Locals call the area on this map God’s Country, but now, thanks to Dr. Beach himself - Gee, why didn’t I think of that one! - we have made the Top 10 List for America’s Best Beaches 2008. Sounds about right to me!

AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES 2008

• 1. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
• 2. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
• 3. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
• 4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
• 5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
• 6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
• 7. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
• 8. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina
• 9. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
• 10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

Locals, and even those that have been here for 15 years or so, can remember times before the Mark Clark, before Park West, wit McDonald’s on Coleman, Bee’s Knees, the old water slide, and so many other landmarks that made us so glad to be here.

A’las, those good times are history now, but the same people that came rushing in on the construction boom are also a lot of the same people that are suffering from the mortgage crisis that is affecting the rest of the country. Take a look at this NYT’s foreclosure map which illustrates exactly what I’m talking about.

I think a good lesson to be learned here is to not live outside your means, and always protect yourself against the worst of times. Those with safe, secure jobs, are fortunate and should do their part to make sure it stays that way, but remember to help out others in need every chance you get. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did. G/L out there.

In a strategic move to insure Mt. Pleasant town council members keep their seats and at the same time extend their terms by 14 months, they have finally made the right choice for OK Tire property owners Mark Mason and Phillip Smith by authorizing Mayor Hallman to sign a $6M agreement with them.

Not to count one’s chickens before they hatch, Dec. 18th could be a very happy day for the two gentlemen, because that’s when the agreement is scheduled to be closed. Hopefully I will be posting just one more time on this heated topic of discussion!

* Update: this sounds like the good news I was waiting to hear!