We did not ask for this toll road and like most everyone to be affected by it we were completely unaware that such a project was even being considered until it had already been voted on and approved by the legislature. Unfortunately, district 7, Jefferson County, was without representation in the legislature during this time because or Representative, Mr. Halsey Beshears, had been appointed to a position in Gov. Desantis new administration.
Many of us in Jefferson County and state wide as far as that goes have a hard time understanding the actual need for the state of Florida to go to the expense of building a brand new road through some of the last unspoiled and under populated areas of the state especially when it seems as if this new road will all but parallel an existing low traffic four lane highway. If there is such a drastic need for this proposed new road, why does it not show up in any of FDOT’s short or long term plans? We know that one of the selling points of this project is to improve evacuation but we also know how underused Hwy. 19 is at the present time. For those of you who don’t know, my wife moved her shop from one side of Jefferson St. (Hwy. 19) to the other a few weeks ago. We literally walked 8000 square feet of merchandise, including large pieces of furniture and display cases from one side of the street to the other during a several day period. This move was done across the same highway that they want to build a new toll road parallel to in order to increase the flow of traffic. Come on folks!
One of the greatest lessons my Father taught me growing up was the difference between want-more and need-more. He would say that everyone has needs and we should do all we can to take care of those needs but wants were different. Wants were things that people were drawn to out of a special or more often than not self-serving interest. The fact that this new road did not show up on FDOT’S list of future projects says too many that this whole idea sounds like a want-more of special interest. The question must be asked, does Senate President Bill Galvano, the road building companies and asphalt plant owners, and large campaign donors know more than our own DOT about what new roads need to be built or where they should go within our state? We personally don’t think so.
The proponents of this project would like for you to believe that the opposition to this road is spearheaded and led by special interest groups. Some have said that our strong stand against this project in Jefferson County is being led by special interest but you can rest assured that is not the case. The two most important things for you to know about the people of Jefferson County are #1 the overwhelming majority of residents here oppose this project and #2 it is not because of special interest but out of individual personal interest of what they know in their hearts is best for their county.
The M-CORES board and FDOT have an arduous task before them and one that is truly not envied. They have been asked to help push through a very expensive and controversial road project that was not even on the radar of FDOT. They have been asked to come up with recommendations to problems that are unforeseen and answers to questions that possibly have no answer. This might be the time for state government to listen to the voting people mostly affected by this project and not those who will profit the most from it.
Jefferson County is a very special place. Those of us who live here know and understand that. We choose to live here because our County is the way it is. People move here because of what we have to offer now, not what our state government tells us they can provide for us by building this new road. It is time for all Jefferson County residents, old timers and new comers alike, to let their voices be heard, to stand up for and protect everything that makes Jefferson County special and the many reasons we all choose to call it home.
Mike Willis