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50390048.06
Walton County
Corridor Management Plan
Scenic 30-ACorridor Management Plan
Submitted to:
Florida Department of TransportationDistrict Three
Scenic Highways CoordinatorP.O. Box 607
Chipley, Florida 32428850.415.9524
Submitted by:
Scenic 30-A Corridor Advocacy GroupClaire Bannerman, Chairperson
90 Spires Lane, 7-A StreetSanta Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
850.622.3059
Prepared by:
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.1725 Hermitage BoulevardTallahassee, Florida 32308
850.553.3500
October 2007
AcknowledgementsThe process of designating a Florida Scenic Highway relies on the volunteer efforts of local citizens, community leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations working closely with land-management agencies, local governments, consultants, and the Florida Department of Transportation. The Friends of Scenic 30-A, along with the added support from local business owners and residents of Scenic 30-A, have committed significant amounts of time to this process. Others deserving recognition for their participation, encouragement, guidance, and financial contributions in the joint effort to make Scenic 30-A designation a reality include:
FDOT District ThreeLaura Haddock, District Environmental AdministratorShannon Foor, District Scenic Highway Coordinator
Special ThanksWalton County Board of County Commissioners District 5 Commissioner’s Aide, Vicki Kitahara
Walton County Tourist Development Council – Kriss TitusWalton County Tourist Development Council – Tracy Louthain
Walton County Chamber of CommerceWalton County Citizen Services – Ken Little
Shannon Porath, Attorney at LawFlorida State Parks
Walton County Health DepartmentScenic 30-A Corridor Advocacy Group Chairperson- Claire BannermanScenic 30-A Corridor Advocacy Group Vice Chairperson- Cliff Knauer
Scenic 30-A Corridor Advocacy Group
Special Recognition to:SoWal.com
Discover30A.comEmeraldcoast.com
Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Committee
Special AcknowledgementVan Ness Butler and Staff
Tim Pauls and Staff
Friends of Scenic 30-AJohndra CulpDale Foster
Cheryl and William FreezeMary and Bill Grubbs
Vicki KitaharaKen Little
Meg NelsonHenry Nooe
Carole SeibertTom SteinKen Volgel
Walton County MapsWalton County GIS
PhotographyKurt Lischka, Mooncreek Studios
Walton County Tourist Development CouncilClaire Bannerman
Ken LittleChuck Huettel
Diane G. Delaney
Designation ApplicationKimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
FDOT Secretary Signature Page
As Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the signature below indicates the approval and endorsement of this Corridor Management Plan and this corridor for designation as a Florida Scenic Highway. FDOT approval of this management plan represents our agreement to serve in a partnership with the Corridor Management Entity to preserve, enhance and maintain the designated scenic highway corridor. We recognize the grassroots initiative and strong local support for this corridor demonstrated by the communities involved in the preparation of this management plan. This Corridor Management Plan acknowledges that the designated corridor will be subject to the requirements of the Section 1046(c) of the ISTEA which added a new subsection (s) to 23 USC 131 precluding outdoor advertising on designated scenic highways, and the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act. I herby designate this corridor as a Florida Scenic Highway.
X __________________________________________ Date: ________________________________________
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Statement of Significance“Scenic 30-A runs through long-leaf pine flat woods, along the white sand beach and sea oat covered dunes, past freshwater coastal lakes and saltwater inlets, over sand hills and coastal uplands, along wetlands and marshes, and through hammocks and coastal scrub. Our area is known for the shimmering brilliance of the Gulf of Mexico and her white sand beaches.
But it is the beauty of our landscape and its native plants and animals that are second to none. Don’t miss the centuries-old live oaks at Eden State Gardens in Point Washington State Park and the craggy, many-trunked scrub oaks in Old Grayton Beach.
Look for the huge, fragrant white blooms of Southern magnolia in early summer throughout the woods at the crest of Old Seagrove and next to the obelisk beach walkover in Seaside.
Admire the graceful arc of slash pine reflected in Western Lake. Discover the tough little sand pine that grows all along the Gulf Coast, but nowhere else
in the world! Look closely at the sharp-toothed edge of the stem of a palmetto frond that gives Saw Palmetto—a palm tree that grows its trunk underground—its name!
Wildflowers bloom year-round along 30-A. Watch for the lavender blossoms of wild rosemary and Gulf Coast lupine in the spring. In the fall, the roadsides turn gold with goldenrod, woody goldenrod, golden asters and camphorweed. Sea oats, the grasses that hold the dunes in place, are a federally protected species. Enjoy the beauty of the plants, but please don’t walk on the dunes or pick the seed heads. Please do enjoy and protect the beauty of our beaches, dunes, scrub, and woodlands.”
— Randy Harelson, Pt. Washington
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BayC
ounty
Walton
County
$+30A
£¤98
$+83$+395$+283
$+393
£¤98
£¤331
$+30A
Walton County Planning andDevelopment Services Division
July 20070 6,000 12,0003,000 Feet.
Scenic 30-A Overview2005 Aerial Photo Mosaic
Gulf Of Mexico
Choctawhatchee Bay
Scenic 30-A
Scenic 30-A Spur Roads
£¤98 U.S. Highways
$+30A County Roads
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iAcknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iiSecretary Signature Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iiiDesignation Application Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ivStatement of Significance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vScenic 30-A Overview Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viList of Tables and Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viiiSHAC Comments and Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
Chapters
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Corridor Story 3Corridor Vision 5
2. The Corridor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Background Conditions Analysis 9Intrinsic Resource Assessment and Designation Criteria 25
3. The Support and Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Corridor Management Entity 59Community Participation Program 60Local Support 62Partnerships and Agreements 65
4. The Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Goals, Objectives and Strategies 69Protection Techniques 75Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan 78Funding and Promotions 84Action Plan 88
AppendicesA. SHAC Eligibility Review and Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91B. The Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135C. Support and Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157D. The Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES
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Tables2.1 Background Support for Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.2 Scenic 30-A Corridor Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112.3 Summary of Right-of-Way Widths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.4 Land Use Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172.5 Functional Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192.6 Traffic Monitoring Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192.7 Traffic Volumes and Level of Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202.8 Level of Service Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212.9 FDOT Adopted Work Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212.10 CIP Parks and Recreation Projects; Walton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222.11 CIP Transportation Projects; Walton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233.1 Friends of Scenic 30-A Committee List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 594.1 Scenic 30-A Goal 1 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 784.2 Scenic 30-A Goal 2 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 794.3 Scenic 30-A Goal 3 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814.4 Scenic 30-A Goal 4 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 814.5 Scenic 30-A Goal 5 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824.6 Scenic 30-A Goal 6 Comprehensive Plan Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824.7 Action Plan Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884.8 Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Figures2.1 Scenic 30-A Corridor Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122.2 Intrinsic Resource Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252.3 Scenic 30-A Beach Communities, Managed Lands, and Water Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332.4 Scenic 30-A Trail Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432.5 Scenic 30-A Corridor Overview of Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462.6 Scenic 30-A West Area Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472.7 Scenic 30-A Central Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482.8 Scenic 30-A East Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492.9 Scenic 30-A Point Washington Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502.10 Intrinsic Resource Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SHAC COMMENTS & RESPONSES
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SHAC Comments and Responses
The role of the Scenic Highway Advisory Committee (SHAC) is to evaluate Florida Scenic
Highway applications and determine if a candidate corridor merits eligibility and designation as a scenic highway. This section of the Designation Application summarizes the comments made by the SHAC when reviewing the Eligibility Application for Scenic 30-A. Included are comments made by SHAC members and the Scenic 30-A CAG responses to the comments.
The Scenic 30-A Eligibility Application was presented to the SHAC on February 13, 2006 for their recommendation. The SHAC voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Eligibility Application.
In general, comments from the SHAC were very complimentary of the Scenic 30-A Eligibility Application. Some of the comments that did not require responses include:
“Current trends in new-urbanism area benchmark for development globally.” Patricia Evans, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“Coastal dune lakes are the crowning jewel of an already stellar corridor.” Kerri Post, VISIT FLORIDA
“Great historical homes” Diane Quigley, Department of Community Affairs
SHAC Comments and Responses for Scenic 30-A Eligibility ApplicationAfter the SHAC review of the Scenic 30-A Eligibility Application, comments were returned to the Scenic 30-A CAG to be addressed within the Designation Application. The comments and responses are identified below.
Bob Jones, Florida Department of State
1. The Local Support section could include more towns and communities along the corridor. It appears that Rosemary Beach is the only town in support of the corridor.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
Support letters from additional community organizations are listed in Chapter 3, Support and Participation Chapter and are included in the Appendix. No incorporated cities exist along the corridor; Rosemary Beach is the only beach community within the corridor that has an organized governing body.
2. The archeological resources should be described in more detail.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
Archeological resources along with the other intrinsic resources are described in Chapter 2, The
SHAC COMMENTS & RESPONSES
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Corridor. Indian burial mounds have been added as an archeological resource. Archeological resource interpretation has been included as part of strategy 4.1.8.
Shawn Hartzer, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry
3. The Corridor Story should be revised to include more discussion about the future of the corridor and not only the current resources and residents.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
The Scenic 30-A vision addresses the future of the corridor. The Corridor Story has been revised and is included in Chapter 1, Introduction.
Diane Quigley, AICP, Department of Community Affairs (Former SHAC Member)
4. Some resources (Gulf Place and WaterSound) should be reconsidered as resources.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
Gulf Place is a recently constructed mixed-use development that has a growing reputation for cultural events. A description of its significance and intrinsic resource characteristics are included in Chapter 2, The Corridor. WaterSound has been removed as an
intrinsic resource because it is a private development with no public access to the amenities.
5. There needs to be more support from residents and communities.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
See Chapter 3, Support and Participation, Friends of Scenic 30-A section, and Appendix C for local support documentation.
6. The CMP’s relationship to the local comprehensive plan is weak and should be stronger. The CME should get language added into the local comprehensive plans that address the goals and action of the Scenic 30-A CMP.
The Scenic 30-A CAG Response
Scenic Corridor design standards currently exist for CR 30-A within the Walton County Land Development Code. A summary of the existing policy support and recommendations for amendments are included in Chapter 4, The Plan. Table 4.8 in the Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan section illustrates the Walton County Comprehensive Plan policies that support the Scenic 30-A Action Plan strategies. Action Plan strategies 1.1.7 and 1.1.10 addresses policy support and related regulatory changes for Scenic 30-A.
IntroductionChapter 1:
IntroductionChapter 1:
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IntroductionScenic 30-A Story
Scenic 30-A is a series of beautiful, two-lane scenic corridors located in Walton County, blending
a unique mixture of both man-made and natural environments brimming with local history and culture. The significance of the Scenic 30-A corridor lies in the resources that transcend the typical American driving experience, creating an immediate and compelling adventure for those exploring the corridor whether via automobile, bicycle, or on foot. Picture yourself walking along miles of unspoiled crystalline beaches that hug the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You’re surrounded by rolling beach dunes and limitless blue skies. Imagine exploring quaint little beach villages or marveling at the lush landscapes while hiking on scenic nature trails. This all exists along Scenic 30-A!
With its location being among the highest points in Florida, this picturesque area is enjoyed for its lush natural habitats, including sand pine scrub, longleaf pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, wet prairies, and titi swamps, as well as 11 rare coastal dune lakes that are found in only three other locations worldwide. These uncommon coastal lakes set Scenic 30-A apart from
other Florida communities. As a result, environmental protection of the approximately 25,000 acres of these fragile ecosystems is a priority here.
In the 1890s, the combination of natural wilderness and pristine beaches enticed summer vacationers
to this area. As they returned year after year to their tiny beach cottages, small resort communities began to emerge. During the 1920s, promotion and advertising were used to market these resort communities. Beach lots were offered for sale to those who wanted to build permanent residences. Today, 12 distinct beach communities have evolved along the corridor, each with its own unique history and character. Grayton Beach was not only the first community established in the area, but in 1913 was also the area’s first resort community. Today, Grayton Beach continues to have small-town character with its narrow tree-lined streets and a modest downtown with shops, bed and breakfast inns, a
general store, and a handful of restaurants.
Santa Rosa Beach, one of the older communities, borrowed its name from a thriving turpentine plantation nearby. The abundance of slash pine trees made it a perfect place for such an industry.
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Settled initially in the nineteenth century, paper making eventually became the main business here.
Communities that developed later have been aesthetically planned and sport pastel colors and New Urbanism-style architecture. Some of the communities along Scenic 30-A have architecture based on the area’s rich maritime history or the warmth and hospitality associated with traditional Southern grand hotels and classic beach houses. To maintain the existing peaceful character of the area, height restrictions and design guidelines help new developments blend with old. Local organizations such as South Walton Community Council, Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Committee, Beach to Bay Connection, and Scenic Corridor Association, also work closely with County government to help preserve and protect the unique character of the area.
Cultural resources are plentiful along Scenic 30-A. South Walton County is known for its artist colonies and thriving local art scene. Galleries, annual festivals, and antique stores are present along Scenic 30-A. Each season generates its own special events, beginning with ArtsQuest, a week-long event held each May. During the summer, the Seaside Repertory Theatre presents live shows from Memorial Day through August, and the Autumn Tides celebration is always a highlight of the fall season.
Scenic 30-A is known for its world-class, certified Blue Wave beaches; a mark of cleanliness and good management from the Clean Beaches Council. For
those who desire a slower, simpler pace, an abundance of recreational activities await hikers, bikers, bird watchers, beach lovers, campers, and sportsmen. More than 200 miles of trails located on state lands are open to the public. Explore the 19-mile Timpoochee Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs parallel to the Gulf. Enjoy the tranquility of kayaking or canoeing on the coastal dune lakes. Learn about nature, by discovering the habitats of endangered species like the gopher tortoise or Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Choctawhatchee Beach mouse or rare wildflowers, including Gulf Coast lupine and wild rosemary.
Spend a day, or the rest of your life, exploring Scenic 30-A. Whether wandering along sugary white beaches, bicycling through a vast network of greenway trails, or exploring charming little coastal communities, you’ll be sure to want to return again and again…and again.
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IntroductionScenic 30-A Vision in 2026
Twenty years have passed since Scenic 30-A was designated as a Florida Scenic Highway, and the
vision set forth by the Friends of 30-A has been fully implemented. Scenic 30-A has maintained its beautiful two-lane scenic drive, not only for passengers in vehicles, but for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The vivid greenery of State Parks and woodlands is a natural backdrop for majestic sand dunes and rare coastal dune lakes along the Gulf of Mexico.
Travelers on Scenic 30-A easily find their way using the signature wayfinding system established years ago. The signage is easy to read, well maintained, and ties in with an overall directional sign system created by the Walton County Tourist Development Council. The significance of the Scenic 30-A corridor and its resources transcends the typical American driving experience. Local history, culture, and natural environments are clearly identified, creating an immediate and compelling experience for travelers. Education about the distinct character of the surrounding landscapes and beach communities instills greater public confidence and a desire to define, understand, and protect what travelers enjoy.
Visitors and residents bike down the well-manicured Timpoochee Trail and pass by benches placed along the trail for those who want only to observe. Travelers stop at a kiosk to pick up maps, take a drink of water, and visit with other trail users. The maps show the distance and directions to the next stop, and the location of significant resources along the way. The beauty of a rare coastal dune lake is announced by
signature planting and is framed by glistening white sandy dunes. The ocean breeze and the smell of the salt air consume one’s senses. A wooden bridge crosses the dune lake where interpretive signs on the trail explain the significance of sensitive dune lakes and their inhabitants. People kayaking and canoeing skim across the lake and wave spontaneously to onlookers. A group of school-age children learn about the
surrounding environment as they gather on the lake overlook for an outdoor classroom.
Trail users feel safe because the pathway is separated from the vehicle travel lane. Cars cruise down Scenic 30-A , slowing down at the clearly-marked pedestrian crossings. The traffic on Scenic 30-A is flowing evenly, following well-marked traffic signs and wayfinding signs for points of interest. A quiet, clean, and comfortable transit system carries people along Scenic
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30-A, connecting the 12 beach hamlets with the area’s stores, restaurants, and parks.
Parking has been centrally organized in small pockets, and landscaped with native plants and shade trees. Parking areas have been designed for electric golf carts, scooters, and other modes of travel. Some of the neighborhood streets parallel to Scenic 30-A have designated lanes for golf cart travel. These lanes lead to designated parking areas along Scenic 30-A. Local residents do not need to use their cars unless desired. Bike trails, pedestrian pathways, and electric cart lanes interconnect, making it reasonable to leave your car at home, at least for local trips within and between the distinct beach communities of Scenic 30-A.
The scenic corridor’s roadways and trails are free of trash and litter. Trash and recycling receptacles have been placed at strategic locations along the scenic highway. Residents and visitors recognize the natural beauty of the area and do not want to disturb it with litter.
As water became more scarce, the governing officials adopted a xeric landscape ordinance requiring drought tolerant native plants in common areas and public rights-of-way along the corridors of Scenic 30-A. You know you are in a special place because the vegetation is native and water is conserved by residents and guests alike.
As an additional surprise, travelers may enter a dirt trail that leads to the Point Washington State Forest.
Bikes travel over the dusty trails through an area that contains hundreds of acres of preserved forest land and is home to numerous rare plants and animals. The end of the natural trail connects to the paved section of Timpoochee Trail, where you find the historic community of Grayton Beach. A local sign provides a written and graphical story of the town, and directs you to a historic district of homes and small-town stores. Residents were concerned about light pollution, and because of their efforts to protect the night skies, sunset viewing is a common ritual to catch a glimpse of the shimmering aquamarine waters of the Gulf under the moonlight. Travelers can walk down the raised boardwalk to the beach or choose another path on Scenic 30-A for more hidden treasures.
The unique characteristics and natural resources of Scenic 30-A were recognized early on by residents and guests, and as a result the entire corridor was preserved. Many generations will come to enjoy the very wonders that inspired this community 20 years ago. This scenic piece of Florida is treasured by all.
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The CorridorChapter 2:
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The Corridor2Background Conditions Analysis
IntroductionThe Background Conditions Analysis provides an overview of the Scenic 30-A corridor and serves as an inventory of existing corridor conditions, including roadway conditions, traffic, safety issues and land uses. In order to profile a scenic highway corridor, it is necessary to summarize the history, existing conditions, and projected future growth anticipated for the area in relation to the corridor vision and goals. This analysis will concentrate on the opportunities and constraints within the corridor that have led to the development of the corridor’s vision, goals, and objectives that are later addressed in the Action Plan.
Summary of FindingsAn analysis of background conditions in the Scenic 30-A Eligibility Application supports the findings in this chapter. These findings are summarized below.
Corridor Limits
Need for application of limits consistent with Scenic Corridor Design Standards in LDC
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Right-of-Way Description
Constrained by presence of current bike path and limited right-of way widths along corridorParking limited within right-of-way
Land Use and Zoning
30-A Scenic Corridor design standards in LDC (13.02.00) currently existNeed design standards for CR 83, CR 283, CR 395 in LDCXeric landscaping ordinance pendingLack of designated parking areas
Signage
Limited directional signageTDC directional plan under developmentBike trailway finding under development
Safety Issues
Inconsistent speed limit along CR 30-ATraffic calming recommendations in 30-A Traffic StudyCollisions at driveway access points
Traffic Volumes & Level of Service
New corridors may need to be considered to address projected trafficCR 30-A LOS projected to be deficient by year 2015 (from CR 395 to US 98)Stormwater Runoff needs to be addressed
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2The Corridor
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Transportation Planning
Transportation options are neededPotential for Proportionate Fair-Share fundingBike trail expansion is needed
Roadway Improvements
US 98 intersection improvements are funded
Roadway Maintenance
Unpaved shoulders are not maintained Bike path maintenance program is ongoing
Social and Economic Conditions
Panama City Airport- potential new tourist market and resulting TDC strategies
Tourism & User Facilities
Four State Parks with camping facilitiesBeach access points need parkingEden State Park improvements under development
Other Programs
Jail crew cleanup days are ongoingRecycling program currently initiatedDune Lake monitoring program is ongoingMaintenance agreements for landscaping; responsibility of new developments Public concern of excessive lighting from new development
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••••
•
The Florida Scenic Highway Program Manual (2003) requires a Summary of Findings that “should be linked to the Goals and Objectives, and to the Action Plan (3.6.2).” Table 2.1 is designed to combine the background research conducted during the Eligibility Phase with the corresponding Action Plan developed during the Designation Phase.
Table 2.1 Background Support for Action PlanBackground Conditions Objectives
Corridor Limits Landscape; Beautification; Management and Maintenance; Transportation; Recreation; Economic Development and Tourism; Adminstration
Right-of-Way Description Management and MaintenanceLand Use and Zoning Landscape; Beautification; Management and Maintenance;
Transportation; Recreation; Economic Development and Tourism; Adminstration
Signage Beautification; Management and Maintenance; Transportation; Recreation; Education and Corridor Story; Economic Development and Tourism
Future Land Use Landscape; Beautification; Management and Maintenance; Economic Development and Tourism
Safety Issues Transportation; RecreationTraffic Volumes TransportationLevels of Service Waste Management; Management and Maintenance; TransportationTransportation Planning Management and Maintenance; TransportationRoadway Improvements Maintenance; Beautification and Clean-upRoadway Maintenance Beautification; Management and Maintenance; TransportationSocial and Economic Conditions Economic Development and TourismTourism and Use Facilities Economic Development and TourismOther Programs Landscape; Waste Management; Beautification; Management and
Maintenance; Transportation; Recreation; Support; Education and Corridor Story; Economic Development and Tourism; Adminstration
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The CorridorCorridor LimitsThe Scenic 30-A corridor limits generally include CR 30-A, and connector roads CR 83, CR 283 and CR 395; totaling 28 miles of scenic roads. The limits of the corridor extends 400’ outside of the public right-of-way (see Figure 2.1).
The segments of Scenic 30-A corridor include the entire 18.5 mile length of CR 30-A from US 98 in the west adjacent to Topsail Hill State Preserve, to US 98 in the east near Inlet Beach. The limits of the 9.5 miles of connector roads include: CR 83 from the Blue Mountain Beach public access to US 98; from the Western Lake boat ramp on Hotz Avenue to DeFuniak Street; from CR 30-A north on CR 283 to US 98; CR 395 from CR 30-A north to Tucker Bayou in historic Point Washington.
The corridor travels past four State Parks, 27 miles of greenway trails, 11 rare coastal dune lakes, 12 beach communities, and miles of beautiful beaches.
The Scenic 30-A corridor was divided into segments during the Eligibility Phase to organize background information and intrinsic resource descriptions. Table 2.2 below outlines the six segments that make up the Scenic 30-A Corridor.
Corridor Overview
Scenic 30-A is a major tourist attraction and destination. The architecture along the corridor matches each beach community’s aesthetics, from Old Florida’s traditional two to three story homes, to the cottages in Seaside with white picket fences, and New Urbanism pedestrian pathways. There are also miles of greenway trails connecting state parks, preserves, and residential areas.
Scenic 30-A’s beaches are naturally beautiful. All of the beaches along Scenic 30-A are certified as Blue Wave Beaches, a mark of cleanliness and safety. Beach nourishment, the formation of sand dunes, and other educational programs to keep people off of the dunes
Table 2.2 Scenic 30-A Corridor LimitsSegment Name Route Name From To
Segment #1 Tops’l to Blue Mountain Beach CR 30-A US 98 CR 83Segment #2 Blue Mountain Beach to Seagrove CR 30-A CR 83 CR 395Segment #3 Seagrove to Inlet Beach CR 30-A CR 395 US 98Segment #4 Old Blue Mountain Beach Road CR 83 Blue Mountain Rd US 98Segment #5 Old Grayton Beach Road CR 283 Hotz Ave US 98Segment #6 Old Seagrove to Tucker Bayou CR 395 CR 30-A Tucker Bayou
2The Corridor
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BayC
ounty
Walton
County
$+30A
£¤98
$+83$+395$+283
$+393
£¤98
£¤331
$+30A
Walton County Planning andDevelopment Services Division
July 20070 6,000 12,0003,000 Feet.
Scenic 30-A CorridorCorridor Limits
Gulf Of Mexico
Choctawhatchee Bay
Scenic 30-A
Scenic 30-A Spur Roads
Other Roadways
Corridor Limits
£¤98 U.S. Highways
$+30A County Roads(400 ft beyond right-of-way)
Figure 2.1 Scenic 30-A Corridor Limits
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The CorridorThere is a paved shoulder along most of the segment. Utility lines are located above ground along the entire segment, except for a small portion located underground just west of the intersection with CR 83.
