On being true to the area's natural beauty

On being true to the area's natural beauty

The South Walton area is known as one of the last treasurecoves of simple old Florida.

Its unspoiled beauty, pristine beaches and quiet, quaint natural state are what draw folks here year after year. Those attributes are also what cause them to want to move here.

Long-time residents of the community naturally feel they have a stake in wanting to see that the area's natural charms are not lost as "progress" descends on us all. Hence, the uproar over too tall, too blue, too out-of-character blue signs.

Thinking of such thing makes me wonder why there are palm trees being planted in the middle of the roads?

Palm trees are not native to this area. Except for having a gorgeous shoreline and liberal thinkers, this area truly is more like L.A. (lower Alabama) and many of the same types of trees grow here, with some Florida scrubs thrown in.

I realize that developers and planners are trying to enhance the area's beauty by giving it a tropical appearance reminiscent of other vacation beaches. However, could it be that just as with the out-of-place blue signs, we are also taking away the sense of place by planting palm trees? Could it cause a visitor to think they took a wrong turn and are now in West Palm Beach?

One reason folks are drawn to this area is that it's different from South Florida. Shouldn't we embrace our uniqueness and proudly advertise that instead of trying to look like other places? 

Deborah Wheeler is a staff writer for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at (850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com. Personally Yours appears the third Saturday of each month in The Sun.