OVERHEARD ON THE WEB: PARKING EDITION

Here is what some people are saying online about stories in the Destin Log.

Homeowner objects after getting ticketed for blocking sidewalk — By: curt
I have been a resident of Destin since 2001. I didn’t think Destin had a sidewalk parking law because it is common practice to block the sidewalks with vehicles. On Calhoun by the water pumping station there are city vehicles blocking the sidewalk many times. I think this one article in the paper should be a blanket warning and now the city should start issuing tickets.

By: BlindRef
What if you have company, family and friends in for the week? Are they going to get a ticket because driveways in Destin are not very large and the vehicles overlap the sidewalk? Come on! You can ride your bike from the bay to the Gulf, the city is overcrowded with homes and condos and parking will always be a big issue. What is going to happen for special events like the Seafood Festival, parades, and other activities?

By: jopafan
I agree. What is the city going to do when we have large functions? I have lived in Twin Lakes for eight years and have never had a warning or even heard of this parking issue. I think it stems from one individual calling the city manager and stirring the pot. I have talked to many friends that live in subdivisions since this started and none of them have ever heard of this either. I too have driven all over Destin in recent days and every subdivision has this issue. I guess Code Enforcement is going to be busy!

By: carolinagirl
I think the city of Destin should go to Old 98 and ticket the tourists parked on the curb in front of the no parking signs. But, I guess the beloved tourists are off limits.
 
By: Equal Access
People can only see to the end of their nose and do not take the time to assess how their actions affect others. Parking as to block a sidewalk or an accessible ramp is illegal and shouldn't require a warning to issue a hefty fine.

By: Lisa
This would not even be an issue if even a little bit of foresight and planning had been done BEFORE Destin grew so much. For some reason they say that could not be done. However, many other cities seem to have done a pretty good job with it. Also, it would help if people had a better understanding of the difference between private and public property.

By: soulution
If you notice most cars parked in violation have garages, but they are full! Not with cars but with stuff you don’t need or use anymore. Right now would be a good time to clean out the garage of all your hoarded things that could really be of good use to the people of Haiti. Maybe the city could do a big pick-up and shipment. Now wouldn’t that make everyone look and feel good?

By: Bob
Remember the Good ole days here in Destin before it became a city? Not one service is provided that was not provided by the county — except harassment and higher taxes!

By: leavin town
Remember when gas was a quarter? Remember when everyone in a neighborhood knew each other? Remember when, remember when. A broken record. What I don’t get is so many folks complain, yet we have an unchallenged mayor's race. If you don't like the way things are, then you need to get involved in a solution. Unless of course you're Republican. Then you can just complain.

By: MoveOutOfDestinB4its2late
Probably just the city’s way of funding that new parking lot they just spent $3 million on. Maybe the city will allow you to park there, load up the parking meter with quarters and they'll happily shuttle you for 6 bucks back to your house.
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City buys parking lot land for $3.125 million after six month ordeal — By: Destin
Destin doesn't need to be buying property. They bought the old RV park on Beach Drive under the premise of needing a road through it. One look at a map will tell anyone there is no need for a road there.

By: Spend, spend, spend
An overpass too? Just how much more taxpayer money are you planning on spending?

By: Dave
Seems weird that it's the taxpayers’ responsibility to pay for public parking when the businesses down there could easily afford their own parking garages. I believe it's the city’s responsibility to give out the zoning and planning of parking garages, not building them with taxpayer money. Alan Laird of AJ's spent his own money buying the lot across from AJ's and put in an overflow parking lot. He also tore down existing boat storage buildings for extra parking. Didn't cost taxpayers one penny. I'm sure someone’s brother-in-law or business partner got paid for this parking lot and stairway to heaven walkway. The harbor there should've been reserved for fishing and locals, plenty of gulf front property for these big developers to destroy elsewhere.

By: destinista
If you want something “reserved” you should have bought it to use it like you want. Maybe a harbor-front park for families and dogs. It was for sale a long time, but you didn't buy it so why are you dictating what people should be allowed to do with their private property?

By: chris
We have money and land for a parking lot and a road but no funds for a high school? When do the locals get something?

By: John Williams
Building a high school in Destin is not even a reasonable idea right now. Where would we put it?.

Don’t let them have the last word. Log on to www.thedestinlog.com and join the debate. Just click on a story and then click on the comment button at the bottom of the page.
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Business landscape has shifted in the last decade in Destin — By: Dave
As long as Destin businesses continue to pay its workers $8 to $12 dollars per hour, people won't be able to live in the city. Destin is a ghost town if you ask me. Only people there are the workers driving through to get to their second or third job.

By: reality check
The unemployment rate here is pushing 10 percent — statewide 12 percent — and still climbing. What the rest of the country is going through is going to eviscerate the few months of tourism these people are banking on, particularly with the outrageous inflation and taxes that 2010 is bringing with it. Not to mention the rise in crime, the second round of foreclosures, etc. Do these people even watch the news?

By: leavin town
Too bad so many businesses cater ONLY to visitors. The permanent population could support some of these places but who can live here AND afford to shop and eat. The greed that caused this mess is alive and well in Destin World. Lots of people elsewhere live just fine on $12 an hour.

By: Open eyes
Is there any wonder why Destin city government can't handle its problems? Nothing will change until the politicians and their favorite businessmen stop ignoring the needs of locals and stop pretending everything is fine when it isn't.

By: pluto
I don't live in Destin, but I do read the Log online and my family visits Destin several times a year. I have seen very positive land improvements, such as a handicapped ramp and a beach wheelchair available by the park at Pompano Joe's. Destin Commons is nice and an attractive mall with some great stores, but with everything else Destin had to offer, was it wise to develop Destin Commons? When we arrive, we now have to narrow down our top places to visit and Destin Commons is one we mark off since Sharper Image and others closed. Baytowne Wharf is a great place to shop and be entertained for families. There are many mom and pop stores we always make a visit to. So how much more developing would Destin consider too much at this point? I think it has already gone beyond this point.