Board permits Midway Water to investigate potential well site on district-owned parcel near East Bay K-8

The Santa Rosa County School Board on May 1 approved a request by Midway Water System to investigate a school-owned parcel northeast of East Bay K-8 for a potential freshwater well and, if viable, future utility placement.

Board staff described the request as an early-stage investigation: Midway Water would drill a test well and perform water quality testing. If the water proved nonpotable or unsuitable, Midway Water would restore the site to its prior condition. If the source proved usable, district staff said the utility would proceed with appraisals, contract negotiations and required permits, including a conditional-use process before the Board of County Commissioners and reviews by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The parcel fronts Elkhart Street north of the school parking lot, district materials said; the presentation included photos of existing Midway Water pump-house facilities and an example rendering of a water tower, which the presenter said could display an East Bay K-8 logo if the project is built. Superintendent Dr. Barber emphasized the vote authorized only exploratory work and that environmental and permitting approvals would be required before any permanent facility or easement change.

Board members voted unanimously to grant permission for Midway Water to proceed with the test-well investigation; the motion specified the district would require liability insurance, indemnification and construction fencing during testing. Further steps depend on test results and separate permitting and land-use approvals.