Walton County Coastal Plan Recommends Low Densities on Most Land
The 1980 Walton County Coastal Area Study cites citizen concern over growth impacts on natural resources and beauty. It proposes 20 units per gross acre in a mixed planned unit development district on 870 acres of South Walton’s 50 000 acres, with rural and medium density zones receiving much lower densities elsewhere. The report contrasts this with the performance zoning ordinance allowing high densities in most areas, drawing criticism from the Florida DCA for permitting high densities in sensitive low lying coastal zones.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Walton County
Walton
South Walton
Florida Department of Community Affairs
DCA
County leaders weigh revised coastal plan and zoning role
Minutes show at least two county commissioners knew of Barrett Daffin and Carlan 1980 revision of the comprehensive plan adopted as advisory. Commissioner Dernard Owens moved, W F Miles supported. Zoning critic Rusty Marshall questions why Barrett Daffin and Carlan didn’t draft the ordinance first. Walton County Administrator Dewey Wilson notes contract stipulations require approval by DCA and potential density amendments via the ordinance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barrett
Daffin
Carlan
Dernard Owens
W. F. “‘Rabbit’ Miles
Rusty Marshall
Santa Rosa Beach
Walton
Dewey Wilson
George Ralph Miller
DCA
Wilson
Fire official cites back up pool use and standpipe risks
Fire Commissioner Owens says he did not know of a problem with using a developer's pool as a back up until regional water system is built. In Whispering Sands, a dry standpipe replacement would source water from a pumper truck, a plan Patterson says would leave South Walton's truck out of water in minutes and remove occupant hoses. County officials acknowledge delays in water and sewer ahead of development and note past variances mostly concern setbacks, with red clay violations on white beaches.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Owens
Whispering Sands
Patterson
South Walton
Walton County officials criticized over variances
Patterson said he resigned citing wrongness of granting variances and not wanting to be part of it. Dewar condemned the Walton County Commission actions, saying it should not aim to create a fire safe county or incentives for developers. No penalties planned, but directives will stop occupancy until violations are fixed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Patterson
Dewar
Walton County Commission
Kingston defends Red Cross amid hurricane criticism
Kingston acknowledged criticism of the Red Cross after the hurricane but doubted local staff reactions. He warned that large organizations can be slow to act, likening it to grabbing a bowl of jelly. Mack Bayou resident John Foster criticized volunteer coordination.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kingston
Red Cross
Mack Bayou
John Foster
Red Cross Chapter Debate Over Representation
Kingston argues for equal representation on the county Red Cross board and questions independent charters. He notes evacuations draw residents to DeFuniak Springs and says a county chapter would be ineffective without inclusive leadership.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Red Cross
South Walton
DeFuniak Springs
Kingston
School site study cites safety and access concerns near pond
The superintendent warns that a holding pond supplying water to the golf course could be a safety hazard and that the site lacks adequate highway access. DeShazo notes high cost factors for an access road and backs the Sandestin study as accurate while stating negotiations with landowners continue for other potential locations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
DeShazo
Sandestin
Lawsuit Under Way Over School Redistricting in County
Continued from Page 1B details a lawsuit over redistricting based on road miles rather than population. Judge Wells previously ruled the county violated Florida statute and drew compliant district maps. A later redistricting prompted new suits, with Wells recusing before a Thursday hearing. Al Downs, head of the taxpayers group, declined comment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
WCTA
Wells
Florida
Sioners
George Ralph Miller
W.F. Miles
Sam Pridgen
Judge Wells
Taxpayers’ Group
al Downs
Also Mentioned on This Page
Guy’s Glass and Mirror
Airport Road
Botcek
Rome
Holiday Inn
Holidome US 98
East Destin, Fla
Point Washington
Professional Chiropractic Services
General
M.D
Licen
FT. Walton Alum. Products CO
Jackson St
Aaa
Ciicken
Curtis Mathes
Eglin Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach
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