Beach Flag Warnings & Escaping a Rip Tide
Posted by Tim Shepard - Broker on
The Destin area has had some storms of late, and this weather has resulted in some powerful rip tides. There have been several accidents and even drownings that may have been prevented if swimmers and boaters had heeded the warning flags. If you do find yourself trapped in a rip tide, the video below explains how they work and various strategies for escaping them.
This is just a reminder of the flag colors and meanings. When the red flag is waving, the water may not appear all that rough, but the rip currents are probably at their worst.
How to Swim Out of a Rip Tide
Unknowingly caught in a rip current? Don't fight it. Dr. Beach explains how they work and different methods for swimming out of it.
Have fun and enjoy our beautiful…
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Blue Marlin Classic Quick Facts
Under attack for the lack of action regarding the issue of private and customary beach use, the Walton County commissioners have found a clever way to begin enforcing this. Chapter 22 of the Beach Ordinance dealing with "Leave No Trace" has been amended to include the placing of signs, poles, chains or roping off of what home owners feel is their gulf front property.
The debate over customary vs private beach access in Destin and properties along the Emerald Coast is becoming more and more heated. Walton and Okaloosa Counties have miles of beach and how much of this should be designated public or "customary use" needs to be determined. For years, Destin beachfront property has been developed into magnificent resorts, homes, and condos, but now it's time to decide how much of that land is for private use only, and how much can be open to the public.
Destin home sales in May 2016 reflected an active market with almost $30,000,000 in sales volume. The average price was $596,972 and houses closed at an impressive 94% of selling price. Sales of luxury homes on 30A have been red hot with median prices approaching $2,000,000 in both Rosemary Beach and Seaside. WaterColor was extremely popular with 55 homes sold at a median price of $1,275,000. WaterSound came in at a close fourth with 37 sales averaging only 97 days on the market and closing at 98% of the asking price.
Whether fishing is your thing or not, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is an event that's not to be missed here in Destin. Established in 2003, this is a world-class event and one of the top marlin fishing tournaments in North America. Almost $2 million dollars in prize money is a big draw, but it's the bragging rights that really attracts anglers from all over the country. This is serious business with entry fees ranging from $5,000 to $71,561 per team.
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Quite the crowd gathered for the recent meeting to discuss options for replacing or enlarging the Brooks Bridge in downtown Fort Walton Beach. The bridge was constructed in 1964 with an expected 50-year design life. It no longer meets current design standards with deficiencies in the Disabilities Act requirements and navigational clearance for this portion of the Intracoastal Waterway.
If you've never been on Visitsouthwalton.com, it's a great little site that celebrates everything South Walton. Recently they had an interesting feature article about the origins of Raw & Juicy a popular Seaside juice bar. This story reminded me that so many of our local South Walton businesses have been founded by people who have accidentally discovered this amazing stretch of the Emerald Coast, and decided to stay.