Commissioners table airport–north-county transit pilot after debate over funding, ride payments and jail stop; local drivers raise abuse claims

Okaloosa County staff presented a proposal June 10 for a 90-day pilot transit route connecting the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport with destinations in north Okaloosa County, but commissioners opted to postpone implementation until outstanding operational and funding questions are resolved.

Tyrone Parker of the county Transit Division described a proposed pilot that would begin July 1 and run 90 days. Parker said the recommended funding mix was airport and tourism sponsorship, advertising funds and general-fund support. “Ridership data and survey responses will be used to determine the appropriateness of utilizing tourism development taxes to fund the route,” Parker said.

Concerns from the board centered on convenience and pay-on-vehicle capability, potential competition or overlap with private rideshare and taxi companies, and whether the county is prepared to provide meaningful connectivity for people released from the county jail. Commissioners asked staff to ensure on-bus payment options (Apple Pay/tap-to-pay/credit) and to provide clearer fee and funding breakdowns before launching a pilot.

Public comment: Local drivers raised operational and enforcement complaints about airport rideshare queues. Sue Williamson, a local rideshare driver, told commissioners she and other local drivers have observed what they described as “teleporting” and use of multiple devices by out-of-area drivers to jump ahead in the queue, intimidation and unclean conduct, and possible cell-signal interference inside the lot. “Photos, videos, and app screenshots... support this,” Williamson said. Airport staff said they are investigating and would accept written documentation.

Jail pickup coordination: Commissioners also pressed staff on providing service to the county jail in Crestview so people released there can access transit. County staff said an express-route service modification is planned to add stops near the jail with trips timed to release windows; staff committed to implementing a stop near Bracken Street beginning June 30 to help address that need.

Next steps and board action: After discussion the board agreed to table the airport route until staff returns with implementation details requested by commissioners, including on-vehicle payment capability, a clear funding split, and evidentiary follow-up on the airport queue complaints. Commissioners said they preferred starting a single-season pilot with required operational supports and adequate advance marketing rather than a mid-season start.