Segment #2 - CR 30-A (CR 83 east to CR 395)
Segment 2 continues in an east/west direction along CR 30-A from CR 83 to CR 395. Above-ground utility lines continue along most of this segment. The route passes by the Point Washington State Forest and Grayton Beach State Recreation Area to the north and Grayton Beach State Park to the south. This segment passes near Blue Mountain Beach, Gulf Trace, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, and Seaside. Curb and gutter is present near the WaterColor development.
Coastal pine forests and the century-old community of Grayton Beach border one of the largest and most scenic dune lakes: the 220-acre Western Lake. Despite recent growth and new development, Grayton Beach has maintained its small-town flavor. Grayton Beach is home of the Grayton Beach State Recreation Park, a 2,228 acre park that opened in 1968. Sea turtles nest in the park during the summer and shorebirds are plentiful. Wildflowers include lupine, gaillardia, and golden aster. “Tread Softly” signs dot the sea oat-covered dunes and white sand beaches next to the Gulf.
Located just off CR 395 on CR 30-A is Deer Lake State Park, a 172-acre park managed by the South Walton County Ecosystem. Rare plant and animal species
are critical to protecting the world-class beaches on Scenic 30-A.
There are 12 distinct beach communities along the Scenic 30-A corridor. From west to east the communities include: Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove, WaterSound, Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, and Alys Beach. There are also 11 coastal dune lakes along the corridor, known by kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts for their beauty and tranquility. Dune lakes are formed by the wind and found almost exclusively along this portion of the Gulf Coast.
Roadway Characteristics
Segment #1 – CR 30-A (US 98 east to CR 83)
This segment begins at the intersection of CR 30-A and US 98 and continues east to the intersection of CR 30-A and CR 83. The roadway travels in an east/west direction, and the scenic views available
along this segment remain consistent throughout.
This part of the corridor passes through the towns of Dune Allen Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.
ar
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found here include the Choctawhatchee Beach mouse and the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The reflection of the Gulf of Mexico can be seen in Deer Lake. The view combines the emerald green water of the Gulf of Mexico with a sliver of white sand and the deep blue of Deer Lake.
The community of WaterColor blends right into the hustle and bustle of neighboring Seaside, which most consider the cultural and commercial center of Scenic 30-A, with a small post office and a town center, complete with a stage. Seaside is the recipient of numerous architectural awards and was the film location for The Truman Show. Seaside also has an artists’ colony and hosts many cultural events.
Segment #3 – CR 30-A (CR 395 east to US 98)
The third segment of the corridor begins as CR 30-A crosses CR 395. A portion of this segment just east of CR 395 contains a paved shoulder on the south side of the road. Utilities are located above ground until just east of the intersection with WaterSound Parkway, where they are underground to the end of the segment
at the intersection with US 98. Part of the segment passes by Deer Lake State Park, between CR 30-A and the Gulf of Mexico.
This section of the corridor passes through WaterSound, a coastal community under development by the St. Joe Company, then on to Camp Creek Lake and the Camp Creek Golf Club. It then passes through Rosemary Beach, another planned community with white stucco, bell towers, and upscale restaurants and shops. CR 30-A reconnects with US 98 at Inlet Beach.
Segment #4 – CR 83 (Blue Mountain Road Beach Access to US 98)
The fourth segment of the corridor extends north from the Blue Mountain Road Beach access point near the Gulf of Mexico, intersects with CR 30-A, and continues north to US 98 (Emerald Coast Parkway). This segment is generally bound on both east and west by the Point Washington State Forest. The southern terminus of the corridor has access to Blue Mountain Beach.
Segment #5 – CR 283 (US 98 to Hotz Avenue)
This segment begins near the Grayton Dunes access point and the Western Lake Boat Ramp, on Hotz Avenue north along DeFuniak Street to CR 30-A, and continues to the intersection with US 98. This segment of CR 283 includes the town of Grayton Beach to the south and historic Point Washington to the north at Tucker Bayou. However, Point Washington is not located directly on the Scenic 30-A corridor.
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The CorridorSegment #6 – CR 395 (CR 30-A to Tucker Bayou)
Segment #6 begins at the intersection of CR 395 and CR 30-A. It runs north/south through the Point Washington State
Forest and US 98, adjacent to Eden State Park, then continues to Choctawhatchee Bay at Tucker Bayou.
Heading north on CR 395 from the CR 30-A corridor leads to the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail in Point Washington State Forest, which consists of three greenway trails where visitors can see sandhills, cypress ponds, wet prairies, and titi swamps. Deer, coyotes, alligators, and gopher tortoises are present in the area. Point Washington State Park is an example of the sandhill ecosystem. Rare species include Flatwoods salamander, White-topped pitcher plant, and the world’s largest stand of Curtis sandgrass.
Across US 98, the corridor continues to Eden State Park and Eden Gardens, where the former Wesley Family Mansion (an example of typical Panhandle architecture) is located. It contains two stories, each with an equal number of rooms divided by a central hallway. The house is perched on pilings for greater air circulation and flood protection.
Right-of-Way Width
The existing and maintained right-of-way (ROW) widths along the corridor vary according to roadway characteristics and land use. Along CR 30-A from US 98 to CR 83, the ROW width varies from 66 feet to 100 feet. Between CR 83 and CR 395, ROW width ranges from 70 feet to 100 feet. In the section from CR 395 to US 98 East, it ranges from 70 feet to 130 feet. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) considers the maintained ROW to be the roadway pavement and the width of the shoulder where the public entity has completed routine maintenance for over four years. A summary of the minimum and maximum ROW widths for each segment is described in Table 2.3.
Utility Placements
On Segment #1 of Scenic 30-A, utilities are mostly located above ground, with the exception of a small
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Sbi3
Table 2.3 Summary of Right-of-Way WidthsSegment Route Number Right-of-Way
#1 CR 30-A 66’ - 100’#2 CR 30-A 70’ - 100’#3 CR 30-A 70’ - 130’#4 CR 83 70’#5 CR 283 70’#6 CR 395 70’
Source: County Road 30-A Traffic Study
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portion of CR 30-A just west of CR 83. Similarly, Segment #2 features above-ground utility lines, except for the section between Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside, where they are located underground. From CR 395 to just east of WaterSound Parkway on CR 30-A, utilities are located above ground. The utility lines run underground for the remainder of Segment #3.
Acquisitions
FDOT has no budgeted right-of-way acquisitions along the proposed corridor. However, FDOT is in the process of widening US 98 from just west of Mack Bayou to the intersection with CR 30-A, and from CR 30-A to the intersection with SR 83.
Land Use and Zoning
Land Use
Table 2.4 summarizes the existing land uses along the corridor. Between US 98 West and CR 83 (Segment #1), land use along CR 30-A is comprised of Village Mixed Use, Conservation, Infill, Residential Preservation, Small Neighborhood, Traditional Neighborhood, and Institutional. Appendix B contains the Existing Land Use Map for Walton County.
Zoning
Walton County does not have a zoning ordinance. Land development is regulated through the Walton County Unified Land Development Code.
SignageChapter 7 of the Walton County Unified Land Development Code describes the size, location, and type of advertising and billboards allowed outside of public right-of-way. On-premise and off-premise signs
are allowed in unincorporated Walton County as specified in the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan. Temporary, real estate, and rental signs are permitted, but must comply with specific size, location, and duration standards. Signage regulations for Scenic Corridors in the LDC are much more stringent. Signs specifically prohibited in the Scenic 30-A corridor include
off-premise outdoor advertising signs, murals used as advertising, flashing signs, and plastic signs with interior lighting. Any such signs that existed prior to the county designation of CR 30-A as a scenic corridor are regulated as nonconforming uses.
The number of ground signs permitted depends on the amount of frontage a parcel has on the public
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The Corridor
right-of-way. These regulations are detailed in Section 7.03.01 of the LDC. If the parcel has less than 100 feet of frontage, one sign is allowed; if it is between 100 feet and 300 feet, the allowance is two signs; if it is between 300 feet and 400 feet, three signs are permitted; if it is greater than 400 feet, four signs are allowed. The permissible square footage of signs also increases with ROW frontage. In all cases, the maximum height for ground signs is 18 feet.
Section 7.03.02 of the county code provides requirements for directional signs. Directional signs give motorists directions to parking areas and access drives. They are limited in area to four square feet, and do not count against an occupancy’s maximum sign area. Directional signs are allowed as permanent signs on all parcels. Additional sign regulations are included in Section 13.02.00 of the Land Development Code and are described in Chapter 4 The Plan.
Billboards
The only restriction a Florida Scenic Highway designation places on a corridor is the provision of new billboard permits within the corridor limits. In 1991, Section 1046(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Equity Act (ISTEA) added a new subsection(s) to 23 United States Code (USC) 131
Table 2.4 Land Use SummarySegment Hwy/Route # Description Land Use
#1 CR 30-A From Hwy 98 West to CR 83 Conservation, Village Mixed Use, Infill Residential Preservation, Institutional, Small Neighborhood, Traditional Neighborhood
#2 CR 30-A From CR 83 to CR 395 Village Mixed Use, Traditional Neighborhood, Infill, Residential Preservation, Conservation, Court Ordered Overlay
#3 CR 30-A From CR 395 to Hwy 98 East Residential Preservation, Village Mixed Use, Infill, Institutional, Conservation, Court Ordered Overlay, Traditional Neighborhood, Small Neighborhood
#4 CR 83 From Blue Mountain Rd to Hwy 98 Residential Preservation, Village Mixed Use, Traditional Neighborhood, Small Neighborhood, Conservation, Light Industrial
#5 CR 283 From US 98 to Hotz Ave Conservation, Village Mixed Use, Infill, Residential Preservation#6 CR 395 From CR 30-A to Eden State Park Residential Preservation, Traditional Neighborhood, Public Facilities, Court Ordered
Overlay, Conservation, CR 2 Units per Acre, Infill, InstitutionalSource: Walton County GIS and Walton County Existing Land Use Map
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that precludes outdoor advertising on designated scenic highways/byways. Once a corridor has been designated, the FDOT Outdoor Advertising Office is precluded from issuing new outdoor advertising permits within the control zone of the Interstate, the National Highway System, the Federal Aid Primary System, and any State Highway System along the corridor.
Permanent outdoor advertising signs are regulated according to Section 7.05.00 of the Walton County Land Development Code. The maximum area of such signs is 950 square feet (Section 7.05.01). No two billboards may be spaced less than 1,500 feet apart on any road. Billboards are not permitted on street frontage within 100 feet of public parks, public schools, churches, courthouses, city halls, or public museums using the same street frontage. Permanent outdoor advertising signs are limited to 65 feet in height. Signs must be constructed in accordance with the Walton County building code.
No outdoor advertising is permitted along Scenic 30-A due to county ordinance (Section 13.02.05.02, Walton County Land Development Code). However, because
all of the roads in the corridor are county roads, they fall outside of the scope of Florida Scenic Highway/ISTEA regulations for outdoor advertising.
According to Section 13.02.05.04, allowable signs on CR 30-A include temporary signs, main identification signs, building signs, directory signs/kiosks, permitted off-premises signs, and street signs.
Safety IssuesThe Walton County Public Works Department compiled crash data for CR 30-A from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The data report nine intersection crashes and 59 mid-block crashes, including one pedestrian/bicycle involved crash. The predominant type of crash was classified as “Rear End.” The pedestrian/bicycle involved mid-block crash was determined to be “No Fault.” In addition to “Rear End” and “No Fault,” other types of mid-block crashes include:
Careless Driving (11)Failure to Yield (10)Hit Deer (4)Improper Parking (2)Improper Backing (2)Criminal (1)
In the CR 30-A Traffic Study (Walton County, 2005) strategies to address safety concerns include the following recommendations:
Traffic calming
••••••
•
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The CorridorUnified speed limit throughout corridorUnified signing
Safety issues have been addressed in the Action Plan within the Safety objectives and strategies.
Traffic Volumes
Functional Classification
The functional classification for the corridors in Walton County depend upon the type and location of the facility. The functional classification of state, county, and local roads will vary depending on traffic volumes and lane configurations. A summary of functional classifications for Scenic 30-A corridors in can be found in Table 2.5.
FDOT collects traffic data at Traffic Monitoring Stations throughout the state. The state has two types of monitoring stations: portable and telemetered. Portable monitoring stations consist of a set of tubes that are set across a roadway once or twice a year, and then removed. Telemetered monitoring stations consist of permanent traffic counting devices, such as a loop detector in the pavement. See Table 2.6 for the location and type of monitoring stations for the Scenic 30-A corridors.
See Table 2.7 for historical, existing (2005), and 5- and 10-year projected traffic volumes, and for corresponding level of service for the Scenic 30-A corridors. Table B-1 in Appendix B provides background information and calculations to determine
••
annual growth rates used for the traffic projections.
Table 2.5 Functional ClassificationRoute Number Functional Classification Area Type # Lanes
CR 30-A Minor Arterial Urbanized 2CR 83 Local Transitioning 2
CR 283 Local/Collector/Major Collector Transitioning 2CR 395 Collector/Minor Collector Transitioning 2
Source: Florida DOT Planning Statistics
Table 2.6 Traffic Monitoring StationsCount
NumberMonitoring
TypeLocation
CR 30-A600219 Portable 300’ South of US 98600258 Portable 300’ East of CR 393600263 Portable 300’ West of CR 283200267 Portable 300’ West of CR 395600268 Portable 300’ East of CR 395
CR 83600262 Portable 300’ South of US 98
CR 283600112 Portable 300’ South of US 98
CR 395600214 Portable 300’ South of US 98600254 Portable 300’ South of US 98
Source: Florida Traffic Information CD 2005
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Table 2.7 Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service
RoadwayAdopted
LOS Standard
Historical Existing Projected
2001 2005 2010 2015From To Volume LOS Volume LOS Volume LOS Volume LOS
CR 30-AUS 98 CR 393 D 6,600 C 6,400 C 8,304 D 10,845 DCR 393 CR 83 D 6,600 C 7,200 D 9,342 D 12,600 DCR 83 CR 283 D 4,900 C 5,500 C 7,136 D 12,919 DCR 283 CR 395 D 5,900 C 6,500 C 8,433 D 12,121 DCR 395 US 98 D 7,250 D 10,150 D 13,169 D 16,188 F
CR 83CR 30-A US 98 D 1,000 C 1,700 C 2,206 C 2,392 C
CR 283CR 30-A US 98 D 3,100 C 4,100 C 5,320 C 6,858 C
CR 395CR 30-A US 98 D 3,200 C 6,000 C 7,785 D 8,453 DUS 98 End D 1,200 C 750 C 973 C 1,196 C
Source: Florida DOT Quality/Level of Service Handbook
Level of Service (LOS)
Future traffic volumes and LOS standards were developed using the methodology stated in sub-section G, Traffic Volumes and User Types of this chapter. Considerations for LOS include: whether the corridor is rural or urban, developed or undeveloped; whether turning bays are present at major intersections; the number of travel lanes; and whether there is an uninterrupted flow of traffic or
traffic control devices such as stop signs or signals are present.
The thresholds for LOS standards for the Scenic 30-A corridors are detailed in Table 2.8. All LOS standards are based on the Walton County comprehensive plan policies. The traffic analysis projects that one segment of CR 30-A, from CR 395 to US 98, may be operating below the adopted LOS of D in the year 2015.
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The CorridorTransportation Planning and Roadway Improvements
Responsibility for transportation planning along the Scenic Highway corridor is divided between FDOT, Walton County, and the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization. The West Florida Regional Planning Council provides coordination between land use and transportation decisions, working closely with local governments, FDOT, and the Florida Department of Community Affairs. These agencies and their efforts regarding transportation planning are described in the following sections.
FDOT Adopted 5-Year Work ProgramAt the state level, FDOT has authority to regulate commercial and general aviation airports and rail lines, as well as state roads, within the state. This does not apply to the corridor because it consists solely of county roads. However, FDOT does plan on increasing the capacity of US 98 at two locations where it intersects with Scenic 30-A. The FDOT District Three Work Programs for 2006-2011 and 2008-2012 outline roadway projects near Scenic 30-A. These projects will have a positive effect on the proposed highway by improving existing roadway facilities. The adopted FDOT Work Programs
Table 2.8 Level of Service Standards
RoadwayAdopted
LOS StandardFrom To A B C D E
CR 30-AUS 98 CR 393 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600CR 393 CR 83 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600CR 83 CR 283 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600CR 283 CR 395 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600CR 395 US 98 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600
CR 83CR 30-A US 98 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600
CR 283CR 30-A US 98 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600
CR 395CR 30-A US 98 D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600US 98 End D * * 7,000 13,600 14,600
* Cannot be achieved using table input value defaults.Source: Walton County Comprehensive Plan and Florida DOT Quality/Level of Service Handbook
Table 2.9 FDOT Adopted Work ProgramProject Description Location Type of Work
2006-2011US 98 Road Improvement US 98 from .6 miles west of Mack
Bayou to CR 30-A WestAdd lanes and reconstruct
US 98 Road Improvement US 98 from CR 30-A to SR 83 Add lanes and reconstruct2008-2012US 98 Preliminary Engineering US 98 from Okaloosa County Line to
CR 30-A WestPE for future capacity
Source: FDOT Program Development Office 2006-2011 Adopted Work Program
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Table 2.10 CIP Parks and Recreation Projects in Walton CountyExpenditures FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 Project Description
Helen McCall Park $200,000 Park ImprovementsSouth Walton Park $250,000 $750,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 New Park DevelopmentRed Fish Lake Bridge $250,000 Pedestrian BridgePoint Washington Boat Ramp $100,000 RefurbishmentSource: 2006 Walton County CIP
includes annual support for projects in Walton County. A summary of highway improvements on US 98 included in the work programs is listed in Table 2.9.
Walton County
Walton County Planning is responsible for planning at the local level, in addition to coordinating with other levels of government. Most importantly, Planning is tasked with developing, evaluating, and maintaining the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan. Please see Chapter 4 for more information on the Comprehensive Plan.
The Walton County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlines capital and transportation-related projects programmed through Fiscal Year 2011. Tables 2.10 and 2.11 detail capital improvement projects, including a variety of capacity and safety improvements along Scenic 30-A. For more information on the complete CIP, refer to Appendix B.
Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization
The Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (OWTPO) serves as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), a designation under Section 134 of Title 23, U.S. Code for maintaining and conducting a “continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive” (3-C) transportation process. The OWTPO, consisting of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, serves as the forum for cooperative regional decision making. Collectively, it develops the region’s transportation plans and programs; a prerequisite for the allocation of Federal-Aid Highway and transit funds.
The OWTPO adopted the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) to extend to 2030 on April 19, 2007. The plan serves as the blueprint for developing a regionally-based network of transportation facilities that meet the future travel needs of the region in the most efficient and effective manner possible. There are no specific projects along Scenic 30-A included in the FY 2008-2012 Project Priorities document.
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The CorridorTable 2.11 CIP Transportation Projects, Walton County
Project # Road Project Project Funding Type Phase Improvement FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011
2006-01-016 CR 30-A Signalized Intersection or Roundabout at Intersection of New St. Joe Road and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$750,000
2006-01-020 CR 30-A Signalized Intersection or Roundabout at Intersection of CR 395 and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$750,000
2006-01-024 CR 30-A Signalized Intersection or Roundabout at Intersection of CR 283 and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$750,000
2006-01-028 CR 30-A Signalized Intersection or Roundabout at Intersection of CR 83 and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$750,000
2006-01-032 CR 30-A Signalized Intersection or Roundabout at Intersection of CR 393 and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$750,000
2006-01-036 CR 30-A Left and Right Turn Lanes at the Intersection of Lakewood Dr and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$440,800
2006-01-040 CR 30-A Left Turn Lane at Somerset Bridge Rd and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$220,400
2006-01-044 CR 30-A Two Left Turn Lanes at the Intersection of Gulf Drive and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$440,800
2006-01-048 NewRoad
New North-South Connector for CR 30-A and US 98 between Camp Creek and CR 395
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
New Roadway $31,375 $3.5 Million
2006-01-052 CR 30-A Sign Upgrade - Retrofit Existing City/County & Private Partnership
Safety Engineering Design
Material $35,500
2006-01-053 CR 30-A Pavement Marking Modifications - Retrofit Existing
City/County & Private Partnership
Safety Construction Striping $220,400
2006-01-054 CR 30-A Left Turn Lane at Main Park Rd and CR 30-A
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$5,687
2006-01-058 CR 30-A Intersection Safety Improvements to Ensure Adequate Signt Visiblity at Acacia St
City/County & Private Partnership
Safety Engineering Design
Intersection Improvement
$300,000
2006-01-066 CR 30-A Parking Retrofit Based on Crash Reports at Various Locations Along CR 30-A (Where Parking in the ROW Occurs)
City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity/Safety
Engineering Design
Right-of-Way Improvements
$625,000
2006-01-070 CR 30-A Transit Plan City/County & Private Partnership
Capacity Planning EvaluationReport
Source: 2006 Walton County CIP
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Social and Economic ConditionsWalton County’s Scenic 30-A highway lies entirely in the immediate vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico. CR 30-A generally runs east/west, paralleling the coast. Meanwhile, CR 83, CR 283, and CR 395 run north/south, terminating at the beach. The corridor contains 28 miles of scenic roads. Despite this limited geography, Scenic 30-A will regularly serve both Walton County residents and visitors from all over the region who are attracted by South Walton’s beaches.
According to the 2000 Census, Walton County has a population of 40,601. The 2005 estimated population of 53,525 represents a 31.8% increase (University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research). The median income for a household in the county was $32,407 in 2000. Additional demographic information can be found in Appendix B.
Tourism and User FacilitiesThere are more than 12,000 lodging units available along Scenic 30-A, many of them directly or indirectly accessible from the corridor. Accommodations range from luxury rooms in Seaside, WaterColor, and other beach communities to RV sites and campgrounds. Campgrounds and RV sites are located in Grayton Beach State Park, Peach Creek RV Resort, Topsail Hill RV Resort, and Willows Campground. The Peach Creek and Topsail Hill facilities have full RV hook-ups.
A number of businesses along the corridor provide opportunities for visitors to engage in outdoor
activities. There are five businesses offering bicycle rentals so visitors can explore the area or ride one of the many local trails by bike. Many businesses also cater to water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can rent a kayak, canoe, surfboard, catamaran, or even charter a fishing expedition. There are four certified nature-based businesses that offer interpretive river tours in the Choctawhatchee Bay, Intracoastal Waterway, and Black Creek areas, as well as camping and kayak, canoe, and tube rental.
There are more than 120 restaurants along Scenic 30-A. Six of them are in Florida Trend’s “Top 500 Restaurants.” There is also abundant shopping, including the open-air market and artist colony in Seaside.
Golf courses can be found at Camp Creek Golf Club (off of CR 30-A between WaterColor and Rosemary Beach) and at the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. There are also 50 tennis courts available to the public along Scenic 30-A.
Visitors can also enjoy the amenities available at the State Parks located along the corridor. Camping is available at Grayton Beach State Recreation Area and Topsail State Preserve. Public beach access is available at Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail State Preserve, and Deer Lake State Park. Hiking trails are available at Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Eden State Gardens, and Point Washington State Forest.
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The CorridorThe Beaches of South Walton Visitor Information Center is located at the intersection of US 331 and US 98. Information specialists at the center provide directions and answer questions about accommodations, shopping, dining, and any other activities.
Scenic 30-A is served by passenger airports in Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and Pensacola, and by general aviation airports in Destin, DeFuniak Springs, Crestview, and Panama City.
Intrinsic Resources Assessment and Designation Criteria
IntroductionThe Intrinsic Resources Assessment and Designation Criteria outlines the 10 Universal and Resource Specific Criteria that the Scenic 30-A corridor has met to be designated a scenic highway in Florida. These criteria establish the standard requirements of the Florida Scenic Highway Program. This chapter documents how the ten criteria have been fulfilled, a list of corridor resources, and the significance of how area resources contribute to Scenic 30-A.
The following section describes the ten criteria and provides a reference where these criteria are addressed in the Scenic 30-A Corridor Management Plan.
