on 30A (Painting and maintenence) and have noticed this trend since about 1996. I know there are still a lot of friendly happy people it just seems like there are a lot more grumpy ones.

So I thought, from here on out I'm going to do like they do in St. Thomas and smile, wave and talk to people. If we all did that you wouldn't believe how infectious it is.

Sorry, just had to semi rant!

 

[DD]

You go, wbdw! Spread the love!

 

[Kurt]

It is a completely different world from the 80s or even 90s. Even so most people from other parts of the country or world say it's very friendly around here.

As small town grow larger they tend to lose some calm and charm I suppose. SoWal used to be more laid back. The biggest change took place with the run up of real estate. People chasing money came here. Some have since left or chilled out. But many are still around and are like fishies out of water.

Also the bubble popping, storms, and BP have taken their toll on some folks.

Everyone here gets worn out this time of year from heat and months of visitors. Overall though the people I know are happy beach folk and would dig ditches to live here.

 

[Waterbaddrinkwine]

I agree Kurt, southern hospitality is still alive and well in SoWal. Also, your other point about the real estate is probably the #1 culprit. I love it here and won't ever leave so I guess I'll just keep smilin and wavin and lovin life!

 

[ameliaj]

WBDW, I'll be happy to small talk with you...keep the good feeling moving. It'll catch on.

 

[mputnal]

Growth has always created changes within communities but I have noticed something much worse following the BP disaster. I have a lot of customers in South Walton who for the first time believe that things will get worse and not better. Some have left the area because of economic stress. Some have left because of fear that our paradise will never be the same. Others are just plain stressed. I also have a business in Tallahassee and I can assure you that stress has also dramatically changed what used to be Southern Hospitality. SH still exists but it is becoming an exception to the rule. Compared to Tallahassee, South Walton is still a community paradise full of SH but I have a real concern that the BP disaster has seriously damaged our confidence in the longevity of our coastal paradise.

 

[Kurt]

Growth has always created changes within communities but I have noticed something much worse following the BP disaster. I have a lot of customers in South Walton who for the first time believe that things will get worse and not better. Some have left the area because of economic stress. Some have left because of fear that our paradise will never be the same. Others are just plain stressed. I also have a business in Tallahassee and I can assure you that stress has also dramatically changed what used to be Southern Hospitality. SH still exists but it is becoming an exception to the rule. Compared to Tallahassee, South Walton is still a community paradise full of SH but I have a real concern that the BP disaster has seriously damaged our confidence in the longevity of our coastal paradise.

That's an interesting perspective since I have seen huge smiles from locals as the summer has gotten better and better. A lot of people are getting well this year and I don't hear pessimism except from a few folks who, as I posted earlier, are never going to be happy.

 

[mputnal]

Kurt, I am not judging you or our community. I am only repeating what many of my customers have said to me as well as my humble opinions. You can disagree with me and I can accept that. Maybe the local people I talk to are not always located off of 30A but some are. You seem to be a good person who is genuinely protective of our community and I admire your optimism. I do not think I am a pessimist but more a realist.

 

[DD]

It is a completely different world from the 80s or even 90s. Even so most people from other parts of the country or world say it's very friendly around here.

As small town grow larger they tend to lose some calm and charm I suppose. SoWal used to be more laid back. The biggest change took place with the run up of real estate. People chasing money came here. Some have since left or chilled out. But many are still around and are like fishies out of water.

Also the bubble popping, storms, and BP have taken their toll on some folks.

Everyone here gets worn out this time of year from heat and months of visitors. Overall though the people I know are happy beach folk and would dig ditches to live here.

I think this is all so true....even though I'm not a local, I can totally understand. I have to say that after dealing with the rain crazed crowds this past week, I can really relate to how the locals must feel about half way through the season. A double edged sword I imagine. That said, I have never found the folks of SoWal to be anything but brimming with SH.

 

[hkem1]

I think Sowal is great partially because of the people. I'm "local" who goes to school in a different part of the country and I was back earlier this summer after being gone for a year. I was checking out at Publix, and the cashier says to me, "I saw you were back in town. How are you enjoying being back here?". I was shocked because though I could recognize this cashier woman, I was definitely not expecting that.