Walton County Meeting about Buying Property for New TDC Facility 4/13/18

The TDC has already ruined our area by over-advertising so why create more traffic and over-crowding of the small public beaches we do have by providing a new building.

WASTE of our funds

 

Why?

 

Mostly because of parking. The current building is leased from the DEP and has no room to expand parking due to a pond under the building. Between employees, visitors, meeting attendees, and perhaps some other issues I'm unaware of, they simply do not have enough parking to handle TDC business. Most TDC meetings (even committee meetings) are now held at the South Walton Annex for this reason.

Another reason is that visitors to Walton County who arrive via 331 or from the west do not have easy access to the visitor center.

Good news is that, in addition to marketing, TDC funds can now be used more extensively than previously allowed, even for infrastructure to various extents as long as it benefits tourists, too.

 

Do you know what the plans are for the pond building? Just curious. Thanks.

 

I believe that the property has to either be turned back into its native state before the building or the DEP may elect to keep it for themselves or lease it to some other state agency. There may be other options as well, but those are some that were mentioned in an article I read. With all the DEP work in this area, it might be nice to have a local location. Maybe they could share with some other agencies that have a good bit of work in South Walton. I guess we'll find out!

 

BCC approved purchase of property on 331 where Sandcastles Escapes Vacation Rentals (bought by Southern Vacation Rentals) was housed. And an adjacent parcel owned by Regional Utilities.

But first they are going to ask Eglin if they will sell a piece with a radar tower that borders the South Annex. Which seems not likely.

 

Yes Mr. Anderson was pushing it, but seemed embarassed when suzzane harris asked him about the property behingd one of the parcels. turns out it's owned or in a deal with one of Tonys biggest supporters and the brother of his assistant. Surprise, Surprise said Gomer Pyle!

 

As part of the county commission agenda for May 8, there are copies of some emails in connection with Walton County's inquiry about the tower parcel. Sounds like it would be a long process. Here is the link: https://walton.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6226948&GUID=5ADE2249-C67B-4C2A-98F1-8FBC3BF3244F

 

Another Taj Mahal? The first one they tried couldnt pass the smell test and this one doesn't either! !!!

 

I think a Visitor Center that is actually accessible to incoming visitors is a good idea, but question how much traffic a visitor center really gets in the digital age.

And the nonsense about the land already being part of a shady deal with Blue is very frustrating.