Search
Close this search box.

Okaloosa Commissioners advocate for passenger railroad expansion in North Florida

Okaloosa County commissioners approved a letter Tuesday requesting Governor Ron DeSantis and state legislative leaders to join the Southern Rail Commission, aiming to explore passenger rail service through the Florida Panhandle.
Unsplash

The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter to top Florida officials, urging the state to join the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) and explore the restoration of passenger rail service through the Florida Panhandle.

The letter, addressed to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton, and House Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez, outlines potential benefits of passenger rail development in North Florida. 

  • These include economic growth, enhanced regional connectivity, traffic relief, and improved quality of life for residents.

Paul Mixon, chairman of the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, signed the letter, which emphasizes the SRC’s role in promoting “the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods to enhance economic development along rail corridors.”

The SRC, formed in 1982 through an Interstate Rail Compact, currently consists of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Florida, as a contiguous state, is eligible for membership.

The letter highlights a recent Federal Railroad Administration proposal for a passenger rail route from Dallas to Miami, with stops in eight Florida cities. Commissioners argue that SRC membership could help Florida secure federal funding for such projects.

  • The board’s decision comes as the SRC has shown success in obtaining federal grants for passenger rail initiatives. In September 2023, the commission helped secure $178 million for a new route between New Orleans and Mobile.

County officials stated they are ready to collaborate with state leaders, the Florida Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders to advance this initiative.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Very glad to see this project going through,we don’t live here but we brought our bikes here from misssouri and drove over to 30A to ride”
Respond
“I suggest revising this statement: "doubling the number of travel lanes from the current four to six" since doubling four does not yield six.”
Respond
“No there was never one here.”
Respond
“Sad that I know him and had no idea!”
Respond
“One of the most important issue regarding this matter is: was this x-con provided with an opportunity to learn a trade while locked up for 327 months or was he...”
Respond
“Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I seriously question the integrity of the yellow media and low-intelligence commenters for spewing such damagaing rhetoric before this case has even been...”
Respond
“I take it that he only did half of 27 years which is 13 1/2 years .He apparently missed his inmate friends. What made him think he could get away...”
Respond
“How can we get this started at Bluewater ? yeah Mrs Crist , still loving and making a difference in children’s lives .”
Respond
“This is such an awesome idea! Ms. Crist was my daughter Valerie's 2nd grade teacher when Valerie attended Bluewater Elementary School! Ms. Crist was born to teach!! Nellie Bogar, Youth...”
Respond