Universal Criteria
Universal Criterion #1“Resource(s) must be visible from the roadway.”
Each of the six intrinsic resource types, that determine the eligibility of a corridor for consideration as a Florida Scenic Highway are present within the Scenic 30-A corridor limits and are either visible from the roadway or accessible from the corridor. According to field inventories conducted along the corridor, approximately 89% of the resources are visible or partially visible from the roadway. The remaining 11% of resources are easily accessible, but not visible.
Figure 2.2 Intrinsic Resource Visibility
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Universal Criterion #2
“The corridor must ‘tell a story’ that relates to its intrinsic resource(s).”
Scenic 30-A holds a unique mixture of cultural, natural, archeological, historical and scenic resources that transcend the typical American driving experience. The Story, presented in Chapter 1 Introduction, walks through the numerous resources and amenities within the Scenic 30-A corridor, illustrating its unique characteristics that separate it from other scenic highways. Listed below are the qualities and resources collected from a public workshop designed to highlight and organize the important aspects that make Scenic 30-A unique. This list was used as an outline for the creation of the corridor’s Story, followed by a narrative of the corridor’s history.
HikingBicyclingFamilies feel safeArts and craftsVibrant nightlifeMix of manmade and natural resourcesPaths, trails, boardwalkBeach destinationPublic landsDune lakesNational ForestBeach resort and communityBeach cottage style homesNew-Urbanism (Seaside)
••••••••••••••
History
The following section describes the history of the Scenic 30-A corridor and South Walton County in an effort to further support the Corridor Story criterion.
The 1890s was a period when American taste and interest in vacationing at the beach in the summer was popular. In several parts of Florida, small beach resort communities began to grow. By 1911, Grayton Beach was a small resort for beach goers from DeFuniak Springs and elsewhere in the county. As with many developments in the 1920s, promotion and advertising were widely used to market resort areas. Newspapers in Defuniak Springs (and probably in Alabama) carried advertisements that promoted Grayton Beach as a place to buy a beach lot and as a place to relax and recuperate from daily life.
By 1923, new houses replaced the cottages that had been located on the beach since before the turn of the century. Visitors continued to come from Alabama and Walton County. J.J. Kinney and B.B. Murray were among several who built houses at the beach. Their houses were described as “air castles” with low hip roofs called storm roofs and large screens with hinged shutters to protect from hurricanes.
B 1911
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The CorridorGreat South Walton Historical Touring Trek
South Walton County was an important Native American settlement as indicated by European artifacts that were
found at the site, indicating the first meeting between early explorers and Native Americans. The crescent moon shaped mound is now protected and has been returned to the Creek Indian Nation. Florida State University performed an archaeological dig evident by the deep cuts that traverse the mound remain. Today it is entirely fenced in and is once again a protected resting place for our early ancestors. From a geological standpoint, the location of the town and mound was ideal. Horseshoe Cove, Filler Lake, Morris Lake, and Campbell Lake all line up as if at one time there was an entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay from the Gulf. This strategic position allowed the Indian settlement to harvest crab and shell fish from the bay and to fish the shore waters of the Gulf. The area is abundant with fresh water streams that spill into the various bayous. Refuse shell mounds are heavily scattered about the area. The site is just inside of a tree and vegetation cover on the west side of Mack Bayou Road. A chain link fence surrounds the huge elongated mound, which is reportedly as one of the top three largest mounds in Florida. According to records a site marked “fort” was designated on an earlier survey map. None
of the earth works can be located due to the influx of bay homes that may have covered the site.
During the Civil War, a Confederate settlement called LaGrange City lay at the end of La Grange Bayou where the town of Freeport now sits. The small town of LaGrange had a boat and barge building industry. The earthen fort location could have either been a Confederate after-thought for a gun emplacement to protect the back bay waters, or, if the site is authentic, it would have more likely been a planned Federal gun mound to prevent the construction of any boats in the Freeport bayou area.
Abandoned Town of Santa Rosa The first recorded cabin was in the late 1860s, but it became a major bay community in the early 1900s.
As a major steamboat landing, the Town of Santa Rosa boasted a population from 850 to 1,200 people at its height. However, a crop disaster and vicious hurricane devastated the town. The town eventually took on a sinister “Wild West” tone after a recorded posse chase took place and a murderous feud caused division in the settlement. Shortly after these events the residents requested three or four steamboats from Mobile and then left en masse. The empty town hotels, churches, stores, café, and cottages turned Santa Rosa into a true ghost town. The remaining locals and North Bay Shore residents eventually dismantled the town for lumber.
Now Cessna Public Park (named for the town founder) sits on Hogtown Bayou where the town warehouses
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were located. It’s a happy and quiet place to picnic. It also has a fishing dock and restroom facilities. Next to the park is Bayou Arts & Antiques, located on the Old Sugar Cane
Mill site. A room is dedicated to various pictures showing what the town was like in its heyday. The Fisherman’s Chapel has also been restored. History information of the town is available free of charge at the park.
The Old Town of Santa Rosa cemetery sits on the highest ground in the area and was the final resting place for many of the town’s inhabitants. As one enters the grounds, it is odd to see so many small plain white wooden crosses and only the occasional stone monument. Stone was a very expensive luxury for a timber and sand territory. Only the rich could afford the cost of importing stone markers; wooden crosses served the poorer population. The crosses are all marked “unknown” and those buried there are “known only to God.” One other unusual monument is known as “the box.” Nobody knows if someone was placed inside or if it was a crude memorial. To find it, go to the crest of hill on the south entrance side.
GraytonNamed after its founder, Major Charles T. Gray, who in 1890 obtained a patent to the property for General William Wilson and William Miller.
The first building, a beach cottage, is thought to have been built in 1880. However the first “recorded” building is believed to have been built during the 1890s, and was most likely a hotel for those who made the onerous overland and across-the-bay trip from the northern railroad town of Defuniak Springs, located about 35 miles north of Grayton. The structure is still standing and was called Washaway due to its under-pilings being washed out in a hurricane. By 1911, the small community was little more than a collection of
shacks nestled under the magnolias and live oaks. The poor condition of the road made it extremely difficult to travel to the village.
In 1919, a group of Iowa bankers purchased property around the community and proposed a road from Point
wIqpaa
t
This store was the first commercial building in Grayton Beach. Van R. Butler built the store after the 1936 hurricane destroyed the Grayton Beach Hotel. It was moved and converted into a rental cottage when the new store was built. It was constructed from lumber salvaged from W. H. Butler’s hotel, which was destroyed in the 1936 hurricane.
Butler Store 1937 WCB079
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The Corridor
Washington to Grayton. The project failed and Grayton sat almost forgotten. Then, in the 1920s, W.H. Butler moved his family there and a renaissance began as he restored many of the rundown cottages, platted new home sites, built a hotel (destroyed in the 1936 Hurricane), and even gave some properties away to friends. The friends, in turn, “spread the word” around the surrounding localities and southern Alabama, praising the natural beauty of the sea side community. In 1926, Van R. Butler, the son of W.H. Butler, continued the renovations and land purchasing and promotion. By the 1930s, more “air castles” as they were known (low hip roofs with wide screen porches) punctuated the sand dunes and shady hammocks.
The Grayton Beach Store (now the Red Bar) was built by Van R. Butler in 1939 to replace the smaller general store (1936) which was moved and is now a cottage in the town. It was the main gathering place for dances held during the summer months. World War II saw the Coastal Command take possession of Washaway and other cottages for beach patrol barracks. German submarine activity sank ships in the Gulf and the washed up merchant marine survivors only hope were these patrols. Also spies had been landing in Florida so the patrols became ever more vigilant on the lonely coast line.
Wilson -- Miller -- Florence 1890s WCB080
The building fell into decay and was renovated as a guest house in the 1910s. It was used by the Coast Guard for an office and housing in World War II. This house is one of the landmark buildings in the Grayton Beach Historic District.
This house is one of the few built directly on top a sand dune.
It is a vernacular type which differs from the houses which
were normally built in Grayton Beach. James and Annie Bell Bullard had the house built in 1938. The Brazella carpenters
and Bert Murray built the house. The house now belongs to the
Bullard’s grandchildren.
Shepherd, W. J. WCB077
This house is an excellent example of the hall and parlor
house which was used in Grayton Beach in the early years. The
house was a mill house for workers at Foley, Alabama and
was moved to the present site in 1931 by W. J. Shepherd.
This large bungalow is not the typical style built in Grayton Beach in the 1930s. Van R. Butler built this house for rental use in 1936 along with four others from salvaged lumber from the destroyed Grayton Beach Hotel. This bungalow served as housing in World War II. This house is one of the landmark buildings in the Grayton Beach Historic District.
Butler - Taylor 1936 WCB081
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Point Washington This 1800s logging settlement boasted having the largest house in south Walton County.
The two-story architecture found in Point Washington is a blend of Antebellum (with wrap-around shady porches), and a touch of Victorian. The wood mill, which sat at the edge of the bayou, burned down three times. Enormous live oaks now grace the mill site and open water breezes cool the expansive garden grounds. The now historically dedicated home and gardens were built by the Wesley family between 1895 and 1897. By 1953, the Wesley family died out and Lois Maxon had purchased the mansion. Upon her death she left the home and grounds to the State. Tours and a more in-depth history are available from the State Park ranger and preservation volunteers.
Point Washington experienced two small invasions during the Civil War. The first account was in early 1864, when Federal Captain James Galloway who was tasked with locating deserters, burned the town’s saw mill and attempted to capture the blockade runner-the schooner “Champion,” which operated out of Choctawhatchee Bay. The town was again enlisted as a camp and temporary Civil War headquarters for
a rebel prisoner holding site for General Alexander Asboth who, in late 1864, set out from Pensacola to burn Marianna and invade and capture the surrounding territory. The quiet backwater town boasted a population of 350 citizens during its peak and had a school (a little red school house), two or three general stores, a post office, turpentine stills, and a total of six timber mills dotting the shores around Point Washington. The first known church was originally a United Methodist Church built in 1893. The Methodist Church was laid out using the timbers from another building built in the 1890s across the intercoastal waterway. The church was literally under an open air arbor with a fence built around it to keep the wild roaming hogs from entering the services. Music was provided by a piano on the back of an old pick up truck. The story book architecture is reminiscent of a small New England chapel. The Corner Stone Assembly Church was built in 1940. The 1938 school, located under the shade trees is a design straight out of the Norman Rockwell period. One walk though the hall and classrooms makes the saying “as American as apple pie” a real life experience.
The town’s commodity was lumber, which at the time was transported by steamboat and schooner to Pensacola and New Orleans. Approximately four steamboats called on the town, which was the home port for the schooner “Magnolia.” A ferry service ran to the north shore in 1921. The one-room post office is still active today, with many of the town’s original homes still in place along the shaded streets.
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The CorridorUniversal Criterion #3
“The roadway must be a public road that safely accommodates two-wheel drive motor vehicles.”
All 28 miles of the Scenic 30-A corridor in South Walton County are paved and can safely accommodate two-wheel drive vehicles. Functional classification, Table 2.5 and route descriptions in Chapter 2 provide additional roadway information to fulfill the requirements of this criterion.
Universal Criterion #4“The corridor must exhibit significant, exceptional, and distinctive features of the region it traverses.”
The coastal dune lakes adjacent to the Scenic 30-A corridor are features unique to only a few locations in the world. These important ecosystems provide exceptional scenic, natural, recreational, and historic significance for the area. Additionally, the Scenic 30-A corridor contains four state parks, 12 distinct beach communities, and the highest point in Florida. The region celebrates local art and culture in
local galleries and during annual festivals. The resources identified along Scenic 30-A are recognized internationally for their significant, exceptional, and distinctive features.
Exceptional Corridor Features
COASTAL DUNE LAKES
To determine whether a roadway deserves the designation as a “Scenic Corridor,” it is necessary to identify the basic elements that distinguish this specific corridor from other avenues of travel. What is it that makes Scenic 30-A so scenic? Are the aesthetically designed planned communities, like Seaside, the main focal point? Do the glimpses of our famous beaches satisfy the appetite of the scenic enthusiast? Or is there something more that provides this essence? While the allure of our renowned architectural communities and pristine beaches tempts one to define 30-A by these characteristics, to many within the community it is a lesser marketed natural landscape that sets this road apart from other scenic corridors. For those who traverse this roadway on a daily basis, the answer is quite simple.
The Scenic 30-A Corridor is distinctive from other Florida corridors in that none of the other roadways can claim to be situated along the globally rare ecosystems of South Walton’s Coastal Dune Lakes.
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Walton County proudly asserts to being home to 15 globally rare Coastal Dune Lakes (Florida Natural Areas Inventory). Outside of the Gulf Coast these lakes are currently found only along the scattered coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, Australia, and New Zealand. The lakes are true lakes fed by a surface aquifer, but are defined by an intermittent connection to the Gulf of Mexico, creating what many believe to be the aesthetic staple of our natural landscape. Many communities throughout the globe enjoy beautiful beaches, but few witness these tannic stained canals meandering through their white, sand dunes into the emerald waters of the Gulf.
Eleven of these Coastal Dune Lakes can be seen from the confines of Scenic 30-A, ranging from Stallworth Lake to the west to Camp Creek Lake in the east. Whether it is the wind-swept waters of Eastern Lake, the quaint serenity of Little Redfish Lake, or the most
recognized stand of pine trees on Western Lake, these natural communities constantly draw attention.
The essence of Scenic 30-A is that it is a unique corridor showcasing one of the most incredible coastal ecosystems in all of Florida. The globally rare Coastal Dune Lakes are the defining feature of this ecosystem that unquestionably distinguishes this particular roadway as a “Scenic Corridor.”
Distinctive Corridor Features
SCENIC 30-A COMMUNITIES
Housing and resort developments have sprung up alongside the natural wilderness. Even with all the new development along Scenic 30-A, the beaches will remain largely state-owned and preserved in their natural state of sand pine forest, freshwater lakes, emerald green Gulf waters, and snow-white sand dune beaches. When traveling through traditional towns such as Seagrove, well known communities such as Seaside, or on Scenic 30-A’s newest master planned communities such as WaterColor and Alys Beach, the communities blend into the surrounding environment to create a unique sense of place along the Gulf Coast (see Figure 2.3).
The Scenic 30-A corridor includes 12 distinct beach communities, each with their own history, culture, and featured resources. The following section describes each of the communities along the Scenic 30-A corridor in greater detail.
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The Corridor
BayC
ounty
Walton
County
$+30A
£¤98
$+83$+395
$+283
$+393
£¤98
£¤331
Deer Lake State Park
Topsail Hill PreserveState Park
Grayton BeachState Park
Eden GardensState Park
$+30A
Gulf Of Mexico
Choctawhatchee Bay
Hogtown Bayou
Jolly Bay
Bunker Cove
Western LakeCampbell Lake
Morris Lake
Tucker Bayou
Mc Quage Bayou
Eastern LakeDraper Lake
Deer Lake
LakePowell
Hewett Bayou
Camp Creek Lake
Bells Leg
Oyster Lake
Big RedfishLake
South Mouth
Stalworth Lake
Mussett Bayou
Churchill Bayou
AlligatorLake
Muddy Lake
Littles Bayou
Little RedfishLake
Inside Lake
Bowman Bayou
Smokehouse Lake
Peace Pond
Seaside Alys Beach
Inlet Beach
Seagrove Beach
Seacrest Beach
Dune Allen Beach
Gulf Trace
Grayton Beach
Rosemary Beach
Santa Rosa Beach
Blue Mountain
Beach
Walton County Planning andDevelopment Services Division
July 20070 6,000 12,0003,000 Feet.
Scenic 30-A CorridorBeach Communities, Managed Lands, and Water Bodies
Point Washington State Forest
Scenic 30-A
Scenic 30-A Spur Roads
Other Roadways
State Parks
Conservation/State Forest Land
$+30A County Roads£¤98 U.S. Highways
Figure 2.3 Scenic 30-A Beach Communities, Managed Lands, and Water Bodies
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SANTA ROSA BEACH Santa Rosa Beach is one of the oldest beach towns along Scenic 30-A between Choctawhatchee Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay County line. The town of Santa Rosa Beach encompasses the largest tract of land of all the beach communities.
The name was borrowed from the Santa Rosa Plantation, which was a thriving turpentine plantation
north of US 98 on Hogtown Bayou in the late 1800s. The abundance of slash pine trees made it a perfect place for the industry. Turpentine was used to caulk the seams of wooden ships and was referred to as a “naval stores industry.” The industry died out in the 1940s due to damage from storms and shipbuilding shifting from wood to steel. Papermaking became a bigger industry and the pine trees were used for that purpose.
Santa Rosa Beach is characterized by coastal residential enclaves, thriving commercial enterprises and miles of white, sandy beaches. It offers shopping galleries, restaurants, four county-maintained beach
accesses, and Cessna Landing Park, a public boat launch with a children’s playground and picnic area.
Topsail Hill State Preserve, located in Santa Rosa Beach, could be the state’s most pristine piece of property; its beach, dunes, coastal lake, and cypress swamp remain nearly untouched for the past five centuries. Santa Rosa offers several entrances to Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre preserve with miles of trails. The Santa Rosa area includes the historic town of Point Washington, where Eden State Gardens incorporates the old Wesley mansion on Tucker Bayou, once a thriving sawmill.
DUNE ALLEN BEACH
Dune Allen is the western-most beach town along Scenic 30-A. It is also home to The Santa Rosa Beach Club (the area’s first gulf front golf course), Butler Elementary School, and Kindness Pet Hospital (Scenic 30-A’s first veterinary clinic). Dune Allen includes residential and beachfront vacation homes in the dunes lining both sides of the road. The town is built around Stallworth Lake, Dune Allen Lake, and Oyster Lake, three of the 11 coastal dune lakes along Scenic 30-A.
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The CorridorStallworth Lake is historically significant because of a housing area known as the Quarters, which was located on the northeast side of the lake and housed the “Turpentine Workers.” This was during the late 1800s when jobs and places to live were scarce in this part of Northwest Florida; the Quarters offered both. It also laid the foundation for a totally integrated society, which may have been the earliest interracial neighborhood in this state.
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH
According to local legend, Blue Mountain Beach got its name from the blue haze seen at dawn on the hills and dunes created by the blankets of blue Lupine, which to the Native Americans and sailors resembled “blue mountains” along the beach. The town remains relatively undeveloped except for a bike shop, bank, and the only health food store on Scenic 30-A. Blue Mountain Beach is one of the highest geological points along the Florida Gulf Coast.
Blue Mountain Beach marks the beginning of the Eastern Lake Hike/Bike Trail, which ambles through all of South Walton’s beach communities. Draper
Lake, a large expansive body of water, boasts the area’s only covered bridge. Alligator Lake and Big Red Fish Lakes, two smaller dune lakes in the area, teem with abundant wildlife throughout the
year as they gently flow back and forth between the Gulf of Mexico and the fresh water lake system.
GRAYTON BEACH
Grayton Beach, the first community in South Walton, was established during the late 19th century. Grayton Beach celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 4th, 1990. According to legend, it was named after an Army major, Charles T. Gray, who built a home with his wife Elizabeth in Grayton in 1885. A few years later, their home and all of their possessions were destroyed in a fire. It was almost another 30 years before Grayton would be settled again. In 1913, the Butler family settled Grayton Beach with the plan to turn it into a resort. They bought most of the property at a very good price and began building, renting cottages, and selling lots. Grayton Beach continues to have small-town character with its narrow tree-lined streets and a modest downtown with shops, bed and breakfast inns, a general store, and a handful of restaurants. Today’s Grayton Beach is a historic district with many of the old cottages nicely restored.
Grayton Beach is known for its artists’ community evolving from its “hippie” days. Nearby Grayton Beach State Park was named
LaLLbbbotttthbbbbrBBBsssmsaaaawwww
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inns, and the charm of classic beach houses.
Western Lake is a 220-acre coastal dune lake located adjacent to WaterColor. There are numerous foot and bicycle paths around the lake. Visitors can also explore the lake by renting a canoe or kayak. Cerulean Park, linking the Gulf to the lake, is WaterColor’s central gathering space or Town Center and has a collection of retail shops, offices, and the WaterColor Market. Hiking and biking paths unfold in an extensive woodland trail system within WaterColor. Nearby State Parks offer differing perspectives of coastal dune lakes, sand pine scrub, longleaf pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, wet prairies, and titi swamps.
SEASIDE
Conceived, planned, and developed by Robert and Daryl Davis, (Robert Davis inherited the 80-acre property in the 1970s) Seaside is a pedestrian-friendly community of cottages with picket fences and elevated porches to watch the sun set on the Gulf. New- Urbanism, an architectural movement born with the creation of Seaside, has played an important role in contributing to today’s awareness of the designing and planning of the traditional town along Scenic 30-
America’s Best Beach by coastal geomorphologist Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach) in 1994. The park also includes Western Lake, a coastal dune lake with a public boat ramp and short nature trail. Other area parks include Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, named for its towering dune, and Deer Lake State Park. Grayton Beach is also known for the colorful visitors who stop by every fall en route to Mexico – Monarch butterflies.
WATERCOLOR
WaterColor is one of two master-planned communities currently being developed by Arvida, a St. Joe company, along Scenic 30-A. The 499-acre resort was designed by architect Jaque Robertson on land held by the St. Joe Company since 1927. The WaterColor Inn and Resort is a resort and residential community located between Seaside and Grayton Beach State Recreation Area.
A prominent feature here is the WaterColor Inn that was designed by acclaimed restaurant designer, David
Rockwell. The Inn combines the warmth and hospitality associated with traditional southern grand hotels, the intimacy of bed and breakfast
m
a nd
R
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The CorridorA. The town center was inspired by the squares found in traditional cities like Charleston, South Carolina, Florence, Italy, and Savannah, Georgia. Pedestrian pathways crisscross the town, many of them leading to the beach.
Seaside is designed so that people can reach every shop, restaurant, art gallery, and more by foot or bicycle. The town center contains a market, art galleries, a florist, an ice cream store, a post office, and other small boutiques. Many homes in Seaside can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. There is also a motor court and a bed and breakfast. The town was the stage set for the movie The Truman Show.
Seaside is the heart of Scenic 30-A. Since its grand beginning, it has attracted world wide attention. Time magazine quoted it as “the most astounding design achievement of its era.” It has won many prestigious architectural awards over the years.
WATERSOUND
WaterSound is the second master-planned community (the other is WaterColor) by Arvida, a St. Joe company, along Scenic 30-A. Although still in the early stages of development, the 256-acre site promises to be
one of the most beautiful and unique beach towns along Scenic 30-A. WaterSound is being planned as a secluded, seaside village on more than one mile of white sand beach along Scenic 30-A. The town plan, designed by Robert A.M. Stern, features walking
paths, dune walkovers, parks, a beach club, and recreational facilities blended into a quiet community of single-family home sites, townhomes, and multi-family residences. The architecture and programming at WaterSound are based on the area’s rich maritime history. There are also nature trails along an 80-acre coastal dune lake.
SEAGROVE
Seagrove got its name from the thick grove of windswept oak trees along the beach. The trees were a cover from the harsh hurricanes that landed along the coast of North Florida. Seagrove is a quiet beach town tucked between the coast’s natural dunes. Just up the road are
art galleries and antique stores.
Seagrove is perfect for nature lovers seeking an unspoiled retreat and crowd free environment. Eastern and Deer Lakes are wonderful spots for quiet reflection or launching a canoe or kayak for a day of exploration.
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to short-term visitors. Footpaths and boardwalks in Rosemary Beach lead to large decks over the dunes and, of course, to the beach below.
INLET BEACH
Inlet Beach is located at the eastern edge of Scenic 30-A’s 12 beach communities. It is the easternmost town directly accessible from Scenic 30-A. Inlet Beach is lo-cated at the intersection of Scenic 30-A and US 98. In-let Beach is a well-established neighborhood defined by modest homes inland, newer multi-storied homes (on the Gulf side), and large lots north of Emerald Coast Parkway where rolling hills define the terrain. Lake Powell is located adjacent to the town.
The McCaskill Investment Company of DeFuniak Springs first introduced the town to the buying public during the 1920s. Development began in earnest when young veterans from World War II returned to the area and applied for land offered through a latter-day version of the Homestead Act. In 1947, the Birmingham News ran an article about the Bureau of Land Development giving veterans first choice in a lottery.
