I don't know very much about gov and how it all works, but are the commissioners just going to let our county slowy die out? Business after business is closing around here with no end in sight. Is there something they can do to attract some business to our area??
We have so much rural area that could be marketed to some kind of larger business. Not another Homedepot, but some manufacturing, shipping, growing, SOMETHING that works ALL YEAR
We have rail service and interstate access in the north. There is supposed to be a new airport in bay county. Seems to me that this should be attractive to some kind of large scale industry around here.
Is there anything our local clowns can do to attract some good jobs here? Or are they just going to rely on vacioners to pay taxes to pay their salaries?
I would like to see people be albe to work year round not just spring break and summer.
I love it here and I want my grandkids to be able to find careers here and stay here, but the future looks very bleak. I know the whole nation is in a tough time, and there is not a lot of new projects anywhere, but are they doing anything to attract some kind of profitable, sustainable year 'round work for us?
I don't want to clean condos, or rent bicycles and kayaks 1/2 the year. I would like to see people WORKING profitably all year. We need some leadership and some action. Are we just going to take this lying down? Are we just going to let nothing happen and our community just go to heck?
If our commissioners are doing something to make this county better for the folks who live here year round I don't know what it is.
If this is the best we have for county gov, then I will be sure to not re-elect any of them. This is a time for action and LEADERSHIP.
Show me something. Make some waves. There is NO reason Walton county cannot be the most financially sound county in NW FL.
WAKE UP COMMISSIONERS, your people need you to lead them.
Replies
130
Beach Fanatic
. Currently, Walton County has the lowest unemployment in the state, something like 5%(about 1300 people wanting jobs that don't have them), compared to state-wide of 7+%. Big industry wants to open in areas where finding employees is not a problem, eg- places where unemployment is high.
And during the RE boom half of those still could not find a job.
SWGB
Yes ,I agree it is not the commissioners job to stimulate the economy.
BUT, it is the commissioners job to make the county work. For most of us full time residents without an investment portfolio, or a job in another state, we are broke 50% of the time. Families do not move to Walton county. People buy second homes in Walton county. If your line of work directly supports the care and upkeep of these ssecond homes, then you may be doing ok.
It is the commisioners job to utilize what we have. And what do we have, lots of land, lots of under-employed people and 4 MAJOR way to get goods in and out. The intercoastal, I10, trains, and the much delayed new airport nearby. This is not a new problem. Our county has been supported by vistors for many years. But with the across the board decrease in "expendible moneys" there will be less and less money coming here, and ther is NO plan to deal with the inevitable.
Again, it is the commissioners job to make the most of the resources we have. For years our county has done well with exploiting the the natural beauty of our area by mean of terrorism, sorry tourism. That is clearly not enough anymore. Changes are needed in how our county works.
We need to attract some real employers to our county. If you disagree with that..........you really do not know what is like to try to find work here and bring up your kids.
By the way I am involved with county gov't..............I pay my taxes and I vote.
It's actually ahead of schedule.
needs to get out more
It's actually ahead of schedule.
for all those international investors who are supposed to buy up our excess inventory. looking forward to those days.
SWGB
for all those international investors who are supposed to buy up our excess inventory. looking forward to those days.
They'll be taking the non-stop flights from Toronto. ;-)
http://www.wewantwestjet.com/
SoWal Insider
We do have a signifigant military component that has attracted a number of big tech contractors to the area. Expanding on that might be a possible direction. A business related tech center somewhere along I-10 might help, people working there could live anywhere along I-10 between pensacola and PC. There are plenty of ways to boost basic interest in something like that such as tax incentives, cheap land, and good infrastructure. The biggest road block is probably a lack of an educated work force. We could address that by improving tech related education at local schools.
SoWal Expert
We do have a signifigant military component that has attracted a number of big tech contractors to the area. Expanding on that might be a possible direction. A business related tech center somewhere along I-10 might help, people working there could live anywhere along I-10 between pensacola and PC. There are plenty of ways to boost basic interest in something like that such as tax incentives, cheap land, and good infrastructure. The biggest road block is probably a lack of an educated work force. We could address that by improving tech related education at local schools.
From what I understand, there is only one reason why Eglin is still in operation and growing, and maybe that is what daughette Matt was wanting -- Congressional pull.
As for addressing the educated workforce, Bay County leaders have recognized this, too, and is working with GCCC and FSU-PC. Walton County has only the Defunk campus of NW FL College (or whatever the new name is), and will soon be getting two buildings for a South Walton campus. Walton County offers tax credits, land, and decent infrastructure, with more on the way, and is very close to the newly coming PCB airport, as well as Eglin AFB. We just need a connected Congressman to twist arms of people to bring contracts and business to Walton County. In this troubled economy, there are only two types of businesses which thrive -- 1) Government and 2) Government support businesses. Washington DC is probably the only city in the USA which is still churning left and right, and always will.
Beach Fanatic
Why would you want to have a redundancy of ports? Freeport can handle large barges, and Port Panama City is huge. It is easy enough to truck any goods to either of these locations, without great costs.
