South Walton County, Fla. - There are a few more loose ends to tie up, but organizers are set to start a temporary trolley system on 30-A in Walton County. They say it will bring a higher level of safety and convenience to the very busy road.
"The public's calling every day, wanting to know about if it's going to get up and running, people are writing us emails and sending us letters," said John Finch, owner Sunshine Shuttles. The business is spearheading the campaign to get the trolleys on the road.
Finch says the support for his company's 30-A trolley system has been overwhelming - whether it be by phone, or Facebook, where 30A.com recently conducted a survey saying 80% would support a trolley system. He says the trolley would present great promotional opportunities for South Walton.
"Wouldn't we love to be able to market this region and say we've got public transportation? It's not only public transportation, but it's fun!" Finch said.
That fun would stretch along the 18 miles - east to west - of 30 A. Two trolleys would hold 30 passengers each and run every thirty minutes. Currently there are plans for 22 stops. The cost of the two trolleys' service is about $1,600 per day.
Probably most appealing feature of the trolleys: they would be free to riders. Businesses that sponsor a stop at their businesses would provide the funding for the service.
"If all participate...It costs very very little for each business and we all benefit," Finch said.
Frank Nick, owner of Nick's on the Beach, wants his restaurant to get a slice of the public transportation pie, and the benefits that come with it. He warns, however, that this has been tried before back in the 90's with less than desirable results.
"Some of these kids that would get on it were a little rowdy and it turned off a lot of the perspective people who were riding it," Nick said.
He's all for the trolley idea, as long as there are some rules.
"Yes it will work...do I support it...yes I do support it...they need more regulations on their rides," Nick said.
Right now, the goal for Finch and his staff is to get the Trolleys up and running by next week, after which they would have a trial run of the service up until about Labor day. Next year, they will seek full support from the County Commission and the Tourist Development Council.