Recently, Seagrove has experienced an increasing amount of attention. Residences, condominiums, shops, and restaurants are springing up in the area, and it is becoming a popular destination for tourists.
SEACREST
Seacrest begins after the big bend in the road on CR 30-A. The road still follows the Gulf here, and passes through areas of wild and dense coastal scrubs. Seacrest is a quiet residential community with some of the highest sand dunes on Scenic 30-A.
Camp Creek Lake is one outstanding feature of the Seacrest area. One of the least developed and most scenic of the dune lakes, Camp Creek is located on the western edge of the community and extends north and south of Scenic 30-A. The area golf club features marshlands (perfect for wading birds), plantings of more than 200 live oaks, and a challenging landscape.
Seacrest is one of the quietest beach communities along Scenic 30-A because there is virtually no commercial development.
ROSEMARY BEACH
Rosemary Beach was established in 1995 and named after the dune rosemary. It has a town center that continues to grow with new shops and restaurants. Rosemary Beach follows the same successful blueprint developed by Seaside but, instead of Seaside’s look, Rosemary Beach has gone with a blend of colonial St. Augustine, New Orleans, and West Indian styles using natural tones. Like Seaside, it offers vacation rentals
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The CorridorBecause so many veterans built in the area, it was referred to as “Soldiers Beach.” Eventually the name was changed to Inlet Beach, after Phillips Inlet which separates Walton and Bay Counties.
ALYS BEACH
Alys Beach will employ the best available urban design and architectural techniques to create harmonious relationships between humans and the environment. Combined with the pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use plan, these techniques will make Alys Beach a leader in ecologically-sound living in Florida.
In the tradition of nearby Seaside and Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach will be a model resort town—a place where the best practices in town planning are applied. Alys Beach is located on a 158-acre site, the last piece of beachfront property in the Florida Panhandle. Approximately 20 acres of jurisdictional wetlands lie to the north. Within this configuration, the urban-
to-rural transect distribute the denser, more urban concentrations near the beach and Scenic 30-A (which crosses the southern half of the site) and the sparser, more rural elements toward the wetlands.
The architectural style is simple, with whitewashed masonry and stucco reminiscent of Bermuda. Buildings will be grouped into small compounds and unified by perimeter walls, which will be higher and more formal in the urban zones and lower and more rustic in the rural areas. The Bermuda style is combined with a patio house type that originated in Antigua and a courtyard building type common in California.
All streets will lead to the beach, with views of the water kept clear for as great a distance as possible. The main street will lead to a waterfront plaza that will serve as the primary gathering place in the community. Three-story, mixed-use buildings will line the plaza, featuring arcades and cafés at ground level and apartments above. The northern edge will be framed by an open air auditorium and the distinctive silhouette of a flatiron building with a viewing deck.
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Significant Corridor Features
BEACHES
Scenic 30-A is known for world-class beaches. The corridor has 38 public beach access points. The list below summarizes public access points by town.
1. Santa Clara Regional Beach Access – Located on Scenic 30-A across from Santa Clara Avenue in Seagrove Beach
2. One Seagrove Place Neighborhood Beach Access – Located adjacent to the eastern side of One Seagrove Place Condominium along Scenic 30-A in Seagrove Beach
3. Campbell Street Neighborhood Beach Access – Located on Scenic 30-A across from Campbell Street in Seagrove Beach
4. San Juan Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of San Juan Avenue in Seagrove Beach
5. Greenwood Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Greenwood Avenue in Seagrove Beach
6. Van Ness Butler Jr. Regional Beach Access – Located between WaterColor and Seaside
along Scenic 30-A7. Miramar Beach/Pompano Joe’s Restaurant
Access – Located in western Walton County adjacent to Pompano Joe’s restaurant. Walk on access only.
8. Ed Walline Regional Beach Access – Located at the southern end of CR 393 along Scenic 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach. Walk on access only.
9. Blue Lake Road Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Blue Lake
Road along Blue Mountain Road in Blue Mountain Beach
10. Seagrade Road Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Seagrade Road along Blue Mountain Road in Blue Mountain Beach
11. Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access – Located at the southern end of CR 83 in Blue Mountain Beach
12. Dune Allen Regional Beach Access – Located on Scenic 30-A near Lake Allen
13. Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access – Located at the end of South Orange Street in Inlet Beach
14. Gulfview Heights Regional Beach Access – Located behind Goatfeathers Restaurant on Scenic 30-A
15. Lake Causeway Neighborhood Beach Access – Located in Dune Allen adjacent to the
western side of Vizcaya 16. Beach Highlands Neighborhood Beach Access
– Located in Dune Allen17. Ed Walline Regional Beach Access – Located at
the intersection of Scenic 30-A and CR 39318. Grayton Dunes Regional Beach Access
– Located at the end of DeFuniak Street in historic Grayton Beach
19. Holly Street – Located at the southern end of Holly Street along Scenic 30-A in Seagrove Beach
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The Corridor20. Palms of Dune Allen – Located adjacent to
Palms of Dune Allen Condominiums in Dune Allen
21. Sugar Cliffs – Located across from Cassine Village in Seagrove Beach
22. Nightcap Street – Located at the southern end of Nightcap Street in Seagrove Beach
23. Spooky Lane Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Spooky Lane in Santa Rosa Beach
24. Dogwood/Thyme – Located along Scenic 30-A between Dogwood and Thyme Streets in Seagrove Beach
25. Highway 395 – Located at the southern end of County Hwy 395 in Seagrove Beach
26. West Allen Loop Neighborhood Beach Access – Located in Dune Allen at the western side of Allen Loop Road
27. Live Oak – Located at the southern end of Live Oak Street in Seagrove Beach
28. Hickory Street Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Hickory Street in Seagrove Beach
29. Gardenia Street – Located at the southern end of Gardenia Street in Seagrove Beach
30. Phillip’s Inlet Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the end of Lakeshore Drive
31. Walton Dunes (Lakewood) – Located at the end of Beach Front Trail near Eastern Lake
32. Pelayo Neighborhood Beach Access – Located between Santa Clara and One Seagrove Place
33. Miramar Beach Access – Located adjacent to Pompano Joe’s restaurant in Western Walton County
34. Eastern Lake Neighborhood Beach Access – Located on the immediate western edge of Eastern Lake in Seagrove
35. Ray’s Multi Mountain Neighborhood Beach Access – Located in Grayton Beach
36. Andalusia Street Neighborhood Beach Access – Located in Seagrove Beach
37. Dothan Avenue Neighborhood Beach Access – Located in Seagrove Beach
38. Gulf Point Road Neighborhood Beach Access – Located at the southern end of Gulf Point Road in Blue Mountain
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STATE PARKS
Approximately 40% of the total acreage surrounding Scenic 30-A (25,000 acres) is state-owned. This includes five state parks. In Seacrest, Deer Lake State Park consists of 172 acres of beach and lake areas south of Scenic 30-A, and more than 1,900 acres of hiking trails north of Scenic 30-A. Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is home to Grayton Beach, which has been rated the “Best Beach in the U.S.” The park offers nature trails, camping, a boat ramp on Western Lake, cabin rentals, and picnic areas. Topsail Hill State Preserve features 1,600 acres of gulf-front pine forest, as well as nature trails and two coastal dune lakes.
One mile north of US 98 on CR 395, Eden State Gardens includes the Wesley Mansion, a fully renovated Greek-Revival style home filled with antiques. The mansion is surrounded by an elaborate garden. Also near CR 395 is the Point Washington State Forest, encompassing 15,810 acres and containing the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trails that
weave through a wide variety of plant communities such as sandhills, coastal sand pine scrub, longleaf pine flat woods, cypress ponds, wet prairies, and titi swamps.
TRAILS Numerous hiking and biking trails crisscross the corridor. Since more than 40% of the total land area in Walton County is dedicated to preservation, hikers and bicyclists are free to explore the area on more than 200 miles of trails (see Figure 2.4).
The Longleaf Pine Greenway System consists of more than eight miles of trails throughout different areas of the county, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Choctawhatchee Bay. Trails range from beginner to expert level and users can view wildflowers, freshwater lakes, and sea oat-covered dunes.
The Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail in the Point Washington State Forest offers three-, five-, or ten-mile loops to accommodate all skill levels. The trail winds through a variety of natural vegetation and wildlife habitats. Donations are accepted for the continued maintenance of the trails.
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The CorridorThe Timpoochee Trail, named after a Euchee Indian Chief, is 19 miles long and runs along Scenic 30-A parallel to the Gulf. The trail is paved, and it winds through nine of the beach towns along Scenic 30-A while passing by several state recreation areas, state parks, sand dunes, and coastal dune lakes. The trail is open to bikers and hikers.
Other trails located on state lands include:
Butler School Nature Trail, Santa Rosa BeachGulfview Heights Trail, Santa Rosa Beach
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Blue Mountain-Grayton Trail, Blue Mountain Beach-Grayton BeachGrayton-Seagrove Trail, Grayton Beach-Seagrove
Deer Lake Trail, Seacrest
Art and Culture
There is a thriving arts scene in along Scenic 30-A. The Walton County Tourist Development Council sponsors an “Artist of the Year” program to highlight the work of area artists. There is also an abundance of art studios, as well as antiques and craft stores. In the fall, the Autumn Tides celebration brings
festivals and events to the area. In Seaside, the Seaside Repertory Theatre presents live shows during Summer Season Theatre from Memorial Day to August. ArtsQuest, a week-long event held each May, includes a fashion show, garden party, tours of art galleries, along with a juried fine arts festival.
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Figure 2.4 Scenic 30-A Trail Map
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Ecology
South Walton County is recognized as a leader in beach management and preservation. All 26 miles of coastline in South Walton are certified Blue Wave beaches, a mark of cleanliness and good management from the Clean Beaches Council. In 2004, South Walton County hosted the inaugural Sustainable Beach Summit.
The Gulf of Mexico, the 17 fresh and saltwater lakes, and the Choctawhatchee Bay provide a multitude of natural, recreational, scenic, and archeological features. Preservation efforts also provide abundant habitat for wildlife, including many endangered
species like the Gopher tortoise and the Red-cockaded woodpecker.
NATURAL RESOURCES
The sand on the beaches is sugar-white because it is mostly pure quartz crystal. Millions of years of erosion have weathered these crystals into this extremely fine sand. The sun reflects off the sand
and combines with the clear Gulf to give the water its signature blue-green hue.
Sand dunes are formed by the wind and are the first defense against wave action, which depletes the sand on the beach. Sea oats comprise more than 85% of the plant life on the dunes. They are protected by state law. Their root system grows both vertically and horizontally, stabilizing the dune and protecting it from wind, thus allowing the dunes to grow.
Distinct ecological communities include beach dunes, mesic flatwoods, scrub, scrub flatwoods, depression marshes, wet flatwoods, coastal dune lakes, and estuarine marshes. There are five very rare plants present in South Walton: Large-leafed jointwood, Godfrey’s golden aster, Cruise’s golden aster, Gulf coast lupine, and Long-leaf pine. Threatened animals in the area include the American alligator, Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles, Snowy plover, Piping plover, Southeastern kestrel, Least tern, and the Choctawhatchee Beach mouse. A table in Appendix B lists all federally protected species in Walton County that may occur near the Scenic 30-A corridor.
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The CorridorUniversal Criterion #5
“The roadway generally should be more than one mile in length, and if appropriate, provide access to the resources(s).”
The Scenic 30-A corridor includes the entire 18.5-mile length of CR 30-A and 9.4 miles of north/south spur roads along CR 83, CR 283, and CR 395, therefore fulfilling this criterion. All roadways provide direct access to the resources along the corridor or indirect access to off-corridor resources such as trails and beaches in designated parking areas.
Universal Criterion #6“A majority of the corridor must exhibit scenic or heritage qualifying resource(s). These resources must be as continuous as possible throughout the corridor.”
A majority of the Scenic 30-A corridor exhibits scenic qualifying resources, from the aqua blue Gulf of Mexico, sugar white sand beaches, and golden brown sea oats to the pastel colors and New-Urbanist style architecture. The exceptional intrinsic resources along the route are continuous and are bound by the Gulf Coast to the south and Washington State Forest to the north. Figure 2.5-2.9 illustrate the continuity of intrinsic resources as points of interest unique to the corridor. The Corridor Features descriptions in this chapter, and the maps and stunning images throughout this application, fulfill this criterion.
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Figure 2.5 Scenic 30-A Corridor Overview of Segments
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The CorridorFigure 2.6 Scenic 30-A West Area Map
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Historic GraytonBeach
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The CorridorFigure 2.8 Scenic 30-A East Area Map
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Figure 2.9 Scenic 30-A Point Washington Area Map
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The CorridorUniversal Criterion #7
“A Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) must be organized to support the scenic highway designation.”
In 2000, Commissioner Van Ness Butler (1996-2000) began the process of obtaining designation of Scenic 30-A as a Florida Scenic Highway. In 2002, the Walton County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution #02-60 supporting a Letter of Intent for the designation of Scenic 30-A as a Florida Scenic Highway. The application for Scenic Corridor designation for Scenic 30-A was filed in September 30, 2003. Commissioner Tim Pauls (2000-2004) continued the application process during his term and Commissioner Cindy Meadows (2004-present) continues work on finalizing the designation.
The Board of County Commissioners approved funding to hire a scenic corridor coordinator to prepare all required FDOT documentation for the State Scenic Highway designation. Additionally, the scenic corridor coordinator works directly with Ms. Shannon Foor, the FDOT District Three Scenic Highway Coordinator and consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. on designation activities. Ms. Claire Bannerman serves as the scenic corridor coordinator for Walton County and as Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) chairperson for Scenic 30-A. Ms. Bannerman also works with Ms. Laura Haddock, FDOT District Environmental Administrator. The composition of the original CAG included local citizens, state agencies, Walton County
officials, and representatives from local businesses. Because the project has been on-going since 2003, members of the CAG have changed over time. See Appendix C for a list of current Scenic 30-A CAG members. Additional support for this criterion is included in the Support and Participation section of Chapter 3.
Universal Criterion #8“A Community Participation Program must be developed and implemented.”
The Scenic 30-A CAG has developed and successfully implemented a Community Participation Program (CPP) engaging local citizens, business leaders, and government agencies. More information on the CPP can be found in Chapter 3 Support and Participation. In addition to the activities in the CPP, the success of the Scenic 30-A CAG is evident in the letters of support, the variety and number of endorsing groups and agencies, and in active participation at public meetings and workshops.
Universal Criterion #9“Strong local support must be demonstrated.”
The Scenic 30-A CAG has local support from a broad range of stakeholders with an interest in the preservation and enhancement of the resources along the corridor. Individuals, businesses, public agencies, and elected officials have been very supportive of scenic highway designation for the Scenic 30-
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Figure 2.10 Intrinsic Resource Types
A corridor. Chapter 3 Support and Participation demonstrates the fulfillment of this criterion.
Universal Criterion #10“A Corridor Management Plan (CMP) must be developed with endorsement of local government(s) and a Corridor Management Entity (CME) created.”
The Scenic 30-A CAG developed a set of preliminary action items (see Chapter 4 The Plan) to improve the conditions of the intrinsic resources along the corridor. The action plan items were incorporated into the Vision and Goals for this application. The concerns and ideas of CAG members and the public were developed from responses to the corridor impression surveys, field inventories, a visioning workshop, and comments from public CAG meetings. Objectives and strategies were developed by the CAG and are included in Chapter 4 The Plan. A CME was created concurrently with the CMP. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution endorsing Scenic 30-A’s designation on July 10, 2007. A copy of the resolution is included in Appendix C.
Intrinsic Resources OverviewThe intrinsic resources for the Scenic 30-A were divided into the six Scenic Highway Program resource types: historic, cultural, archeological, recreational, natural and scenic. Figure 2.10 summarizes the number of intrinsic resources by type.
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The CorridorIn general scenic and recreational resources are most abundant along the Scenic 30-A corridor, in part due to the tourist-based local economy. However, many intrinsic resources can be categorized by multiple types. For example, Western Lake is categorized as a scenic intrinsic resource; however the rare coastal dune lake has recreational, natural, and archeological characteristics as well.
The following list of resources by type is provided as a reference for the Florida Scenic Highway Program requirements only. The local, regional, and global significance of each intrinsic resource is recognizable for multiple characteristics.
HISTORIC
Landscapes, buildings, structures, or other visual evidence of the past. Must be something that can still be seen—not just the site of something that used to be there.
Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club - Historically recognized recreational site Gulfview Heights Beach Access - Traditional footpath, now public beach access, that was access for residents decades agoHistoric Grayton Beach, Hotz Avenue and Defuniak Street - Beachside streets, historical houses, and boat launch ramps to lakes and beachesHistoric Point Washington
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Point Washington Post Office - Reflective of the “old ways” in Santa Rosa Beach, Point WashingtonBay Elementary SchoolEden Gardens State Park and Wesley Mansion - A mansion on the shore of Tucker Bayou surrounded by towering Spanish moss-draped live oaks, some dating back 600 yearsSeagrove BeachSeaside
CULTURAL
Portions of the human environment that express aesthetics, traditions, values, and customs, such as arts, rituals, festivals, languages, legacies, or customs.
Gulf Place - Beachside community supporting cultural events with weekly music concerts and festivals throughout the year, eateries, retail shops and glamorous landscaped vistas, next to the colorful kiosks of the Artists of Gulf PlaceAlys Beach - A splendid mix of natural habitat and architecturally unique homes, offers an upscale neighborhood hangout and meeting house for mixing music, book readings at Fonville Press, dining, and peopleSeacrest Beach - Eclectic houses on the edge of the Gulf mixed with the colors and wonder of art galleries and open-air markets
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Rosemary Beach - World-class cuisine from award-winning chefs near one-of-a-kind collections of shops reflecting unique style and personality with distinctive luxurious retreats, award-winning houses of quiet enclaves, spacious homes of elegance alongside a Town Hall and lush natural habitat with unique accommodationsWaterSound - A beachside community with luxurious homes developing their signature sense of community and activities for families, tourists and talented artistsSeaside - A New-Urbanist town
ARCHEOLOGICAL
Physical evidence or remains of known historic or prehistoric human life, activity, or culture such as significant ruins, artifacts, inscriptions.
Native American Burial GroundsStallworth Lake - Globally rare Coastal Dune Lake defined by an intermittent connection to the Gulf of Mexico, creating an aesthetic staple of our natural landscapeDraper Lake - Coastal Dune Lake Dune Allen Lake - Coastal Dune LakeOyster Lake - Coastal Dune LakeBig Redfish Lake - Coastal Dune LakeLittle Redfish Lake - Coastal Dune LakeAlligator Lake
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RECREATIONAL
Sites accessible from the corridor that are used for hiking, biking, picnics, camping, fishing, boating, swimming.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - Exceptional adventures the whole family can enjoy adjacent to the waters of the Gulf of MexicoMorris Lake, Campbell Lake within State Park - Boat launch for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, exploring, floating on Coastal Dune LakesFt. Panic - Beach AccessEd Walline Public Park - Public beach access with parking adjacent to the waters of the Gulf of MexicoGrayton Beach State Park Cottages - The public can rent cabins to enjoy the amazing State ParkGrayton Beach State Park - Dramatic white sand dunes alongside the green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern lake
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The CorridorEastern Lake - A historic Coastal Dune Lake offering recreational activities along its shorelineTimpoochee Trail - Scenic bicycle pathway through 28.5 miles of scenic highway – a recreational “Tour de force” protected by Walton County and its residentsBlue Mountain Beach Access - Marked with two coastal dune lakes: Little Redfish Lake and Big Redfish Lake WaterColor Inn on the GulfCerulean Park, WaterColorDeer Lake State Park - Coastal Dune Lake with recreational facilities, walkover, and restroomsBarrier Dune Nature Trail, Grayton Beach State Park - Walking trail within the Grayton Beach State Park38 Public Beach Access Points
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NATURAL
Minimal human disturbance of the natural features associated with the region.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - Natural scenic beauty, natural habitat, enormous unspoiled historic sand dunesTucker Bayou - Significant waterwayGulf of Mexico - Natural and historic body of water that hugs the shoreline of Walton CountyPoint Washington State Forest - Minimal disturbance of the natural features associated with the regionEastern Lake
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SCENIC
Beauty, whether natural or human-made. The quality of the features is measured by how memorable, distinctive, uninterrupted, and unified they are.
Emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. -Picturesque sceneryVistas from the 11 Coastal Dune LakesNative Vegetative CommunitiesWhite Sandy DunesEmerald waters of the Gulf of MexicoVenacular architecture of 30-A communitiesModernist architecture of 30-A communitiesSeaside Post OfficeRosemary Beach Town Hall and public placesWaterColor Clock TowerAlys Beach Butteries and landscaped mediansWaterSound Bridge over Camp Creek LakeOld Seagrove CanopiesHistoric grid pattern streets and homes of Grayton BeachBlue Mountain Beach blue haze at dawnSunsets and night skiesCovered Bridge over Draper LakeGulf view at Ed Walline Park
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Historic Santa Rosa Beach Club and Golf Course visible from 30-AViews of Stallworth Lake and DunesVenacular architecture of Cypress DunesTopsail Preserve State Park Access
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Support & ParticipationChapter 3:
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Support and ParticipationCorridor Management Entity
The Corridor Management Entity (CME) was built through the volunteer efforts of the Scenic 30-
A CAG to ensure that the Action Plan is accurately implemented, monitored and updated.
The CME was developed consistent with the requirement of the Florida Scenic Highway Program. The CAG began to establish CME memberships as part of their innovative Community Participation Program (see Community Participation Program). The purpose of forming a CME was to educate, inform and engage potential CME members in the development of the Scenic 30-A Action Plan. Engaging CME members early in the process allowed members to develop an understanding of the Action Plan and guide the implementation of projects.
The Scenic 30-A CME, referred to as the “Friends of Scenic 30-A,” is fortunate to draw participation from the existing CAG, local municipalities, and business partners. A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation titled the Scenic 30-A Foundation was also developed during the Eligibility Phase by the founding CAG members. The non-profit organization will serve as an umbrella organization for the Friends of Scenic 30-A. The non-profit provides additional funding opportunities for the Scenic 30-A activities and a structure for administrative duties of the CME. An executed CME agreement and Bylaws for the organization are included in Appendix C.
Current officers include:
Claire Bannerman, Chair Cliff Knauer P.E., Vice Chair Vicki Kitahara, Secretary Ken Little, Treasurer
Table 3.1 contains a list of committee members from the Friends of Scenic 30-A, along with their responsibilities for monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan.
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Table 3.1 Friends of Scenic 30-A CommitteesCommittee Member
Beautification & Clean Up Vicki Kitahara, Carol Seibert
Community Liaison Claire Bannerman
Environmental/Dune Lakes Meg Nelson, Phillip Ellis/CBA Representative
Growth Management Cindy Meadows
Multi-Use Path Peggy Sheehan, Bill Freeze
Multi-Modal Improvement Tom Stein, Bill and Cheryl Freeze
Preservation of Natural Resources Christian Wagley
Public Relations/Promotion Ken Little, Dale Foster
Signage/Mapping Ken Vogel, Milla Hopkins
State Lands Representative from Division of Forestry
Trash & Recycling Carole Seibert, Vicki Kitahara
Additional Supporting Members Johndra CulpCliff Knauer, P.E.Mary GrubbsBill GrubbsHenry Nooe
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Community Participation Program
Claire Bannerman, CAG Coordinator, enlisted community volunteers including artists,
photographers, writers, historians, and others. Community organizations, non-profit organizations, and private businesses contributed time and resources to the application effort. In addition to the neighbors who attended the regular Corridor Advocacy Group meetings, several local artists donated resources for fundraising opportunities. Local artist Justin Gaffrey donated one of his paintings of the Scenic 30-A corridor to be auctioned. Celeste Cobena, The Soap Peddler, prepared a special edition collection of 30-A homemade soaps specifically saluting the SHAC tour. Photographer Kurt Lischka donated a collection of unique photographs taken along the corridor for use in submittals. Additionally, representatives from local developers and coastal communities shared in the spirit by donating refreshments, gathering places, vehicles, and time.
