A few years back when we were
still known as "The Redneck Riviera", our development was being
stifled by the fact that, despite the miles and miles of pine
tree forests that you had to drive through to get here, we had
very little green space available for development of industry
and communities. The miles and miles of pine trees were all
owned by a private timber company who owned over 50% of our
county.
Well, now that timber company
has turned its attention away from timber and towards
developing, bringing our community the industrial opportunities
and infrastructure that we have been waiting for. They are
utilizing "Area Sector Planning Strategies", which is
effectively designing pre-conceived communities from the ground
up taking into account environmental concerns, infrastructure,
schools, parks, playgrounds, and shopping areas, as well as
pre-defining strategically located industrial areas and office
parks.
This is a totally different
approach from the patchwork approach that the rest of Florida's
development has been subjected to and will certainly enhance the
future value of this area. Meanwhile, the Condo developers have
discovered our that Our Beaches are The Most Beautiful in the
World and have proceeded to dot the beachside landscape with
upscale condo developments, replacing the inexpensive "Mom &
Pop" hotels that once lined the beaches.
While many people hate to see
the old ways fade, most are optimistic when they see the way
that development is taking shape in a way that is preserving the
natural beauty and resources of our area, while bringing in
people of means who are willing to spend money here that in turn
benefits residents through tax revenues and community
improvements.
