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Published March, 2003 |
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| Introduction
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Walton
County, located in the northwest part of the state, is one of
Florida's
fastest growing counties. The area boasts some of the world's
top-rated
beaches and an extraordinary quality of life. The Walton
County Chamber of Commerce was voted
"Best Chamber" in
America in the small town
category thanks in large part to one of the participants of this
roundtable discussion. This article is part of a series of roundtable discussions we are having with business leaders in Florida's Great Northwest. Please send all comments and suggestions for future articles or participants to Steve Saenz, ssaenz@30-A.com |
 Walton County, Florida |
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| Roundtable Participants |
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Thank you for taking the time to participate in our roundtable. We would like to begin by asking each of you how long you have been living in Walton County. |
 Interactive Map of Area |
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| Powell | I've lived and worked in Walton County since 1993. | |||
| Rees | I've been living in Walton County about 4
years full time, have owned property here for 15 years and my wife is a
native of Walton County. |
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| Tedesco | It's hard to believe, but I've been in this place we call “paradise” for almost 4 years. | |||
| Dodson | Since 1987. | |||
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What do you think Walton County will look like in the Year 2013? |
 Tom Powell |
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| Powell | I think the developed coastal portion of
Walton County will double in size and population in the next 10 years.
Freeport will be the center of a community of about 5,000 people--many of
whom will work south of the
Choctawhatchee Bay.
DeFuniak Springs will grow
to about 7,000 people. The community of Mossy Head will be about the size
of today's Freeport. |
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| Rees | In 2013 Walton County will have been
recognized as an "All American County" and received the governor's
Sterling Award for Excellence. Economic development and job creation will
be evident in Freeport, Mossy Head, and other communities. Tourism will
continue to be a major aspect of our economy, but it will be more
balanced. With almost half of South Walton owned by the state, the beauty
of the area will be preserved. Highways
30-A and
US 98 will be recognized as state scenic highways.
Walton County will continue to appreciate its rich history as one of the eight original counties in Florida. |
 Lane Rees |
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| Tedesco | If you can picture "more" but still the same, that's what I think Walton County will look like 10 years from now. With the phenomenal rate of growth continuing, we'll obviously have more of everything. I believe with strategic planning and guidance, we'll be able to accommodate growth while maintaining our County's identity. The growth can match our current environment and cultures and expand what's in the County without dramatically shifting the County's composition. I think the most significant change 10 years from now will be in the Bruce/Red Bay area. The new Bay County International Airport will have tremendous impact on the eastern side of Walton County. |
 Pam Tedesco |
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| Dodson | Consistent with the outline of
Vision 2020,
Walton County's Scenic Highway 30-A will continue to be regarded as one of
the special places in Florida like Key West, Captiva and St. Augustine.
The Scenic 30-A Corridor will be completely developed by that time, with
architectural guidelines, scenic corridor setbacks, and government land
ownership preserving those qualities that make Scenic Highway 30-A unique.
Health care,
schools, and
commercial growth, supported by the expansion
and completion of US 98 will mark activity along that road. All will have
been developed in concert with scenic corridor guidelines to ensure
consistency with the architectural integrity of the rest of South Walton.
The new regional airport opening around 2008 in Western Bay County will
have a significant and positive effect on Walton County. Within that time frame, the biggest Walton County facelift of all will come as Freeport evolves with the relocation of Highway 331, Jay Odom's 3,000-acre development and Cornerstone Group's 4,000-acre development. The effect of the relocation of City Hall around the U.S. Highway 331 re-alignment will not be unlike that of the new Government Center in South Walton. Paired with enhanced school growth and economic development efforts around the business industrial park, I believe Freeport will emerge as an attractive alternative for service personnel of South Walton. These workers will be able to enjoy the amenities of South Walton at Freeport prices. DeFuniak Springs will round out the county as the rural town that is appealing to a significant segment of the baby boomer generation who want to return to small towns and to small-town values. |
 Tom Dodson
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What do you project Walton County's population growth will be in the next five to 10 years? |
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| Powell |
According to the Census Bureau, Walton County had a population of 40,601 in 2000, so it's probably about 42,000 now. Walton County's population could reach 55,000 by 2013, according to University of Florida projections on the EDC website, www.waltonbusiness.com. I believe Walton County will grow faster than that--I'd estimate about 60,000. |
 "Emerald Coast" in South Walton County |
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| Rees | Population today is about 42,000 and I predict that over the next 10 years we'll see an increase of close to 75,000. | |||
| Tedesco | The 2000 Census for Walton County was 40,601, and the 2001 Census estimate was 42,644. We're growing twice as fast as the rest of Florida--one of the fastest growing states in the country. I don't see that changing any time soon. With the new industrial parks recently opened in Walton County, the new hospital, and continued tourism-related development, it all adds up to increasing full-time population. Maintaining the same level of growth would put Walton County at 54,425 in five years. And nearly 70,000 in 10 years. |
 New Home of Walton County Chamber of Commerce on US 331 |
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| Dodson | I anticipate 4-to-5 per cent annual population growth and tourism growth of 3 percent per year. |
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What do you project in tourism growth for Walton County in the next five to 10 years? | |||
| Powell | The Economic Development Council doesn't project tourism growth. |