With support from Walton County Commissioner Meadows, Claire Bannerman charged the Corridor Advocacy Group to gain State Scenic Highway designation of Scenic 30-A from FDOT. The CAG
meets monthly at the Walton County TDC to delegate tasks required for scenic byway designation. Activities performed by the CAG include the distribution of surveys, information, and
field inventories of connector roads CR 395, CR 283, and CR 83. The CAG invited the following speakers to present information to the public on topics related to scenic corridor designation:
Rory Cassedy- Waste Management RepresentativeTrash collection, trash containers, transfer station, recycle goals
Jeff Caster, FDOT State Landscape ArchitectWildflowers and native landscaping techniques
Cliff Knauer- Consultant from Preble-Rish, Project Engineer
County right-of-way, storm runoff, multimodal transportation
Consultants from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.Florida Scenic Highway Program process and requirements
Ken Little, Walton County Public Information Specialist
Formation of the CAG, County regulations and support
Tom Beitzel, Director of ForestryState Park lands and tourism, controlled burns, recreation and trails
Phil Ellis- Executive Director, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA)
Rare Coastal Dune Lakes, Stormwater runoff, Invasive plants
Anita Page, Executive Director, South Walton Community Council (SWCC)
SWCC Mission, citizen concerns, traffic safety
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Support and ParticipationInput from citizens, community leaders, and developers was a common occurrence at the meetings. The CAG meetings were advertised consistent with Sunshine Law requirements and a representative from FDOT was invited to present at the meetings. The Friends of Scenic 30-A held meetings every two weeks for a total of six meetings to develop the Action Plan. The Friends of Scenic 30-A will continue to meet monthly once Scenic 30-A is designated to see that the Action Plan is implemented correctly.
The following is a list of local residents and business owners within the Scenic 30-A Corridor that attended a mini charrette in May 2007.
Business Owners, Local Officials, and AgenciesGeorge Newman - Walton County Planning Susan Burgess - Aide, Walton County Commissioner Scott Brannon District 1Cindy Meadows - Walton County Commissioner District 5Leah Stratmann - Local PressAaron Warren - Walton County Public WorksRyan Douglass - Walton County Public WorksCeleste Cobena - Beach to Bay ConnectionJames Murray - Business ownerGale Murray - Business ownerDale Shingler - Grayton Beach State Park RangerLoretta Shaffer - Tourism Development CouncilLisa Purul - St. Joe
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Ken Little - Walton County Citizens ServicesVicki Kitahara - Aide, Walton County Commissioner Meadows, District 5Greg Graham - Walton County PlanningPhil Ellis - Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance
Local CitizensHenry NooeJane DunworthDale FosterDavid Kramer Meg NelsonCaroling GearyKen VogelRosemary HembreeKaren MonroeCurtis WeatherallCarole SeibertMike SeibertTom SteinJanet Stein
Appendix C contains Community Participation Program materials, including a CAG meeting announcement, CAG agenda, newspaper articles and minutes from CAG meetings.
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Local Support
The Scenic 30-A CAG has built strong county-wide support for corridor designation of Scenic
30-A during its public participation process. The surrounding communities have unanimously endorsed Scenic 30-A, as has the Walton County Board of Commissioners. Endorsements have been received from local authorities, organizations, and merchants. Scenic 30-A has demonstrated substantial local support for designation. The local support was developed by getting individuals and groups involved in the future plans for the corridor and communicating the benefits the designation will provide. Documentation to illustrate local support can be found in Appendix C.
The following quotes represent the broad-based local support for Scenic 30-A designation:
“Dune Allen- over the years, Eric and Jeanne Allen built homes for vacationing families to enjoy. Eric built a short airstrip to be used by vacationers who had small planes. That Airstrip is now the road north of CR-30A to the Santa Rosa Beach Golf Club.
~ ”The Way We Were” - Recollections of South Walton Pioneers
“We strongly believe that a scenic byway can stimulate and facilitate sustainable economic progress that will be of direct benefit to our members and all other citizens of this County. This is an opportunity to help build community pride and involvement through the identification of the unique scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, archeological, and historical resources that we possess.”
~ Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
“An exceptional, stellar Corridor”
~Kerri Post, VISIT FLORIDA
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Support and Participation“On behalf of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce with over 1,200 business members representing over 26,000 employees, We are pleased that at a recent Board meeting with discussion of these plans, our Board of Director’s voted unanimously to endorse and support this important initiative. We look forward to actively participating with the CAG as work on the candidate Scenic Byway project moves forward.”
~ Dawn Moliterno, CEO, Walton County Chamber of Commerce
“The 30-A corridor is one of the most beautiful roadways in the Florida Panhandle, with its mix of unique communities and rich natural resources. Along this stretch of Walton County you pass through three State Parks, a State Preserve and a State Forest. This mix of natural areas is not found anywhere else in Florida. I feel like the proposed County Road 30-A Scenic Highway will provide
multiple opportunities and benefits to numerous communities and public lands that the corridor traverses, while showcasing the intrinsic resources along its route.”
~ Division of Forestry
“The Town of Rosemary Beach fully supports Walton County’s application for designation of County Road 30-A as a Scenic Corridor. The natural beauty and fragile ecosystem that this road passes through requires the effort of all of us to preserve, respect and share with future generations. We are prepared to do our part to ensure that Scenic County Road 30-A be selected for this honor.”
~ Town of Rosemary Beach
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“As nature-based and eco-tourism is beginning to be marketed by The Beaches of South Walton, the Alliance feels this is a wonderful opportunity for Walton County to use its natural surroundings to attract new visitors.”
~Phil Ellis, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance
“This designation will increase the visibility of our area and establish standards that will help to maintain and improve the beauty and viability of this prized corridor. We are working hard to make Alys Beach a wonderful addition to the Highway 30-A corridor. The formal designation of Highway 30-A as a scenic highway will compliment our efforts and those of many others to create world class experience in South Walton County.”
~Jason Comer, Alys Beach, Town Founder
The following organizations have supported 30-A as part of an ongoing community participation program and through submission of formal support letters.
Leda C. Suydan - Department of Environmental Protection: Topsail Hill Preserve State ParkJohn Gillis - Beaches of South WaltonDawn A. Moliterno - Walton County Chamber of CommerceCharles H. Bronson - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesCommissioner Scott A. Brannon - Walton County District 1James B. Bagby - Rosemary BeachCommissioner Cindy A. Meadows - Walton County District 5Keith Howard - Howard GroupPhillip Ellis - Program Coordinator, Choctawhatchee Basin AllianceDonald D. Brown - Florida House of RepresentativesDon Gaetz - Florida State SenatorDale Foster - ResidentClifford Knauer - Consultant Preble-Rish, IncHal Rhodea - Friends of Topsail Hill
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Support and ParticipationPartnerships and Agreements
The Florida Scenic Highway Program is a grass roots effort with an emphasis on local support
and consensus building. All formal and informal partnerships and agreements associated with resource preservation, maintenance and enhancement must be documented to fulfill state designation requirements. The Friends of Scenic 30-A have provided copies of these partnership agreements which outline the agreement between an institution and the Friends of Scenic 30-A to provide a financial contribution or service to assist in carrying out the Corridor’s Vision after Designation.
An agreement between The Friends of Scenic 30-A and the Tourist Development Council can be found in Appendix C. The following is a list of The Friends of Scenic 30-A Partnership Agreements currently under development. Additional partnerships will be forthcoming.
Friends of EdenWalton County Chamber of CommerceSouth Walton Community CouncilWalton County Garden Club
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The PlanChapter 4:
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The PlanGoals, Objectives, and Strategies
The Goals, Objectives and Strategies developed for Scenic 30-A are based on the Initial Goals and
Preliminary Action Plan from the Eligibility Phase of the program. The Scenic 30-A CAG documented the preliminary action plan items from Corridor Impression Surveys, Field Inventories, public meetings, workshops, and partner interviews. The Friends of Scenic 30-A have developed additional strategies from input during the six Friends of Scenic 30-A meetings and discussion at a public mini-charrette workshop conducted in June 2007 (see Chapter 3 Support and Participation). The objectives and strategies listed below directly support the Vision and Story of Scenic 30-A.
Goal 1: Intrinsic Resource Protection, Maintenance, and Enhancement
Objective 1.1: To preserve and protect the existing Scenic 30-A natural landscape.
Strategies:
1.1.1 Review and update existing vegetative community preservation ordinances and comprehensive plan policies to develop additional standards
1.1.2 Work with Walton County to continue to enforce existing native vegetation preservation regulations
1.1.3 Coordinate with Walton County Planning Department to develop a heritage tree preservation ordinance
1.1.4 Coordinate with Walton County GIS department to map delineations of vegetative communities
1.1.5 Continue support of exotic species removal monitoring program
1.1.6 Formalize guidelines for use of preservation “buy out” program funds for xeric landscaping installation/maintenance
1.1.7 Develop landscaping standards and guidelines for the Scenic 30-A corridor
1.1.8 Promote and work with Walton County to develop xeric landscaping ordinances
1.1.9 Support and provide input on the proposed turtle lighting ordinances
1.1.10 Work with Walton County Planning and government agencies on redevelopment policies
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Objective 1.2: Improve the waste management efforts along Scenic 30-A to be more proactive.
Strategies:
1.2.1 Coordinate with Sheriff ’s Department to enforce littering laws
1.2.2 Develop a plan for uniform garbage control along CR 30-A, CR-83, CR-283, CR-395, and Timpoochee Trail
1.2.3 Expand the recycling and large item pick-up components of the current waste management program
1.2.4 Seek funding from private and public sources for recycling options
1.2.5 Work with local citizens, businesses and organizations to address littering, trash management, recycling and reuse programs
1.2.6 Identify other ongoing waste management issues and provide solutions
Objective 1.3: Enhance the current amenities and viewsheds along Scenic 30-A.
Strategies:
1.3.1 Work with Walton County and citizen groups to cleanup and beautify the Coastal Dune Lake vistas to announce presence of “Coastal Dune Lake”
1.3.2 Inspect and maintain wooden bridge connections and crossings
1.3.3 Promote underground utilities and coordinate with Walton County to put existing utilities underground
1.3.4 Explore funding opportunities for underground utilities along Scenic 30-A
1.3.5 Work with local utility providers on lift station buffers and odor control
1.3.6 Coordinate screening of accessory structures with utility providers
1.3.7 Apply for FDOT beautification grants for Scenic 30-A and connectors
1.3.8 Install benches and water fountains along Timpoochee Trail where physically feasible
1.3.9 Work with local organizations and Walton County on continued beautification and preservation (i.e. Friends of Scenic 30-A, Garden Clubs, Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Committee and others)
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Objective 1.4: Develop coordinated management and maintenance schedules and programs for Scenic 30-A.
Strategies:
1.4.1 Develop a Scenic 30-A Maintenance Plan for roads, trails, landscaping and interpretive sites
1.4.2 Identify clean-up, landscaping or construction projects appropriate for county work crews
1.4.3 Work with Walton County to address ongoing infrastructure maintenance issues
1.4.4 Develop a Maintenance Plan for existing stormwater management systems
1.4.5 Develop and seek funding for Scenic 30-A Surface Runoff/Stormwater Master Plan and implementation
1.4.6 Work with Walton County on continued funding for maintenance
Goal 2: Transportation Planning and Safety
Objective 2.1: To maintain and improve the quality of life along Scenic 30-A by providing a safe, cost effective, comprehensive, integrated, energy efficient, and multimodal transportation system.
Strategies:
2.1.1 Develop proposals for alternative transportation modes including shuttles to strategic locations, trolleys, golf carts and other multi-modal strategies (Friends of 30-A have proposals and studies on file)
2.1.2 Work with developing communities to provide airport shuttles to the proposed Bay County International Airport
2.1.3 Encourage the use of Proportionate Fair Share funds from new development for public transit
2.1.4 Work with Walton County and TDC to prepare and fund development of a Long Range Parking Master Plan
2.1.5 Work with Walton County Planning and Public Works to design and implement uniform speed limit plan with suggested traffic calming solutions
2.1.6 Coordinate with Walton County Planning on implementation of the Scenic 30-A Traffic Study recommendations including intersection improvements for CR 30-A at CR 83, CR 283, and CR 395
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Objective 2.2: To enhance the recreational activity amenities, trails and public access along the 30-A corridor.
Strategies:
2.2.1 Work with Public Works on Timpoochee Trail safety improvements at all major and minor intersections
2.2.2 Provide pedestrian crosswalks with safety features at strategic locations along Timpoochee Trail
2.2.3 Work with TDC to install bike racks at all public beach access points where feasible.
2.2.4 Finalize the proposed Timpoochee Trail Wayfinding Plan with consultants
2.2.5 Work with Walton county to remove repetitive non-conforming signage
2.2.6 Work with Walton County and TDC to fund the Wayfinding Plan
2.2.7 Promote maintenance and clearing of vegetation from visibility triangles on all trails
2.2.8 Support trail development and funding for additional trails along Scenic 30-A and connector roads
2.2.9 Continue to work with the FDEP office of Greenways and Trails to seed and support funding for trail projects
2.2.10 Identify locations for public restroom areas.2.2.11 Pursue acquisition of lands for recreational
learning centers and public use
Goal 3: Community Support and Public Participation
Objective 3.1: To engage, inform, and encourage local community support and participation in Scenic 30-A activities
Strategies:
3.1.1 Inform local businesses and organizations about the benefits of Scenic 30-A designation
3.1.2 Encourage local businesses and organizations to engage in promotion of Scenic 30-A
3.1.3 Seek a Friends of 30-A representative on the Work with Planning to establish a Friends of 30-A representative on the Walton County Technical Review Committee (TRC)
3.1.4 Encourage participation of regional governmental and private entities, and management agencies with multi-jurisdictional resources on all corridor-wide projects
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The PlanGoal 4: Education and Corridor Story
Objective 4.1: To support existing and develop new educational programs and materials on area resources and the Scenic 30-A Story
Strategies:
4.1.1 Educate citizens, businesses and visitors about recycling options
4.1.2 Educate the public about pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular laws
4.1.3 Create and distribute information to educate developers about vegetative community preservation requirements, fines, incentives, and cost saving benefits of using same
4.1.4 Promote best management practices and education for xeric landscaping
4.1.5 Educate citizens and businesses on the value of conserving water resources through landscape measures with reminders that the corridor is part of a fragile Barrier Island
4.1.6 Install historic markers where appropriate4.1.7 Coordinate with homeowner associations to
educate citizens about vegetative community preservation requirements and benefits of using native vegetation
4.1.8 Provide intrinsic resource interpretive signage on the Scenic 30-A corridor in conjunction with the Wayfinding Plan and TDC’s family of signs
Goal 5: Economic Development and Tourism
Objective 5.1: To encourage local economic development and support Scenic 30-A tourism through resource-based programs
Strategies:
5.1.1 Coordinate promotional and educational efforts with the Tourist Development Council, Economic Development Council, and the Walton County Chamber of Commerce
5.1.2 Work with local businesses and rental agencies to support economic development
5.1.3 Participate in economic development meetings with appropriate organizations
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Goal 6: Administration and Coordination of Scenic 30-A Initiatives
Objective 6.1: To implement the Scenic 30-A Ac-tion Plan strategies and monitor required activities consistent with the FDOT Scenic Highway Program
Strategies:
6.1.1 Participate in an annual Environmental Forum workshop
6.1.2 Develop a Work Plan and Annual Report to guide implementation of strategies
6.1.3 Engage interested and appropriate government officials, citizens, landowners, businesses, and land managers in Friends of Scenic 30-A strategies
6.1.4 Broaden Friends of Scenic 30-A membership annually based on current projects
6.1.5 Develop fundraising strategies for administrative activities
6.1.6 Develop and support additional projects, programs and strategies based on new membership input, public participation and local corridor conditions
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The PlanProtection Techniques
Protection and preservation of the intrinsic re-sources along Scenic 30-A are critical to both the
designation and the long term viability of the corri-dor. The visual appearance of the corridor plays a key role in the designation, protection and management strategies for Scenic 30-A. Protection Techniques out-line existing and planned organizational policies and programs aimed to maintain the quality of intrinsic re-sources associated with Scenic 30-A.
The South Walton Conservation and Development Trust was established by the State Legislature in 1994. The Trust’s mandate was to prepare an environmental survey of South Walton County and recommend ways to enhance the beaches in an economical and environmentally friendly manner. As a result of this document, the Walton County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code adopted language to
provide the blueprint to guide development activity while balancing economic growth and sustainability.
The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) participates in a wide range of preservation efforts. The Council has a full-time coastal scientist on staff who addresses coastal-related issues. The TDC works closely with the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, and recognizes the positive impact resource preservation can have on tourism.
The South Walton Turtle Watch Program locates turtle nests, protects them until hatching, and helps baby turtles make it to the water after hatching. This organization also provides posters, signs, and brochures to educate the public about conservation. Other local environmental groups, such as the Beach to Bay Connection, actively work with state agencies and Walton County to preserve the natural resources of the County.
The Florida State Parks division within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) was created in 1935 to preserve and protect “The Real Florida” elements and resources in portions of the State’s natural lands. Procedures preformed by the Florida State Parks division consist of prescribed burning, invasive exotic species control, hydrological restoration, and other kinds of habitat restoration. Most of this work is done by park staff as a part of their day-to-day activities, which also include the many other aspects of providing recreational facilities accessible for public enjoyment. Restoration,
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preservation, and interpretation of many of Florida’s most significant cultural resources is also a top priority within this department.
The Scenic 30-A CAG worked with County staff to determine what comprehensive plan policies support intrinsic resource protection along the corridor. In general, all Walton County Comprehensive Plan elements and supporting goals, objectives and policies address intrinsic resource preservation. The policies are referenced in this section. The policy directives, evaluated against the Scenic 30-A Vision during this Designation Phase, assisted in creating appropriate objectives and strategies for the Scenic 30-A Action Plan. Additionally, action items were developed to further Walton County’s existing intrinsic resource protection policies through coordination with resource-based agencies and groups.
Organizations in the region that promote and monitor intrinsic resource preservation and protection include but are not limited to the following:
Walton County Tourist Development CouncilChoctawhatchee Basin AllianceSouth Walton Turtle WatchBeach to Bay ConnectionCoastal Dune Advisory BoardSouth Walton Community CouncilSeaside InstituteCultural Arts AssociationMuscogee Nation of FloridaScenic Corridor AssociationAppropriate State AgenciesWalton County Chamber of CommerceWalton County Heritage AssociationFriends of EdenFriends of Grayton State ParkFriends of Topsail HillFriends of Timpoochee Trial
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The PlanCurrent InitiativesThe following current initiatives are being conducted by Walton County with coordination by the Friends of Scenic 30-A.
Wayfinding Plan 2007
A Wayfinding Plan for the Timpoochee Trail, consists of directional, interpretive, and informational signs to be placed on the Scenic Corridor. Phase I will be funded in 2007.
Multi-Use Path Maintenance
A maintenance schedule is being developed and coordinated with the appropriate departments for the up-keep of the current multi-use path. A maintenance contract with Walton County Public Works has been signed and is ongoing.
Capital Improvement Projects Approved for Budget Years 2007-2010
Those projects approved within the 2007-2010 budget year, outlined in Chapter 2 The Corridor, are being implemented by Walton County.
Inmate clean-up days
This program utilizes local inmates required to perform community services such as landscaping and litter control by integrating them into the maintenance and clean-up schedules of the County.
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“Use Blue- think Green”-Recycling Program
Recyclable items such as cans, glass, plastic, paper and cardboard materials are placed into a Blue Recycling Bag provided by the County and are collected along with regular garbage pick up service. Those items in the Blue Recycling Bags are separated at the landfill and are recycled. For additional information see Appendix C.
Xeric landscape ordinance
The xeric landscape ordinance, also supported by the Scenic 30-A Action Plan, is currently being drafted by the Planning Department for review by the Board of County Commissioners.
Coastal Dune Lake Monitoring Program
The protection and preservation of the Coastal Dune Lakes along the corridor is currently being funded by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and is supported by Action Plan strategies.
Large White Goods Pick-Up
In response to the growing demand for large item pick up within the Scenic 30-A communities, the Walton County’s Waste Management department has added a Large White Goods pick-up day to their schedule.
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Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan
The Walton County Comprehensive Plan provides the foundation of goals, objectives, and policies
that directly relate to the management of Scenic 30-A. A number of goals, objectives, and policies in the Comprehensive Plan that support the Scenic 30-A vision and goals are located in the Coastal Zone and Conservation, Recreation, Open Space and Greenways, Transportation and the Intergovernmental Coordination Elements.
The following tables illustrate how each of the Scenic 30-A Goals developed by the Scenic 30-A CAG corresponds with the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Goal 1 - Resource Protection, Maintenance, and Enhancement
Goal 1 of the Corridor Management Plan relates to the Coastal, Recreational, and Infrastructure elements of the Walton County Comprehensive Plan. Table 4.1 illustrates how existing Walton County policies support Goal 1 of the Scenic 30-A Corridor Management Plan.
Table 4.1 Scenic 30-A Goal 1 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Coastal Zone, Conservation Element
Goal 1 - Protect/Conserve Natural ResourcesObjective C-1.1 Policy C-1.1.3-4Goal 2 - Water QualityObjective C-2.1 Policy C-2.1.1Objective C-2.2 Policy C-2.2.1-8Objective C-2.3 Policy C-2.2.1-5Goal 3 - Reduce PollutionObjective C-3.2 Policy C-3.2.1Objective C-3.2 Policy C-3.2.4-5Objective C-3.2 Policy C-3.2.8Objective C-3.2 Policy C-3.2.9Objective C-3.2 Policy C-3.2.11Objective C-3.3 Policy C-3.3.1Objective C-3.3 Policy C-3.3.3-6Goal 4 - Coastal AreasObjective C-4.1 Policy C-4.1.4Objective C-4.4 Policy C-4.4.1Objective C-4.4 Policy C-4.4.3Objective C-4.4 Policy C-4.4.4Objective C-4.4 Policy C-4.4.7
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Goal 2 - Transportation Planning and Safety
Goal 2 of the Corridor Management Plan corresponds to the County’s Recreational, Open Space and Greenway Element (ROG). Table 4.2 illustrates how existing Walton County policies support Goal 2 of the Corridor Management Plan. Policy R-2.3.3 under
Table 4.2 Scenic 30-A Goal 2 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Coastal Zone, Conservation Element
Goal 4 - Coastal AreasObjective C-4.1 Policy C-4.1.4Recreation, Open Space, and Greeway Element
Goal 1 - Economic DevelopmentObjective R-1.1 Policy R-1.1.1Goal 2 - Recreational SystemsObjective R-2.1 Policy R-1.1.1-3Objective R-2.3 Policy R-1.2.3.1-3Goal 3 - Open SpacesObjective R-3.1 Policy R-3.1.2Objective R-3.2 Policy R-3.2.1-3Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.5-6Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.8Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.11Goal 4 - EcologyObjective R-4.1 Policy R-4.2.2Objective R-4.3 Policy R-4.3.1-2Objective R-4.3 Policy R-4.3.4Objective R-4.4 Policy R-4.4.1Goal 7 - Recreational OpportunityObjective R-7.3 Policy R-7.3.1-2Traffic Circulation Element
Goal T-1 TransporationObjective T-1.3 Policy T-1.3.1Objective T-1.4 Policy T-1.4.2Objective T-1.5 Policy T-1.5.3Objective T-1.6 Policy T-1.6.1-2Objective T-1.7 Policy T-1.7.1-3Objective T-1.8 Policy T-1.8.1
Table 4.1 Scenic 30-A Goal 1 Comp Plan Support (continued)
Walton County Comprehensive PlanRecreation, Open Space, and Greenway Element
Goal 1 - Economic DevelopmentObjective R-1.1 Policy R-1.1.5Goal 2 - Recreation SystemsObjective R-2.1 Policy R-1.1.1-3Objective R-2.3 Policy R-12.3.1-3Goal 3 - Open SpacesObjective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.4Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.10Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.12Objective R-3.5 Policy R-3.5.4-6Goal 4 - EcologyObjective R-4.1 Policy R-4.2.2Infrustructure Element
Goal I-1 Potable WaterObjective I-1.2 Policy I-1.2.2-3Objective I-1.3 Policy I-1.3.1-2Goal I-4 DrainageObjective I-4.1 Policy I-4.1.1Objective I-4.2 Policy I-4.2.1
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ROG’s Recreational Systems is in direct support of one of the features the CAG group and the community desires to establish. The policy states,
“The County, in coordination with the Tourist Development Council, shall introduce the beach jitney/trolley to provide access to the beaches, especially along CR 30-A.“
Additionally Objective T-1.8: Scenic Highways states,
“For highways being considered for scenic designation, the County shall develop designation criteria and Corridor Management Plans for the preservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of those intrinsic resources within the corridor.
