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S.P.E.A.K. Up for South Walton

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I like the concept of a sports center for the kids and adults to enjoy, but the comparison to the Frank Brown Park in PCB for raising money terrifies me. Do we really want to host events like Thunderbeach here on 30a?! I think I would rather have the Walmart! :eek:

We specifically discussed Frank Brown Park in our meetings as a model we would NOT want. The Kampus aspects of this proposal look to avoid what many of us view as a bit of a monstrosity in Panama City Beach, while protecting and promoting much of the surrounding natural landscape and beauty. I think most if not all of us can agree that South Walton is unique, and this plan looks to protect, promote, and generate revenue for ALL of Walton County from that uniqueness, while providing facilities, venues, and services that are needed in South Walton.
 
Walton county has a total full-time population of around 50,000 today, with about four thousand families with kids spread out across the entire county. What you describe doesn't fit with the demographics of the area, nor does the initial and ongoing cost fit with the median income levels we have here. How much would something like this cost to maintain? Debt does not magically disappear, it must be paid off. Pretty much the only way to pay for this ‘Kampus’ is through taxes, both property and sales. Those methods spread the cost across the entire county. I don't think folks in Defuniak, Piney Grove, Freeport, or for that matter, Miramar Beach, are going to be happy about funding a sports complex for a small privileged group, especially when you consider the income disparities between the northern and southern regions.

I'm sorry but I would not support something like this if it came to a vote. This smacks of an idea hatched by the "30-A crowd" which would clearly under serve a majority of Walton County residents. Case and point, quoting your proposal: “The growth of the eastern area of South Walton, as evidenced by the continued development of Point Washington, Seagrove, Grayton, Eastern Lake, WaterColor, WaterSound Beach, WaterSound, Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Sea Crest, shows the need for an additional sports recreation facility in this part of the county.” Of all the demographic areas in Walton County, I can assure you, the 30-A corridor is last on the list in need of frivolous, taxpayer funded facilities.

Also, isn't most of this already available either publically or privately? I think most of these resources are, just not in one grand 200 acre shining complex. (Conveniently located just north of 30-A.)

Now I wouldn't have any issues with parents asking for a couple soccer fields at the local high school or a new park or small ampatheater, but what S.P.E.A.K. is describing here seems more suited to a large metropolitan area or a very rich, niche enclave, like, oh I don't know, maybe Aspen Colorado?

My suggestion for the folks interested in this would be to get your expectations more in line with the fiscal and demographic realities of area you live in. (Also, if Seaside’s Neighborhood School is in need of a new lacrosse field, might I suggest the folks who send their kids there band together, buy the land, and build one.)


I can understand your apprehension if this was being proposed for just the local population, but it is not. We are talking about creating a viable industry for the area and the future that fits with and complements the already existing industries, culture, and environment of the area. Sports are not getting less popular locally, regionally, or internationally, but rather it is still very much a growth industry.

We honestly think and feel that this has the possibility of being a uniquely defining project for not only this specific area, but for the Florida Panhandle, and Southeast Region. This is as much a motivation of the heart and for what we view as a very special and endearing community, as it is about anything else. Words like potential are used too often, but this project really does provide an opportunity for nearly EVERYONE, the residents, the visitors, retirees, the county, the arts community, the sports community, private interests, and the public, to profit and come out winners.
 
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I can understand your apprehension if this was being proposed for just the local population, but it is not. We are talking about creating a viable industry for the area and the future that fits with and complements the already existing industries, culture, and environment of the area. Sports are not getting less popular locally, regionally, or internationally, but rather it is still very much a growth industry.

We honestly think and feel that this has the possibility of being a uniquely defining project for not only this specific area, but for the Florida Panhandle, and Southeast Region. This is as much a motivation of the heart and for what we view as a very special and endearing community, as it is about anything else. Words like potential are used too often, but this project really does provide an opportunity for nearly EVERYONE, the residents, the visitors, retirees, the county, the arts community, the sports community, private interests, and the public, to profit and come out winners.

I think the idea is great.. but as a private venture. The county will still benefit through sales taxes and increased tourist traffic, local businesses that already offer these services will have a fair chance to compete, and local residents who see value in what the complex offers will be responsible for supporting it through the fees they pay for access.

I do wish you the best of luck in your new business venture! :D You should start by knocking on Joe's front door, they have a habit of investing in these types of things and a vested interest in seeing the area grow.
 
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Bump.

While I can understand Kurt moving this to Sports & Recreation, the topic is as much about Health & Wellness, Arts & Entertainment, Music & Events, Real Estate & Business, and really is All About SoWal and creating a productive and positive contributing industry here.

So during this weekend, of arts, entertainment, and what is sure to be GREAT music, please consider the options and opportunities a facility like the one proposed would offer to future events.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and S.P.E.A.K. Up!!
 
Received an email recently that said another commissioner is holding up the process of getting Feasibility Studies going and completed by professionals who specialize in this area. These studies are important to the successful and healthy growth and development of not only the county, but everyone who is located here permanently or temporarily. Residents and visitors alike need to S.P.E.A.K. Up!

Please call and/or email our Commissioners to state your support for the TDC Arts/Sports Feasibility Studies - AS ALREADY APPROVED TWICE - moving forward. Request an explanation and request that the studies not be held up any longer. Please let others know about this and ask them to do the same.

Thank you for your help.

Dist 1 Scott Brannon [EMAIL="brascott@co.walton.fl.us"][EMAIL="brascott@co.walton.fl.us"]brascott@co.walton.fl.us[/EMAIL][/EMAIL] (850) 835-4860
Dist 2 Kenneth Pridgen [EMAIL="prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us"][EMAIL="prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us"]prikenneth@co.walton.fl.us[/EMAIL][/EMAIL] (850) 834-6328 (850) 951-3736
Dist 3 Larry Jones [EMAIL="jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us"][EMAIL="jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us"]jonlarry@co.walton.fl.us[/EMAIL][/EMAIL] (850) 892-8474
Dist 4 Sara Commander [EMAIL="comsara@co.walton.fl.us"][EMAIL="comsara@co.walton.fl.us"]comsara@co.walton.fl.us[/EMAIL][/EMAIL] (850) 835-4834
Dist 5 Cecilia Jones [EMAIL="joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us"][EMAIL="joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us"]joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us[/EMAIL][/EMAIL] (850) 231-2978
 
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