Latest News from Office of Walton County Commissioner, District 5

[CM]

Latest News


Commissioners Meadows and Comander to Host Town Meetings
The public is cordially invited to attend two newly scheduled town meetings. The emphasis will be on the upcoming spring break season and addressing the many issues with constituents.
The first of these meetings will be Thursday, February 20th at 8:00am at the Great Southern Café in Seaside and will be hosted by District 5 Commissioner and Vice Chair, Cindy Meadows.
The second meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27th at Seascape Conference Center in Miramar Beach at 6:00pm, and will be hosted by District 5 Commissioner and Vice Chair, Cindy Meadows and District 4 Commissioner, Sara Comander.


Senior and Caregiver Education Hours
Santa Rosa Beach, FL Walton County Coastal Library – 3rd Wednesday each month, Senior and Caregiver Education Hours are available for patrons at the Coastal Branch Library. What you need to know about caring for your loved one. Community resources will be available. Get your questions answered like, “How do I get the help we need”? “Who can help us with financial planning”? Please join Daina Skinner, RN, BSN, Hospice Specialist at the Coastal Library in discussing senior and health care needs. Call Daina at 850-862-1069.


Improvements being made at the John Horton Senior Center
Commissioner Meadows, her staff and county personnel will continue to work to improve the physical building, landscaping and add programs for seniors. Thank you to Shari Roberts for assisting in these efforts and welcoming the new changes. Call (850) 622-0917 for hours of operation or visit the center at 194 N County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.


Walton County Haz-Mat Collection Day
The Walton Board of County Commissioners is sponsoring a project to collect, recycle, treat and properly dispose of these and other household hazardous wastes:
Pesticides - Used Oil - Stale Gasoline – Solvents – Fertilizers – Paint – Paint Thinners – Paint Strippers – Batteries – Furniture Polish – Brake Fluid – Engine Degreasers – Anti-Freeze – Pool Chemicals – Insecticides – Spot Removers
Waste tire amnesty will also be held on the same date, during the same hours and locations. Walton County residents may bring up to 12 tires per residence.

Collection date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 8 am to 12 pm

Locations: Walton County Fairgrounds, Highway 83 North (9th Avenue), DeFuniak Springs
South Walton Mosquito Control Office, County Road 393, Santa Rosa Beach


Update on Murphy Express Station Hwy 98
The EPA and Army Corp of Engineers reached an agreement with the develper to issue a "dredge and fill" permit which is now being finalized and expected to be issued within the next 30 days.

The TDC Advisory Council will be Reconstituted with New Members
The BCC approved the recommended TDC member selection process and council seat structure at the Jan. 28th meeting and the TDC is currently seeking applicants to fill vacancies for the 9 member advisory board. See the TDC website for further details if you want to apply to be considered for a seat on the Council.


Anonymous Fraud and Abuse Hotline
Walton County Clerk's Office now has a hotline so you can report fraud and abuse anonymously - your name will not be public information. Report by web or toll-free at 855-688-1693; for more information go to www.co.walton.fl.us, under Government - Clerk of Courts.

Upcoming Meetings

TDC Advisory Council Meeting

• Tuesday, April 1 @ 1:00 PM Watercolor Inn

TDC Strategic Planning Meeting

• Tuesday April 1 @ 8:00 - 12:00Watercolor Inn

Commission Meetings

• Tuesday, February 25 @ 9:00 AM Walton County Courthouse, DFS
• Tuesday, March 11 @ 4:00 PMSouth Walton Annex

Local RESTORE Committee Meeting

• Wednesday February 19 @5:00 PM Bayou Arts Center

We wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

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[CM]

District 5 Commissioner's Town Hall Meeting
Walton County District 5 County Commissioner Cindy Meadows has announced that she will hold a Town Meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The purpose of the meeting is to invite the public to discuss and answer questions about County issues with an emphasis on spring break.
Also, a second Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The public is invited to discuss County issues with an emphasis on spring break. District 5 Commissioner, Cindy Meadows, and District 4 Commissioner, Sara Comander will be in attendance.

Mossy Head Industrial Park
As you are aware, Love’s Truck Stop and Country Store has purchased a parcel of land in the MHIP. They are now looking at adding a site for a sit down restaurant and a hotel. Another company is looking to bring a truck sales business to the Park.

The county is going to build a Wastewater Sewage Treatment Plant to service the MHIP. Engineering plans are complete and a request for construction bids was approved at the Feb. 11th BCC meeting. The cost of the plant is approximately 4.2 million dollars. Funding options will be discussed and voted on by the BCC in the near future. One option suggested was borrowing the money with repayment through sewage usage fees over time.

