It may be an empty lot now, but in a matter of months, this area will be transformed. Both Walton County officials and school district representatives are working on projects to help with the growth in South Walton.
Last May, the Walton County Commission approved the building of a new sports complex off Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. This came to light after many parents came forward and said the county's current facilities didn't meet all the needs for their kids.
"We are hoping by putting this in the south end, we can certainly give more athletic opportunities to our youth but also just families as a whole to come out and enjoy this property," said Louis Svehla, Public Information Officer for the county.
Meanwhile, the school district has also seen major growth in the south end.
"Butler Elementary and Bay are both at capacity right now and we see a growth in the primary grades and Pre-K moving forward," said Mark Gardner, Director of Facilities for the School District.
Both the sports complex and the school will be in the same location. The county and school district have been meeting to discuss splitting the cost of things like utilities, water, and even the road that will give access to these facilities.
"If we build the boulevard and share that cost up front and share that development, then we are doing diligent work to put it in right the first time," said Gardner.
"It allows us to continue this relationship to further development of these parcels," said Svehla.
The county is still in the negotiation phase with a firm they have selected to design the sports complex. Once they come to an agreement, a draft design for the complex could be brought to Commissioners within 90 days. As for school district officials, in the coming months they will start looking for someone to design their school as well.
Now at this same location a property owner is looking to build some housing and businesses. These plans however, have not been approved, and are still in the discussion phase.
WJHG report