From WZEP...
Talladega, Daytona, Indianapolis, Charlotte - all names synonymous with the world of racing and motorsports. DeFuniak Springs could soon be on that list if investors and the community pull together...according to DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell.
Investors and racing enthusiasts have set their eyes on the city of Defuniak Springs with plans to bring a state of the art world class professional automotive motorsports entertainment complex to town.
Inquiries are being made, meetings and presentations are being scheduled as officials consider the benefits and possibilities of what a 50 to 70 million dollar complex could do for the regional economy.
"This is huge," said Mayor Campbell. This could totally be the positive change we have been looking for. Every resident and business owner could benefit from this."
While nothing is set in stone and things are still in the planning stages. Campbell says investors and planners have already spoken with land owners and will meet next week with state officials from the DOT, DEO and EPA to discuss any potential obstacles. From there, a workshop is planned with the City Council to hear presentations and get the pulse of the community.
One of the prime areas under consideration is a 1400 acre site on U.S. Hwy. 331 S southeast of the intersection of Interstate 10. The economic impact would be staggering. Shopping, retail, dinning and manufacturing would all benefit from the presence of professional racing teams, nationally sanctioned racing events and the hundreds of millions of dollars companies could bring to the area.
Mayor Campbell says investors are serious about preserving the historical significance of Defuniak Springs and are willing to bring to bear the resources needed for philanthropic ventures as well as creating thousands of employment opportunities and educational opportunities for area schools and automotive technology centers.
The project has caught the attention of regional airlines as well. The possibility of jet service and airport enhancements are also on the table.
The group would also bring a high-end luxury sports car dealership to south Walton as part of the package. Names like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston-Martin, Porsche and others would be readily available locally instead of having to drive 200 miles to one of those dealers.
Homeowners could breathe a sigh of relief as property values rise and the City Council would not have to rely on property taxes as the primary source of revenue to keep the city running. "If done right, this could benefit us all. If we want this, if we want to insure something good and that will last, citizens have to let their Councilmembers know. We have to roll out the welcome mat.," said Mayor Campbell.
"They (the investors) are serious and ready. The question is, are we?"
Talladega, Daytona, Indianapolis, Charlotte - all names synonymous with the world of racing and motorsports. DeFuniak Springs could soon be on that list if investors and the community pull together...according to DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell.
Investors and racing enthusiasts have set their eyes on the city of Defuniak Springs with plans to bring a state of the art world class professional automotive motorsports entertainment complex to town.
Inquiries are being made, meetings and presentations are being scheduled as officials consider the benefits and possibilities of what a 50 to 70 million dollar complex could do for the regional economy.
"This is huge," said Mayor Campbell. This could totally be the positive change we have been looking for. Every resident and business owner could benefit from this."
While nothing is set in stone and things are still in the planning stages. Campbell says investors and planners have already spoken with land owners and will meet next week with state officials from the DOT, DEO and EPA to discuss any potential obstacles. From there, a workshop is planned with the City Council to hear presentations and get the pulse of the community.
One of the prime areas under consideration is a 1400 acre site on U.S. Hwy. 331 S southeast of the intersection of Interstate 10. The economic impact would be staggering. Shopping, retail, dinning and manufacturing would all benefit from the presence of professional racing teams, nationally sanctioned racing events and the hundreds of millions of dollars companies could bring to the area.
Mayor Campbell says investors are serious about preserving the historical significance of Defuniak Springs and are willing to bring to bear the resources needed for philanthropic ventures as well as creating thousands of employment opportunities and educational opportunities for area schools and automotive technology centers.
The project has caught the attention of regional airlines as well. The possibility of jet service and airport enhancements are also on the table.
The group would also bring a high-end luxury sports car dealership to south Walton as part of the package. Names like Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston-Martin, Porsche and others would be readily available locally instead of having to drive 200 miles to one of those dealers.
Homeowners could breathe a sigh of relief as property values rise and the City Council would not have to rely on property taxes as the primary source of revenue to keep the city running. "If done right, this could benefit us all. If we want this, if we want to insure something good and that will last, citizens have to let their Councilmembers know. We have to roll out the welcome mat.," said Mayor Campbell.
"They (the investors) are serious and ready. The question is, are we?"