Policy T-1.8.1: For each highway being considered for scenic designation, the following procedures shall be followed:
a) A Scenic Highway Advisory Committee shall be formed to create a vision, set goals and objectives, evaluate intrinsic resources, develop a Corridor Management Plan and Action Plan, and establish a management entity for the scenic highway.
b) The Advisory Committee shall coordinate the reconciliation of the Corridor Management Plan with the current Walton County Comprehensive Plan.
c) The Board of County Commissioners must approve any scenic highway nomination and adopt the Corridor Management Plan by ordinance into the Walton County Comprehensive Plan in order for the local designation to go into effect.
d) The management entity shall implement the Action Plan and provide an annual report on the effectiveness of the Corridor Management Plan. “
These procedures support the strategies developed by the Friends of Scenic 30-A and support the Relationship to the Comprehensive Plan requirements.
Goal 3 - Community Support and Public Participation
Goal 3 of the Corridor Management Plan expands on the type of programs that have been established by the CAG and Friends of Scenic 30-A that correlate with the county’s policies. Within the County’s Comprehensive Plan there are references to the County’s responsibilities regarding the coordination with local organizations to develop and maintain higher standards within the County.
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“The County will coordinate with citizens and state agencies to promote and conserve the designated South Walton greenways by incorporating appropriate management and protective measures into its local planning processes, and will coordinate with the Water Management District and adjacent local governments to incorporate complementary measures into their planning processes.
This policy supports Goals 1,2 ,3 and 6 of the CMP. Table 4.3 provides a list of the other County policies that support Goal 3 of the Scenic 30-A CMP.
Table 4.3 Scenic 30-A Goal 3 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation, Open Space, and Greeway Element
Goal 1 - Economic DevelopmentObjective R-1.1 Policy R-1.1.5Goal 3 - Open SpacesObjective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.4Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.6
Goal 4 - Education and Corridor Story
Goal 4 of the CMP has support in both the County’s Recreational, Open Space and Greenway, and Coastal Elements. Table 4.4 illustrates how existing Walton County policies support Goal 4 of the Scenic 30-A Corridor Management Plan.
Table 4.4 Scenic 30-A Goal 4 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Coatal Zone, Conservation Element
Goal 3 - Reduce, Conservation ElementObjective C-3.2 Policy 3.2.6Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Element
Goal 1 - Economic DevelopmentObjective R-1.1 Policy R-1.1.3Goal 3 - Open SpacesObjective R-3.2 Policy R-3.2.3Objective R-3.3 Policy R-3.3.6
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Goal 5 - Economic Development and Tourism
The economic development and tourism goals of the CMP are supported in the Intergovernmental Coordination of the Comprehensive Plan. Table 4.5 illustrates the related supporting policies.
Goal 6 - Administration and Coordination of Scenic 30-A Initiatives
The Friends of Scenic 30-A will serve as the main caretaker of the Scenic 30-A corridor by ensuring that the Action Plan is executed, and the corridor initiatives are monitored and implemented in accordance with the CMP as well as with the County’s initiatives and policies. The following comprehensive plan policies in Table 4.6 support these efforts.
Table 4.6 Scenic 30-A Goal 6 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Coatal Zone, Conservation Element
Goal 3 - Reduce Pollutionb ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .
Goal 4 - Coastal Areasb ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .
Goal 1 - Economic Developmentb ective R . Policy R . .
Goal pen Spacesb ective R . Policy R . .b ective R . Policy R . .
Goal 7 - Recretional Opportunityb ective R . Policy R . .
Intergovernmental Coordination Element
Goal IC-1 Intergovernmental Coordination Elementb ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .
Table 4.5 Scenic 30-A Goal 5 Comp Plan SupportWalton County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation, Open Space, and Greeway Element
Goal 4 - Coastal Areasb ective C . Policy C . .
Recreation, Open Space, and Greeway Element
Goal 1 - Economic Developmentb ective R . Policy R . .b ective R . Policy R . .
Goal 3 - Open Spacesb ective R . Policy R . .b ective R . Policy R . .
Goal 7 - Recretional Opportunityb ective R . Policy R . .
Intergovernmental Coordination Element
Goal IC-1 Intergovernmental Coordination Elementb ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .b ective C . Policy C . .
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The PlanLand Development Code Policy SupportThe Land Development Code (LDC) contains the rules, regulations, and ordinances that govern how and where certain types of development may occur within the specified area. Within the LDC for Walton County, Section 13.02.00: The Route 30-A Scenic Corridor, specific regulations are provided to preserve and protect the current conditions of CR 30-A. The design standards within this section are set,
“to preserve and maximize views of the Gulf of Mexico, enhance the visual characteristics of the roadway corridor, and to eliminate roadside clutter.”(13.02.00 A)
In Section 13.02.00 the applicable properties and limitations of the Route 30-A Scenic Corridor design standards are described and pertain to,
“all properties that are located continuous to County Road 30-A shall, for purpose of this section, be considered within the Route 30-A scenic corridor.”(13.02.00 B.)
Within this section the following standards are regulated: Location Designation; Setback and Building Width; Landscaping Standards; Driveway/Access/Parking
Standards; Sign Control; and Other Uses of the Public Right-of-Way.
Section 13.02.01 of the LDC contains additional scenic corridor design standards for other routes in Walton County, including: The US 98 and US 331 Scenic Corridor Design Standards, and are designed to,
“ensure high quality commercial development along roadways in South Walton County” (13.02.01 A).
This section of the code applies to US 98 and US 331 and not the Scenic 30-A corridor limits, however the legal application provided in Section 13.02.01 B are more specific on the applicable corridor. It states:
“The Scenic Corridor width extends 400 feet north and 400 feet south of US Highway 98 right-of-way and the property abuts US Highway 98 and US Highway 331.”
Though these standards do not apply to the Scenic 30-A corridor, The Friends of Scenic 30-A are working with Walton County to amend Section 13 to apply the 400 foot right of way limit designation to County Road 30-A.r
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during the Designation Phase. This funding source “clearinghouse” will be used during the Implementation Phase to determine appropriate and available funding sources on a project-specific basis.
Government, Business and Civic Groups
Walton County Board of County Commissioners117 Montgomery CircleDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435850-8925-8155
Choctawhatchee Electric CooperativePO Box 512DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435(850)892-2111
Walton County Economic Development CouncilRobert Smith, Executive Director908 U.S. Hwy 90 WestDeFuniak Springs, FL 32433(850)892-0555
Fabric ArchitectureSanta Rosa Beach404-578-1651
Habitat for Humanity, Walton County PO Box 2400 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850)267-0606
Funding and Promotions
All Florida Scenic Highways should begin to identify potential funding sources early in the
designation process. The Friends of Scenic 30-A have identified government, institution, grant and private sources to fund the Action Plan items. Additionally, the Friends of Scenic 30-A will have the benefit of funding available to the existing Scenic 30-A Corridor Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. This organization was formed early during the Eligibility Phase.
Grant Funding Considerations
Groups that have 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, such as the Scenic 30-A Corridor Foundation, Inc., are eligible for many grants that are not necessarily in the scope of scenic highway programs specifically; however, these grant sources can further support the corridor Vision and Action Plan strategies. There are often many grants that are available within the same grantor department, and groups may be eligible to apply for more than one each year. Likewise, the Friends of Scenic 30-A, through cooperation with the Scenic 30-A Corridor Foundation, Inc., may be able to apply for the same grant multiple times for different projects. Additionally, some grant applications are repeatable and/or renewable.
The following potential local funding sources have been identified by the Friends of Scenic 30-A during the course of meetings conducted
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The PlanWalton County Tourist Development Council (850)267-3511 www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
Walton County Chamber of Commerce 63 South Centre Trail Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Phone: (850) 267-0683
Beach to Bay Connection, Inc. 850-267- 2227 www.beachtobay.org
Coastal Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 2111 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Seaside Community Foundation 850-231-3209 www.seasidefoundation.org
Camel Club, Inc. Patrick Reily PO Box 1728 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Leadership Walton Walton County Chamber of Commerce Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-267-0683
Sandestin Lions Club Scenic 30A Business Association South Walton Rotary Club
Walton County Taxpayers Association PO Box 1085 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
The Friends of Eden State Gardens PO Box 4 Pt Washington, FL 32454
South Walton Community Council, Inc. PO Box 1661 Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 850-231-7856
The Friends of Topsail State Park, CSO 1019 Coastal Cove Circle Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Green Thumb Garden Club 1258 Deerwood Dr Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-267-1186
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance 100 College Blvd Niceville, FL 32578 850-729-6456
Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (850) 267-3511
Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County PO Box 4097 Ft Walton Beach, Fl 32549 (850)651-73
Waste Management Inc. 108 Hill Avenue Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
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86
American Business Women’s Association Emerald Coast ChapterPO Box 731Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547(850)864-7697www.arc.net/abwa
Destin Area Chamber of CommercePO Box 81021 Hwy 98 E. - Suite ADestin, FL 32540-0008850-837-6241www.destinchamber.com
Emerald Coast Association of Realtors10 Hollywood Blvd. S.E.Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548(850)243-6145
Emerald Coast Tourist Development Councilwww.destin-fwb.com
Florida’s Great Northwest11490 Emerald Coast Pkwy Suite 300Destin, FL 32550(850)337-3469
Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce34 SE Miracle Strip PkwyFt. Walton Beach, FL 32548(850)244-8191
South Walton Utility Co., Inc.79 Old Hwy 98Destin, FL 32541(850)-837-2988
West Florida Regional Planning CouncilP.O. Box 9759Pensacola, Fl 32513-9759850-595-8910
4
87
The PlanAdditional funding sources identified by the Friends of Scenic 30-A from the Florida Scenic Highway Program Manual and other sources are located in Appendix D. These additional funding sources provide the following opportunities for implementation activities:
Federal Level FundingState Level FundingSpecial Legislative FundingFoundation/Organization FundingMultimodal Transportation Funding Art in Public PlacesAdditional Funding Database ResourcesNational Association of Counties
Marketing and Promotion
The intent of the Florida Scenic Highway Program is to heighten the awareness of Florida’s history and intrinsic resources. Marketing and promotional initiatives should focus on corridor resources. Friends of Scenic 30-A will work closely with the existing Tourist Development Council supporting their efforts in marketing and promotion. The TDC currently has the infrastructure in place to promote Scenic 30-A. The Friends of Scenic 30-A will assist in promotion of the market resulting from the proposed, approved Bay County International Airport.
••••••••
The Friends of Scenic 30-A will consider target markets, promotional techniques, and available data to measure the success of a marketing and promotion strategy for Scenic 30-A. Coordination with TDC, EDC, Chamber of Commerce and beach communities currently involved in marketing and promotion along the corridor and within the region will be vital.
Existing marketing and promotional resources that will be used on an on-going basis include:
MarketingWalton County TDCWalton County Chamber of CommerceEconomic Development CouncilCommunity Based WebsitesLocal Government WebsiteVisit FloridaGreat NorthwestState Park Websites
Promotion Links to existing community websitesLocal magazines and Chamber of Commerce Business JournalLinks to Walton County and TDC websitesLocal Radio and Television ProductionsLocal Freelance Writers
••••••••
••
•••
4The Plan
88
Table 4.7
Action Plan Key
FundingG GovernmentC Local Civic AssociationsGr GrantsP Private organi ations/businesses
Responsible PartyFriends Friends of Scenic 30-ACounty Walton CountyTDC Tourist Development CouncilState State Parks/Forestry
TimelineO Current OngoingS 1-5 ear PlanL 6-15 ear Plan
3. Support
4. Education and Corridor Story
5. Economic Development and Tourism
6. Administration
Table 4.7 is a reference for Table 4.8 The Action Plan illustrating each category with the specific Goal, Objective and Strategy, potential funding sources, responsible parties, and a timeline.
Artist Programs and EventsWalton County’s Public Information OfficerLocal art shows, festivals, concerts, and other social eventsLinks to State Parks and Recreation promotional materials including websitesTelluride Mountain Film Festival at WaterColorBack to Nature FestivalExisting lectures and symposiums at local communitiesLocal and Regional NewspapersOkaloosa Walton College
Gulf Coast Community College
Action Plan
The Scenic 30-A Action Plan outlines actions that the Friends of Scenic 30-A will work towards
in support of the Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Corridor Vision. The Action Plan serves as the “instruction manual” on how to implement the Corridor Management Plan. The Action Plan is a required component for scenic highway designation and includes a prioritized list of projects or programs in an effort to realize the Vision for Scenic 30-A.
The Action Plan is organized into six categories or goal areas:
1. Protection, Maintenance, and Enhancement
2. Transportation Planning and Safety
•••
•
•••
•••
4
89
The PlanTable 4.8 Action Plan (continued)
Goa
l
Ob
ject
ive
Stra
tegy
Action Items Funding Responsible Party Tim
elin
e
Transportation Planning and SafetyTransportation2 1 1 Alternative Transportation Modes G, Gr, P Friends, County, TDC L2 1 2 Airport Transport G, P Friends, County, TDC L2 1 3 Proportionate Fair-Share G County O2 1 4 Long Range Parking Master Plan G, C, Gr, P County L2 1 5 Uniform Speed Limit G County O2 1 6 Traffic Study G County ORecreational2 2 1 Trail Safety G Friends, County S2 2 2 Crosswalks G County S2 2 3 Bike Racks G County, TDC S2 2 4 Wayfinding G Friends, County S2 2 5 Directional Signs G County S2 2 6 Fund Wayfinding Plan G, Gr County, TDC O2 2 7 Visibility Triangles G County, State S2 2 8 Trail Development G Friends, County, State L2 2 9 Funding Trails G Friends, County, State S2 2 10 Public Restrooms G County L2 2 11 Land Acquisition G, Gr County, State LSupport3 1 1 Benefits G, C, P Friends, County S3 1 2 Promotion G Friends, County, TDC S3 1 3 TRC Representative C Friends S3 1 4 Participation G Friends, County, TDC, State OEducation and Corridor Story4 1 1 Recycling Options G, C, Gr, P Friends, County O4 1 2 Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Vehicular
LawsG County S
4 1 3 Information Sheets G, C, Gr, P Friends, County O4 1 4 Promote Xeric Landscaping G Friends, County S4 1 5 Water Conservation G Friends, County, State O4 1 6 Historic Markers G County S4 1 7 Preservation C, Gr, P Friends, County, State S4 1 8 Interpretive Signage G County, Friends, TDC SEconomic Development and Tourism5 1 1 TDC G, C, P Friends, County, TDC, State S5 1 2 Tourism C, P Friends, County, TDC S5 1 3 Visioning G, C, P Friends, County, TDC, State O
Table 4.8 Action PlanG
oal
Ob
ject
ive
Stra
tegy
Action Items Funding Responsible Party Tim
elin
e
Protection, Maintenance, and EnhancementLandscape1 1 1 Vegetation Standards G County S1 1 2 Native Preservation G Friends, County O1 1 3 Heritage Tree Ordinance G Friends, County S1 1 4 Map Vegetative Communities G Friends, County S1 1 5 Exotic Removal G Friends, County, State O1 1 6 Preservation “buy out” G County S1 1 7 Landscaping Standards G Friends, County S1 1 8 Xeric Landscaping Ordinance G Friends, County SWaste Management1 2 1 Littering Laws G Friends, County S1 2 2 Uniform Garbage Control G Friends, County S1 2 3 Large Item Pick-up G Friends, County S1 2 4 Funding for Recycling G, C, Gr, P Friends, County S1 2 5 Trash Management G, C, Gr, P Friends, County O1 2 6 Ongoing Issues - Recycling
ProgramG, Gr, P Friends, County O
BeautificationCoastal Dune Lakes G, C, Gr, P Friends, County, TDC, State SBridge Maintenance G County
nderground tilities G, Gr, P County LFunding nderground tilities G, Gr, P County LLift Station Buffers G, Gr, P County L
tility Screening G, Gr, P County LBeautification Grants G, Gr, P County LBenches and Water Fountains G, C, Gr, P Friends, County, TDC SBeautification and Preservation G Friends, County, TDC S
Management and MaintenanceMaintenance Plan G CountyWork Crews G CountyRoad Maintenance G CountyStormwater Management G County LFunding Stormwater Plan G, Gr, P County LFunding for Maintenance G, Gr County
4The Plan
90
Table 4.8 Action Plan (continued)
Goa
l
Ob
ject
ive
Stra
tegy
Action Items Funding Responsible Party Tim
elin
e
AdministrationForums G, Gr FriendsAnnual Report G Friends SEngage C, P Friends, County, TDC, StateLighting rdinances G Friends, County SRedevelopment Policies C, Gr, P Friends, County SMemberships C FriendsFundraising G, C, Gr, P Friends, County S
A
Appendix ASHAC Tour Materials
91
Appendix BThe Corridor
B
135
Annual %Roadway Station Count Station Count Growth
From To ID 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Slope Growth ID 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Slope Growth RateCR 30A
US 98 CR 393 600219 6,400 7,000 7,100 6,400 7,100 4 -80 -1.25% 600220 6400 6600 6900 6600 6100 4 60 0.94% -0.16%CR 393 CR 83 600258 7,200 7,900 6,800 7,000 6,600 4 210 2.92% 2.92%CR 83 CR 283 600263 5,500 8,100 5,800 5,300 4,900 4 400 7.27% 7.27%CR 283 CR 395 600267 6,500 7,600 7,100 6,400 5,900 4 240 3.69% 3.69%CR 395 US 98 600268 13,500 13,500 9,900 8,400 8,000 4 1,610 11.93% 600235 6800 6800 6600 5900 6500 4 150 2.21% 7.07%
CR 83CR 30A US 98 600262 1,700 1,500 1,200 1,100 1,000 4 180 10.59% 10.59%
CR 283CR 30A US 98 600112 4,100 4,300 3,900 3,500 3,100 4 280 6.83% 6.83%
CR 395CR 30A US 98 600214 6,000 5,300 4,000 2,900 3,200 4 800 13.33% 13.33%US 98 End 600254 750 750 750 700 1,200 3 15 2.00% 2.00%
5.95%Average for Study Area
HistoricalAADT Linear
HistoricalAADT
Source: Florida Traffic Information CD 2005
Table B-1 Historic AADT, Walton County, FL
Linear
T = threatened; E = endangered; CH
= critical habitat; ce = not federally-listed, but consideration is encouraged; s/a = similarity of appearance
SSC = species of special concern (state)
Com
mon N
ame
Scientific Nam
eStatus FW
SN
atural Com
munities
StatusState
FISH:
aE
Wal
Gulf sturgeon
Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoiTC
HESTU
ARIN
E: various MAR
INE: various habitats
RIVER
INE: alluvial and blackw
ater streams
Wal
SSC
AM
PHIB
IAN
S & R
EPTILES:a
Wal
American alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
T(s/a)ESTU
ARIN
E: marshes, various habitats
LACU
STRIN
E: marshes, sw
amps, various habitats
PALUSTR
INE: sw
amps, floodplains, m
arshes, various habitats R
IVERIN
E: open water, shorelines,
various habitats
Wal
SSC
Flatwoods salam
anderAm
bystoma cingulatum
TPALU
STRIN
E: wet flatw
oods, dome sw
amp, basin
swam
p, ruderal TERR
ESTRIAL: m
esic flatwoods
(reproduces in ephemeral w
etlands within this
comm
unity)
Wal
SSC
Loggerhead turtleC
aretta carettaT
TERR
ESTRIAL: sandy beaches; nesting
Wal
TG
reen turtleC
helonia mydas m
ydasE
TERR
ESTRIAL: sandy beaches; nesting
Wal
ELeatherback turtle
Derm
ochelys coriaceaE
TERR
ESTRIAL: sandy beaches; nesting
Wal
EEastern indigo snake
Drym
archon corais couperiT
ESTUAR
INE: tidal sw
amp PALU
STRIN
E: hydric ham
mock, w
et flatwoods TER
RESTR
IAL: mesic
flatwoods, upland pine forest, sandhills, scrub,
scrubby flatwoods, rockland ham
mock, ruderal
Wal
T
Haw
ksbill turtleEretm
ochelys imbricata
imbricata
EM
ARIN
E: open water; no nesting
Wal
E
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphem
usce
TERR
ESTRIAL: sandhills, scrub, scrubby flatw
oods, xeric ham
mocks, coastal strand, ruderal
Wal
SSC
Pine barrens treefrogH
yla andersoniiPALU
STRIN
E: seepage slope, baygall RIVER
INE:
seepage streamW
alSSC
Kemp's R
idley turtleLepidochelys kem
piE
TERR
ESTRIAL: sandy beaches; nesting
Wal
EAlligator snapping turtle
Macroclem
ys temm
inckiice
ESTUAR
INE: tidal m
arsh LACU
STRIN
E: river floodplain lake, sw
amp lake R
IVERIN
E: alluvial stream
, blackwater stream
Wal
SSC
Florida pine snakePituophis m
elanoleucus m
ugitusce
LACU
STRIN
E: ruderal, sandhill upland lake TER
RESTR
IAL: sandhill, scrubby flatwoods, xeric
hamm
ock, ruderal
Wal
SSC
BIR
DS:
aW
alSoutheastern snow
y ploverC
haradrius alexandrinus tenuirostris
ceESTU
ARIN
E: exposed unconsolidated substrate M
ARIN
E: exposed unconsolidated substrateTER
RESTR
IAL: dunes, sandy beaches, and inlet areas
Wal
T
Piping ploverC
haradrius melodus
T CH
ESTUAR
INE: exposed unconsolidated substrate
MAR
INE: exposed unconsolidated substrate
TERR
ESTRIAL: dunes, sandy beaches, and inlet
areas. Mostly w
intering and migrants.
Wal
T
Stoddard's yellow-throated
warbler
Dendroica dom
inica stoddardice
TERR
ESTRIAL: w
ooded habitats with spanish m
oss, various
Wal
Little blue heronEgretta caerulea
ESTUAR
INE: m
arshes, shoreline PALUSTR
INE:
floodplains, swam
ps RIVER
INE: shoreline
Wal
SSC
Snowy egret
Egretta thulaESTU
ARIN
E: marshes, tidal sw
amps, shoreline
LACU
STRIN
E: lake edges PALUSTR
INE: sw
amp,
floodplain, ruderal RIVER
INE: shoreline
Wal
SSC
Tricolored heronEgretta tricolor
ESTUAR
INE: m
arshes, tidal swam
ps, shorelineLAC
USTR
INE: lake edges PALU
STRIN
E: swam
p, floodplain, ruderal R
IVERIN
E: shoreline
Wal
SSC
Arctic peregrine falconFalco peregrinus tundrius
ceESTU
ARIN
E: winters along coasts LAC
USTR
INE:
various PALUSTR
INE: various TER
RESTR
IAL: various, ruderal
Wal
E
Southeastern kestrelFalco sparverius paulus
ceESTU
ARIN
E: various habitats PALUSTR
INE:
various habitats TERR
ESTRIAL: open pine forests,
clearings, ruderal, various
Wal
T
American oystercatcher
Haem
atopus palliatusESTU
ARIN
E: exposed unconsolidated substrate, exposed m
ollusk reef MAR
INE: exposed
unconsolidated substrate, exposed mollusk reef
TERR
ESTRIAL: beaches, ruderal areas
Wal
SSC
Bald eagleH
aliaeetus leucocephalusT
ESTUAR
INE: m
arsh edges, tidal swam
p, open water
LACU
STRIN
E: swam
p lakes, edges PALUSTR
INE:
swam
p, floodplain RIVER
INE: shoreline, open w
aterTER
RESTR
IAL: pine and hardwood forests, clearings
Wal
T
Brown pelican
Pelecanus occidentalisESTU
ARIN
E: islands for nesting, open water
MAR
INE: open w
aterW
alSSC
Red-cockaded w
oodpeckerPicoides borealis
ETER
RESTR
IAL: mature pine forests
Wal
T
The following is a list of federally-protected species in W
alton County that m
ay potentially occur within the area around 30A. For the
purpose of this list, the 30A area includes the area bounded by 30A and 98, and the area within 1 m
ile south of 30A. Species were
included in this list either because there are known occurence data for them
, or because they occur in Walton C
ounty and the 30A area provides suitable habitat for them
. The list also includes some state-listed species that are not federally-protected.
