JOBS AT RISK - TOURISM DECLINE - REAL ESTATE DECLINE - TAX REVENUE DECLINE
Labor day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year in on the beaches North West Florida. But not this year for areas of South Walton County. The recent rains washed out a large section of road on Scenic Hwy 30a thanks to an uncleared beaver dam.
Local businesses are seeing a drastic reduction in traffic which is greatly affecting sales, and may lead to the loss of over 100 jobs, according to business owners. The local commissioner Cindy Meadows’ office claims the road will be closed for a year pending a replacement bridge installation. In contrast the public works office issued word through the Walton County SHeriffs Office that the road would reopen at noon August 29th. From the pictures attached this is clearly false information.
The signage to and from the closed road sections are also a bone of contention. They do not explain any detour for tourists causing them to turn around but have no alternative marked route. The Walton County Tourist Development Council is spending many dollars on advertising and promotions to get people to visit the area, who are now angry at the way the closure is being handled. We all understand the logistics involved in repairing roads, scheduling planning and environmental. However so far it appears to be a selection of separate voices with no clear plan.
All local and state agencies need to come together on this immediately for a reasonable temporary IMMEDIATE and long term solution to this road closure.
A website has been formed at www.30abridge.com to highlight this issue and has placement for a petition.
