"Slices of 30A" - Robin Maynard

Walton County Tourism Growth on Both Sides of the Bay

Walton County Tourism Growth on Both Sides of the Bay

The Tourist Development Tax (TDT), often referred to as the "bed tax," has played a vital role in South Walton, Florida, since its inception. Established to promote and support tourism, the bed tax is a levy on short-term rentals, including hotels and condos, funding essential services like beach maintenance, lifeguards, and marketing efforts.

Over the years, the bed tax has seen adjustments to match the area's growing demand. Initially set at 2%, the tax has increased as tourism boomed. By 2024, it stood at 5% for South Walton and 3% for North Walton, reflecting the region’s diverse tourism dynamics. These funds help ensure the natural beauty and hospitality of Walton County remain a strong…

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30A Festivals, Films, Food and More (Oct 17 - Nov 17, 2024)

Coastal Dune Lakes Week (Oct 13-18)

CBA and Walton County are kicking off Coastal Dune Lakes Week by inviting you to a paddle clean-up on Western Lake. Beginning at 9AM on Friday, October 18th, meet at the boat ramp inside Grayton Beach State Park. The event is free, but park entrance fee will apply. RSVP to CBA@nwfsc.edu

Available kayaks are first come, first served. If possible, please bring your own board or kayak. Be sure to pack your water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and bug spray. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.

Come join us and do your part to take care…

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Inlet Beach Celebrates Pedestrian Underpass Opening with A "Get Down" Event

The long-anticipated pedestrian underpass at Highway 98 and Scenic 30A intersection opened last month. Just in time for the cooler fall weather, locals and visitors can now enjoy a safer and more convenient way to cross busy Highway 98. 

As Northwest Florida's first pedestrian underpass, it's a major milestone for the area. The tunnel is well-lit, accessible, and designed to accommodate walkers and bikers, creating a smooth, direct route beneath the highway. No more worrying about dodging traffic or waiting at crosswalks – now, you can move freely and securely between Inlet Beach's attractions!

But it's not just about safety and convenience. The new underpass also brings an artistic touch to the area, featuring public art installations by local…

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Camp Helen's Pumpkin Patch & Native Plant Sale Daily in October!

The Friends of Camp Helen’s 9th Annual Pumpkin Patch and Native Plant Sale officially opens Saturday, September 28 at 9am and will remain open daily from 9am-4pm throughout October. For the first time ever, customers can purchase native plants such as dune sunflowers, Indian blanket flowers, Blazing Stars, Milkweed, Butterfly Bush, and Muhly Grass, in addition to pumpkins, an assortment of gourds, and Camp Helen branded merchandise.

This year, each Saturday, from 11am-3pm kids and their families can learn more about the park and how to take care of the resources from environmental community partners. Saturdays in the patch also feature games, glitter tattoos, and a QR code led scavenger hunt throughout the park to learn about the history at Camp…

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How to Support Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Survivors

How to Support Disaster Relief for Hurricane Helene Survivors

Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction across the southeastern U.S., impacting Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Communities face severe flooding, damaged homes, and extended power outages, especially in Florida’s Big Bend and inland North Carolina. Recovery efforts are underway, but survivors need support to rebuild.

Here are some of the best ways to donate for immediate relief:

• American Red Cross: Provides emergency relief to affected states.
• GlobalGiving Disaster Relief Fund: Supports localized recovery efforts.
• Feeding Florida: Part of Feeding America, aiding food-insecure residents.

Help Rebuild…

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New Release! Fall 2024 Edition of IN • REVIEW: Your Guide to 30A News & Real Estate Trends

Introducing the Fall 2024 Edition of IN • REVIEW: A Comprehensive Look at 30A Real Estate Trends

We are thrilled to share the release of the Fall 2024 edition of IN • REVIEW, your essential guide to the latest real estate trends along Scenic 30A and South Walton. This issue is packed with market insights, local updates, and key developments that are shaping our coastal communities.

A Strong Market with Dynamic Shifts

In the broker's opening letter, we highlight some of the most significant market data from the past quarter, which paints a picture of resilience and continued demand. Even in the face of evolving economic conditions, 30A real estate remains a prime destination for both luxury buyers and investors.

Impact of the NAR…

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Old Seagrove Beach Welcomes New Community Plan!

Old Seagrove Beach approves new community plan, introducing restrictions to preserve its historic charm and manage growth.

Old Seagrove Beach, a picturesque neighborhood known for its towering oak trees, charming cottages, and sandy streets, is on the verge of a new chapter. Residents who’ve long been concerned about rapid development, the rise of towering mega-homes, and the influx of short-term vacation rentals can now celebrate the initial approval of a new community plan designed to safeguard the area’s historic character and natural beauty. This grassroots effort, initiated by long-time locals and newer residents alike, aims to curb overdevelopment and preserve what makes Old Seagrove special.

The Old Seagrove Neighborhood Plan introduces…

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Navigating the 30A Real Estate Market in a Buyer’s Market

How to Prepare for Purchasing Your Dream Vacation Home on 30A in a Buyer's Market

As seasoned market specialists along 30A and South Walton, we've witnessed the ebb and flow of real estate trends over the years. Through every market cycle, we've been right beside our clients, guiding them through the complexities of buying and selling, and helping them achieve their real estate goals. That commitment to our clients remains as strong as ever, especially in today’s evolving market.

Right now, we're experiencing a shift towards a buyer’s market along 30A. As we reported in the first quarter, prices continue to fluctuate in certain communities. Here’s an example of what’s happening in the Top 3 Communities for sales along 30A:

The…

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How the 2024 NAR Settlement is Shaping the Future of Real Estate

The real estate landscape is experiencing a major transformation following the NAR settlement. This landmark decision has brought long-standing practices and traditional commission structures under intense scrutiny like never before.

In 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which has guided homebuying and selling since 1908, made a pivotal decision to settle a series of lawsuits over home-seller commissions. These lawsuits, initiated by nearly 500,000 Missouri property sellers in 2019, claimed that NAR’s practices violated antitrust laws by forcing sellers to cover the buyer’s agent's commission, ultimately driving up home prices nationwide. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) played a significant role in this legal battle,…

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Real Estate Wire Fraud: The Digital Heist You Need to Understand and Prevent

How to Beware of Real Estate Closing Scams

Mortgage wire fraud can transform a homebuyer's dream of home ownership into a nightmare, potentially causing crippling financial losses. CNBC reports how a Silicon Valley tech industry veteran was among the latest victims, speaking to the increasingly sophisticated nature of cybercrime. 

Just days before the closing, Rana Robillard received what appeared to be a response to one she had sent her broker, inquiring about the final steps before the closing. She wasted no time sending the money after receiving an email from her mortgage broker with directions to wire a nearly $400,000 down payment to a JPMorgan Chase account. Little did she know, this email was sent by cybercriminals who had infiltrated the…

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