South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Awards Ceremony
Over 100 people attended the SWFD's 7th Annual Awards Ceremony on February 8, at the Timothy Padgett Park Facility in Santa Rosa Beach. Fire Chief Rick Talbert presented the awards to several SWFD members who were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in 2013.

The following were among the award recipients: Fire Fighter of the Year-Sergeant, Chris Kidder. Robert Heighton Lifesaving Award- Lt. Eric Lang, Sgt. Charlee Lanier, FF/ Paramedic Kate Christenson, FF/ Paramedic Chris Powell, FF/ Paramedic Matt Cramer. Lifeguard of the Year- Nick Dorado. Rookie Lifeguard of the Year- Alex Winkler. Fire Chief’s Award- Gary Wise, Beach Safety Director. Communications Operator of the Year- Dave Swift.
Commissioner Meadows and her staff congratulate all the award winners!

Roadway/bridge construction updates
The following are updates on a few roadway and bridge construction projects - more information is available on the county website www.co.walton.fl.us under DEPARTMENTS, PUBLIC WORKS, COUNTY PROJECTS.
Hwy 395/30A intersection - pending signature of ROW agreement before construction will begin.
Oyster Lake Bridge - Estimated Date of Completion March 29, 2014
Big Redfish Bridge - Start date after Labor Day 2014
Western Lake Pedestrian Bridge - coordinated project between the State and TDC, estimated to be completed by end of 2014.
Hwy 98/Geronimo Street intersection - Agreement reached 02/11/14 by BCC to construct turn lanes and the State will install traffic lights.

Updates on State Road Projects can be found at www.dot.state.fl.us/construction under ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION LIST, CONTRACT DETAILS.
SR83 (US331) Choctawhatchee Bay & Relief Bridge addition - 880 days left to completion (as of 2/18/14)


St. Joe Bay-Walton Sector Open House
The St. Joe Company has begun a process to update and expand the previously approved West Bay Sector Plan. The map below outlines the general location of the proposed sector plan area. The Sector Plan process is a planning tool that is encouraged under Florida Law (Ch 163.33245 F.S.) and is used to establish a Long-term land use master plan for a large land area. The St. Joe Company is hosting a second series of Open Houses to share information about the proposed plan including conceptual maps and planning principles. The Open Houses are informal to encourage one-on-one interaction with no formal presentations being made. Representatives of St. Joe Company will be present to share information about the process and answer questions.

Open House Schedule:
Tuesday February 25 4-6 PM Breakfast Point Academy, PCB
Wednesday February 26 4-6 PM SW Coastal Branch Library, SRB
For more information visit www.bay-waltonsectorplan.com

First Time Home Buyer Seminar - March 1
Free seminar about what it takes to be a homeowner scheduled for Saturday March 1; registration begins at 1:30, seminar 2:00-4:00 at Good News United Methodist Church, 4747 Hwy 98, SRB. Contact Jalleen Dixon at 850-664-9580 for more information.

 

[CM]

Commissioners' Town Hall Meeting
A Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Seascape in Miramar Beach. The public is invited to discuss County issues with an emphasis on spring break. District 5 Commissioner, Cindy Meadows, and District 4 Commissioner, Sara Comander will be in attendance.


Traffic Control at Intersection of 395 and 30A
I have suggested we hire/request deputies to direct traffic at this intersection during certain busy times during the 2014 season. Since the turn lane will not be complete, I think this would help tremendously.

The Sheriff's Office has studied this issue in depth and developed the following recommendations:
Peak times are 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Saturdays (check-in/check-out). We recommend staffing this as an off-duty detail paying $25.00 per hour (this way it will not detract needed manpower from the road during Spring Break). This detail would run every Saturday beginning March 1 and ending April 26, 2014 ( 9 days at $200 = $1,800.00).


We recommend staffing the following holidays in addition to the Saturdays mentioned above – Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day (3 days at $200 = $600.00).


Deputies would be treated as contract employees and paid directly by the county.


We will initially respond to other days of the week as needed with existing manpower provided it does not negatively impact our ability to respond to other calls for service. If and when this begins to impact our response time, we will move to an off-duty status as explained in option 1 above.


GETTING THE GARDEN READY FOR SPRING
The Walton County Master Gardeners present a lecture series on the first Wednesday of each month. The next one will be March 5th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Coastal Branch Extension Office. It is located at 70 Logan Lane in Grayton Beach, just north of the 4-way stop off CR 283.


Master Gardener and Licensed Fertilizer Applicator, Len Ross will talk about “GETTING THE GARDEN READY FOR SPRING”. Topics will include Windowsill Hydroponics, Yard Preparations and Black Gold/Composting. There will be a hands-on workshop where attendees will build and plant a windowsill garden. Mayonnaise, peanut butter and similar clear plastic jars with lids can be converted to hydroponic containers. Any seedlings or cuttings will be welcome too, but not necessary to participate.