Com
mon N
ame
Scientific Nam
eStatus FW
SN
atural Com
munities
StatusState
Black Skimm
erR
ynchops nigerESTU
ARIN
E: various LACU
STRIN
E: variousR
IVERIN
E: various TERR
ESTRIAL: ocean beaches,
beach dune, ruderal. Nests com
mon on rooftops.
Wal
SSC
Least ternSterna antillarum
ESTUAR
INE: various LAC
USTR
INE: various
RIVER
INE: various TER
RESTR
IAL: beach dune, ruderal. N
ests comm
on on rooftops.
Wal
T
MA
MM
ALS:
aW
alC
hoctawhatchee beach m
ousePerom
yscus polionotus allophrys
ECH
TERR
ESTRIAL: beach dune, coastal scrub. Bay
Co.:St. Andrew
State Rec. Area m
ainland (CH
) and Shell Island (C
H), Tyndall Air Force Base Shell Island
(CH
). Walton C
o.: Grayton Beach State R
ec. Area (m
ain CH
& western units), Topsail H
ill State Preserve (C
H), D
eer Lake State Park, Cam
p Creek,
Four-Mile Village, Tow
n of Grayton Beach and
Seagrove Beach, Seaside. Okaloosa C
o. historic range.
Wal
E
Southeastern big-eared batPlecotus rafinesquii
cePALU
STRIN
E: various, floodplains TERR
ESTRIAL:
pine and hardwood forests, ruderal, various
Wal
West Indian m
anateeTrichechus m
anatus latirostrisE
ESTUAR
INE: subm
erged vegetation, open water
MAR
INE: open w
ater, submerged vegetation
RIVER
INE: alluvial stream
, blackwater stream
, spring-run stream
Wal
E
PLAN
TS:a
Wal
Southern three-awned grass
Aristida simpliciflora
cePALU
STRIN
E: wet flatw
oods TERR
ESTRIAL:
sandhill, mesic flatw
oods, old fieldsW
al
Toothed savoryC
alamintha dentata
ceTER
RESTR
IAL: sandhill, roadsides W
alC
urtiss' sandgrassC
alamovilfa curtissii
cePALU
STRIN
E: mesic and w
et flatwoods, w
et prairie, depression m
arsh TERR
ESTRIAL: m
esic flatwoods
Wal
T
Godfrey's golden aster
Chrysopsis godfreyi
ceTER
RESTR
IAL: beach dunes, coastal grassland Wal
Cruise's golden-aster
Chrysopsis gossypina
cruiseanace
TERR
ESTRIAL: coastal dunes, coastal strand,
coastal grassland; openings and blowouts
Wal
E
Spoon-leaved sundewD
rosera intermedia
LACU
STRIN
E: sinkhole lake edges PALUSTR
INE:
seepage slope, wet flatw
oods, depression marsh
RIVER
INE: seepage stream
banks, drainage ditches
Wal
T
Wiregrass gentian
Gentiana pennelliana
cePALU
STRIN
E: seepage slope, wet prairie, roadside
ditches TERR
ESTRIAL: m
esic flatwoods, planted
slash pine
Wal
E
Panhandle spiderlilyH
ymenocallis henryae
cePALU
STRIN
E: dome sw
amp edges, w
et prairie, wet
flatwoods, baygall edges, sw
amp edges
TERR
ESTRIAL: w
et prairies and flatwoods
Wal
E
Southern red lilyLilium
catesbaeiPALU
STRIN
E: wet prairie, w
et flatwoods, seepage
slope TERR
ESTRIAL: m
esic flatwoods, seepage
slope; usually with grasses
Wal
T
Gulf coast lupine
Lupinus westianus
ceTER
RESTR
IAL: beach dune, scrub, disturbed areas, roadsides, blow
outs in dunesW
alT
Chapm
an's butterwort
Pinguicula planifoliace
PALUSTR
INE: w
et flatwoods, seepage slopes, bog,
dome sw
amp, ditches; in w
aterW
alT
Primrose-flow
er butterwort
Pinguicula primulifolia
PALUSTR
INE: bogs, pond m
argins, margins of
spring runsW
alE
Bent golden asterPityopsis flexuosa
ceTER
RESTR
IAL: sandhill, upland pine forest, ruderal E
Large-leaved jointweed
Polygonella macrophylla
ceTER
RESTR
IAL: scrub, sand pine/oak scrub ridges Wal
T
Orange azalea
Rhododendron austrinum
PALUSTR
INE: bottom
land forest RIVER
INE:
seepage stream bank TER
RESTR
IAL: slope forest, upland m
ixed forest
Wal
E
White-top pitcher plant
Sarracenia leucophyllace
PALUSTR
INE: w
et prairie, seepage slope, baygall edges, ditches
Wal
E
Parrot pitcher plantSarracenia psittacina
PALUSTR
INE: w
et flatwoods, w
et prairie, seepage slope
Wal
T
Decum
bant pitcher plantSarracenia purpurea
PALUSTR
INE: Bogs
Wal
TC
hapman's crow
nbeardVerbesina chapm
aniice
PALUSTR
INE: seepage slope TER
RESTR
IAL: m
esic flatwoods w
ith wiregrass (Aristida stricta)
Wal
T
Appendix CSupport and Participation
C
157
First
Last
City
Sta
teJim
Anders
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Leonard
Anderso
nSan
destin
FLBetty
Anderso
nSan
destin
FLTaylo
rAyco
ckSan
destin
FLJam
es B.
Bag
by
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Claire
Ban
nerm
anRosem
ary Beach
FLTom
Beitzel
Panam
a City
FLAngie
Bid
dle
DeFu
niak S
prin
gs
FLSusan
Breed
enSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Sharo
nBro
ckenbro
ugh
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Rory
Cassed
yPen
sacola
FLKris M
eade
Chavez
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Celeste
Coben
aSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Donna
Craw
ford
Seag
rove B
eachFL
Melo
dy R
ayCulp
DeFu
niak S
prin
gs
FLBill
Cunnin
gham
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Jeanne
Dailey
Destin
FLD
ebbie
Dan
ton
Tallah
asseeFL
LarryD
avisSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Ash
leyD
ismukes
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Bill
Dism
ukes
Panam
a City B
eachFL
Dam
on
Dism
ukes
DeFu
niak S
prin
gs
FLRobert W
.D
obes
Seag
rove B
eachFL
Phillip
Ellis
Niceville
FLRich
ardFo
wlkes
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Phil
Francis
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Ken
Giffo
rdRosem
ary Beach
FLJo
hn
Gillis
Destin
FLBill
Gru
bbs
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Laura
Had
dock
Chip
leyFL
LeslieH
allman
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Ran
dy
Harelso
nPo
int W
ashin
gto
nFL
Patrick W.
Hartsfield
Grayto
n B
eachFL
Sco
ttH
enso
nSeacrest B
eachFL
DeD
eH
inote
DeFu
niak S
prin
gs
FLM
illaH
opkin
sSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Bob
Hudso
nSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Chick
Huettel
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Cliff
Knau
erSan
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Keith
Knig
ht
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Rose A
nn
Knig
ht
San
ta Rosa B
eachFL
Sce
nic 3
0-A
CA
G M
em
bers
First
Last
City
Sta
teS
cen
ic 30
-A C
AG
Mem
bers
Bob
Knott
Grayton B
eachFL
J. Sm
ithLanier
West Point
GA
Kurt
LischkaSanta R
osa Beach
FLPaul
LydolphSanta R
osa Beach
FLJoA
nnM
cCalister
Santa R
osa Beach
FLBilly
McC
onnellSeagrove B
eachFL
Becky
McC
oySeagrove B
eachFL
Carey
McW
horterSeagrove B
eachFL
Gregory A
.M
ikellPensacola
FLD
awn
Moliterno
Santa R
osa Beach
FLBlake
Morar
Blue M
ountain Beach
FLG
ailM
urrayM
iramar
FLM
egN
elsonSeacrest
FLLynne
Nesm
ithSeagrove B
eachFL
Barbara
Olshner
Santa R
osa Beach
FLShannon
Porath Widm
anSanta R
osa Beach
FLSteve
Rappaport
Santa R
osa Beach
FLLane
Ress
Seagrove B
eachFL
Mike
Richards
DeFuniak S
pringsFL
James R
.Richburg
Niceville
FLM
aryRosenheim
Santa R
osa Beach
FLD
avidRovner
Santa R
osa Beach
FLG
eorgeRussell
FreeportFL
Steve
Saenz
Santa R
osa Beach
FLD
avidSchjott
Santa R
osa Beach
FLCarole
Seibert
Seagrove B
eachFL
Ken
Shannon
Santa R
osa Beach
FLAdam
Shiland
Miram
ar Beach
FLD
aleShingler
Grayton B
eachFL
JackSlattery
Santa R
osa Beach
FLStuart
Slicis
FreeportFL
Mike
Standley
Santa R
osa Beach
FLM
ikeStange
Sandestin
FLLeda
Suydan
Santa R
osa Beach
FLKaren
TerrellAlys B
each FL
Kriss
TitusSeagrove B
eachFL
Bob
ToothakerEden
FLCharlie
Webb
Seacrest
FLM
elissaW
heelerD
eFuniak Springs
FLShannon
Widm
anSanta R
osa Beach
FLSherrell
Wilkerson
Santa R
osa Beach
FLJeannie
Wilson
Grayton B
eachFL
JackW
olfeSanta R
osa Beach
FLD
anielYoung
Santa R
osa Beach
FLRay
Zukow
skiSandestin
FL
January 3, 2007 M
s. Shannon Foor
District Scenic H
ighways Coordinator
Florida D
epartment of T
ransportation P
ost Office B
ox 607 Chipley, F
lorida 32428 R
E: Scenic CR
30-A
Dear M
s. Foor:
The Choctaw
hatchee Basin A
lliance would like to express its support for your efforts
to dedicate 28 miles of County R
oad 30-A in W
alton County as a State S
cenic
Highw
ay.
As nature based and eco-tourism
is beginning to be marketed by the B
eaches of South
Walton C
ounty, the Alliance feels this is a w
onderful opportunity for Walton County
to use its natural surroundings to attract new visitors. I com
mend W
alton County for
pursuing the State S
cenic Highw
ay Designation along this beautiful stretch of county
road.
It is the Alliance’s hope that w
e will soon see County R
oad 30-A designated as a S
tate
Scenic H
ighway that brings new
visitors to enjoy the special beauty along the beaches
of Walton County. P
lease feel free to contact me if you have any questions. T
hank
you for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
Phillip E
llis P
roject Coordinator
Florida House of Representatives
Representative Donald D. BrownDistrict 5
Reply to:
OW
C Chautauqua Campus
908 Hw
y 90 West
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8431 (850) 892-8433 Fax - P.O
. Box 1548 D
eFuniak Springs, FL 32435
402 South M
onroe Street 400 H
OB The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 (850) 488-4726
e-mail: donald.brown@
myfloridahouse.gov
Committees: C
hair- Jobs & Entrepreneurship C
ouncil, Policy & Budget C
ouncil, Rules & C
alendar Council
15 December 2006
Ms. Shannon Foor
District Scenic Highways Coordinator Florida Departm
ent of Transportation Post Office Box 607 Chipley, Florida 32428
RE: SCENIC CR 30-A
Dear Ms. Foor:
I am writing to express m
y support for your efforts to dedicate 28 miles of County Road 30-A in
Walton County as a State Scenic Highway.
As nature based and eco-tourism is beginning to be m
arketed by the Beaches of South Walton, I
feel this is a wonderful opportunity for Walton County to use its natural surroundings to attract
new visitors. I comm
end Walton County for pursuing the State Scenic Highway designation
along this beautiful stretch of county road.
It is my hope that we will soon see County Road 30-A designated as a State Scenic Highway and
bringing new visitors to enjoy the special beauty along the beaches of Walton County.
Sincerely,
Donald. D. Brown Representative, District #5
August 31, 2007
Ms. Shannon Foor
District Scenic Highways Coordinator Florida Departm
ent of Transportation P. O. Box 607 Chipley, FL 32428
Re: Scenic County Road 30-A Scenic Highway Designation
Dear Ms. Foor:
As a business owner along CR-30A, I support designation and the benefits it will bring to m
y business.
The natural beauty and fragile ecosystem that this road passes through require the effort
of all of us to preserve, enjoy, respect and share with future generations. I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for W
alton County to use its natural surroundings to attract new visitors.
Sincerely yours,
Harriet H. Crom
melin
Owner
HhcCc: Claire Bannerm
an
Board
of Cou
nty
Com
mission
ers
Kenneth Pridgen, District 2, Chair
Scott Brannon, District 1, V
ice Chair
Larry Jones, District 3
Rosier“Ro” Cuchens, District 4
Cindy Meadows, D
istrict 5
Website:
www.co.w
alton.fl.us
News Release
For more inform
ation, contact:
FOR IMM
EDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Claire Bannerm
an, 850-622-3059, or Bannerw
oman@
mchsi.com
A comm
unity meeting open to the public is planned for Thursday,
June 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the W
alton County Tourist
Developm
ent Council at the junction of U
S 98 and 331 to address our efforts to obtain a Florida Scenic H
ighway
designation for County R
oad 30-A through a program sponsored
by the Florida Departm
ent of Transportation.
Why is a designation im
portant? A Florida Scenic Highw
ay designation w
ill provide the comm
on bond that will link all of C
R
30-A’s com
munities, public lands, resources, businesses, and
cultural interests to a shared corridor vision. It will also elevate
the status of the corridor, increasing the potential for grant funding.
The Scenic 30-A Corridor Advocacy G
roup (CAG
) has accom
plished much tow
ard its goal for designation, but much is
yet to be done. More com
munity involvem
ent is needed to move
this effort forward to gain the designation of a Florida Scenic
Highw
ay. Volunteers are needed for input concerning topics such as: a corridor vision, goals, and protection techniques, as w
ell as specific concerns such as transportation, signage, parking, bicycle/pedestrian paths, w
aste removal, lighting and
funding issues.
County R
oad 30-A is a unique corridor with versatile character --
a collection of old (Grayton B
each) and new (R
osemary B
each) and everything in betw
een. Because of its rich resources, S
cenic 30-A is a valued place for residents and visitors alike. From
one end to the other, the corridor is a favorite for recreation, shopping, sightseeing, and festivals. It is and w
ill continue to be both developed (structures) and undeveloped (state forests), diverse in property values and diverse in its inhabitants.
Help us to preserve the character of the S
cenic 30-A corridor by
Scenic 30-A C
orridor Advocacy G
roup Announces
Com
munity M
eeting
Pu
blic In
form
atio
n
Ken
Little
312 Co
llege A
venu
e, Un
it BD
eFu
nia
k S
prin
gs, F
L 32435
Te
l (85
0) 8
92
-85
30
Fa
x (8
50
) 89
2-8
53
9litk
en@
co.w
alton
.fl.us
Page 1 of 2
providing your input at this comm
unity meeting w
here your efforts w
ill go a long way tow
ard accomplishing the goal of achieving a
Florida Scenic H
ighway designation. S
o remem
ber to mark your
calendar for Thursday, June 30th at 5:30 pm at the W
alton C
ounty Tourist Developm
ent Council at the intersection of U
S 98 and 331 and becom
e part of a very worthy endeavor.
Contact: C
laire Bannerm
anC
orridor Advocacy Group C
oordinatorB
annerwom
an@m
chsi.com850-622-3059
This effort is fully funded by grants and is based on approval by C
ounty Com
mission R
esolution # 02-60 adopted Decem
ber 10, 2002.
Page 2 of 2
Corridor A
dvocacy Group M
eeting April 20, 2006 5:00 – 6:00 Tourist D
evelopment C
enter
CA
G m
embers present: C
indy Meadow
s, Claire Bannerm
an, Vicki Kitahara, Cliff
Knauer, Jim Bagby, JoAnn M
cAlister, Steve Rappaport, Bill C
unningham,
Visitors present: Dottie N
ist, William
and Cheryl Freeze, and Phil Frances
Claire Bannerm
an opened the Visioning meeting by describing the process of obtaining
30A Scenic Highw
ay Designation and w
hat the FDO
T requires in order to designate a stretch of road as a Scenic H
ighway. She displayed the FD
OT chart and the Big Bend
Scenic Eligibility Application as examples of w
hat the process entails and emphasized
that there are “no shortcuts” to the designation process. Our efforts to designate 30A as
a Scenic Highw
ay are being supported by both the FDO
T and the State Parks.
Claire described each segm
ent of 30A and the north/south connector roads included in the Letter of Intent. This includes all of C
R30 A from
Hw
y 98 west 18 m
iles east to Hw
y 98 east and county roads 83, 283 and 395. Surveys for each segm
ent were available at
the meeting and are available through C
omm
issioner Meadow
s office for anyone w
ishing to participate in evaluating these roads.
Audience mem
bers offered their visions of 30A in twenty years. They include the
following:
Underground utilities
Com
mon signage
Directional m
arkers C
onsistent public garbage receptacles C
onsistent rental signs C
onsistent landscaping C
onsistent landscaping for gas stations Low
level solar lighting M
ile markers
Parking managem
ent D
esignated golf cart areas Interconnecting golf cart paths betw
een comm
unities Public transportation C
onsistent speed limit
Round a Bouts
Information kiosks, incl: W
ater ftns, maps, dog w
ater stations C
onsistent maintenance funding
Adopt a highway
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m
.
CA
Public Meeting
August 1, 2006
CA
mem
bers attending: Com
missioner C
indy Meadow
s, Claire Banne rm
an, Vicki Kitahara, Cliff
Knauer and JoAnn McC
alister.
uests attending: Rory C
assedy, Linda Hendrickson, Ella C
aro, Carole Siebert, R
ichard Fow
lkes, eri Buckheit, D
ave Sell, Anita Page, and Rob Stainback.
Claire Bannerm
an opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m
. at the TDC
describing the Corridor Advocacy
roup process for State Scenic Highw
ay designation of county road 30A, saying there are “no
shortcuts”. The application process must strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Florida
Departm
ent of Transportation which are detailed and tim
e consuming. After Scenic H
ighway
designation is received the Corridor Advocacy
roup will becom
e the Corridor M
anagement
Entity which w
ill then manage the new
Scenic Highw
ay and apply for grants to maintain and
enhance it.
One of the forem
ost concerns along 30A and the fee der roads is the trem
endous amount of
garbage from rentals during peak tourist season and the visual clutter it creates. R
educing the am
ount of visible garbage is one of the CA
S top priorities.
In order to address the waste disposal issue along 30
A and help find solutions, Claire introduced
Rory C
asse dy
overnmental Affairs M
anager with W
aste Managem
ent who discussed w
aste solutions for W
alton County and specifically 30
A. Rory explained that W
aste Managem
ent is seeking a suitable location for a transfer station in South W
alton County in order to stream
line services and increase efficiency. C
urrently all garbage must be hauled to a transfer station north
of DeFuniak Springs w
hich is time consum
ing and expensive. The garbage is then loaded onto sem
i trucks that haul it to the Springhill Landfill near Marianna, Florida.
A 99 gallon garbage can, on display at the meeting, w
ould be given to all residents in the future after the insta llation of autom
ated trucks, several years away
. According to Rory, these trucks
help reduce injuries, thereby reducing workm
ans com
p claims and ultim
ately saving the county m
oney. These larger, heavy duty cans are extremely durable and w
ill hold about the same
amount of garbage as three sm
aller cans.
Local residents expressed their desire for curbside recycling but according to Rory this w
ill not be co st effective until a transfer station can be built in South W
alton. Recycling is currently done by
prisoners who sort through household garbage at the old transfer station. W
ith the cost of gas and the distance the trucks m
ust travel, adding curbside recycling trucks would be cost
prohibitive. There are however, com
munity recycling containers located at various locations
around Walton C
ounty, which the county is responsible for dum
ping. Com
plaints were voiced
about these needing to be emptied m
ore often.
Carol Seibert w
ith arrett R
ealty requested Saturday collection for rentals along 30A during peak
sea son which R
ory felt would be feasible for 200
. Com
missioner M
eadows and C
arol Seibert suggested requiring trash com
pactors for new construction as a w
ay to reduce the amount of
garbage along the corridor. Com
missioner M
eadows w
ould like to see the 99 gallon cans installed as soon as possible in South W
alton.
Rory feels w
e are several years away from
instituting these ch anges but he and Waste
Managem
ent are comm
itted to helping us find solutions to garbage issues in South Walton.
Claire and the C
A thanked R
ory for his presentation and meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m
.
Anyone with questions, com
ments, or suggestions concerni ng garbage or recycling, m
ay contact Vicki Kitahara at 622
3059 at Com
missioner M
eadows office.
Appendix DThe Plan
D
231
30-A Scenic C
orridor Funding Docum
entation •
Federal Level Funding Opportunities
N
ational Scenic Byways
rant �
State Scenic H
ighways C
oordinator, FDO
T, 605 Suwannee St, M
S 3,
Tallahassee, FL 323990
50, 850.10.589
, ww
w.byw
ays.org�
Transportation Enhancem
ent Funds �
Transportation Enhancem
ent Coordinator, FD
OT, 605 Suw
annee St, MS 3
, Tallahassee, FL 32399
050, 850.
10.589
�
Rivers, Trails and C
onservation Assistance �
R
ivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, N
ational Park Service, Atlanta Federal C
enter, 100 Alabama St SW
, Building 192, 5
th Floor, Atlanta, A
30303, 0
.562.315, w
ww
.nps.gov/rtca�
N
ational Science Foundation �
D
r. erald Selzer, N
SF, ww
w.nsf.gov/nam
e/rprograms/start.htm
�
Farmland Protection Program
�
U
S Departm
ent of Agriculture, Natural R
esource Conservation Service, 261
NW
3
rd St, ainesville, FL 32606, 352.338.9509, w
ww
.fl.nrcs.usda.gov�
D
iscretionary Bridge Program
�
National C
orridor Panning and Developm
ent Program and C
oordinated Border Infrastructure
�
Ferry Boat Discretionary Program
�
Innovative Transportation System
s ITS D
eployment Incentives Program
�
C
omm
ercial Vehicle ITS Infrastructure Deploym
ent Program
�
Interstate Maintenance D
iscretionary Program
�
Public Lands Highw
ay Discretionary Program
�
Transportation and C
omm
unity and System Preservation TSC
P Pilot Program
�
C
redit Assistance or Surface Transportation Projects �
Value Pricing Pilot Program
�
N
ational Fish and Wildlife Foundation
�
US D
epartment of H
ousing and Urban D
evelopment. State C
omm
unity Developm
ent Bloc
rant Program. w
ww
.hud.gov/prodgesc/cdbgst.cfm
�
US D
epartment of Agriculture. The C
onservation Reserve Program
. ww
w.fsa.usda.gov
�
Federal Highw
ay Administration. R
ecreational Trails Program – N
ational Program.
ww
w.fhw
a.dot.gov/environmentalrectrail.htm
�
Public Lands Highw
ays Discretionary Program
. ww
w.fhw
a.dot.gov/discretionary�
N
ational Parks Service. ww
w.nps.gov/rtca
�
Federal Departm
ent of Health and H
uman Services. H
ealthy People 2010 im
plementation
rants. ww
w.health.gov/healthypeople
�
NO
AA Coastal Services C
enter rants. w
ww
.csc.noaa.gov/funding�
U
S Fish and Wildlife Service, N
ational Coastal W
etlands Conservation
rant Program.
ecos.fws.gov/coastal
grants
• State Level Funding O
pportunities �
Florida H
ighway Beautification C
ouncil rant Program
�
Staff C
oordinator, FDO
T, 605 Suwannee St, M
S 3, Tallahassee, FL 32399
050, 850.
10.5892 �
AdoptA
Highw
ay Program
�
AdoptAH
ighway C
oordinator, FDO
T, 605 Suwannee St, M
S 61, Tallahassee, FL 32399
050, 850.
