Taylor County hears feasibility study on bypasses for Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee; no recommendations yet

Taylor County commissioners heard a presentation Oct. 21 from AvCon Incorporated on a grant-funded feasibility study examining bypass and turn-lane alternatives to reduce seasonal congestion at Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee boat ramps.

The study, funded entirely by a grant, is still in an early phase and includes no formal recommendations, AvCon’s presenter said. "We don't even have recommendations at this point. We just want to present to you what we've seen so far," the consultant said, noting traffic counts were taken during the July Fourth weekend, the busiest period in the area.

The consultant described three principal options under review: no-build, a full bypass around the ramps and waterfront cores, and more limited improvements such as added turn lanes and storage. The full-bypass option offers the largest traffic benefit but faces greater permitting hurdles and costs because parts cross wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas; limited improvements could use county-owned property north of the Keaton Beach ramp to reduce impacts and cost.

County staff and the consultant emphasized environmental constraints at Keaton Beach in particular. "The Keaton Beach Coastal Park property — we will not be able ... we committed before the community trust that we would protect that property," Melody Cox said, noting prior commitments to the Florida Communities Trust restrict encroachment on some county-owned parkland. Staff said they will research legal restrictions on county parcels and forward an existing environmental assessment for Keaton Beach to the consultant.

Public commenters urged more outreach in Steinhatchee and more engagement with local businesses that would be affected by any route changes. Resident Tony Edwards told the board, "You need to talk a little bit more to the people in Steinhatchee. Those are the ones that live with it in the end."

AvCon said it collected vehicle, pedestrian and golf-cart counts at peak seasonal times and has modeled modest traffic growth projections through 2045; cost estimates and final recommendations will follow after more field verification and public input. The consultant asked commissioners for detailed written feedback and said at least two more stakeholder meetings are planned, including one in Steinhatchee if the board requests it. The consultant also said it expects to deliver contractually required deliverables by April next year.

Next steps described to the board include additional stakeholder meetings in the affected communities, more detailed mapping and right-of-way confirmation, follow-up environmental/permit research, and cost estimates for alternatives. No formal county action or vote was taken on project alternatives at the meeting; staff will return with refined options and supporting documents.

Ending: The county and AvCon will schedule further stakeholder meetings and continue environmental and right-of-way investigation; the consultant expects to present recommendations after completing those steps and producing cost estimates and permitting assessments.