Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the BURNS MANAGEMENT BEACH VACATION RENTALS Frequently Asked Questions Page.

My wife, Lydia and I, are delighted to have you come stay with us. We are a small, two rentals, Management Company, that is committed to bring value added family vacations that are second to none. We have been doing this for 15 years and are committed to provide our guests with five-star service and a very unique, one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Come give us a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Lydia and Peter Burns- Owner’s- Burns Management

In our mission statement we share our motto that:” we got your back”. While we cannot promise that there may not be a problem, or an emergency…….We do promise to start working immediately on a solution to that problem.

We provide a very personal touch for our guests and under the direction of our manager, Donna Stuart, we have provided a specialized “caring” that is not seldom found in the hospitality business. Donna has driven folks to the hospital and stayed with them until the situation was stabilized. Contacted and set up emergency Veterinarian services. She has brought over toilet paper at 10 o’clock at night, provided pots and pans, use of her computer and fax machine and many other personalized services that go way beyond simple rental management services.

Donna Stuart- Concierge/Manager

Take some time and check out our reviews and you will see the kind of experience folks have had staying with us and why they keep coming back year after year. The FAQ page is to help folks get familiar with the area and answer any questions that you may have. Please feel comfortable at any time to give us a call and ask about anything whether it’s the area, the houses or services provided. We are located in the Florida Panhandle known as the FORGOTTEN COAST. We are in Gulf County, which is just east of Panama City and a little south and west of Tallahassee. Our gorgeous white sand beaches have been ranked number one in the United States. We have strict building requirements that do not allow a commercial or residential structure to be taller than three stories. This is an extremely low density area, with little to no traffic, and water activities everywhere. OLD FLORIDA, at its best! Check out this website for unlimited information about the area: Visitgulf.com

FAQ

Do you have a minimum day stay policy?

We primarily are a weekly rental company. Most of our rentals go from Saturday to Saturday. We do rent monthly on a case per case basis during December, January and February. We try to be flexible so there is no harm in asking for less than a week.

What is the exact location of Two and Three Palms?

Three Palms is at 181 S. Higgins, Port St. Joe, Fl.32456 GPS Co-Ordinates for Three Palms = 29°40’43.53″N 85°14’5.32″W Phone #= 850-229-8321- NO long distance/Blocked<br><br> Two Palms is at 7052 County Highway C-30-A, Port St. Joe, Fl. 32456 GPS Co-Ordinates for Two Palms: = 29°41’06.11″ N 85°17’21.37″ W Phone #= 850-229-7852- Free Long Distance

What are the Details and Process for Booking Two or Three Palms?

$500 deposit to secure the rental, that is deducted from total. You can pay direct to us by check, use PayPal or Book thru Homeway. The balance is due 30 days before your check-in date. We will send you a Contract and Rental Agreement that is to be signed and returned. A $500 REFUNDABLE security deposit is due upon arrival. Typically a personal check is given to Donna. We do not cash or deposit check and Donna either gives you the check back or rips it up once house and premisses are checked out and found in satisfactory condition. There is a $200 Cleaning, Linens and Towel service fee. 14% tax in Gulf County. $100 per pet, fee. There is a 10 day GRACE period where you can cancel and receive 100% of monies received, less $100 processing fee. This is ONLY in the case where you book 6 months in advance. If you book with less than 6 months before arrival, and cancel, we will retain your $500 deposit as a down payment for another visit some time in the future. LESS a $100 Processing Fee. We will make every effort to re-rent the week you cancelled , and if we do so, we will refund your deposit, LESS a $100 processing fee. If it is within the last 30 days before arrival, and you have paid in full, if we can re-rent the house, we will refund all your monies, less $100 processing fee. All efforts will be made to re-rent your reservation, and if necessary , we will discount that week in order to attract last minute renters, we will co-ordinate this discounting with you to make sure it is satisfactory to you. If we CAN NOT RENT YOUR WEEK, and WE HAVE TRIED TO DISCOUNT THE WEEK, WE WILL RETAIN YOUR PAYMENTS and apply those funds to another week some time in the future.

What happens if there is a Hurricane?

The whole story about a Hurricane is whether there is a MANDATORY EVACUATION. If that happens, you HAVE to leave and you will be given a refund for those EVACUATION days. So, if a Hurricane comes on a Monday and the Evacuation is announced on Monday, you will be given a credit for Tuesday thru Saturday. Now, just because the forecast has bad weather on the horizon, and may even be predicting a hurricane, that is not the same as an EVACUATION. And if you cancel your trip, you will not eligible for any refund. As with all cancellation’s, we will keep your deposit, and apply it to a future trip. If you have paid in full, we do everything we can to re-rent your week. If we can, which is usually the case, we will give you full refund, LESS A $100 HANDLING CHARGE, for that service. Sometimes, from a marketing standpoint, we will need to discount the week you reserved, in order to move that week. We will work with you and communicate to get your permission to discount that week. Rest assure, Donna and I ,are constantly monitoring the weather conditions in the area, whether it is a storm or potential tropical storm/hurricane , we are focused on our guests safety! Two Palms Villa has hurricane shutters and Three Palms has hurricane code windows built to withstand hurricane force winds.

