Emerald Coast Real Estate Blog

Laws Strengthened for Double-Red Flags Flying on the Beach

*Northwest Florida Daily News | Jim Thompson | Published 7:00 am ET 2/18/21 | Updated 8:53 am ET 2/21/21



SANTA ROSA BEACH — Walton County commissioners are satisfied — for now, anyway — with a change to the county's beach activities ordinance that details what constitutes being in the water when double-red flags are flying on beaches and the surf is closed.

Commissioners last week unanimously approved a number of changes to the ordinance, including a tangential definition of what constitutes being in the water when double-red flags are flying.

The new language replaces an earlier proposed amendment that would have defined being in the water as being knee-deep in the Gulf of Mexico.

To read the entire article click here

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Walton County Commissioners give Unanimous Approval for new development

Walton County Commissioners Approve New Hardware Store
in Santa Rosa Beach

At their February 9th Commissioners meeting, unanimous approval was given for a NEW 18,000 Sq. Ft. Ace Home Helpers Hardware store to be located near the Publix grocery on Hwy 98.  Approval was also given for another, yet to be determined, 9,000 Sq. Ft. Building for development.

Access to the new store would be through the Publix parking lot.

A number of minor issues will be cleared up and addressed by the Technical Review Committee and the Design Review Board and Planning Commission.

Residents expressed concerns that the new development could hurt their home values.

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Deadline to Homestead in Florida is Monday, March 1st!

ATTENTION ALL FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS!!!

DEADLINE for Filing is Monday, March 1st!

For those of you who are NEW Florida Homeowners, NOW is the time to apply for your Homestead Exemption for Property taxes!  Military members also get an exemption.

To make sure YOU qualify for the exemption click here.

Here are links to Gulf Coast County's Property Appraiser's website to file online.

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Hwy 399 Between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach FINALLY Open Again!

Hwy 399 from Navarre Beach to Pensacola Beach Now Open!

Over Five Months ago Hurricane Sally left the road between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach damaged and closed.  On Friday, February 12th, with cars lined up to drive the beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore, at 8:00 am the road was opened to Passenger Vehicles ONLY.  No RV's, Commercial Trucks, or oversized vehicles are allowed for now.

For months, work has been going on to repair the Opal Beach Pavilions, parking lot, restrooms, road repairs and tons of sand removed from the roads.  Permanent road repairs will begin later on in the year.

There's still much work to be done for it to be back to normal, but for now access to the restaurants of Pensacola Beach is back!

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New Multi-Family Development Breaks Ground in Destin

*by Stephanie Rebman - Managing Editor, Birmingham Business Journal | February 11, 2021, 1:16 am EST

Artist Rendering of The Primrose

New 288-unit Luxury Community Breaks Ground in Destin

A Birmingham multifamily development and investment company has broken ground on a new Florida development.

Crest Residential is building a 288-unit luxury multifamily community in the Santa Rosa Beach submarket of Destin, Florida, slated for completion in fall 2021.

The Primrose is a gated, coastal-inspired community on 37 acres that features 12 floor plans ranging from 553 square feet to 1,909 square feet available in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The developer will also offer carriage homes and townhomes.

Click here to learn more.



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Navarre Beach Pier FINALLY to get a Restroom!

Long Awaited Restroom on Navarre Beach Pier
Ready for Installation

Who would have thought that it would take 5 years to get a restroom for Florida's longest fishing pier?

Finally, after facing major roadblocks, Deck replacement, service lines installed, and environmental permits, all repairs have been made!

Due to the location where this restroom will be placed, and in consideration of possible hurricanes, this unique restroom comes on wheels and can be easily moved should bad weather arrive.

This restroom is wheelchair accessible and includes a Diaper Changing Station, running water and electricity.  This Tech Savvy unit also sends an electronic notice to the Pier staff letting them know that it's time for servicing.

Installation should occur with the next couple of weeks.

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New Residential Development Gets Ok'd by Walton Commissioners

Walton County Board Commissioners unanimously approved a NEW, 38 unit development (see map above) situated on 9.36 acres on Mack Bayou Rd.

With concerns over traffic and nature preservation voiced, it is noted that the developers of nearby new subdivision, Mack Bayou Landing, are taking steps to preserve the oak trees on the tract.

As this New Development progresses updates will be made available.

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