Legalized gambling was announced in Florida recently. For a town like Destin, residents and city council are thinking that a large amount of casinos are going to be built along the waterfront in Destin to raise money for the state. As mentioned in the Destin Log article above, the city is predicting that casinos will line the entire waterfront, much like Atlantic City, and the “old time” Destin will be history. While some in the comments for the article argue that “old time” Destin is long gone, Destin itself is still known for its beaches. How will adding casinos change the appearance of the city and what is the city planning to do about it?

For the latter, one plan has been a three tiers plan, which includes, on top, a public benefit project to keep part of Destin open to vacationers and residents wanting to use the harbor for fishing, especially as Destin established itself originally as a fishing village. Other aspects in lower tiers include making the city more accessible with public transit to residents and vacationers, as mentioned in the article. But in terms of vacationing in a city known for its beaches and fishing history, how will this impact Destin and the rest of the Emerald Coast?

No casinos are in the works for Destin’s waterfront now, but, if the city eventually has its beaches lined with casinos for revenue purposes like Atlantic City, the beaches will probably become secondary. While the beaches are the primary reason for vacationing in Destin at the present, casinos would become a larger draw, especially if they become the towered spectacles as seen around Atlantic City. Although this would bring more visitors to Destin, many go to casinos simply for a daytrip and not to rent for a weekend. As a result, rental properties would be impacted, while local entertainment and dining options would cater to casino-visiting day trippers.

A recent article in the Destin Log discusses real estate in Florida from this past year. In general, the consensus, as stated by the article, is that condo sales have gone up all over the state. On the Emerald Coast, particularly in Destin, this increase was double from nearly a year ago. Overall, Florida saw 100 percent gains since September. One of the main reasons this article states for the increase has been the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers – this includes condos. Another has been that those purchasing properties in Destin, particularly those already lived in, are looking for a summer or vacation home.

As seen on the recent updates for homes sold through Josh McLean Homes, 2009 has been seeing steady increases over the year. Although the price for an actual home is lower than a year ago, the amount of homes on the Emerald Coast has gone up over the year. Whether as a demand for rental property or for a new home, vacation towns like Destin and South Walton are seeing increases in the homes sold. To see the steady growth over the past year, see the graph below for 2009:

Graph courtesy of JoshMcLeanHomes.com

Five Star Gulf Rentals has many properties in its selection along the Gulf Coast. But regardless of what kind of property you choose, most of the properties have similar features. If you’ve been looking for a rental in Destin or South Walton, you’re probably aware that many rental companies are touting their services and offering vacation package deals. But how many companies can give you a beachfront property, as well as recommendations and accommodations for a full vacation experience in Destin? Five Star Gulf Rentals has various beach properties and, for those deciding to rent with them, accommodations, such as bringing groceries to a rental property before you arrive or guest chefs from local restaurants to come into your rental and cook you dinner for one night.

In terms of the actual properties, most rental homes through Five Star have similar characteristics. Each property is designed to accommodate a group ranging from eight to twelve people, and bedrooms and living areas are split between two to three floors of every home. Some of these bedrooms and living areas even have balconies to give you a view of the ocean. Inside, each rental property is complete with in-home entertainment options like televisions and DVD players.

But renting a property in Destin is only partially about the home. The other half of the experience comes from the area, which is known for beaches with white sands and green water. Many Five Star properties, including both rental homes and condos, are within walking distance of the beach in Destin or South Walton. In addition, many of these properties come with a pool for a more secluded and private outdoor experience with your family or other renters. Destin has several entertainment options, as well, and nearly all of these beach properties are located near shopping and dining options, such as downtown Destin or the Silver Sands Outlet Mall.

Santa Rosa is one of the communities Josh McLean Homes has several foreclosures in, as well as rental properties through Five Star Gulf Rentals. Although the Gulf Coast is lined with several beach communities, Santa Rosa is one of the more high-end beach towns. Individual Santa Rosa short sale homes, for example, run up to $5 million for a property and condos pass the million dollar mark. As a beach home or condo is the most desirable in the area, a property on one of the most popular beaches is much sought after.

Santa Rosa itself is an amalgamation of several small beach communities in South Walton. Two of the most notable areas of Santa Rosa, particularly for vacationers, are Point Washington and Topsail Hill State Preserve. Both of these areas combine the white sands associated with most Gulf Coast beaches with woodlands. Point Washington is known mostly for the Point Washington State Forest and Eden State Gardens. Topsail Hill, on the other hand, is notable for being untouched since Europeans first set foot in Florida. The woodlands around the beach contain a coastal lake and cypress swamp, both of which are in the same state as five-hundred years ago.

Beaches and woodlands aren’t the only attractions for vacationers, however. As far as entertainment is concerned, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival is held in Santa Rosa every year. For golf enthusiasts, the community also has a well-known golf course, called the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. Although the Gulf Coast has many of these same attractions in other areas, Santa Rosa has the well-known beaches, woodlands for hiking, and entertainment options all in one area.