Is there a Rental Contract/Guidelines?

Two Palms Villa- Rental Contract-2014 Three Palms Compound Rental Contract 2014

What happens to our Security Deposit?

We typically just rip up the security deposit check, or give it back. We never deposit or cash Security deposit to begin with.

What is your check-in checkout times?

Our check in time is 5 PM EST, our checkout time is 10 AM EST. We pride ourselves on the cleanliness of the houses. Especially in the busy season, summer, we need time to make sure the house is in good repair and impeccably clean. Occasionally we will have folks leave the house in poor condition, and it requires more personnel and time to get it into good shape. We would rather take the time and do the cleanup job correct then rush through the process and have someone come in to a dirty house. We have a short window between when people leave Saturday morning and arrive Saturday afternoon .We ask people to call the manager, Donna, early Saturday morning and check in. During this time we will have a better idea about the condition of the house and the potential of getting in earlier than the posted 5:00 EST check in time. We believe in under selling rather, then over-promising, in regards to checking in. The majority of times the people want to check in a little bit early we’ve been able to accommodate them. But we must allow ourselves the 5 o’clock check-in particularly, if there’s been some damage done to the house that requires repair.

Is it possible to drop off our stuff before 5 o'clock check-in time?

We have no problem with folks dropping off gear and going for a walk on the beach, or hanging out at the pool at Three Palms. Sometimes folks drop stuff off and then go do a big shopping in town. Both houses have a refrigerator on the ground floor, so if you have perishables that need to be stored, you could put stuff in the extra refrigerator before your check in. The huge concern for us is that we have permanent housekeepers who worked tirelessly to maintain the beauty and condition of the home. It is not fair to them to have people standing and pacing and watching over them as they go about their cleaning process. That will not make them go faster or get folks in earlier .Feel free to drop your stuff off and if you need to use the washroom please check with Donna and use her house for washroom services. She lives minutes away. We appreciate your empathy for the situation.

Can we check out later than 10:00 AM EST?

Late checkout is very difficult because we need the time to prepare the house for the guests coming later that day .We are very firm about checkout time and will be aggressively motivated to make sure that happens. If necessary we will fine you, charge you for tardiness and deduct from your Refundable Security Deposit. Your Co-operation is greatly appreciated!

Are Pets Allowed at Two and Three Palms?

Yes, we allow pets, dogs. $100 Pet Fee per dog. Cats are on a case by case basis. Please make sure you clean up their messes. Walk the perimeter please for poop they may have left. Dogs are strictly PROHIBITED from being in the pool at Three Palms. It completely screws up the filtering system.

Pet Friendly Beaches and Vacation Rentals-Two and Three Palms

How Far Away is The Beach?

TWO PALMS VILLA= Directly on the Gulf of Mexico, off a 50 foot boardwalk. THREE PALMS COMPOUND = Gorgeous View of Gulf of Mexico from Decks. Just steps away from Driveway. There is a wide clear sandy path, used by golf carts, that is 300 ‘ (100 Yards) long. See link for BEACH PATH: CLICK HERE

Are there any Arriving Instructions?

TWO PALMS GETTING READY TO GO INSTRUCTIONS Directions 2012 From PSJ to Two Palms and Three Palms Sept 2012

What do we need to bring?

We provide linens and towels. You may want to bring some Beach Towels. We provide an INITIAL supply of paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, soap, dish-washing liquid soap, dish washing machine soap, clothing washing machine soap and various cleaning supplies. However, this is intended as a starter supply. The guest is responsible for purchasing additional supplies when the original is gone. We do have some limited food staples that folks have left. Like salt, pepper, other spices, cooking oil, flour, sugar, coffee filters and sometimes coffee. Again, we can’t promise that they specific items will be here when you are, but there is usually some basic stuff there. You just can’t count on it.

Do you provide Beach Chairs, Umbrella's and Toys?

We longer provide beach chairs or umbrella’s. We DO have a few light plastic Adirondack chairs that you can take to the beach, at Both Two and Three Palms .The problem was it was hard to keep them, and to keep track of them. It is very hard to go back to a guest and say :”There are 2 beach chairs missing.” We are not in the business of accusing our guests of theft, nor calling them liars. Sometimes there is extra beach equipment left by guests, including toys, but we can’t guarantee that there will be anything there when you are there. We can help you find a store that sells/ and or rents beach equipment. Just ask us.

