Motorized multi-use path on 30A

I don't understand that statement. Is it no money or is it a 20% match plus maintenance?

I don't understand that statement. Is it no money or is it a 20% match plus maintenance?

I was not referring to maintenance. This is just for the design/construction. As I understand it, the grant is 80/20, and the county would provide the 20 percent match with in-kind services such as labor, design work, and possibly materials.

So we will be required to spend a great deal of money on this and put other long overdue projects on hold because of it.

Who voted for this and why?

The last thing we need is more asphalt.

The last thing we need is more asphalt.

Speaking of asphalt, does anyone know why they placed asphalt over the grass/sand area between the bike path and roadway just east of the 395/30a intersection?

So we will be required to spend a great deal of money on this and put other long overdue projects on hold because of it.

Who voted for this and why?

It is supposed to take about two years to build, and there has been no talk of putting any other work on hold. The county commissioners voted to approve applying for the grant, but they are not bound to accept the funds and do the project if the application is approved.

My question at this point is: Are there other projects embedded in the grant other than the motorized bike path? If so, the grant should be pursued with the intention of not using the monies supplied to build the path. In kind match usually turns out to be county functions that would be required to do the project, anyway.

what in the world is next???!!!

Let me say it as succinctly as I can. This is a bad, bad idea.

So you are opposed to motorized paths but you can put up with parking lots that are going to crowd the beaches, cause extreme congestion in our neighborhoods and pave over our dunes "in order to live in paradise". ??? In the case of the motorized path, I will certainly agree with you. This insanity of growth for growth's sake has got to stop until we take care of the amenities in place today. Sticking a stick in the pothole on the bike path is an insult when projects like over built parking lots and motorized paths are being proposed. This has got to stop!!

I don't know if the proposed beach parking solutions are the best ones or not, but at least it is on the radar. I do agree that we need to stop trying to get more and more people here unless the basic needs for visitors AND locals are met- road and bike path maintenance, and adequate beach parking are important.

I don't know if the proposed beach parking solutions are the best ones or not, but at least it is on the radar. I do agree that we need to stop trying to get more and more people here unless the basic needs for visitors AND locals are met- road and bike path maintenance, and adequate beach parking are important.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Why don't we work this like the railroads? They pay for and maintain their tracks. So, the golf cart companies could pay for the new path.

If the golf cart sales and rental companies can't agree to that, but insist that they need a dedicated path, then how about them ponying up for the cost of the path? If they insist on the taxpayers covering that expense, then how about we get a proportionate share of their profit? I'd suggest the percentage could be the ratio of taxpayer capital investment vs. golf cart company capital investment?

If they just want a free ride, tell them to take a hike...

Tell the TDC to stop spending our money on marketing. I've said this so many times for just the reasons you stated Jdarg.

Based on comments made here and information in the Walton Sun article, taxpayers will have to foot a construction bill of at least $110,000 and then pay to maintain it.

Over a half million dollars and 3 bridges over coastal dune lakes so people can drive a golf cart a few miles? WTF.

We actually need a pedestrian and bike bridge at Western Lake. Thousands of people (both local and tourist) would use and benefit from that project. All along 30a the bike path is poorly maintained and crumbling. Why are we not focused on these kind of projects that would greatly enhance our community and a majority of our visitors and residents?

This only benefits the cart companies and uglies up some beautiful scenery.

Until we can get enough county commisioners stop this out of control TDC, nothing will change. The continued waste of tax funds that could be used in much better ways will continue. It's like the existing bike path on 30A. and lots of other capitol expenditures, they are not properly maintained. For another good example of lack of maintenance, take a ride around the back side of South Walton High School, it's a filthy junky looking mess, mold growing on the stucco, the grounds are poorly maintained. What will the new Padgett Park be used for ? Haven't ventured back to see the new building yet but it looks like a residential home from the road.

This is not TDC money being used. We are paying for this!

I know, that makes it even worse. Dictionaries need to update their word definitions to include; INCOMPETENT - Walton County Florida Government.

