FROM WMBB
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla.
Walton County Commissioners revisited a potential neighborhood beach access after voting to not move forward a few months ago. The Board held a public workshop Tuesday afternoon to discuss putting an access on Headland Avenue.
"I think you voted correctly the first time," said Bonnie McQuiston.
"June 2016, we asked for a workshop to be scheduled, and then here we are at our July 2016 workshop," said Brian Kellenberger, the Director of Beach Operations for Visit South Walton.
Residents from the surrounding area voiced both concerns and support for the access. The neighborhood access the TDC has in mind would resemble a similar neighborhood beach access just a block away.
"It's nonessential," said Leonard Isacks. "There's already five public accesses within 100 feet of each other - probably the most frequent grouping in all of Walton County."
Some cited safety concerns over a blind curve as well as a lack of parking as reasons not to move forward. But others said accesses would be needed as the southern end of the county continues to grow.
"Walton County needs every beach access that is available," said Celeste Cobena.
Added another resident, "Please build this neighborhood beach walkover."
Commissioners can't take action during a public workshop and didn't give staff any further instruction.