I am reading these posts and thinking that some people here have their panties in a twist. Don't take this wrong but I think perspective is needed. I think all reasonable people appreciate where people are coming from but I am thinking that it's not the end of the world to live/rent/visit/vacation down there. I am not downplaying the protective stance people come from for the area because it is so special but how lucky are we to come there. Maybe it is because I don't live there year round and take it for granted? I cannot wait to be there in 6 weeks - it is keeping me going! It really is a healing place.
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What happened to South Walton
- Thread starter Waterbaddrinkwine
- Start date
Kurt
Admin
Yes - Mark thinks I'm picking on him but some are saying this is the best summer ever for tourism. In addition real estate is selling again. A lot of the distressed properties are getting cleared out. The airports have been busy. People are looking forward to a good fall and off season. Lots of folks are moving here. Walmart and two new middle schools opening are signs of progress (like it or not).
As I said, I understand many of us are still feeling BP effects but we also have a great sense of relief. And as I said many, many times over the last year - we really have been lucky to have escaped the worst of it.
Okay lets just think perspective (good advice). It could have been worse like those to the West of us are experiencing. I do understand this and feel bad for those that were hit harder. I am not complaining about my situation but I do listen to what others (my customers) are saying about available work and whether or not they can survive additional economic stress.
Tourism is up in Walton County because it should be. We have an amazing community along with a resource paradise. Why wouldn't Tourism be up? All indications were that the South Walton economy would have had the best year out of the last three years in 2010 before the spill. I am basing that on a 35% increase in revenue during those first four months of 2010 before the spill. Not every business recovers the same way as Kurt said. There is still a lot of economic hurt (my business is only one of many).
Yes, I have a lot of resentment toward BP and I would like to move on. Easier said than done because of fixed expenses and revenue projection. Pure optimism will not pay my expenses. It is not doom and gloom or pessimism to be concerned.
I doubt there is anyone that feels any more lucky than I do to be a part of this community. I love this community to the point that I would be willing to sacrifice business to keep it the same but it is inevitable that it will grow and change. Middlesister is correct in that it is all about perspective. Kurt is correct regarding optimism vs pessimism but that kind of missed my point. We just have to remember that we are each a part of the whole community. I promise to do my part to make the community even better.
Tourism is up in Walton County because it should be. We have an amazing community along with a resource paradise. Why wouldn't Tourism be up? All indications were that the South Walton economy would have had the best year out of the last three years in 2010 before the spill. I am basing that on a 35% increase in revenue during those first four months of 2010 before the spill. Not every business recovers the same way as Kurt said. There is still a lot of economic hurt (my business is only one of many).
Yes, I have a lot of resentment toward BP and I would like to move on. Easier said than done because of fixed expenses and revenue projection. Pure optimism will not pay my expenses. It is not doom and gloom or pessimism to be concerned.
I doubt there is anyone that feels any more lucky than I do to be a part of this community. I love this community to the point that I would be willing to sacrifice business to keep it the same but it is inevitable that it will grow and change. Middlesister is correct in that it is all about perspective. Kurt is correct regarding optimism vs pessimism but that kind of missed my point. We just have to remember that we are each a part of the whole community. I promise to do my part to make the community even better.