Milton council votes 6-1 to bid on three parcels adjacent to courthouse, rejects taking courthouse itself

The Milton City Council voted 6-1 on Oct. 9 to authorize staff to prepare and submit a conditional bid for three Santa Rosa County parcels south of Oak Street and adjacent to downtown festival grounds, but council members agreed the city should not bid on the courthouse building itself.

City Manager Spears recommended the council "simply wait" for private-sector interest in the courthouse and steer the city's energy toward securing the three smaller parcels used for parking and events, saying demolition or renovation of the courthouse would carry large remediation costs and staff burdens. "My recommendation to you tonight is to simply wait," City Manager Spears said.

Why it matters: the three parcels are contiguous with land the city now uses for festivals and downtown activities; securing them would preserve event space and parking in Milton’s downtown and fit the city’s Riverfront Master Plan. Council members and several residents said losing those parcels could damage downtown activity and the city’s long-term plans.

Most important facts: the county issued an RFP on Oct. 1 (RFP 2061) for the courthouse parcel and three adjacent county-owned parcels. Deadlines in the RFP: questions due Oct. 22; sealed proposals due 10 a.m. Oct. 29. City staff presented…