From Walton County's Freeport port along Highway 20 to the new airport is a short direct path. Is Freeport closer/better than the Panama City port to the new airport in west Bay County? Will new proposed roads make the trip shorter, better or more direct for Walton County versus Bay?
Beach Fanatic
Eglin's big advantage for general use is that they're got both land and water ranges, and that combination doesn't really happen elsewhere in the AF land holdings. So there are certain things that happen there because they can only really happen there.
The problems in recent years with holding jobs have come with attempts to peel off functions that could go elsewhere relatively easy. The big deal in recent years was an attempt to move weapons testing and development (which is a big deal high wage/high skill job base in the area) to Vandenberg in California in a back-handed way that was outside of the recently-completed BRAC plans of the time. Florida's congressional delegation did a good job of apparently getting that squashed.
The problems in recent years with holding jobs have come with attempts to peel off functions that could go elsewhere relatively easy. The big deal in recent years was an attempt to move weapons testing and development (which is a big deal high wage/high skill job base in the area) to Vandenberg in California in a back-handed way that was outside of the recently-completed BRAC plans of the time. Florida's congressional delegation did a good job of apparently getting that squashed.
SoWal Expert
dunelaker, Port Panama City is already up and running, with cranes to unload containers, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel. Trucking will be easy enough to either port. I don't understand how or where it is being planned, but I've read that plans are for the new PCB airport to have a more direct route for moving shipments to Port Panama City. I have no idea if this is by planned rail, or new road, or underground rail, or something totally different.
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
Beach Fanatic
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
Widgets and RoundTuits would be my recommendation.
SoWal Expert
Just a thought, but if "we" developed intellectual technology, the technology could be shipped anywhere without freight, instantaneously, via the internet.
Beach Fanatic
dunelaker, Port Panama City is already up and running, with cranes to unload containers, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel. Trucking will be easy enough to either port. I don't understand how or where it is being planned, but I've read that plans are for the new PCB airport to have a more direct route for moving shipments to Port Panama City. I have no idea if this is by planned rail, or new road, or underground rail, or something totally different.
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
Isn't there a significant import/export business - Blue Ridge right there on Highway 20 in Freeport? I think they already have big contracts with national toy stores and discount stores. I don't know if they have plans to expand or what they are doing today.
SWGB
We do have a signifigant military component that has attracted a number of big tech contractors to the area. Expanding on that might be a possible direction. A business related tech center somewhere along I-10 might help, people working there could live anywhere along I-10 between pensacola and PC. There are plenty of ways to boost basic interest in something like that such as tax incentives, cheap land, and good infrastructure. The biggest road block is probably a lack of an educated work force. We could address that by improving tech related education at local schools.
I thought you were against additional spending by our government? Is that unless it benefits you directly?
From Walton County's Freeport port along Highway 20 to the new airport is a short direct path. Is Freeport closer/better than the Panama City port to the new airport in west Bay County? Will new proposed roads make the trip shorter, better or more direct for Walton County versus Bay?
dunelaker, Port Panama City is already up and running, with cranes to unload containers, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel. Trucking will be easy enough to either port. I don't understand how or where it is being planned, but I've read that plans are for the new PCB airport to have a more direct route for moving shipments to Port Panama City. I have no idea if this is by planned rail, or new road, or underground rail, or something totally different.
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
Keep in mind that some cargo is appropriate for planes and some is appropriate for ships. Other than the North West Florida Corridor plan I don't know of any additional roads. I have heard that the Bay Line RR would possibly have a branch to the new airport, but that again is just rumor.
Just a thought, but if "we" developed intellectual technology, the technology could be shipped anywhere without freight, instantaneously, via the internet.
Many of us already do that. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
dunelaker, Port Panama City is already up and running, with cranes to unload containers, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel. Trucking will be easy enough to either port. I don't understand how or where it is being planned, but I've read that plans are for the new PCB airport to have a more direct route for moving shipments to Port Panama City. I have no idea if this is by planned rail, or new road, or underground rail, or something totally different.
My only question, is what will we be producing in Walton County that we need to ship to the rest of the world. Any ideas?
Magee is already producing several things in Walton County that are being exported. I think mostly via truck. But I will let him speak to what they are if he desires.
SoWal Insider
I thought you were against additional spending by our government? Is that unless it benefits you directly?
Government spending that expands industry and produces private sector growth is good long term investment. I have very very very little faith in "big government"'s ability to accomplish this, there are few examples. (There are some, Eisenhower's interstate highway system for example.) Overall I believe in balanced budgets, and prefer government spending to be weighted more toward the local level where we have more control over it. I have no faith in Washington, I do not trust they will spend our money wisely. I do have more faith in our local representatives however, they actually have citizens they must answer to on a regular basis. They are easy to remove if they make mistakes. They listen to us, and are not beholden to special interests, for the most part. If they are, it's easy to see and can be dealt with. The power of government is given by the people... at the federal level that balance no longer exists. At the local level I believe this still holds true.
