Growth committee eyed for Northwest Florida region
A governor appointed growth management panel for Okaloosa Walton Bay Santa Rosa and Escambia counties will study Highway 98 congestion through Destin and South Walton and water quality in Old Pass Lagoon as priorities. Doug Buck of the DCA said state agency heads identify these as key concerns for the West Florida Coast Resource Planning and Management Committee. The nearly 40 member panel will include elected officials planners and agency staff and meet after governor Graham approves appointments. The group will assess growth control gaps and related issues including water supply wastewater treatment transportation and coastal development pressures.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ingrid Kreis
Destin
South
Walton
Old Pass Lagoon
Doug Buck
Department of Community Affairs
West Florida Coast
Okaloosa
Walton, Bay
Santa Rosa
Escambia
Graham
Buck
DCA
Departments of Transportation, Environmental Regulation, Natural Resources
Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
Francis Takes Helm At Coast Guard Station
Senior Chief Glenn Francis is named new commander of Destin Coast Guard Station replacing Chief Joseph Scullion. The ceremony is at 11 a.m. Francis, veteran of 17 Coast Guard years, previously led deck force aboard the barque Eagle in New London CT. He plans minor repairs and steady operations and voices doubt about proposed non emergency SAR cuts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vanita Trippe
Coast Guard
Eagle
Glenn Francis
Joseph Scullion
Destin Coast Guard
Francis
Beaucoup
New London
Destin
Virginia
U.S
Fire Island Inlet
Jones Inlet
Reagan
Barron Rejects Funding Increase For Water District
Senator Dempsey Barron of Panama City says he will oppose a bill raising the Northwest Florida Water Management District millage until the region shows concrete evidence of a water supply shortage. He notes the 1976 creation of districts allowed ad valorem taxes, but Barron argues North Florida did not face water problems. NWFWMD officials warn funding is needed. Barron criticizes taxes as bureaucratic motives and demands justification before any tax hikes. The story continues on Page IGA.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ingrid Kreis
Florida
Dempsey Barron
Barron
Panama City
Northwest Florida
South
North
Nwfwmd
IGA
Solons weigh saltwater license amid funding clashes
Lawmakers debate a saltwater fishing license as the core bill to fund marine research and restoration faces GOP pushback. Destin charter Capt. Patterson warns of inequity and opposes the fee, urging alternative funding such as boat or gear taxes or higher registration fees to salvage the measure. Rep. Dunbar notes possible financing plans and a conference committee path to reconcile House and Senate versions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Chitwood
Malcol Patterson
Pete Dunbar
Dempsey Barron
Senate
Destin
Dunbar
House
Patterson
Associaton
Rank Aid
Pat Neal
Marine Fisheries Commission
Also Mentioned on This Page
Harbor
Coast Guard Station
Joe Scullion
Destin Station
Senator Dempsey Barron
Benning Drive
Kelly
Walton Bridges
Beach Beach
Solons
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