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TDC backs due diligence on possible beach-parcel purchases; board vote unanimous
Summary
After reviewing three coastal parcels the County Commission had discussed, the Tourist Development Council recommended proceeding with due diligence and exploring use of TDT funds; the council voted 7–0 to forward that recommendation.
The Tourist Development Council held a detailed discussion about three privately offered beachfront or near-beach parcels the Board of County Commissioners had recently considered for potential purchase with tourism-development (TDT) funds.
Matt Algern, Walton County Tourism Director, summarized the three parcels: a roughly 1-acre lot at 4499 West County Highway 30A adjacent to Ed Wallin Regional Beach Access with an asking price reported at $6,500,000 that would add about 75 feet of beachfront; and two smaller parcels near Fort Panic Regional Beach Access, described as under one acre with asking prices reported in the meeting at about $250,000 and $350,000 respectively.
Brian Kellenberger, director of beach operations, explained how each parcel might be developed for regional beach access, limited parking, an accessible boardwalk or small pocket park; he cautioned that appraisals are a starting point but “property in Walton County is worth what somebody's willing to pay you for.” Kellenberger also summarized other beach-acquisition projects the county already owns and noted some parcels remain in design or litigation holds.
A homeowner next to one of the parcels, Lindley Dermody of Costa Blanca, spoke against converting the small 0.56-acre parcel into an additional public access because of existing local congestion and nearby larger public accesses. Council members acknowledged the homeowner’s concerns and said such neighborhood impacts would be weighed in due diligence.
Council discussion focused on feasibility, potential recreational use, parking and the county’s policy for acquisition (two appraisals, average used as an offer unless a supermajority approves paying more than appraised value). Council members also asked the county CFO about available TDT funds; staff said approximately $7,300,000 was currently available that “could be used for property acquisition” at this time.
Motion and vote: Councilwoman Amy Wisecoble moved that the TDC proceed with due diligence and continue to explore whether acquisition is feasible and an appropriate use of TDT dollars; Councilman Brian Moffitt seconded. The council voted 7–0 in favor of the motion.
Ending: The TDC will forward its unanimous recommendation and any council feedback to the Board of County Commissioners for its consideration; county staff will continue appraisal, permitting and feasibility work if the commissioners elect to proceed.
