Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Walton County names Greatton Beach community center for longtime local activist 'Beach Mama' Haynes
Summary
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved naming the new Greatton Beach community facility for Betts ‘Beach Mama’ Haynes after family members described her decades‑long activism that kept the beach public.
Walton County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously voted to name the new Greatton Beach community center in honor of Betts “Beach Mama” Haynes, a resident family members said led a decades‑long fight to keep the shoreline open to the public.
“'I want this land to be for the people. And I'll help you,'” said Secretary Bazette, quoting a memory family members gave of Haynes’ work, a line he used while describing Haynes’ letter‑writing campaigns and challenges to construction permits in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Commissioner Anderson moved the naming resolution and Commissioner Glidewell seconded it. The board voted to waive the public‑hearing requirement and adopt the resolution without objection. Family members and commissioners applauded; staff photographed the recognition on the floor of the meeting.
Why it matters: County commissioners said naming the new facility recognizes a long history of local civic advocacy and preserves the story of residents who fought permit decisions to keep the Greatton shoreline available for public use. The family recounted visits by elected officials and a 1985 dedication that county speakers said secured public access.
What’s next: Staff will arrange a public dedication with the family and prepare a plaque for the facility. The board’s formal motion and unanimous vote record will appear in the meeting minutes.
