A Better South Walton Announces Community Meetings in May

A Better South Walton, Inc. (ABSW), a nonprofit organization founded to seek more effective governance and local representation for South Walton, is holding three community meetings to discuss the key findings of the preliminary feasibility study and the opportunities it gives the community. These meetings will give the community the chance to get the information surrounding the ABSW initiative, ask questions and voice their concerns.

“Our residents make up almost 40% of the population of Walton County and 88.5% of the property taxes generated in the county last year were generated in South Walton,” says ABSW President David Pleat. “It is time to get the facts about incorporation and make an informed decision about the future of South Walton.”

The community meetings, free and open to the public, will outline the origin and purpose of ABSW, the highlights of the feasibility study and findings from a recent survey of South Walton residents. Each meeting will discuss the options available for the future of South Walton, including incorporation into a municipality, and the cost, timeline and impact of incorporation.

“It’s now time to share these results and talk about what’s next,” states Pleat. “We have an incredible opportunity before us, one that allows us to shape the future of South Walton ourselves. Every resident deserves a say in how South Walton is run.”

After nearly a year of work A Better South Walton (ABSW) is ready to hold community meetings. Each meeting will provide results of recent survey, the findings of the long-awaited Feasibility Study, and how you can get involved. Following the presentations a question and answer session will conclude the meetings. Come out to learn about ABSW and get current information and data about the community of South Walton that has never been studied or made available to the public before this effort.

“We are here to ask questions and seek answers to the complex issues facing South Walton. It is critical that we gain insight from the public on their views. The Feasibility Study will be reviewed and vetted by the Florida League of Cities and the Institute of Government of the University of Central Florida. It’s time to talk about what is best for South Walton,” said Vice President, Dave Rauschkolb.

The meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.
 

ABSW Meeting Schedule | May 2016

Monday, May 9
5:30-7 p.m.
Rosemary Beach Town Hall
S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach

Wednesday, May 11
5:30-7 p.m.
560 Grand Boulevard
Former Coldwater Creek location across from Grand Park and Cantina Laredo
Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach

Thursday, May 12
5:30-7 p.m.
560 Grand Boulevard
Former Coldwater Creek location across from Grand Park and Cantina Laredo
Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
 

ABSW’s mission is to seek more effective governance and local representation for South Walton to preserve and enhance its unique character, property values and quality of life. 

The ABSW initiative is made up of a diverse group of citizen volunteers who share a concern about the future of South Walton. The board of directors includes President David Pleat, Dave Rauschkolb, Mike Huggins, David Bailey, Leigh Moore, Jacquee Markel, Jim Rester and Jennifer Steele.

Learn more at abettersouthwalton.org and sign up for the newsletter. The website provides an overview of the organization, its mission, meet the team of SoWal people, and information about the study, surveys and what's to come. You can also donate, join the team and find out how to get involved.