 Tourist Development Council of S. Walton |
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| Rees | Last year about 700,000 tourists visited Walton County. We know the number varies according to the season, but this would indicate a monthly average of over 58,000. I predict that we'll continue to be a sought-after Drive Destination. When the new airport is finished in Bay County it will be much easier to fly here. I predict over a million tourists annually in the next five to 10 years. | |||
| Tedesco | I don't believe we have come any where near our capacity for tourism growth. We'll continue to see increases in this important industry for our County, especially when the Bay County Airport opens. |
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| Dodson | Tourism growth of 3 per cent annually. | |||
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Is there such a thing as too much growth? If so, how will we know when we reach that point? | |||
| Powell |
Population growth is largely a function of the attractiveness of our communities. Anything we do to make them more attractive will also make them more likely to attract new residents. I don't believe anyone would favor controlling growth by making our communities less attractive places to live. What is sometimes described as a "growth problem" is actually an infrastructure problem. Any rate of growth can be "too much" if the infrastructure doesn't keep pace. I believe the best way to deal with the inevitable rapid growth coming to Walton County is to build infrastructure just as rapidly. |
 Historic Defuniak Hotel Defuniak Springs, FL |
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| Rees | Too much growth can take place if it occurs before the infrastructure can handle it. It is important to encourage strategic planning with the development community, utility companies, city and county governments, EDC, Chamber, etc., to ensure that roads, water and sewer systems, schools, medical care, parks and recreational facilities are planned and implemented. | |||
| Tedesco | That’s a tough question! I'm not sure we should focus on quantity, but rather on compatibility of growth. Land availability, density and height restrictions, land use designations, will all define how much growth can occur to some extent. We have room to grow but we need to be very careful; we need to guide that growth to our best benefit. Would Walton County welcome a mid-sized manufacturing plant? In Grayton Beach, probably not. In Freeport, Mossy Head, or DeFuniak Springs? Most definitely. When we can no longer add development without substantially changing the character of our County, we'll know we've reached capacity. |
 Grayton Beach |
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| Dodson | Walton County had the foresight to anticipate its growth and as such, growth has been responsibly managed in the County, along with the benefit of state, government, and land ownership protecting the area from being over-developed. |
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When it comes to generating future economic growth, what are Walton County's three most valuable assets? |
 New Walton County Library on US 331 |
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| Powell | First, the economic activity generated along the coast is providing resources needed to facilitate growth throughout the county. This is our greatest asset. Our second most valuable asset is the natural scenic beauty of our county and the quality of life it offers. Finally, our government, business, and community leaders are working to maintain the balance between protecting our quality of life and allowing economic growth to continue. This cooperative approach to developing our county is our third greatest asset. | |||
| Rees | Our three most valuable assets are: 1) strong support for desiring economic growth--participation in Florida's Great Northwest, EDC, nationally recognized chamber; 2) the most beautiful beaches--certified by the Clean Beach Council (the only county in state to have received this for all the beach communities and state parks); and, 3) a geographically diverse county, from agriculture to timber, from rivers to bays and beaches. |
 Historic Library in Defuniak Springs, FL |
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| Tedesco | Quality of life, quality of life and quality of life! As our tourists have long recognized, Walton County is a great place to visit or to live. The community enhancements --new schools, a new hospital, new recreational opportunities--coupled with the County's great natural beauty and other quality of life issues make this a very desirable place to live. As the trend continues toward placing a higher priority on life satisfaction, business owners in a position to locate or relocate their businesses will choose a place they want to live in. | |||
| Dodson | Climate, lifestyle, and an attractive cost of living as compared nationwide. | |||
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What are the three greatest challenges Walton County faces in the next 5 to 10 years? | |||
| Powell | 1) Retaining the quality of life that defines Walton County; 2) expanding basic infrastructure to keep up with growth along the coast; and 3) encouraging economic growth in rural inland communities. | |||
| Rees | Challenges include providing adequate infrastructure for the residents and tourists, encouraging economic development for the entire county, and being able to anticipate and plan--versus reacting to issues facing the county. | |||
| Tedesco | Trying to keep the infrastructure improvements in line with our rate of growth will continue to be the largest challenge we will face. Not just for roadways but for water, sewer, educational institutions and amenities. | |||
| Dodson | Infrastructure, opposition to responsible growth, and access to Walton County. | |||
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What, if anything, is your organization doing right now to prepare Walton County for these challenges? |
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| Powell | We invited the people of Walton County to guide us in developing a Strategic Plan for Economic Development. We're in the first year of implementing that plan. |
Economic Development Council of Walton County |
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| Rees | The County has participated in the Chamber's Vision 2020 program; worked with the EDC on a joint strategic planning program; and conducted a strategic exercise last year and has one planned for this year. By thinking strategically and working with other organizations, we'll be preparing the County for these challenges. |
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| Tedesco | The Chamber has taken a very proactive role
in defining our challenges and preparing to meet them. Two years ago, in
conjunction with our
Foundation, we sponsored Vision 2020 -- a county-wide
community visioning program to find out from our members what they wanted
Walton County to be in 2020.
