Sandestin growth strategy includes condo projects, a Baytowne ferris wheel, a Hofbrauhaus and a Ben & Jerry's

Walton County Chamber President Kitty Whitney introduced Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort owner Tom Becnel as an optimist Wednesday at the Chamber's monthly luncheon.

Becnel attempted to prove her correct as he painted a positive forecast about Sandestin's future.

The luncheon was held at Linkside Conference Center on the resort.

Becnel was addressing the crowd on the heels of the resignation and departure of his president of investments at Sandestin, which happened last week. He talked about John Russell's replacement at the beginning of the speech titled “Walton County Growth and Development in our Future — Being Aware and Being Ready.”

Becnel said he was astounded at the number of outstanding available candidates who have applied for the position and who have resort management experience. He said five interviews have already been conducted for the position of general manager and he expects to have a new person in place by early March.

Becnel's staff was mum on why Russell left a week early, when previous statements placed him leaving on Feb. 11.

Becnel, who floated the idea of a small casino in Sandestin, also addressed the controversial gaming bill that was killed in the Florida Senate days earlier.

He said bringing a casino to the area would have brought in jobs and visitors, but he dropped the proposal because Sandestin homeowners did not want it.

He said the number of visitors to the resort is up, however, and higher than any point in the past seven years.

Becnel said available real estate for sale on Sandestin property has dropped from 900 to 300 listings, and the listings have seen a purging of foreclosures and short sales.

His forecast for the future is that the resort will see new construction of a 96-unit condominium at Sandestin, a 26-unit condominium at Seaside, and a single-family unit is planned at Burnt Pine, all of which he believes will be under way this year.

At The Village of Baytowne Wharf, he said visitors can expect to find a new Hofbrauhaus and Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop.

Becnel said he will bring in a new ferris wheel to Baytowne for the younger crowd.

Baytowne will be recast, he said, cutting a new driveway out of the Village for easier exit, and a movement is under way to lure homeowners back in and re-engage them.

Becnel also went on to address the need for new leadership in the nation’s Capitol.

"We need to send them a message that it's time to stop the spending," he said. Becnel said he believes that message will be acknowledged if the people collectively engage in making their voice heard.