What are we required to do before departure, so that we can ensure we get our Full Security Deposit Returned?

We would expect that folks would leave the house the way they found it. In excellent condition. We have brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners and a shop –vac. We would deeply appreciate it if you would do a load of Towels and if possible, a load of sheets, even if you can’t get them in the dryer. Anything would be GREATLY APPRECIATED, even if you can’t get them all done. The problem is the time it takes to wash and dry everything is a VERY long time and it would greatly help us!!!! If you can’t get any of these things done, we are NOT going to penalize you. Just asking for your consideration in the process!!!

What happens if there is some Damage to the house? Or something Breaks?

We would greatly appreciate it if you would contact Donna regarding any damage or problem with utensils , machines or any other household items, ASAP. Most of the time the damage is just accidental, wear and tear. BUT it is important that we know of any problem before you leave so that we can plan to repair/fix on Saturday during clean up/turnover.

Do you have T.V.'s and how many ?

Yes. Two Palms Villa has 4 T.V.’s, a VCR and a DVD Player. Stereo Radio/CD player in Kitchen. Three Palms Compound has 6 T.V.’s, DVD player and CD player.

We understand there are Kayak’s for use at Two Palms, what is the deal?

Yes. There are 2 ocean going Kayak’s, a 2 person and a single person. They are there as a gift to our guests. You need to sign a liability release, and be responsible if there is any damage to the Kayak’s, Paddles and Life Jackets. Contact with Donna for specific instructions.

Two Palms Ocean Going Kayak’s

Is there a BBQ Grill there?

Yes, both Two and Three Palms have Grills. In Fact, Both Houses Have Two Grills. A gas grill and a Weber Charcoal Grill. There may , or may NOT, be charcoal and lighter fuel left by guests. Renters are responsible for their own Charcoal, Lighter Fluid and Propane gas. As always, call Donna, if you have a problem, or are in a pinch and stuck.

What are the sizes of the beds/mattresses?

TWO PALMS VILLA- 3 Kings,1 Queen, 1 Queen Pull out Couch THREE PALMS COMPOUND- 3 Kings, 2 Full Size Singles in BDR off Kitchen, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Trundle Bed in Great Room (Sleeps6)

Do you have Cable/Internet/WIFI?

Both Two Palms Villa and Three Palms Compound Have Cable/High Speed Internet and WIFI. Cell Phone Coverage Can be Spotty, Verizon Service works best.

How Many Steps?

Two Palms Villa : Three Palms Compound :

Is there an Elevator and/or Handicap Access?

We do not have an elevator at EITHER home and we are NOT Handicap Equipped.

What is a Concierge? And what is the Benefit?

Our Concierge, Donna Stuart, has two major functions-I.) To add value to your vacation by providing resources and information about the area, as well as , securing services and activities. II.) To immediately provide solutions to any problems or difficulties you may possibly encounter with Two or Three Palms. Donna has lived here , and worked at the Port Inn for , for almost 20 years. She has an intimate working knowledge of everything in and around the Forgotten Coast. Restaurants, Stores, Services and the best places for Shrimp, Oysters, Crabs, Grouper and any else you may desire. She can help arrange Horse Back Riding on the beach, Bike Rentals, Kayak Rentals, Boat Rentals, Eco Tours, Scalloping Trips, Fishing Charter Boats, Bon Fires on the Beach, Snorkeling/Scuba Diving, Golf Cart Rentals with Beach Permits, Golfing, Air Boat Adventures. And just about anything you could think of. Just ask, she lives just minutes away from both Two and Three Palms. She can even help with medical emergencies, whether human or animal, minor or major. She has developed strong relationships with most of service/repair business’s and is quick to provide SOLUTIONS to any problem that may arise. Most of all she, and Burns Management, HAS GOT YOUR BACK!

Donna- The Red Neck Concierge/Manager

How is Cellular Phone Coverage down There?

Cell Phone service can be spotty, depending an where you are. Verizon seems to work best.

Where is the Nearest Hospital?

Sacred Heart Hospital is located in Port St. Joe. A map and directions are provided on the Bulletin Board at both TWO and THREE PALMS. Do not hesitate to call Donna, for assistance, she has even driven quests who had emergencies to hospital. She is very familiar with the hospital personnel there.

Are there Sharks, Alligators and Snakes Down there?

