BCC Resolution ready to be sent to Gov. DeSantis
Walton County, October 4, 2023 – Recently, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted to send a resolution objecting to Florida Power & Light’s stated plan to run overhead power lines across the Choctawhatchee Bay adjacent to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge.
District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson has led the effort against the FP&L plan, saying, “We’re bringing power towers to the gateway of South Walton. We are a tourist community and that’s a very bad look for South Walton.”
Commissioner Anderson also noted that safety and continued power service to coastal residents and visitors is the major concern. “What happens when we have a hurricane? Is it going to blow the tower down? Then it’s not going to be that everybody gets their power back in a couple of weeks,” said Commissioner Anderson. “It’s going to be that everybody gets their power back maybe in six months.”
In part, the county’s resolution states:
Florida Power & Light has proposed constructing above ground power lines across the Choctawhatchee Bay adjacent to the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the importance of preserving the natural environment and ecosystem of the Choctawhatchee Bay for its residents, visitors, and threatened species like the Gulf Sturgeon.
The Board also recognizes the economic and societal importance of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge and the tremendous impact (that) closures due to power line construction or maintenance could have on the ability of residents and visitors to commute to southern Walton County and evacuate in case of emergency.”
As part of their appeal, the resolution will be sent to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as well as our state and federal delegation, in an effort to enlist possible legislative assistance.
“I hope that (resolution) will get the governor’s attention, and the Senate president and the Speaker of the House,” said Anderson. “In my opinion, it’s not a good thing to have overhead power in a community that is so subject to have a hurricane.”
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at (850) 892-8155 or pio@co.walton.fl.us