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

[DCFinSCB]

A small group of local professionals have banded together as "Supporters" to come up with a proposal for a Physical Education and Activities Kampus that will serve not only the local residential population, but that of any visitors or vacationers, our guests, to the area. We think the idea has merit and brings significant value to the inhabitants of what most of us consider the crowning jewel of the Emerald Coast, South Walton. And as we begin 2010 and all consider our future, we look to Our Greater South Walton Community for support!

By now, I would imagine most of us have come to grips with the fact that South Walton is growing, and in some ways and directions perhaps some of us would rather it didn't. But hopefully what you find here is an opportunity to get behind an idea and proposal, and maybe even help shape the future landscape and idea, of what South Walton represents and offers.

This is the type of infrastructure and facilities we not only could use, but that will provide a resource for the many activities: sports, theatre, health and wellness-related services, performing and the visual arts, or otherwise. What this proposal needs now is the support of Our Community!

So now we ask that you review the attached proposal, give it your time and consideration, and then post here about your thoughts, ideas, and hopefully YOUR SUPPORT! Think of this as an online petition, and sign your name to the idea of a constructive, enriching, and beneficial future for South Walton and its people. And contact Our Commissioners, Chamber, and Tourism & Development Council to let them know you support the idea as well. Help South Walton reach its P.E.A.K.!

Thank you for your time and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Supporters of the Physical Education & Activties Kampus (S.P.E.A.K.) for South Walton

 

[florida girl]

Given the current economy, and that taxes and fees have already skyrocketed, this seems to be something else that we really can't afford.

The South Walton Physical Education & Activities Kampus Funding Program

It is not yet fully known from what sources the funds necessary to develop the Kampus would be, but a mixture of private donations, and federal, state and local grants, as well as voter approved bonds are the most likely. Local option sales tax revenues may also support the Kampus, which makes sense in light of the projected increase in sales tax revenue that the project is expected to contribute.

 

[Jdarg]

I applaud people like the S.P.E.A.K. group and others constantly trying to make improvements in our community. There are many real "community needs" here- services and programs and facilities that are wanted by the families who live and work here...and just because the economy is bad now does not mean everyone should stop moving forward. Winners keep the momentum going, and thankfully, there are a lot of hardworking people here that understand that concept.

Thanks to S.P.E.A.K., the Grow Some Roots group, the Farmer's Market, the people supporting local businesses, the non-profits, parents at the schools, Community Walton, and the many others who are working to strengthen our community!

 

[Zebraspots]

Given the current economy, and that taxes and fees have already skyrocketed, this seems to be something else that we really can't afford.

Given the current economy, I think it is something we really can't afford to not do.

 

[Just Curious]

We can't just wait until the economy is better to start planning things. This seems like the perfect time to plan improvements to our community that will draw in more people and make south walton better.

Have you contacted anybody from the local government? There is no reason to have seperate efforts working towards the same goals. They might have some input that would be helpful.

 

[DCFinSCB]

We can't just wait until the economy is better to start planning things. This seems like the perfect time to plan improvements to our community that will draw in more people and make south walton better.

Have you contacted anybody from the local government? There is no reason to have seperate efforts working towards the same goals. They might have some input that would be helpful.

Great question. We have been in touch with and submitted this idea to both the Chamber and TDC. While the former Commissioner invited us to her office, we have not yet heard from any of the current Commisioners.

The Chamber, and especially the TDC, have been helpful. We've also had informal discussions with members of the local arts community (including jdarg), local developers, and land owners.

We would not expect this to be done by next year, or that it would be completely paid for by taxpayers (quite the opposite, we want less or limited government involvement and money, not more, through private investment), but rather this can be a consideration and direction for some of the growth we know is coming and already happening in South Walton.

I expect we'll hear from several who say, "No thank you," but we think the growth we are promoting, outside the scope of and other than WalMart and strip malls, is a worthy consideration that can provide tangible benefits to EVERY segment and member of our community.

And really, we want to hear from EVERYONE who wants to provide their input. If you support the efforts, we'll be happy to have it and hope you will sign on to the proposal. If you disagree with what we are proposing, we'll take that into consideration as well.

 

[scooterbug44]

FG - you constantly complain about how we need a different industry here, yet can never come up with anything but complaints. Someone else is proposing something that is not only proven to bring in revenue, but is a great community resource and wants all of our input and you complain about that too!

Whether we like it or not, Sowal is growing. That growth can be good (a place to draw offseason business and improve our community's health) or bad (Wal-mart).

 

[Just Curious]

Great question. We have been in touch with and submitted this idea to both the Chamber and TDC. While the former Commissioner invited us to her office, we have not yet heard from any of the current Commisioners.

The Chamber, and especially the TDC, have been helpful. We've also had informal discussions with members of the local arts community (including jdarg), local developers, and land owners.

We would not expect this to be done by next year, or that it would be completely paid for by taxpayers (quite the opposite, we want less or limited government involvement and money, not more, through private investment), but rather this can be a consideration and direction for some of the growth we know is coming and already happening in South Walton.

I expect we'll hear from several who say, "No thank you," but we think the growth we are promoting, outside the scope of and other than WalMart and strip malls, is a worthy consideration that can provide tangible benefits to EVERY segment and member of our community.

And really, we want to hear from EVERYONE who wants to provide their input. If you support the efforts, we'll be happy to have it and hope you will sign on to the proposal. If you disagree with what we are proposing, we'll take that into consideration as well.

Thanks for the info, but I would recomend making the first contact with any public official. If you are waiting for them to call, you might be there awhile. I think that you would get a lot of support from our new District 5 Commissioner, I have had a lot of good experiences with her and her efforts since she has been in office.

 

[Andy A]

I have read all of the proposal but I have a question or two. I am fully supportive of sports in every form as I played and officiated them until I no longer could do so. In one part of the proposal, residence were mentioned as being a possiblity. This brings to mind a scenerio similar to "The Villages" in Central Florida. Are you, by any chance, proposing something similar or have I read too much into the proposal?
Also, have you contacted Commissioner Comander who is sponsoring the Walton County Visions program? This should definitely be a part of it, IMO.

 

[DCFinSCB]

I have read all of the proposal but I have a question or two. I am fully supportive of sports in every form as I played and officiated them until I no longer could do so. In one part of the proposal, residence were mentioned as being a possiblity. This brings to mind a scenerio similar to "The Villages" in Central Florida. Are you, by any chance, proposing something similar or have I read too much into the proposal?
Also, have you contacted Commissioner Comander who is sponsoring the Walton County Visions program? This should definitely be a part of it, IMO.

Taking into consideration the uniqueness of our area and its people, we are not trying to copy any existing developments, but learn from what many in existence already offer, including "The Villages" and "IMG Academies" in Bradenton, and apply what is learned to this proposal. Both of those existing developments provide an opportunity for South Walton to take what those existing communities provide to their inhabitants into consideration, and gives us an opportunity to tailor our future here around something we consider much more constructive than just a narrow focus on consumption (i.e. retail stores and restaurants, not that there is anything wrong with having either), and that may very well include creation of a community, or multiple communities, that are set up similarly to the ones referenced with adjoining or very near by residences.

I do believe this plan, or a previous version of it, has been forwarded to the Commissioners already, but will send out to them again. We will be extremely proactive in getting this out to the community and appreciate any help in doing so that anyone who views this provides.