This is the Florida Panhandle. The Forgotten Coast. Old Florida at its BEST. There is just a HUGE amount of diverse and beautiful wildlife down here. That is one of the BIGGEST attractions and assets! There is an Ocean and a Bay all around you, Sharks are in the Ocean. However, in the 15+years we have been down here, there has been only 1 reported shark attack. In 2007, out near the State Park, a boy was in the water fishing, out past the first sand bar. He had a string of shrimp attached to his belt (not very smart) and was bitten by a shark in the leg. He was airlifted out and recovered with a bunch of stitches. There are a number of species of snakes down here. A very few are poisonous, most are not. AGAIN, I have not heard of one report of a snake bite in the area, of a human or dog. Much like nature in general, the critters are more afraid of us, than we are of them. If the animals are not provoked, there is very rarely a problem. I have never heard of a dog, or pet, attacked by a shark, alligator or bitten by a snake! You can feel safe with your pets. They know about potential danger and how to avoid it. If you encounter any critter on the property and are the least bit concerned about something you saw or thought you saw, just call Donna, and we will get somebody to come out and rectify the situation!

What Kind of Activities are Available Down There?

There are so very many activities: Fishing (on shore, St. Joe Bay, Deep Sea, Indian Lagoon, Dead Lakes and may more), Crabbing, Scalloping, Night Time Shark Fishing, Bike Riding on the may Trails and even the Beach, Kayaking, Eco Touring, Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Shelling, Bird Watching, Hiking, Bon Fires, golfing Snorkeling and Diving, Wave Runners, Para-Sailing, Alligator Hunting, Dolphin Watching, Star Gazing, and MOST OF ALL-Relaxing on the BEACH!!!! For more Activities: VisitGulf

Is Driving on the Beach Allowed ?

Driving on the Beach is allowed with a Beach Permit only. In the winter of 2015, they discontinued issuing permits for visitors. Now only permanent residents may be issued a permit. However, if you rent a Golf Cart from St. Joe Rental, they have a permit that comes with rental.

Is it True that in the Winter you Can See the Sun Set and Melt into the Gulf, and the next morning, See the Sun Rise Out of The Gulf?

Yes it is true! During the Winter Months, Dec., Jan., and Feb. you can watch the SUN melt into the Gulf of Mexico at Sunset Time off to your right (West) and in morning you can watch the most beautiful SUNRISES come up from the water in the Gulf of Mexico, off to the left and East. ALL IN THE SAME TODAY!!!! From both Two and Three Palms Beach, you can see both the Sun Rise and Sun Set right out of the Gulf of Mexico basically in front of you. Truly one of the most UNIQUE and MAJESTIC experiences in nature. All right here in the Forgotten Coast!!! Come on down, the winter is the perfect time to enjoy the area, o crowds, no bugs and perfect weather.

Sunrise on Two Palms Villa Porch-East- Left

Two Palms Villa- Sunset -From Deck-West-Right

We have rented before from some of the Big Management Companies down there , we have had BIG Problems in the Summer, what makes you different?

We are a small (two) Management Company dedicated to providing a Value Added Vacation Rental Experience for our guests. We have a full-time 24/7 manager that lives just a few minutes away who is dedicated to provide 5 Star/ Four Seasons customer service. Because we are small and nimble we can provide a boutique like experience, where your needs are our first and only concern. We respond quickly to problems and immediately start on providing solutions for any problem that may arise. This is well documented in our REVIEWS section. We have an excellent staff that includes our Manager, two handymen, and three full time cleaners. The homes are kept meticulously clean and updated/upgraded continually. We are service driven and respond very quickly to requests of any kind. We go way beyond and above the norm for our guests and will not rest until they are totally satisfied. We can not promise that there will not be a problem,…….But we do promise to immediately start providing a solution. “We got your Back!”

Is the pool Heated at Three Palms?

The Pool at Three Palms Compound is NOT Heated. We respectfully ask that you use the outdoor shower or water hose to clean off sand, and most importantly SUN TAN LOTION. They both can dramatically have a negative affect on water filtering and quality. Guests may be charged for a service call if this situation of showering/hosing is not practiced. Please, absolutely, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN the Pool. Same as above. Really messes with filter and water quality.

Do folks Really Use the Hot Tub at Two Palms like a Pool?

Yes they do. A lot of kids are apprehensive/ afraid of the Ocean. They don’t care for the salt, sharks, jellyfish or waves, or whatever. The Hot Tub is a nice alternative for the kids. You just don’t heat it as much……..and all of a sudden….you have a Gulf Front Vacation Rental with a Pool! (Tiny One) Please, please…….shower and hose off Sand before entering hot tub!!!

Is it True that You Can Have Bonfires on he Beach?

Yes, bonfires are allowed on the Beach. Please be careful. Dig a hole, away from grass, and keep a 5 gallon bucket of water nearby. Make sure you fully extinguish the fire before leaving. Donna can help you find a place to purchase firewood. Not a lot of extra firewood laying around the beach.

Two Palms Bon Fire on the Beach-Legal-11

Beach Bonfire at Two and Three Palms- Cape San Blas

Frequently Asked Questions

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