The subcommittees generated from the project are still actively working to make the vision a reality. Recently, the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee sponsored a round-table discussion on exactly these issues with participation from city and county governments, the school board, the sheriff, constitutional officers, business, and tourist industry leaders. They were very much in alignment with their earlier perspectives in defining current as well as future challenges. They expressed interest in continuing to meet to address these issues. |
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| Dodson | Arvida and St. Joe, our parent company, have been instrumental in the creation of the Northwest Florida Improvement Foundation, the development of the new airport in Bay County and in providing the right-of-way land for the widening of U.S. Highway 98 in South Walton County. |
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Other than getting out to vote, what can residents of Walton County do if they want to have a say in the future of their county? | |||
| Powell | In my experience, elected officials are very happy to hear from residents. They are especially anxious to hear from people who do not have a particularly strong personal interest in a given subject. I encourage residents to attend public meetings and offer their opinions. After all, you can't expect community leaders to do what you'd like if they never hear from you. |
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| Rees | Residents can participate in a wide variety of ways: serve on boards and committees; be active in organizations such as the EDC, Chamber, etc. Attend Town Hall, workshops, and government meetings; call, write, email, or visit elected officials. | |||
| Tedesco | While voting certainly is a very direct way to voice your opinion for our future, opportunities to do that come infrequently. A very effective way to have a say is to participate in the decision-making process as often as you can. Attend City Council and County Commission meetings. Make a point to speak up during public hearings on issues of concern to you. Voice your opinion during the formulation of a policy or ordinance instead of complaining afterward. Join and be an active member of any of the many, many community organizations that work to make Walton County the best it can be. | |||
| Dodson | Get involved in a positive way. | |||
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What would you say to someone (individual or family) who is thinking about relocating to a coastal community and is considering Walton County as one of his/her options? | |||
| Powell | Realize that Walton County is a rapidly growing community. So you should not only like it the way it is today, but also as you envision it will be in five, ten or twenty years. | |||
| Rees | Walton County should be top of the list for anyone desiring to live in a coastal community. | |||
| Tedesco | Walton County is a great place to work, play and stay - we have all chosen it as our home so it would be easy to sell someone else on the concept. It's a unique clustering of communities with just the right spot for just about anyone. I would encourage a prospective new resident to tour through the County, meet as many people as possible and confirm that they will feel as much at home here as we do. |
 Post Office in Seaside, FL |
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| Dodson | The quality of life is incomparable. The area is growing in a manner consistent with responsible development. The level of architecture is unparalleled. Small-town values are intact. You'll enjoy a variety of experiences from the diversity allowed by the various waterways and the numerous state park and recreation facilities. | |||
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What would you say to the CEO of a small to mid-sized business that might be considering relocating his business to Walton County? | |||
| Powell | Unless your business must be located along the coast, consider the advantages of locating further inland in communities such as Freeport and DeFuniak Springs that offer Enterprise Zone tax benefits. |
 New Cycle Shop In Freeport, FL |
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| Rees | Walton County is a great place to open a business. The County actively encourages the development of the business community. Two business parks are being developed, as well as other private parks to provide high-quality locations for businesses that want to relocate to our beautiful county. | |||
| Tedesco | Walton County is very open and welcoming to new businesses, and with the Nation's Best Small Chamber, we can supply the company with resources to help their success. Do your homework: if the company is compatible with our local economy and helps meet a need that's currently not being met, Walton County could be the best place for you. | |||
| Dodson | In most cases, there are still a number of opportunities to be the first one in the market. You'll also find, like the rest of Florida, tax incentives that make Florida a great consideration relative to other areas. Florida's Great Northwest is making headway in their economic development efforts to create momentum, and the area offers extensive education, lifestyle, medical and recreational resources. |
 WaterColor Inn Along Scenic 30-A |
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In closing, what would you add that might be important to anyone interested in the future of Walton County? | |||
| Powell | The easiest way to influence the future growth of a community is to pick an organization that shares your fundamental point of view and become an active member. That will allow you to use your personal strengths to the best effect. |
 Winter Sunset in Seagrove Beach |
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| Rees | Walton County is a great place to work, live and visit. The people take a significant amount of pride in their county. | |||
| Tedesco | I frequently describe Walton County as a spring, compressed so tightly that it bulges on one side, that it's ready to explode. We're just now beginning to see that explosion, and it's going to go on for quite a while. What a tremendous opportunity, and what tremendous obligation we have-to guide that growth for the betterment of all. | |||
| Dodson | If you are genuinely interested in the future of Walton County, you should get involved in the community in a positive way. | |||
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Thank you all very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences about the Future of Walton County. |
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| Accessing this article | To access this article online, go
to: www.30-A.com/articles/waltonfuture2003.html |
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