1.0
82 or 800.BAN LITTer 226.5
88
�
Transportation Enhancement Program
FDO
T. w
ww
.dot.state.fl.us/emo/enhancem
ent.htm
�
National U
rban and Com
munity Forestry M
atching rant Program
�
Florida Departm
ent of Agriculture and Consum
er Services, Division of Forestry,
3125 Conner Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399
1650, 850.1
.8602, ww
w.fldof.com
�
Rural D
evelopment Program
�
Florida D
epartment of Agriculture and C
onsumer Services, D
ivision of Forestry, R
ural Developm
ent FIA C
oordinator, 3125 Conner Blvd., R
oom 256,
Tallahassee, FL 323991650, 850.
1.9955
�
Historic Preservation
rants �
rants and Education Section, Bureau of H
istoric Preservation, Florida D
epartment of State, R
. A. ray Bldg., 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL
323990250, 850.2
5.6333, http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/bhp/grants�
H
istoric Museum
s rants
inAid
�
rants Manager, M
useum of Florida H
istory, Florida Departm
ent of State, R. A.
ray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 323990250,
850.8
.1902, http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/bhp/grants
�
Florida reenw
ays Trails Acquistion program
�
O
ffice of reenw
ays and Trails OT
, Florida Departm
ent of Environmental
Protection. 3900 Com
monw
ealth Boulevard, MS
95, Tallahassee, FL 323993000. 850
25
2052. http://ww
w.Florida
reenwaysAndTrails.com
�
Historic Special C
ategories rants
�
rants and Education Section, Bureau of Historic Preservation, Florida
Departm
ent of State, R. A.
ray Bldg., 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
0250, 850.25.6333, http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/bhp/grants
�
Cultural
rants Program
�
Bureau of rants Services, D
ivision of Cultural Affairs, D
epartment of State, The
Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399
0250, 850.08
.2980, ww
w.dos.state.fl.us/dca
�
Coastal M
anagement
rants Program
�
rants Manager, Florida C
oastal Managem
ent Program, Florida D
epartment of
Com
munity Affairs, Bureau of C
omm
unity Developm
ent, 2555 Shumard O
ak Blvd, Ste. 320, Tallahassee, FL 32399
2100, 850.922.538, w
ww
.dca.state.fl.us�
Florida M
ain Street Program
�
Florida Main Street C
oordinator, Division of H
istorical Resources, Florida
Departm
ent of State, 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, 323990250,
850.8
.2333, ww
w.flheritage.com
�
Florida Small C
ities Com
munity D
evelopment Block
rant – Neighborhood R
evitalization �
C
omm
unity Developm
ent, Block rant Program
Administrator, Florida
Departm
ent of Com
munity Affairs, Bureau of C
omm
unity Developm
ent, 2555 Shum
ard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399
2100, 850.8
.36,
ww
w.dca.state.fl.us/fhcd/program
s/cdbgp�
Florida Sm
all Cities C
omm
unity Developm
ent Block rant C
omm
ercial Revitalization
�
Com
munity D
evelopment, Block
rant Program Adm
inistrator, Florida D
epartment of C
omm
unity Affairs, Bureau of Com
munity D
evelopment, 2555
Shumard O
ak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 323992100, .850.
8.36
, w
ww
.dca.state.fl.us/fhcd/programs/cdbgp/index.htm
�
Florida Com
munities Trust Land Acquisition
rants, Loans and Matching
rants �
Executive D
irector, Florida Com
munities Trust, Florida D
epartment of C
omm
unity Affairs, 2555 Shum
ard Oak Boulevard, Suite 310, Tallahassee, FL 32399
2100, 850.922.220
, ww
w.dca.state.fl.us/ffct/
�
Florida Recreation and D
evelopment Assistance
rant Program
�
Land and Water C
onservation Trust Fund �
Pollution R
ecovery Program
�
Florida Arts rant and Special C
ategory rants. w
ww
.flheritage.com�
Florida U
rban C
omm
unity Forestry rant Program
. ww
w.fl
dof.com/conservation/urban/urbangrantprogram
.html
�
Rural D
evelopment Program
. ww
w.fldof.com
/help/rural/index.html
�
Coastal Protection R
estoration Program
�
Division of R
ecreation and Parks, Florida Departm
ent of Environmental
Protection, 350 Thom
asville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308, 850.
88.3539, w
ww
.dep.state.fl.us/parks�
Section 319 N
onpoint Source Managem
ent Implem
entation Storm W
ater Managem
ent �
N
onpoint Source Managem
ent and, Water
uality Standards Section, Florida D
epartment of Environm
ental Protection, 2600 Blairstone Road, M
S 350,
Tallahassee, FL 323992
00, 850.88.3605,
ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/w
ater/monitoring/index.htm
�
reenways and R
ailsto
Trails Program
�
Office of
reenways and Trails, Florida D
epartment of Environm
ental Protection, M
arjory Stoneman D
ouglas Building, 3900 Com
monw
ealth Boulevard, MS
95, Tallahassee, FL 32399
3000, 850.88.3
01, ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/gw
t�
Aquatic Preserves, N
ational Marine Sanctuaries and N
ational �
Estuarine R
esearch Reserves, O
ffice of Coastal and Aquatic M
anaged Areas, Florida D
epartment of Environm
ental Protection, Marjory Stonem
an Douglas
Building, 3900 Com
monw
ealth Boulevard, MS 235, Tallahassee, FL 32399
3000, 850.
88.356, w
ww
.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/�
Technical Assistance For C
omm
unityBased O
rganizations �
Program
Supervisor, Enterprise Florida, Inc., 390 North O
range Avenue, Suite 1300, O
rlando, FL 32801, 0
.316.600, w
ww
.eflorida.com�
R
ural Job Tax Credit Program
�
Executive O
ffice of the overnor, O
ffice of Tourism, Trade and Econom
ic D
evelopment, The C
apitol, Suite 2001, Tallahassee, FL 323990001,
850.8
.2568, ww
w.m
yflorida.com/m
yflorida/government/contacts/index.htm
l�
U
rban Job Tax Credit Program
�
Executive O
ffice of the overnor, O
ffice of Tourism, Trade and Econom
ic D
evelopment, The C
apitol, Suite 2001, Tallahassee, FL 323990001,
850.8
.2568, ww
w.m
yflorida.com/m
yflorida/government/contacts/index.htm
l�
Econom
ic Analysis �
Program
Supervisor, Enterprise Florida, Inc., 390 North O
range Avenue, Suite 1300, O
rlando, FL 32801, 0
.316.600, w
ww
.eflorida.com�
Advertising M
atch rant
�
Ecotourism/H
eritage Tourism
rant Program
�
Florida Tourism Industry M
arketing Corporation, 661 E. Jefferson St, Suite 300,
Tallahassee, FL 32301, 850.88.560
x313, ww
w.flausa.com
�
Land and Water C
onservation Fund �
D
epartment of Environm
ental Protection, Division of R
ecreation Parks, Bureau
of Design
Recreation Services, 3900 C
omm
onwealth Boulevard, M
S 585,
Tallahassee, Florida 323993000, 850.
88.896,
ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/parks/bdrs/factslw
cf.htm�
South Florida Ecosystem
Program
�
The Florida Inland Navigation D
istrict, 131 M
arcinski Road, Jupiter, FL 33
998
561.62.3386, w
ww
.aicw.org
�
Florida Scenic Highw
ay Program
�
Florida Departm
ent of Environmental Protection. Florida Forever Program
. w
ww
.dep.state.fl.us/lands/carlff/ and Beach Erosion C
ontrol Program
ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/program
s/bcherosn.htm and 319
rant Program
ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/w
ater/nonpoint/319h.htm and C
lean Marina Program
w
ww
.dep.state.fl.us/law/grants/cm
p/�
D
EP, Bureau of invasive plants. Exotic removal.
ww
w.dep.state.fl.us/land/invaspec/2ndlevpgs/U
plandsplntman/htm
�
Recreational Trails Program
Florida Office of
reenways and Trails. R
ecreational Trails Program
. ww
w.Florida
reenwaysAndTrails.com
�
Fl DEP, Bureau of D
esign and Recreational Services. w
ww
.dep.state.fl.us/park/bdrs�
FL D
OAC
S, Division of Forestry. w
ww
.fldof.com/R
ecreation/OH
V/rant0
05.html
�
Florida Fish and Wildlife C
onservation Com
mission. Florida Boating Im
provement
Program. m
yfwc.com
/boating/grants/fbip.htm
�
The Florida Wildflow
er Advisory Council w
ww
.floridawildflow
ercouncil.org
• Foundations/O
rganizations �
Laird N
orton. Sustainable Forrestry Focus..ww
w.lairdnorton.com
�
The Am
erican Legion. Child W
elfare Organization. w
ww
.legion.org/cwf.htm
�
Rockefeller Fam
ily Fund. Environment w
ww
.rfffund.org�
The
und Foundation. Environmental program
ww
w.gundfdn.org
�
The Ittleson Foundation. Environmental aw
areness and activism
ww
w.ittlesonfoundation.org
�
Pew C
haritable Trust. Advancing policy solutions environment, inform
ing the public , Supporting civic life. w
ww
.pewtrust.com
�
Turner Foundation. By invitation only grants: Safeguard habitats
rowing the
Movem
ent Creating Solutions for Sustainable Living
Healthy Planet, H
ealth C
omm
uniites. ww
w.turnerfoundation.org/
�
Barnes and Noble. Affiliates Program
. ww
w.barnesandnoble.com
�
Florida Departm
ent of State. Historical R
esources rant Program
. ww
w.dos.state.fl.us
�
Eastman Kodak C
ompany. Kodak Am
erica reenw
ays Program.
ww
w.conservationfund.org
�
Bikes Belong Coalition. Bicycle Safety. w
ww
.bikesbelong.org �
N
ational Endowm
ent for the Arts. Challenge Am
erica Fast Track rants. w
ww
.arts.gov�
D
avid and Lucille Packard Foundation. Conservation and Science. w
ww
.packfound.org�
C
harles Stewart M
ott. Environment. w
ww
.mott.org
�
Nathan C
umm
ings Foundation. Environmental Justice. w
ww
.ncf.org�
Environm
ental Protection Agency. Environmental Education
rants Program.
ww
w.epa.gov/enviroed
�
Patagonia. Environmental
rants Program. w
ww
.patagonia.com�
Surdna Foundation. Biodiversity, Transportation, and U
rban/Suburban Land Use.
Realigning H
uman and N
atural Systems. Energy. w
ww
.surdna.org�
R
obert Wood Johnson Foundation. Trails
through their preventing childhood obesity objective. w
ww
.rjwf.org
�
Agency for Healthcare R
esearch and uality. Sm
all conference grant program.
ww
w.health.gov/healthypeople
�
ESRI C
onservation Program. O
ngoing
IS software donation program
for nonprofit
conservation and environmental organizations. w
ww
.conservationgis.org �
The D
unn Foundation. ViewFinders Too. w
ww
.dunnfoundation.org�
Am
erican Hiking Society. N
ational Trails Endowm
ent. ww
w.am
ericanhiking.org�
Environm
ental Support Center. Leadership and Enhanced Assistance Program
LEAP
and other nonprofit leadership assistance. w
ww
.envsc.org�
Access Fund. D
edicated to keeping climbing areas open and to conserving the clim
bing environm
ent. ww
w.accessfund.org
�
AMR
Corp. AM
R/Am
erican Airlines Foundation. ww
w.am
rcorp.com�
Beldon Fund. N
ew Advocates broaden and strengthen environm
ental movem
ent Environm
ental Justice train young leaders w
ww
.beldon.org�
Ben and Jerry
s Foundation. Foundation rant focusing on system
ic social change through grassroots organizing. Environm
ental related projects eligible. w
ww
.benjerry.com�
Pow
er Bar. Event Sponsorship/Sports Marketing, Product D
onation. w
ww
.powebar.com
/PBsports/Sponsorship�
N
ike. rant Program
– tracks. ww
w.nikebiz.com
/comm
unity�
Am
azon.com. Am
azon.com Associates Program
. ww
w.am
azon.com�
R
EI. Multiple program
snom
inated by employees. w
ww
.rei.com�
W
alMart Foundation. W
alMart Environm
ental rants.
ww
w.w
almartfoundation.org/w
mstore/goodw
orks/scripts/index.jsp�
N
ational Tree Trust. Multiple Program
s. ww
w.nationaltreetrust.org
�
American C
omm
unity ardening Association. Facilitation of com
munity gardening
networks. w
ww
.comm
unitygarden.org�
N
ational ardening Association.
outh gardening grants. ww
w.kidsgardening.com
�
National W
ildlife Federation. Cam
pus Ecology Fellowship Program
. w
ww
.nwf.org/cam
pusecology�
Banrock Station W
ines. Wetlands C
onservation Program. Environm
ent – wetlands
action oriented work. w
ww
.conservationfund.orgarticle
2831�
ifts in Kind International. Product donations. w
ww
.giftsinkind.org�
Elizabeth O
rdway D
unn. Environment. w
ww
.eodunn.org�
The C
onservation Alliance. Outdoor recreation
rass roots advocacy. w
ww
.conservationalliance.com�
International M
ountain Biking Association IMBA
. ww
w.im
ba.com�
Earth Share. w
ww
.earthshare.org
� Local Level Funding O
pportunities
overnment, Business and C
ivic roups
�
Walton C
ounty Board of County C
omm
issioners C
omm
issioner District 5
90 Spires Lane, Unit
A Santa R
osa Beach, FL. 3259
Phone: 850 622
3059 �
W
est Florida Regional Planning C
ouncil P.O
. Box 959
Pensacola, Fl 325139
59 850
5958910
�
American Business W
omen
s Association Em
erald Coast C
hapter PO
Box 31
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 325
850
8669
w
ww
.arc.net/abwa
�
Choctaw
hatchee Electric Cooperative
PO Box 512
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32
35 850
8922111
�
Destin Area C
hamber of C
omm
erce PO
Box 8 1021 H
wy 98 E. Suite A
Destin, FL 325
00008
85083
621
ww
w.destincham
ber.com
�
Economic D
evelopment C
ouncil of Okaloosa C
ounty PO
Box 09
Ft W
alton Beach, Fl 3259
850651
3
�
Walton C
ounty Economic D
evelopment C
ouncil 850
8920555
�
Emerald C
oast Association of Realtors
10 Hollyw
ood Blvd. S.E. Fort W
alton Beach, FL 3258
8502
361
5 �
Em
erald Coast Tourist D
evelopment C
ouncil w
ww
.destinfw
b.com
�
Floridas
reat Northw
est 11
90 Emerald C
oast Pkwy, Suite 300
Destin, FL 32550
85033
369
�
Fort Walton Beach C
hamber of C
omm
erce 3
SE Miracle Strip Pkw
y Ft. W
alton Beach, FL 3258
8502
8191 �
Fabric Architecture, Santa R
osa Beach, Florida 0
58 1651
�
Habitat for H
umanity, W
alton County
PO Box 2
00 Santa R
osa Beach, FL 3259
85026
0606 �
O
kaloosa County Tourist D
evelopment C
ouncil 850
263511
�
South Walton Tourist D
evelopment C
ouncil 850
263511
ww
w.beachesofsouthw
alton.com
�
South Walton U
tility Co., Inc.
9 Old H
wy 98
Destin, FL 325
1 850
832988
�
Walton C
ounty Cham
ber of Com
merce
63 South Centre Trail
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32
59 Phone: 850
260683
�
Waste M
anagement, Inc.
�
Embarq, Inc.
�
Cox C
omm
unications �
M
ediacom C
able �
Sandestin
�
Arvida/St. Joe Com
pany �
H
oward
roup �
Beach to Bay C
onnection, Inc. 85026
222 w
ww
.beachtobay.org �
C
hoctawhatchee Basin Alliance 850
6509330 w
ww
.basinalliance.org �
C
oastal Heritage Preservation Foundation, Inc. P.O
. Box 2111 Santa Rosa
Beach, FL 3259
�
Seaside Com
munity Foundation 850
2313209 w
ww
.seasidefoundation.org �
South W
alton Com
munity C
ouncil 85031
39 w
ww
.southwaltoncc.org
�
Cam
el Club, Inc.
Patrick Reily
PO Box 1
28 Santa R
osa Beach
FL 32
59
�
Friends of Old Seagrove
�
Leadership Walton
260683
�
Sandestin Lions Club
�
Scenic 30A Business Association
�
South Walton R
otary Club
�
Walton C
ounty Taxpayers Association PO
Box 1085 Santa R
osa Beach
Fl 32
59
�
The Friends Of Eden State
ardens
PO Box
Pt W
ashington
FL 32
5
�
C
hoctawatchee Basin Alliance
100 College Blvd N
iceville Fl
3258
29
656
�
South Walton C
omm
unity Council, Inc.
PO Box 1661 Santa R
osa Beach FL 32
59 231856
�
The Friends of Topsail State Park, CSO
1019 Coastal C
ove Circle Santa R
osa Beach FL
3259
�
reen Thumb
arden Club 1258 D
eerwood D
r M
iramar Beach FL
32550
261186
H
omeow
ners Associations �
Beachcrest
Julie Hall /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach, FL
3259
2315898
�
Beachfront II R
oss Pritchard / reater
ulf Coast
231600
�
Beachside Tow
ers I II
�
Sandestin Resort
268000
�
Beachside Villas Alice Stanley /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach, FL 3259 231
1010 �
Beachw
ood Villas Alice Stanley /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach FL 3259
2311010
�
Blue Mountain C
ondos �
Village of Blue M
ountain
231600
�
Blue M
ountain Villas Kim
Teal / Dune Allen 5200 W
. Scenic 30A Santa Rosa
Beach FL 3259
262121
�
Capistrano
Todd Pauline Sutcliffe
231
6381�
C
ottages of Dune Allen Kim
Teal / Dune Allen
5200 W. Scenic 30A
Santa R
osa Beach, FL 3259
262121
�
Crystal Sands O
wners Association
Marcia Lord / R
esortuest
830
�
Dune Breeze H
oeowner Assoc. Judy
Michael Foster
269932
�
Dune I Kim
Teal / Dune Allen
5200 W. Scenic 30A
Santa Rosa Beach
FL
3259
262121
�
Dune Villas
Julia Arthur / arrett R
ealty 323 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach, FL 32
59 53022
ext. 22
�
Dunes of Seagrove
Charlie M
artin / Resort
uest
53
0296 �
Edgew
ater Beach Condos
291 Scenic
ulf Drive
Destin
FL
3255
831550
�
Frangista Developm
ent 36
68 Emerald C
oast Parkway D
estin FL
325
1
�
rand Playla Julia Arthur /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa Rosa
Beach, FL 3259 53
022 ext. 22
�
rayton Beach N
eighborhood Assoc. �
ulf D
unes Hom
e Ow
ners Assoc.
�
ulf D
unes Lane Santa Rosa Beach
FL 32
59 26
032
�
ulf Mist
Julia Arthur / arrett R
ealty 323 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach FL 32
59 53022
ext. 22
�
ulf Pines Association
�
ulf Place C
abanas R
esortuest
95 Laura Ham
ilton Blvd, Suite C1
Santa Rosa Beach FL
3259 26
2562 �
ulf Place C
aribbean R
esortuest
95 Laura Ham
ilton Blvd, Suite C1
Santa Rosa Beach FL
3259 26
2562 �
H
ighpointe C
harlie Martin / R
esortuest
1025 E Scenic 30A Panam
a C
ity Beach FL 3213 231
903
�
Hot Sands Lim
ited R
ichard Judy O
usley 181 Emerald R
idge Santa
Rosa Beach
FL 32
59
�
Inn at Blue Mountain
rand Shores
622
6222 �
M
onterey Condo
s Julia Arthur /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach FL 3259 53
022 ext. 22
�
Palm
s North
Kim Teal / D
une Allen 5200 W
. Scenic 30A Santa R
osa Beach FL
3259
262121
�
Palms of D
une Allen rand Shores
6226222
�
Redfish Lake O
wners Association
�
Sago Sands Julia Arthur /
arrett Realty 3
23 E. Scenic 30A Santa Rosa
Beach FL 3259 53
022 ext. 22
�
Sea Bluff
Emerald C
oast
65
8660 �
Sea C
oast R
oss Pritchard / reater
ulf Coast
231600
�
Seaview
C
hip Norris
33
2211102
�
Southwinds III C
ondo Assn 215
rand Blvd Destin
FL 325
1
�
Southwinds at Sandestin 1096 Scenic
ulf Dr
Destin
FL 32550
�
Sum
merhaven South
�
Sandestin R
esort
26
8000 �
Sunrise Beach R
esortuest
26
2121 �
Topsl Beach M
anorCarol Lum
sden / Resort
uest 26
922
�
Topsl Master Assn
9011 Hw
y 98 W D
estin FL
32550
�
Villas at Santa Rosa
Resort
uest
26
858
�
Vizcaya Kim
Teal / Dune Allen
5200 W. Scenic 30A
Santa Rosa
Beach FL
3259
262121
�
Whispering Sands
Kim Teal / D
une Allen 5200 W
. Scenic 30A Santa
Rosa Beach FL 32
59 262121
Tow
ns �
Seaside
�
Watercolor
�
Watersound
�
Prominence
�
Rosem
ary Beach �
Alys Beach
• O
ther Funding Opportunities
�
FDO
T Work Program
�
Local Funding
�
MPO
Funding �
Private D
onations �
N
ot For Profit roups
�
Fundraising and Sponsorships �
Special Legislative Funding D
on aetz, Florida Senate
Durell Peaden, Jr., Florida Senate
Don Brow
n, Florida House of R
epresentatives Allen Boyd, U
S House of R
epresentatives M
el Martinez, U
S Senate Bill N
elson, US Senate
�
National Association of R
EALTOR
S – Smart
rowth
rants �
N
ational Association of Counties N
ACo
�
Coastal C
ounties Restoration Initiative
rants �
Five Star Restoration C
hallenge rant Program
�
Florida League of C
ities Financing and Technical Assistance for Florida M
unicipalities199
�
Florida League of C
ities, Post Office Box 1
5, Tallahassee, FL 32302
15
850.222.968
� M
ultiModal Transportation
Federal Transit Adm
inistration ww
w.fta.dot.gov/grants
financing.html
�
Metropolitan
Statewide Planning 5303, 530
, 5305
�
Large Urban C
ities 530
�
Clean Fuels
rant Program 5308
�
M
ajor Capital Investm
ents New
Starts Sm
all Starts 5309
�
R
ail and Fixed uidew
ay Modernization 5309
�
Bus and Bus Facilities 5309, 5318
�
Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with D
isabilities 5310
�
Rural and Sm
all Urban Areas 5311
�
R
ural Transit Assistance Program 5311
b3
�
Public Transportation on Indian R
eservations 5311c
�
Transit C
ooperative Research Program
5313
�
National R
esearch Technology Program
531
�
Job Access and Reverse C
omm
ute Program 5316
�
N
ew Freedom
Program 531
�
Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands
�
University Transportation C
enters Program TEA
21 5505
�
Over the R
oad Bus Program/O
ver the Road Bus Accessibility TEA
21 3038
�
Flexible Funding for Highw
ay and Transit �
N
ational Fuel Cell Technology D
evelopment Program
SAFETEALU
305
� Art in Public Places
N
ational Endowm
ent for the Arts
Florida Division of C
ultural Affairs
The Arts Council of N
orthwest Florida
C
ultural Arts Association of Walton C
ounty
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
• Sources of Inform
ation for Additional Funding Opportunities
The C
atalog of Federal Dom
estic Assistance CFD
A w
ww
.cfda.gov
National R
ural Funders Collaborative
Forum
of Regional Associations of
rantmakers
rants.gov, w
ww
.grants.gov
The Federal Register
The Foundation C
enter, ww
w.foundationcenter.org
First
ov for Nonprofits, w
ww
.nonprofit.gov
Catalog of State Financial Assistance, apps.fldfs.com
/fsaa/catalog.aspx
The Com
plete uide to Florida Foundations, w
ww
.floridafunding.com
Florida State rant Program
s, ww
w.floridafunding.com
roups that have 501c
3 notforprofit status are eligible for m
any grants that are not necessarily in the scope of the Scenic Byw
ay, itself. Also, usually nonprofits are not liable for property tax. There are often
many grants hiding in the sam
e department, and groups m
ay be eligible to apply for more than one each
year. Likewise, they m
ay be able to apply for the same grant m
ultiple times w
ith different projects. Also, som
e are repeatable /or renew
able.
1725 Hermitage Blvd - Tallahassee, Florida 32308