I think its a great idea and would be money well spent... you people complain about carts on the roads consistently but when an option comes up to keep them off the road, thats no good either??? there has to be a compromise somewhere. and just to point it out, the wrecked GOLF cart in the picture above, is just that a golf cart, not roadworthy and doesn't meet any of the states requirements to be street legal, it has no business on any road. The state has strict requirements to classify a vehicle as a roadworthy LSV.
Also I think our local government does a great job promoting tourism and managing problems in the county. It sounds to me like you people want to put gates on all the entrances to 30A and tell all tourists to go away. Whats even worse is most of you doing all the complaining are probably tourists who came here and never left, i say that because being local born and raised, i know very few other locals that complain as much as what i see on here.
There are obviously a handfull of very outspoken people on this website opposed to LSV's and apparantly tourists in general, your opinions do not reflect that of the majority of the people in South Walton. People love these vehicles, tourists and locals alike, they are here to stay and i commend the county officials for taking measures to make things better and safer for everyone. South Walton is one of the most beautiful places in the world and will continue to attract people from all over the country and the world, so we should continue to impove things to accomodate our locals and our guests.

I wonder if enforcement was there if folks would love these vehicles as much as you say.

I think its a great idea and would be money well spent... you people complain about carts on the roads consistently but when an option comes up to keep them off the road, thats no good either??? there has to be a compromise somewhere. and just to point it out, the wrecked GOLF cart in the picture above, is just that a golf cart, not roadworthy and doesn't meet any of the states requirements to be street legal, it has no business on any road. The state has strict requirements to classify a vehicle as a roadworthy LSV.
Also I think our local government does a great job promoting tourism and managing problems in the county. It sounds to me like you people want to put gates on all the entrances to 30A and tell all tourists to go away. Whats even worse is most of you doing all the complaining are probably tourists who came here and never left, i say that because being local born and raised, i know very few other locals that complain as much as what i see on here.
There are obviously a handfull of very outspoken people on this website opposed to LSV's and apparantly tourists in general, your opinions do not reflect that of the majority of the people in South Walton. People love these vehicles, tourists and locals alike, they are here to stay and i commend the county officials for taking measures to make things better and safer for everyone. South Walton is one of the most beautiful places in the world and will continue to attract people from all over the country and the world, so we should continue to impove things to accomodate our locals and our guests.

Dean, let me walk you through this so you might understand where I, and I'm sure many others opposed to the golf cart path are coming from. Just answer this question: Given that the water and sand are pretty much the same between Panama City to Ft. Walton, what is it about 30-A that makes it unique?

I think its a great idea and would be money well spent... you people complain about carts on the roads consistently but when an option comes up to keep them off the road, thats no good either??? there has to be a compromise somewhere. and just to point it out, the wrecked GOLF cart in the picture above, is just that a golf cart, not roadworthy and doesn't meet any of the states requirements to be street legal, it has no business on any road. The state has strict requirements to classify a vehicle as a roadworthy LSV.
Also I think our local government does a great job promoting tourism and managing problems in the county. It sounds to me like you people want to put gates on all the entrances to 30A and tell all tourists to go away. Whats even worse is most of you doing all the complaining are probably tourists who came here and never left, i say that because being local born and raised, i know very few other locals that complain as much as what i see on here.
There are obviously a handfull of very outspoken people on this website opposed to LSV's and apparantly tourists in general, your opinions do not reflect that of the majority of the people in South Walton. People love these vehicles, tourists and locals alike, they are here to stay and i commend the county officials for taking measures to make things better and safer for everyone. South Walton is one of the most beautiful places in the world and will continue to attract people from all over the country and the world, so we should continue to impove things to accomodate our locals and our guests.

I don't think you are going to win many over by using "you people".

I have a problem with more and more vehicles jamming our roads. I prefer bikes and walking for everyone. Much better for health and fits better in a beach community. Don't you think golf carts are anti new urbanism?

I don't think you are going to win many over by using "you people".

I have a problem with more and more vehicles jamming our roads. I prefer bikes and walking for everyone. Much better for health and fits better in a beach community. Don't you think golf carts are anti new urbanism?

I agree... You people is offensive

I've got to agree. As a part-timer on 30-A with a house about 3/10ths of a mile from the beach, I've fought the urge to get a cart. Walking to and from is no big deal...or riding the bike to the beach. Healthier all around.

Based on comments made here and information in the Walton Sun article, taxpayers will have to foot a construction bill of at least $110,000 and then pay to maintain it.

Over a half million dollars and 3 bridges over coastal dune lakes so people can drive a golf cart a few miles? WTF.

We actually need a pedestrian and bike bridge at Western Lake. Thousands of people (both local and tourist) would use and benefit from that project. All along 30a the bike path is poorly maintained and crumbling. Why are we not focused on these kind of projects that would greatly enhance our community and a majority of our visitors and residents?

This only benefits the cart companies and uglies up some beautiful scenery.

Yup.