Edited
SWGB
Government spending that expands industry and produces private sector growth is good long term investment. I have very very very little faith in "big government"'s ability to accomplish this, there are few examples. (There are some, Eisenhower's interstate highway system for example.) Overall I believe in balanced budgets, and prefer government spending to be weighted more toward the local level where we have more control over it. I have no faith in Washington, I do not trust they will spend our money wisely. I do have more faith in our local representatives however, they actually have citizens they must answer to on a regular basis. They are easy to remove if they make mistakes. They listen to us, and are not beholden to special interests, for the most part. If they are, it's easy to see and can be dealt with. The power of government is given by the people... at the federal level that balance no longer exists. At the local level I believe this still holds true.
Damn those forum rules that don't allow cross posting. I believe there is another thread that you are saying government spending to expand industry is bad. Oh well.
Beach Fanatic
Once again you assume the waiters and waitresses are doing jobs they don't really want to. I have many friends that do this as a full time job and enjoy what they do. They also make a very good living at it.
I'm fairly certain that most residents in Point Washington would be against a port in their back yard.
Let's see you've got the DEP issues in building a port they'll deny it until doomsday because of Port Panama City and Port St. Joe. In addition those two ports I listed will lobby against it.
The only reason I mentioned Point Washington is because that was our port. They brought in supplies and visitors. You can still see some of the posts in the water, all that remains of the board walk creating acess to those ships. The bayou has access to the intercoastal directly, and all the bayou would need is to be dredged.
Once again, you are not considering all the "waiters and waitresses"! Those who have gotten older, and/or developed physical limitations and cannot perform those duties anylonger, and those who don't care to participate in the alcohol related activites.
SoWal Insider
Damn those forum rules that don't allow cross posting. I believe there is another thread that you are saying government spending to expand industry is bad. Oh well.
You've obviously confused local government spending to promote growth with big government pork that earns votes. I'll cut you some slack, this time.
SWGB
The only reason I mentioned Point Washington is because that was our port. They brought in supplies and visitors. You can still see some of the posts in the water, all that remains of the board walk creating acess to those ships. The bayou has access to the intercoastal directly, and all the bayou would need is to be dredged.
Once again, you are not considering all the "waiters and waitresses"! Those who have gotten older, and/or developed physical limitations and cannot perform those duties anylonger, and those who don't care to participate in the alcohol related activites.
So now that they've gotten older they can switch from carrying plates and glasses to becoming longshoremen? Lady you are certifiable.
Further I have seen the posts and former "port". Now I ask you have you ever been to a modern functioning port? There is no way you are going to turn a ferry stop into some sort of economic power house.
SWGB
You've obviously confused local government spending to promote growth with big government pork that earns votes. I'll cut you some slack, this time.
Considering the shaky, at best, leg that the county is on, the idea of building a port :roll: would need federal dollars. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
So now that they've gotten older they can switch from carrying plates and glasses to becoming longshoremen? Lady you are certifiable.
Further I have seen the posts and former "port". Now I ask you have you ever been to a modern functioning port? There is no way you are going to turn a ferry stop into some sort of economic power house.
Who said anything about longshoreman? What, that's the only job available in the export business?
I'm a firm believer concerning start with what you have, and gradually increase. Who said we needed a huge port of that magnitude? Keep it simple! First, we need to figure out a product! That would determine what would be necessary to transport it! Something about getting the cart before the horse!
Surely there are individuals with means here that can provide backing in such a project, along with the brains to pull it off! Put your money where you mouth is! See the need, and do something about it! Keep it simple particularly in the beginning!
SWGB
Who said anything about longshoreman? What, that's the only job available in the export business?
I'm a firm believer concerning start with what you have, and gradually increase. Who said we needed a huge port of that magnitude? Keep it simple! First, we need to figure out a product! That would determine what would be necessary to transport it! Something about getting the cart before the horse!
Surely there are individuals with means here that can provide backing in such a project, along with the brains to pull it off! Put your money where you mouth is! See the need, and do something about it! Keep it simple particularly in the beginning!
Clearly you're not grasping the concept of shipping. When you are talking about shipping the cost of shipping said item via truck from let's say Freeport is incredibly small whether it's going to Point Washington or Port PC. Forget the port idea and focus on a viable business.
SoWal Insider
Considering the shaky, at best, leg that the county is on, the idea of building a port :roll: would need federal dollars. ;-)
Come on man. If a port here was financially viable, the private businesses that would profit from it would would have already built it. The feds are notorious for building infrastructure we do not need. We already have an "airport ot nowhere", do we really want a "port to nowhere" too?
Edited
Beach Lover
The Freeport port was turned into a City park. Even though you can off load stouff there they do not like it. It looks to nice. The access also is in very bad shape. The Ship Yard and Fuel Depot can only get smaller ships in and out. They get stuck alot and you can hear the tugs having a time getting in there with a load.
needs to get out more
ask not what your county can do for you, but what you can do for your county.
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