Recently, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted to send a resolution objecting to Florida Power & Light’s stated plan to run overhead power lines across the Choctawhatchee Bay adjacent to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge.
District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson has led the effort against the FP&L plan, saying, “We’re bringing power towers to the gateway of South Walton. We are a tourist community and that’s a very bad look for South Walton.”
Commissioner Anderson also noted that safety and continued power service to coastal residents and visitors is the major concern. “What happens when we have a hurricane? Is it going to blow the tower down? Then it’s not going to be that everybody gets their power back in a couple of weeks,” said Commissioner Anderson. “It’s going to be that everybody gets their power back maybe in six months.”
In part, the county’s resolution states:
Florida Power & Light has proposed constructing above ground power lines across the Choctawhatchee Bay adjacent to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the importance of preserving the natural environment and ecosystem of the Choctawhatchee Bay for its residents, visitors, and threatened species like the Gulf Sturgeon.
The Board also recognizes the economic and societal importance of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge and the tremendous impact (that) closures due to power line construction or maintenance could have on the ability of residents and visitors to commute to southern Walton County and evacuate in case of emergency.”
As part of their appeal, the resolution will be sent to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as well as our state and federal delegation, in an effort to enlist possible legislative assistance.
“I hope that (resolution) will get the governor’s attention, and the Senate president and the Speaker of the House,” said Anderson. “In my opinion, it’s not a good thing to have overhead power in a community that is so subject to have a hurricane.”
bob bobbob bobBeach FanaticSRB890 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
bob bobBeach FanaticSRB890 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic3,786 views
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Jimmy TJimmy TBeach Fanatic934 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Jimmy TBeach Fanatic934 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticThis will be a total disaster if they end up doing it. Hopefully, we can find a different solution.
DawnDawnBeach Fanatic1,367 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
DawnBeach Fanatic1,367 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticThis will be a total disaster if they end up doing it. Hopefully, we can find a different solution.I'm not real hopeful Walton COunty has very little control over development and utilities seem to do whatever they want. Just look around our roadsides what a mess!
Jim TuckerJim TuckerBeach Fanatic1,277 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Jim TuckerBeach Fanatic1,277 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic“They’re doing it strictly for financial reasons, and it’s going to be a nightmare for us. They’re going to work on it from the bridge. Therefore, that anything goes down, they’ll, you know, they’ll be working close on one lane of the bridge,” said Tony Anderson, district 5 commissioner.
The chamber of commerce said the difference for undergrounding the utilities is $100 million more than going overhead.
Senator Trumbull said they will work in Tallahassee to try and get more resources to FPL and change the current overhead plans.
“I think it’s worth the ask, and it’s worth a try because it is such an important thoroughfare, you know, between the north and south end of the county. So we don’t have a choice but to get it right the first time,” said Jay Trumbull, Florida State Senator.
The chamber of commerce said the difference for undergrounding the utilities is $100 million more than going overhead.
Senator Trumbull said they will work in Tallahassee to try and get more resources to FPL and change the current overhead plans.
“I think it’s worth the ask, and it’s worth a try because it is such an important thoroughfare, you know, between the north and south end of the county. So we don’t have a choice but to get it right the first time,” said Jay Trumbull, Florida State Senator.
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB#51
Maybe they could just dip into one of the following revenue lines? Why does the state have to subsidize their greed?
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
FPL is being very aggressive with the power line. They are offering money to property owners along 331 even before they have anything approved with the County or State. It should go underground and that is the position we are taking.
TrumanTrumanBeach Fanatic654 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
TrumanBeach Fanatic654 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFPL is being very aggressive with the power line. They are offering money to property owners along 331 even before they have anything approved with the County or State. It should go underground and that is the position we are taking.Utility companies have power.
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticCurious why politicians believe government assistance is needed for a for profit company to stretch lines.
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Utility companies have power.Yes they do and the primary reason is politics. Both utility and insurance companies spend a ton of money lobbying government officials. This is a just a fact. Their profits are off the charts. Notice how FPL is advertising. They will eventually put smaller companies out of business. In our case they want to put in these lines and then require Chelco to move their lines to FPL where they can charge an expensive lease. They are telling us that their poles will handle 140 mph winds but when you ask if that comes with a written guarantee the answer is of course no. As a matter of fact you can follow their history to find that their mistakes are covered by the consumer as they are most always successful in getting the approval from the government to raise rates even when their engineering or work product was in error.
