CHEAPENING PARADISE OR A BIG-BOX BLESSING? Will South Walton welcome Wal-Mart?

Word of Wal-Mart’s potential arrival in South Walton on the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and West Hewett Road traveled quickly this week.

And just as all things affecting this tight-knit community, feelings and opinions ran high, at times pitting neighbor against neighbor.

“I am horrified!” cried self-employed small-business owner Jamie Dietrich. “The proposed site is just around the corner from my house. I can only imagine what this will mean for property values, traffic and loss of business for smaller businesses. I wish we could do something about it. It's just awful!”

But others had a completely opposite reaction.

“I am thrilled to hear we will no longer have to drive to Destin to shop Wal-Mart,” said Blue Mountain Beach resident Ladie Bea Lackey. “We all know that travel on 98 is fraught with danger, especially during the seasons. In addition, it should provide a number of new jobs for folks in this area and that is always good news.”

The Sun recently asked 200 South Waltoners to participate in an e-mail poll on the subject. With close to 80 responding, about twice as many residents look forward to the development, as long as it is not on 30A and is done properly.

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For many, embracing Wal-Mart comes down to an economical “have to,” said musician Balder Saunders.

“I feel we should always shop local, live local, consume local. I also feel that it is a horrible economic situation we are in,” he said. “A near-poverty-level family can only afford white bread, bologna, and Coke. Going green and living organic is hip right now, but it is ultra unaffordable it this economic climate. If and when it comes, people will likely find a deal where they can to save money. If I could find goods at comparable prices at a local farmers market, or mom-and-pop store, that's where you'd find me shopping,” he said.

Others were more upbeat.

“What a blessing it would be,” said Pat Braunstien. “It is ridiculous for us all to have to travel 20-plus miles for such a shopping opportunity.”

“I'm happy to see ANY new business opening in South Walton,” said Seagrove resident Mitzi Millsaps.

“Even though people may be displeased to see the big conglomerate coming to the neighborhood, at this day and time, in this current economy, we can be thankful because it will bring jobs to the area that are badly needed,” said Nancy Veldman, who owns Magnolia House at Grand Boulevard.

But not everyone was buying that argument.

“What sets us apart as a desirable location is that we do not ascribe to Destin's and Panama City's ‘big box’ trend where there is loss of local unique enterprises,” said Seagrove resident Bob Dobes. “In the long run another ‘Wallymart’ would decrease local employers, jobs and lower property values for those in proximity.”

“I am not thrilled with the idea,” agreed Susan Benton. “South Walton is a draw for nature lovers, hikers, bicycle enthusiasts and runners just to name a few. Giant commercialism, strip malls and parking lots would destroy the uniqueness. I don't mind the drive to Destin, DeFuniak or Panama City to shop at Wal-Mart, and I am sure other SOWAL folks would be happy to continue do the same. I vote ‘No.’ ”

Some folks like former Tourist Development Council head Jeffrey Ellis “knew it was only a matter of time.”

“I have lived in South Walton since only one fully functioning traffic light was south of the bay and that was installed privately by Sandestin in the mid ’80s,” he said. “With new, larger box stores come new conveniences. But it takes some of the charm of our small area away with the corporate logos appearing alongside the Point Washington State Forest small wooden signs.”

Others, like Bud & Alley’s owner Dave Rauschkolb, were more pointed.

“There is nothing good about a Wal-Mart coming to South Walton,” he said. “South Walton is special for so many reasons and our myriad of independent owner-operated retailers is a powerfully important element essential to preserving South Walton's unique character. Wal-Mart has a long tradition all over America of sucking the lifeblood of small business out of small communities and towns. Smaller retailers can't compete and they have to close. Keeping Wal-Mart at arm’s length in Destin and Panama City is best for South Walton.”

“It will cheapen our bit of paradise,” agreed Blue Mountain Beach resident and singer Redd Vizard. “It will put local businesses that are already struggling out of business. I realize it is a far drive to the one in Destin and it can help save money, but don't put it there. They just spent a fortune on beautifying the roadway and now it will look horrible.”

While passions run high among those against the development, many in South Walton are quick to admit they are looking forward to it.

Others were favorable to the idea only if it assimilated into the community identity.

“So long as they become SoWalMarket, get no sign or other variances, and make their charitable contributions to local charities and let local residents have a first chance at job opportunities, I am for it,” said Grayton Beach resident David Bludworth.

“If they use very high standards in zoning, bring a look like Grand Boulevard and hide it in great trees, we would go for it because it will be good for other business to come here that we need. It would lower traffic on Hwy. 98 and be a great convenience needed for visitors, new people and locals. We hope all the taxes stay here and our commissioners did not give away anything. Wal-Mart needs to pay a good price for the privilege to be here and give back big time to South Walton,” said Santa Rosa Beach resident Kassie Zukowski.

Area Realtors offered this upbeat assessment.

“With the prospect of a new international airport in Panama City, the real estate market is improving, and now with the new Wal-Mart coming to town, this is going to be much more convenient for our owners and renters,” said Realtor Nina McCaslin-Horn.

 “The marketing and research this company does is incredible and where there is a Wal-Mart, people will come. It will also provide more jobs for the area and low prices. A great leap for our community,” said Realtor Christina Meinen.

For some, the announcement was met with dark humor.

“I've always said my biggest fear is one day I'll wake up and there will be nothing left but Wal-Mart for shopping,” said Sally Smith, a 30A resident. “On the other hand, I might need the job as a greeter one day!”

“It wouldn't be the Redneck Riviera without a Wal-Mart!” said financial advisor Buz Livingston. “I just don't want to hear them whining for a sign variance. Wal-Mart's meds are cheaper. Since national health insurance is dead and we don't qualify for Medicare that's a plus.”

Self-employed artist Lisa Hinds has the last word with this reflective response.

“Five years ago if you had to ask me this question you may have gotten a different answer. I was upset when I heard there was going to be a Publix at WaterColor, and then a Subway in Blue Mountain Beach. Everyone seemed to think it was great. But I knew it was the beginning of the end — the end of an era. With the economy as it now, I honestly can say I welcome Wal-Mart for the jobs it will bring to the community. I don't think

Wal-Mart will be able to compete with the plethora of unique shops we have along 30A. We are unique, we always have been and always will be. And that is why I am here.”