TIME TO RESOLVE AIRPORT ISSUE

Editor, The Sun:

We all cringed reading or learning about the Biden’s administration inability to deal with a ChiCom balloon. An OB-GYN clinic had more “stones” than the clowns on Philadelphia Ave.
Well, we have that here in Wakulla County. The strife of the airstrip issues is not abating. The strife is like an affliction, the longer it festers, the more difficult the remedy. The County’s BOCC exhibits great appetite to kick the can down the road. In fact, at the next election cycle, each one of them should run on the motto “we kick cans down the road”
It is a wonderment that the county can move at exhilarating speed on some issues yet demonstrate grave pondering and musings for other issues. Any governmental body should exert leadership and provide results for the betterment of the community. Kicking the can down the road is simpler, but it is not the right thing to do. We, the citizenry deserve better and we should demand better leadership and performance.
All one has to do is ponder why the County is “reluctant or unable” to dismiss a volunteer. Really? The BOCC is intimidated by a volunteer? The “Panacea Int’l Airport” issue can be easily settled if the BOCC, (A) terminate the volunteer or manager position and, (B) enforce the 6,000LB aircraft rule. These are simple, low-cost actions which would eliminate ill-will and satisfy all parties. The military doesn’t need to land at the airstrip because they can train “remoteness” at Moody AFB, Eglin AFB, Avon Park or Camp Blanding. The residents of Tarpines HOA can utilize the airstrip because, if I’m not mistaken, none of their private toys are twin-engines aircraft which would not exceed the 6,000 pound limit in an egregious fashion. Surfies (residents of Surf Road) do not desire to have conflict. But I don’t want to subsidize their toys or be buzzed by an Osprey or Blackhawk.
Wakulla BOCC needs to do two things to satisfy all parties:
• Advise the NOTAMs system and FAA directories of the limit of 6,000 pounds and no military aircraft permitted unless an emergency declared by the Governor or President.
• Eliminate the volunteer position. Let the airstrip be self-managed by the HOA in accordance with the rules of the Trust and Wakulla County ordinances.
If the HOA does not desire to abide by the County’s terms, then the County should walk away and allow the acreage to be utilized for other purposes. Am certain the tax base would be improved by having anything other than an airstrip.
The aforementioned steps would be far more economical and would produce the results we all are seeking. Its time the BOCC did their job. Emulating the Biden administration’s performance with a balloon is NOT leadership nor candidacy for Profiles in Courage.
Otherwise, let’s brief the Sierra Club, let them get involved (they love this type of stuff) and things can get really complicated. At the end of the day, there is not ever going to be a Panacea International Airport! The BOCC are legally obligated to abide by the Trust.
Either way, its time to settle this issue.

Robert Franco
Surf Road