County considers ATV ban
BY PAM BRANNON Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Depending on what a public hearing shows, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) may soon get the thumbs down for use any where in Santa Rosa County.

Last week County Commission Chairman Tom Stewart asked that the ATV issue be placed on the Board's agenda for review and public hearing. "About a year ago the state passed a law allowing ATV's to be used in the state on any unpaved roads. I asked for this issue to be placed on the agenda, because I do not see this as a safe situation for our county. The law also says a county can opt out of the law allowing ATV use, but there must be a public hearing first. In my opinion right now, unless the public hearing shows something different, I have the inclination to opt out of the law to allow them in the county. But we can see what the public says."

Commissioner John Broxson of Gulf Breeze asked that even if the county decides after the public hearing to allow use of ATV's in some parts of the county that his area of the South end be allowed to ban them. "We are built on sand down there. Our roads and especially off road areas do not lend themselves to that kind of enjoyment, and it only causes problems when ATV's are allowed to try to be used on our sand anyplace. So even if the majority of commissioners decide to allow ATV's someplace in the county, I would request that the South end would opt out of the law and not allow use."

Commissioner Don Salter said his county committee is already working on trying to get money from the state for an ATV and 4-wheel drive park. "ATV's and even some 4-wheel drive vehicles have been causing some problems on our red clay roads here in the North end of the county. Especially when it rains, they go out and make a mud bog out of the roads, and are tearing up some roads, causing us other problems and expense. So we did start investigating the possibility of securing state funds some months ago to build an ATV park on state property just north of Whiting Field."

Salter said there are only three or four such ATV parks in the state. "The reason is when a county builds an ATV park there are liability problems as well as other complications. But if we can get a park built on state land with some state funds, then the state would be responsible for any liabilities. So we are working on that as a possibility, but not as fast as ATV owners and riders would like, I am sure."

Chairman Stewart requested the county staff and board to look for a date soon for a public hearing on the issue.