Posted by Rich[FL] on July 24, 2003 at 14:20:05:
There is quite an explosive amount of growth around here right now. Hwy 98 is being 4-laned between Panama City Beach and Destin. PC Beach is growing with more new condos being built all the time. We’re having a new double 4-lane bridge built between PC Beach and PC (4 lanes in each direction). The old Ramada Inn at the Marina in St Andrews (Panama City) is being torn down to be replaced with a new giant condo complex; I hear prices will range from $300k to $1.2mil! I live on the far east side of the city, sort of out in the sticks; we’re surrounded by swamp. I never though I’d see any serious development out this way because of the problems with the Department of Enviromnental Protection (DEP) requirements for wetland development. Well, about 5 miles from where I live, bay-front lots are now being sold for $300k and the development in the area is increasing. I’ve never been into land speculation before, but maybe it’s about time!
What you mention about movement of Hwy 98 is farther east between Port St Joe and Appalachicola. The St Joe Company, the largest land holder in FL, is doing massive development around the state and are starting up here in the panhandle. Part of that development is that area where they wanted to move the hwy. I’ve seen some of the plans and what they intend to do is environmentally frendly and absolutely stunning. I’m kinda impressed with their planning and ideas. I do have mixed feelings about the proposal because I kinda like the drive along the beach in that area. To move the hwy would take that away from the travellers.
Yes, this area really seems to be picking up. The money for this development seems to be appearing by magic, but it’s probably money that’s been pulled from the stock market. I just need to figure out how I can tap into this market with my meager capital!
Rich[FL]