These lectures are designed for local gardeners and are open to the public, free of charge. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited to 40 participants and reservations are required. Call Cheryl 892-8172 to reserve a place.


Soil testing supplies and instruction will be available for $8 and Master Gardeners will be on hand to take gardening questions. This is a program provided by the UF/IFAS – Walton County Extension.


Construction on State Road 8 (I-10)
This area is divided into two projects: The project identified as 430908-2, is from the Okaloosa County line to east of Boy Scout Road. It is to be let for construction 5/20/2015. The construction time has not yet been determined.


The project identified as 430908-3 is from east of Boy Scout Road to east of SR 83 (US 331). It is to be let for construction 8/27/2014. The estimated construction time for this project is 240 days.


Construction on State Road 20
Construction crews will mill and resurface S.R. 20, make needed roadway and shoulder repairs, install new side- and cross-drains, replace guardrails, and install new roadway signage.


Work will begin in March 2014 with anticipated completion scheduled for spring 2015. To help minimize traffic impacts, Okaloosa County lane closures will be limited to 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. In Walton County, drivers may encounter alternating lane closures during day and/or nighttime hours. Personnel will be available to direct traffic through the work zone during lane closures. Access to driveways and private property will be available at all times.


Coastal Library Writer's Group
The Coastal Branch Library is hosting a writer's group meeting on the 4th Saturday of each month starting at 10:30 a.m. on March 22, 2014. Meet local writers and published authors; participants are invited to share and showcase their work to the group. Call Linda at 850-267-2809 for more information.


Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Board Workshop
The Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Board will hold a workshop on Thursday March 13 from 10:00-12:00 to discuss goals, objectives, developing a mission statement, projects, and timetables. The next REGULAR CDLAB meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM May 22, 2014.

 

[CM]

BCC April 8th Meeting
The BCC voted to give the Sheriff's Office approximately $1,000,000 out of the $3.4 million dollars the county received from the B.P. settlement. Commissioner Meadows was the only nay vote as she believed the BP funds should be allocated after looking at all the current county needs.


Commissioner Meadows expressed the need for additional ball fields in south Walton, equipment for public works, ambulances, fire trucks, paving roads, recreational facilities, storm water management, and much more.


Turtle Watch
A new contract with Turtle Watch has been approved by the BCC. The contract allows for an 8:00 a.m. set up by vendors with the opportunity for them to sigh up for the phone app to access the beaches earlier.


Bed Tax Revenues
Revenues are up 2.08% from this time last year.


North of the Bay TDC Panel
The BCC will appoint a seven (7) member panel that will determine how marketing funds will be used. $30,000 has been allocated to assist advertising events north of the bay. A member from DeFuniak Springs and Freeport will be included.


Proposed Ordinances Update
1. The Noise Ordinance will go before the Planning Commission on Thursday May 8th, 5:00 P.M. at the south Walton Annex. To get a copy of the proposed ordinance go to www.co.walton.fl.us. The ordinance will most likely go before the BCC in June.
2. The Parking Needs Assessment will be presented for the public by consultant Avcon on Wednesday April 23rd from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at LaCiel, the hotel located in Sandestin, Bayside (go straight as you enter the Sandestin gate toward the bay to the hotel).
3. The BCC voted to approve the 1st reading of a Clearing Permit Ordinance for all lots within 300 feet of a Coastal Dune Lake (see Land Development Code sections 4.02.04 & 4.03.03 this is the section to be amended).


FDOT Construction of US 331
Construction activities on US 331 from north of SR 20 to I-10 are scheduled to begin in April 2014. Improvements include: four-laning the existing roadway, drainage and safety upgrades as well as placement of new signs and pavement markings. Additionally, there will be some changes to access along the corridor. No detours are planned during construction, though motorists may experience minor travel delays and are advised to plan accordingly.
The estimated completion date for this project is spring 2016.


Valley Crest Landscaping will begin maintaining the multi-use paths on CR 30A and scenic Gulf Drive starting Monday April 21st.

 

[Matt J]

I don't necessarily disagree with the Sheriff's department getting the money. The Sheriff spent money from his budget, IIRC, to armor the coastal dune lakes and I don't know if the department ever recouped that money.

Why is a private landscaping company maintaining the multi-use paths? Wasn't the TDC responsible for this previously?

 

[Zebraspots]

I think it is great they are trying to improve the maintenance of the paths, but most of the important issues are with paving. Can Valleycrest do those repairs? Or will they report locations to someone else when they are tidying?