For a Better South Walton announces community meetings May 11, 21 & 31

[Teresa]

Yes, incorporation forms a city but the charter depends on the needs of this community - apparently there are many different ways of self-governing as a city. It is very common for a community area to grow, as ours has done, and to need specific services and leadership that are just not available under general county level government.

 

[Bob Wells]

Yes, incorporation forms a city but the charter depends on the needs of this community - apparently there are many different ways of self-governing as a city. It is very common for a community area to grow, as ours has done, and to need specific services and leadership that are just not available under general county level government.

I am curious what specific services aren't being provided by the county? To the best I can see the biggest issue seems to be zoning, so what others are there?

 

[Dawn]

I am curious what specific services aren't being provided by the county? To the best I can see the biggest issue seems to be zoning, so what others are there?

Thousands of us still live on dirt roads. While I don't have a big issue with it, don't you think it's odd in an area most say should have streets paved in gold? How about a real recycling program? Or decent and uniform grabage cans from waste management who we pay millions to? Code enforcement? Laughable. We want to have more than the bare minimum services.

Much of the money that the TDS spends on advertising should go to making our community better - that will bring tourists, keep them coming back - and makes a better life for all of us residents.

Teresa mentioned leadership also. Something I see none of in Walton County. If you've ever lived anywhere that has competent government and leadership then you know what we have here is a joke.

 

[Bob Wells]

Thousands of us still live on dirt roads. While I don't have a big issue with it, don't you think it's odd in an area most say should have streets paved in gold? How about a real recycling program? Or decent and uniform grabage cans from waste management who we pay millions to? Code enforcement? Laughable. We want to have more than the bare minimum services.

Much of the money that the TDS spends on advertising should go to making our community better - that will bring tourists, keep them coming back - and makes a better life for all of us residents.

Teresa mentioned leadership also. Something I see none of in Walton County. If you've ever lived anywhere that has competent government and leadership then you know what we have here is a joke.

There are many places in Walton County that have dirt roads and are maintained by the county, maybe not to the standards people may want but maintained. We all pay 1 cent sales tax for garbage and to be honest I don't know any area that has same garbage can. As for recycling, the county provides a recycling program maybe not to the standard you prefer but it is provided. Code Enforcement is as much of an issue of what those that run the county want it to be and those that we elect as is the leadership. I am curious, you say you want more than bare minimum services, what are the additional service do you want because beside what are mentioned above there may be ways to tax yourselves without starting a city and still accomplish what you want. MSBU may be cheaper and would seem to be more controllable by those who seek it.

 

[Andy A]

Bob, I certainly won't argue with what you say. As I have said previously, if Seaside, Rosemary Beach and other enities want to incorporate, be my guest. As far as I'm concerned, leave my area out of it. It is expensive enough here already. We have great garbage pick-up, a superior fire and EMS group and I see the sheriff's vehicle on the beach every day this time of year and their response when called has always been stellar. I, and others nearby, have all we really need at a reasonable cost. I am not against incorporation, per se. We just don't need it in BMB, IMO.

 

[Teresa]

I believe development, instrastructure and services anywhere in SoWal affects all of SoWal. It's either done with vision for the health of the entire community or it isn't. IF South Walton residents are fine with whatever happens in the future then leave things as they are. If you want a vision with growth and development that makes good sense for the community, then it's time to look at growing up and becoming a real town. Many towns incorporate when they reach a certain population bringing about very unique needs for services and leadership. Why not at least examine whether South Walton is at this point yet or not? Florida is filled with coastal and inland cities - some have good leadership as a result and some do not. Incorporation does not guarantee good leadership but with our active residents, my bet is on us. I think we can do it well.

 

[Teresa]

Read Jill Tanner's overview of last week's meeting at Seascape at SoWal.com home page story:
Update: For a Better South Walton Community Meetings

Thanks for the overview Jill! This story gives you an overview of Thursdays meeting, some local facts, proposed area of incorporation, and plans for feasiblity studies and draft of charter for the City of South Walton.

The next For a Better South Walton meeting will be held at Bayou Arts Center on Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 p.m. The Bayou Arts Center is located off Hwy 393 1.7 miles north of US 98, on 105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Santa Rosa Beach. It is on the West side of 393 just before the Cessna Landing Park. This meeting is open to the public. Come out and learn more about incorporation and share your ideas with the community.

Read about The Process for Incorporation in the State of Florida on For a Better South Walton's web blog.

Follow A Better South Walton on Facebook for updates and info.