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBYes they do and the primary reason is politics. Both utility and insurance companies spend a ton of money lobbying government officials. This is a just a fact. Their profits are off the charts. Notice how FPL is advertising. They will eventually put smaller companies out of business. In our case they want to put in these lines and then require Chelco to move their lines to FPL where they can charge an expensive lease. They are telling us that their poles will handle 140 mph winds but when you ask if that comes with a written guarantee the answer is of course no. As a matter of fact you can follow their history to find that their mistakes are covered by the consumer as they are most always successful in getting the approval from the government to raise rates even when their engineering or work product was in error.
FPL is literally charging current customers for their purchase of Gulf Power. I'm sure all the capitalist lovers out there love paying two to three times what CHELCO charges.
Probably the most insulting thing is to keep getting ads in the mail from FPL for wiring insurance and other super scammy solicitations.
All the while knowing they have their eyes squarely on CHELCO and it's customer base.
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
FPL is literally charging current customers for their purchase of Gulf Power. I'm sure all the capitalist lovers out there love paying two to three times what CHELCO charges.Yes that is their plan! Monopoly utility companies and monopoly insurance companies are here in this State and consumer watch dog groups seem to be having it's members replaced with retired lobbyist. Seems fishy to me...
Probably the most insulting thing is to keep getting ads in the mail from FPL for wiring insurance and other super scammy solicitations.
All the while knowing they have their eyes squarely on CHELCO and it's customer base.
Beach daysBeach daysBeach LoverFreeport117 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Maybe they don’t want the lines, because it will interfere with restaurants on south of bridge
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
We don't want the lines because Hwy 331 is a hurricane evacuation route. We don't want the lines because they are an eye sore on a scenic Hwy. If we need the lines then they should put them in the ground. FPL has a lot of money and power and we all know what that means. I am already seeing movement with surveying and relocation efforts to move billboard signs. What is interesting is no permits have been applied for. Why do they believe they do not have to go through the proper channels of approval?
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBWe don't want the lines because Hwy 331 is a hurricane evacuation route. We don't want the lines because they are an eye sore on a scenic Hwy. If we need the lines then they should put them in the ground. FPL has a lot of money and power and we all know what that means. I am already seeing movement with surveying and relocation efforts to move billboard signs. What is interesting is no permits have been applied for. Why do they believe they do not have to go through the proper channels of approval?
They were approved when they were granted the easement along the road. Utilities rarely need permits.
bob1bob1Beach Fanatic652 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Maybe they don’t want the lines, because it will interfere with restaurants on south of bridgeI haven't seen plans. Will they go over the top of the restaurant?
They're going to be an eyesore in land also. Pay attention and you'll notice utilities are allowed to blight nearly every community.
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBWhom does this line serve? Most of the FPL services land south of the bay has been developed. I believe JOE doesn't want the existing line that customer through Origins and their other property along Hwy 98. Of course the BCC can't demonize them.
Lake View TooLake View TooSoWal InsiderEastern Lake7,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
Lake View TooSoWal InsiderEastern Lake7,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderWhom does this line serve? Most of the FPL services land south of the bay has been developed. I believe JOE doesn't want the existing line that customer through Origins and their other property along Hwy 98. Of course the BCC can't demonize them.That's probably it. Right now the main high voltage line comes through land that St. Joe would rather see as full of their development products. The line over the Bay would probably replace the existing line.
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
That's probably it. Right now the main high voltage line comes through land that St. Joe would rather see as full of their development products. The line over the Bay would probably replace the existing line.FPL just wants to monopolize our electric service. They are trying to take Chelco's customer base. They do have to have permits and easements because their lines extend over public and private land.
They were approved when they were granted the easement along the road. Utilities rarely need permits.Only Chelco has the easement. FPL has not yet applied for permits which are required.
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBFPL just wants to monopolize our electric service. They are trying to take Chelco's customer base. They do have to have permits and easements because their lines extend over public and private land.
Only Chelco has the easement. FPL has not yet applied for permits which are required.
They share easements elsewhere and it's literally just an agreement between the utilities. Planning won't be involved unless they build a structure.
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
I would be very surprised if Chelco shared their utility easement but strange things do happen when a lot of money is involved. I would not doubt that FPL does not have to pull permits along Hwy 331. I am not surprised by anything much anymore. We may not like what they are doing but unless we fight them they will do whatever they please.
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